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Pride of Hawaii Cruise Review-Cruise to Hawaii on the NCL Pride of Hawaii
By Pierre
I had read terrible and very critical reviews about NCL America before I booked. As a result, I was somewhat apprehensive and concerned about what I would experience. All in all, and notwithstanding my disappointment with food quality and some other matters that I address below, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. My cruising on the Pride of Hawaii was enjoyable. It was a very civilized and relaxed way to see the Hawaiian Islands. Do not expect a flawless deluxe cruise experience, but certainly I would not rate my cruise at the bottom of the pack as some reviews would lead you to believe.
We sailed on the Pride of Hawaii on August 28, 2006.
We made our own air transportation arrangements. We flew business class on Air Canada to and from Honolulu via Vancouver: smooth flights and good attentive service.
We were a group of 9. My wife, my 21-year-old daughter and I formed a party. My brother-in-law, sister-in-law and my nieces and nephew, aged 13 to 21, formed the other party. We are regular travellers and have visited several parts of the world. It was our first time in Hawaii.
We stayed 5 days at the Hilton Hawaiian Village prior to the cruise. This was plenty of time to adjust to the 6-hour time difference, absorb the Hawaiian spirit and enjoy Waikiki and surrounding areas: beautiful beach, nearby shopping, parks. We rented a passenger van and visited the west and north coast of O'ahu all the way to Turtle Bay. We visited Pearl Harbor (I am a history buff: respectful memorial, touching in its humble simplicity), the Dole Pineapple Plantation (the mini-train tour in the fields is somewhat deceiving), the northern beaches and the Hawaiian Cultural Center.
We made our way to the Aloha Tower pier around 1 pm. Embarkation was smooth despite the already long line up. The lady at the reception desk was professional, yet friendly and attentive. We were on board in about 30 minutes. That's all very acceptable considering the number of passengers to check in and the documentation to submit, verify and receive.
The Pride of Hawaii is a big modern ship that is in keeping with the mega ships that all cruise lines have been bringing into service recently. Overall it has an air of relatively well appointed elegance. The decor is contemporary and the use of striking - at times shocking or aggressive - colors is prevalent throughout the ship. I did not experience the feeling of being among a big crowd (over 2500 passengers and 1500 crew) as public rooms, restaurants, bars and lounges are dispersed throughout the ship on a few decks. However, I was not particularly impressed by what I would consider to be the rather non imaginative interior architecture of the ship. I was simply in awe when I saw the multi-deck Centrum concept on recent RCL ships (for instance the Navigator of the Seas). As a result, most public rooms are on a single deck and, save for a tiny mezzanine on deck 4, you may end up walking deck after deck from the stern to the bow with no particular magic feeling, the ceiling being a few feet above your head.
As our staterooms were not ready when we embarked, we were invited to proceed to the Aloha Nui Café for a cafeteria-style lunch or to a special lounge (Cagney's). Around 3 pm, an announcement was made indicating that we could now proceed to our rooms. My brother-in-law had booked 2 adjacent deluxe balcony staterooms on deck 9, mid-ship. The rooms were clean but not that roomy for six persons when converted into sleeping quarters. We had a penthouse suite on deck 11. My daughter had her own sleeping quarters and bathroom. My wife and I had a separate bedroom with a magnificent marble ensuite with a full window overlooking the ocean. A sizeable living room completed the suite. The decor was colorful and elegant. These were certainly most comfortable and roomy accommodations!
Housekeeping service by the attendant, René, was excellent. He was courteous, discreet and efficient. He made sure that a couple of minor issues with the TV and the safe were resolved in no time. His attitude made us feel welcome and contributed overall to a pleasant experience with our accommodations.
We had access to a butler and the concierge. We met the concierge only once at a reception and had to leave messages on his cellular phone on the two occasions we tried to contact him. We never heard back. We contacted the butler once to make reservations at a restaurant. He was not able to satisfy our preferences.
