I had a Norwegian cruise credit that needed to be used. After 3 cancelations we were finally able to board. I understand the first cancelation, everyone did. The other two were management issues, booking a ship and knowing there was not hired help. No help from Norwegian on the last two.

Lets start with the Cruise. Embarkation, we show up early because we were in Hawaii. The process was fine - then the problems started. You board the ship at noon and sit somewhere, waiting and waiting, yes there was food. Waiting until 4 o'clock. Then you can go to your room. The room was a typical interior, clean, lots of storage, functional. After a bit of cleaning up we explored the ship - hard to do with carry on bags - while waiting. The Pride was clean and did look presentable. We did not win the free Spa $$. Decided to visit the dining room at 5:30 thinking that everyone ate their fill and would not be Dining. NOT !!! There was a line and there was little happening in the actual Dining Room. Again - understaffed for full price. Finally got a table and menu the service was slow but good. Was the food good !!!! NO !!!! This started out the 7 day cruise on a bad note that only got worst. Somewhat limited selection but the actual food was mediocre at best. I like to cruise because I cook at home and would like a break. The food in the Dinning room was what I cook at home, and with a smaller selection. Overcooked, salty, plain, almost from a box. This would continue all week. At 10 o'clock we went up to the Buffet for a coffee and tea. IT'S CLOSED and I mean closed. The Sea Doors are closed. You can't get in. Cruising is about snacking and/or playing cards in the Buffet at night, even if it is just coffee and water. Not this ship. !!!! This Buffet issue also continues during the day. They close the Sea Doors between meals, again , no coffee, no tea, no water. And the 3 o'clock cookies, there is this large server handing out your allotment. Take your two and do not come back. !!! Breakfast and Lunch were average, again the food was home town cafeteria. An example was the Kung Pao chicken, it should have cashews, ( I know they are expensive ) use peanuts. No - nothing. I have never seen so many hamburgers and hotdogs being eaten. Is this the new Norwegian menu. !!! Enough of the food.

Ports of Call - be prepared to walk and walk and walk. All the ports are industrial - which I expected, but since Norwegian has been doing this for years, how about a shuttle. Even for a couple $$. Nothing is closer than a mile and most 2 - 3 miles away. They canceled Kona and you would think they would stay in Hilo, NO. We went to sea for the night. People would have taken a taxi into town. !!! Norwegian wants you to buy excursions. We did and they were typical Cruise Ship price and performance. No issues there. Read more