Norwegian Cruise Line

MV Pride of Aloha

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Operator: Norwegian Cruise Line
Year Built / Last Refurbished: 1999 / 2004
Length / Tonnage: 848 / 78,000
Number of Cabins / Passengers: 1001 / 2002
Officers / Crew: Norwegian / American
Operating Area: Year round Hawaii

The 77,000-ton Pride of Aloha is a 2,000-passenger ship built in 1999 as Norwegian Sky. She was reflagged into the U.S. Registry in June of 2004 and began sailing seven-day inter-island cruises in Hawaii on July 4th. The ship has 100 percent U.S. crew, mostly hailing from Hawaii offering the famous Aloha Spirit onboard.

Unfortunately, a host of problems stemming from high crew turnover have plagued Pride of Aloha's initial sailings. NCL has announced that they will take whatever steps are necessary to improve the experience, but if you can wait until the end of the year to sample Pride of Aloha, we strongly encourage you to do so.

Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) new Pride of Aloha, underwent a major transformation when she entered dry dock in San Francisco in May of 2004. The redesign touches almost every part of the ship including the public rooms, staterooms, the deck and pool area and the six restaurants onboard.

The focal point of the ship, a towering eight-deck-high glass-domed atrium, has dramatic artworks that spiral throughout the area. Fifty-foot high sculptures, inspired by the Menehune (the mythical little people of Hawaii), flank the space while rainbow-colored sails patterned after the islands' traditional canoes are be suspended overhead. Vibrant colors of pink, yellow, green and blue adorn the new carpet and chairs.

The bright and colorful pool deck has a 'laid back' atmosphere as a 'Pau Hana' (abandon work) attitude prevails. The design is inspired by a Hawaii beach or outdoor lanai. A mural of surfers are a colorful backdrop to The Breakers Bar at the pool and the ship's basketball court.

The disco on deck six was transformed into the Blue Hawaii Night Club inspired by the outdoor beach front dance clubs that have historically been popular in Hawaii. The nightclub entrance features a life-sized Hula girl lamp with slowly swaying hips, lit by her Hawaii print lampshade. Hula girl graphics grace the surrounding walls. Thatched roof sections, palm trees and the new carpet scattered with colorfully strewn leis give passengers that tropical feeling.

Pride of Aloha's new library, the Mark Twain Library on deck six, has been infused with the names and personalities of well-known authors who journeyed to the islands for inspiration and relaxation. The design incorporates old photos of the era. The three meeting rooms on board were renamed to O`ahu, Maui and Kaua`i.

Captain Cook's Bar and Captain Cook's Cigar Club on deck six features artwork depicting the discoveries and travels of Captain James Cook, the European discoverer of Hawai'i, and replications of early 1800s etchings that artists traveling on ships used to visually record what they found on the Islands.

The Outrigger Lounge on deck 11 is inspired by the Polynesians who navigated the Pacific Ocean. They were known as the Blue Water Sailors for their incredible exploits using the stars as navigation charts. The redesign uses many traditional images and patterns of that time combined with a large outrigger canoe that is suspended from the ceiling.

The Plantation Club on deck 12 is styled in the British Colonial period of the Plantation era. The ambiance reflects the hospitality of a plantation owner's home. The Hoku (Hawaiian for star) Bar on deck 11 is an outdoor bar and showcases the

Images and memorabilia of both surfing and baseball make the Sports Bar an entertaining place to watch sporting events. The theme is inspired by Duke Kahanamoku, the four-time Olympic swimming winner and world renown surfer, and Joe DiMaggio, who started his career with the San Francisco Seals in the Pacific Coast League where he played semi-professional ball and traveled to Hawaii frequently to play games.

Pride of Aloha's six restaurants including the following:

Palace Restaurant – A main restaurant that offers an a la carte menu with daily specials; the redesign features a bold color scheme of exciting pinks and reds; located on deck five;

Crossings Restaurant – Another main restaurant offers an a la carte menu with daily specials; the redesign features a nautical design inspired by the Trans Pacific yacht race from Los Angeles to Honolulu; located on deck 5

Kahili Restaurant – An alternative restaurant features high-end Italian fare; the new design is inspired by the rich pageantry of the Hawaii Royal Families reflecting the European style influenced by Queen Victoria; The Kahili is a feather decorated staff that is symbolic of royalty; located on deck 5

Pacific Heights – An elegant Pacific Rim/Asian Fusion alternative restaurant to offer Hawaii cuisine from steak to local fish; the redesign features modern contemporary art from local Hawaii artists; located on deck 11

Royal Palm Bistro – This alternative restaurant (Le Bistro on other NCL ships) features an a la carte menu of nouvelle and classic French cuisine; the new design is themed on the royal and aristocratic garden schemes of the Victorian era inspired by the exchange of plants between the Pacific Basin and Europe; located on deck 12

Hukilau Café and Hukilau Lanai – A casual eatery serving breakfast/lunch buffets and snacks as well as food action stations; The Hukilau, Hawaiian for community gathering to celebrate with a feast, features murals depicting the harvesting of the feast from the sea and land; bright orange and pink fish adorn the new carpet; located on deck 11.

The Hawaii-themed design also extends to the outside of the ship. Local Hawaii artist Linda Umstead created the ship's distinctive new hull artwork. The artwork incorporates vibrant yellows, pinks and greens in the quintessential symbol of Hawaii's gracious welcome, a flower Lei.

The design centers on the popular Plumeria Lei, whose fragrance is often the first and last experienced by visitors to the islands, and the traditional Maile and Orchid Wedding Leis.

Pride of Aloha's staterooms capture the 'bigger than life' philosophy that permeates when travelers visit the Islands.

An explosion of color greets passengers as they enter their rooms. Lively colors of pink, blue, orange, purple and green adorns carpets, upholstery and bedspreads.