We just completed the seven day cruise around the Hawaiian Islands on the NCL Pride of America. Like many readers, I studied all of the reviews posted on this trip and was apprehensive prior to our departure because of all of the negative stories I read. I have previously never submitted a review, but I am doing so this time because I feel strongly that I should counter all of the naysayers. Remembering that nothing in life is ever perfect, I want to say that our cruise was a totally delightful experience.
The crew and staff were phenomenal - always friendly, courteous, helpful, and never intrusive. Several of them gave us valuable hints of things to see in the various ports. It was fun to visit with them and learn where they came from and where they had gone to school, what their goals are, etc.; we met several who came from our area and that was special. A real plus was that there was no language barrier.
The ship had just the right ambience for our tastes - understated just enough to be comfortable and "glitzy" enough to be fun. Our balcony cabin was wonderful; I believe ours was one of 12 on the ship that was on an end near the life boats that have a curved balcony that gives a broader view line. Yes, the cabins are a bit small, but they are have comfortable sitting and great sleeping; there is more than adequate storage and luggage fits nicely under the bed - and yes, the bathroom and shower are small but you don't spend a whole lot of your day in there!
This was a great balcony because it was a low priced balcony on deck 7, it was on an end by the life boats so it had a curved balcony rail rather that a wall on one side which gave us a wonderful board view forward. I believe there are 12 of these balconies on the ship.