We found the staff everywhere, in particular in the restaurants and dining rooms, to be smiling, helpful, courteous, attentive and professional in their manners and dealings with us. In the dining areas, the finesse and standards of Asian or European service offered by some other cruise lines may not always be what the staff strives for, but overall we found the quality and efficiency of service offered by the all American staff to be commendable. It is by far comparable if not superior to what you would expect in first class hotels and resorts in North America.
Food quality needs improvement. Judging from our collective experience, consistency was not achieved. Selecting from the limited menu offering was a hit and miss proposition during the week. We had a couple of excellent dinners that we considered worth the gourmet label, and terrible ones, barely edible too many times. We had cruised 8 times before on different cruise lines and dinner time was an occasion to look for and experiment good cuisine. Not this time. On several
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occasions, the food had no taste at all, was weirdly spiced or was really odd when it came to taste and flavour combinations. This was clearly a disappointment for all of us as we quite enjoy good cuisine and are not afraid to experiment and taste new things. Breakfasts and lunches were eaten usually in the Aloha Nui Café and were acceptable, not more, no less. On two occasions my wife and I ate breakfast and lunch at Cagney's with no particular lasting memory.
Although I did not experience too much difficulty with Freestyle Cruising myself, my observation leads me to be somewhat lukewarm about the concept. You have to plan and reserve in advance, pay extra at most restaurants and most of the time you may not have a booking at a time and date that matches exactly what you want, if you can get a booking. While I understand the logistical difficulties that must be managed here, I have seen many people complaining and staff trying to keep their cool while incurring the wrath of dissatisfied passengers. It is regrettable that there will always be insisting, rather rude, short-tempered and impolite people in these circumstances, but this inconvenient situation is unnecessarily irritating and surely does contribute to a pleasant cruising experience for all concerned. I have seen throughout the week too many maître d's arbitrating conflicts and trying to accommodate parties on the spot who had been coming into a particular restaurant as their fourth or fifth choice for the evening. Perhaps the concept is promising too much flexibility for what it can really deliver to the satisfaction of the potential clientele.
Given that we were a party of 9, we rented a car or a van most of the time. The excursions offered by NCL appeared pricey. In Maui and Kauai, it is easy to get around. There is always a beach nearby and the scenery is beautiful everywhere. You can stop when and where you want. The road to Hana in Maui is worth taking your time and do not forget that you have to come back on the same road! The resorts on the other side of the island are just as beautiful as any if you like a day at the beach nearby well landscaped gardens. Be careful about the undertow in some areas. Lahaina is worth a visit: stroll down the main street bordering the ocean. You will be tendered from ship to shore in Kona where you can walk leisurely or go on various excursions or visit historical sites. In Kauai, the Marriott Hotel Resort is located on a beach that offers a most beautiful view. The Waimea Canyon is worth the drive and the view. Cruising along the Na Pali Coast shortly after leaving Nawiliwili is picturesque. And cruising by the erupting volcanic lava off the Island of Hawaii in the darkness of the night is a magic moment to experiment.
Entertainment was acceptable. The variety shows, dancing and signing were average. The magician/illusionist was interesting and spectacular. The two comedians were...well not worth much, in fact they were boring and terrible. No one seemed to laugh or enjoy their sense (lack) of humor. As I said up front, I had read damaging reviews about NCL America before I booked. As a result, I was somewhat apprehensive and concerned about what I would experience. Notwithstanding my criticism about food quality, I must say that cruising on the Pride of Hawaii was enjoyable. It was a relaxed way to see the Hawaiian Islands. Our 9-person party already has fond memories of our good time there and aboard the ship. If you want to visit the Hawaiian Islands by ship at anytime during the year, I would recommend that you not let the overly negative reviews mislead you and that you experience the Pride of Hawaii by yourself.
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Before your kids fly down the slopes, they can fly to the slopes for free. Ski.com is giving away complimentary plane tickets for kids with purchase of an airfare-inclusive ski package to Snowmass, Colorado.
Omni Hotels: 20 Percent Off, Freebies With AmEx
Use your American Express card to book a minimum two-night stay at participating Omni Hotels, and you'll get 20 percent off your room rate and free extras such as snacks and drinks, cookies and milk turn-down service, and kids' gift bags.
