Welcome to Your Favorites, where you have the opportunity to share your travel experiences with fellow Internet Travelers around the world.

Norwegian Cruise Line

MV Pride of Hawaii

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Pierre Martel
# previous cruises: 8
Date of Trip: August 28, 2006
Itinerary: Hawaii

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 civilised 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.

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 .

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 - colours 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 on the Pride of Hawaii 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.

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 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 Cafi 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.

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.

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 mantre 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.

As our staterooms were not ready when we embarked, we were invited to proceed to the Aloha Nui Cafi 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 colourful and elegant. These were certainly most comfortable and roomy accommodations!

Housekeeping service by the attendant, Reni, 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.

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 humour.

Given that we were a party of 9, we rented a car or a van most of the time. The excursion 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. We 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.

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.