Travelocity: $600 in Fiesta Americana Resort Credits
Travelocity has partnered with all-inclusive resorts in Mexico to offer a variety of discounts and extra perks. Find deals in Cancun, Cozumel, and Los Cabos.
Sofitel Hotels: Discounts, Perks for Families
The Magnifique Family package at Sofitel Hotels offers 50 percent off a second room for your children in addition to a late 4 p.m. check-out and complimentary breakfast for the kids.
Motel 6: Senior Discounts
For guests 60 and older, Motel 6 offers a 10 percent senior discount. If you're traveling with grandkids aged 18 or younger, they can stay free when sharing your room.
Novotel: Free Breakfast, Late Checkout, More for Families
Lodging and breakfast are free for two children under 16 when they stay in their parents' room. Families are also offered late 5 p.m. check-out on Sundays and can book a second room at half price.
Hampton Inn: Family Fun With Attractions Tickets
If you're taking the whole family on your next trip, book Hampton's Family Getaway package for added fun. The package includes two tickets to a local area attraction along with free breakfast.
Walt Disney World: Winter Savings Up To 35% Off
This season save when you visit Disney. Save up to 35% at select Disney Resort hotels and treat your family to a fun-filled getaway for select stays this winter.
Wyndham Hotels: Free Nights, $100 American Express Card, and More
Get a 5th night free & $100 American Express Gift Card when you stay 5 consecutive nights at Wyndham locations in California, the Caribbean, & Mexico.
December Weekend Getaways From $50/Night
Psst... a secret for you. If you're able to get away during the busy holiday season, you'll find some of the best weekend getaway deals of the year. Squeeze in a quick trip this season and get a great bang for your buck.
November Weekend Getaways From $70/Night
If you have some flexibility in your schedule, hoteliers around the country have promotions to entice you to take a weekend away. Rates for November getaways start at $70 per night
October Weekend Getaways From $45/Night
Autumn is one of the best seasons for taking a weekend getaway, with crisp afternoons, beautiful foliage, and harvest bounties in many parts of the country. Even better, there are plenty of deals, too.
September Weekend Getaways From $99/Night
Fall tends to bring affordable travel deals in abundance, and this year is no exception. Leisure travel providers offer promotions to entice travelers to visit, starting at $99 per night.
Disney Cruise Specials From $450
For three- and four-day Bahamian sailings this May and June, Disney is offering discounted rates. Adult prices start at $450.
Free Fares for Kids on Swiss Rail Service
When parents purchase a "Swiss Pass" for rail travel in Switzerland, they can request a free "Swiss Family Card," that allows children ages six through 15 to ride for no charge. Kids under six always ride free.
Disney Caribbean Cruises From $632/Adult, $207/Child
Thinking about next year's vacation? Disney seven-night Caribbean sailings start at $207 per child and $632 per adult.
Tourist Passes From $48/Adult, $38/Child
Go Card discount passes for Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, and Seattle, among others, give visitors pre-paid admission to dozens of attractions.
Kids Ride for Free on National Bus Service in the U.K.
National Express, a British bus line that services 1,200 destinations throughout the U.K., sells two family discount cards that allow kids up to age 15 to travel for free.
CityPass Offers up to 50 Percent Off Family Attractions
CityPasses offer up to 50 percent off on admissions and the chance to skip entrance lines at select family-friendly attractions in 10 North American cities.
Free Bahamas Sailings on Your Birthday
Discovery Cruise Line, a small Florida-based cruise company, offers round-trip sailings to Grand Bahama Island for free during your birthday month, from $50 per adult, and free for children 12 and under.
On Greyhound, Kids Travel For Free or 40 Percent Off
Families can save on Greyhound bus travel with discounted kids' fares. Greyhound is the biggest bus company in the U.S., connecting more than 3,100 cities and towns in North America.
Northeast bus company offers kid's discount of 40 percent
Peter Pan Bus Lines offers a 40 percent discount on fares for kids under 12 traveling with an adult. This Northeast-based bus company serves more than 100 destinations in the region.
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