Q? - How is the Hawaii cruise on NCL's Pride of America (which has a majority US crew and no casino)?

Thank you to the many requests for a full review of this unique cruising experience!

A! - I used to say, as a frequent visitor to the Hawaiian Islands, that to truly experience our 50th State, you would need to spend a week on each of the 4 main Islands - Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kaui! Until recently. That's because, until recently, despite sailing on over 150 cruises, I had not had the pleasure of sailing on the Pride of America in the Hawaiian Islands on it's weekly visits to Oahu, Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii and Kauai - the main 4 - in ONE week!

FULL REVIEW OF NCL'S PRIDE OF AMERICA!
The NCL Pride of America Hawaii 7 night cruise is a popular option for travelers who want to experience the beauty and culture of Hawaii while enjoying the luxury and comfort of a cruise ship. The ship is operated by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and it sails year-round in the Hawaiian Islands.

The main highlight of this cruise is the itinerary, sailing roundtrip from Honolulu, and including four Hawaiian ports: Maui, Hilo, Kona, and Kauai.

The ship offers a variety of shore excursions, such as snorkeling, hiking, whale watching, Volcano National Park, sightseeing tours, and more, to help guests make the most of their time on the islands. The shore excursion staff was very helpful in finding the right excursions for us on each island. The excursions were all well run and reasonably priced (this is the USA, so your excursion budget does need to be a little higher!).

The ship itself is spacious and well-equipped, with a range of dining options, entertainment venues, and onboard activities. The cabins are comfortable and come with a variety of amenities, including flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and 24-hour room service. I first enjoyed the Pride of America when she was less than 2 weeks old, in Miami, in 2005, on her way to Hawaii, for a 1 night travel agent familiarization visit, and she has aged very gracefully. Other than minor blemishes here and there, she is extremely well maintained, and is very "fresh" for a 17+ year old cruise ship.

The service on the NCL Pride of America was excellent, with friendly and attentive staff who go out of their way to ensure that guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience.

The ship also offers a range of amenities for families, including a kids' club and a teen lounge, making it a great option for multigenerational travel.

Overall, the NCL Pride of America Hawaii 7 night cruise is a great option for travelers who want to explore the beauty and culture of Hawaii while enjoying the luxury and convenience of a cruise ship. With its well-designed itinerary, comfortable accommodations, and excellent service, it's easy to see why this cruise is a popular choice among travelers to Hawaii.

Undisputed fact - GREAT DINING - Pride of America offers a wide range of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. Our faorites were Teppanyaki (the best hibachi at sea!), Cagney's Steakhouse (a 5 Star steakhouse with a view) and Moderno Churrascaria (a meat lover's dream)
Here are some of the dining options available on the ship:

COMPLIMENTARY DINING - There are several complimentary dining options on board the NCL Pride of America, including:
Skyline Main Dining Room - Offering daily changing menus with a mix of classic American and international cuisine.
Liberty Main Dining Room - A grand dining room serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a variety of dishes.
Aloha Cafe - A buffet-style restaurant serving a wide range of dishes, from comfort foods to Asian and Pacific Rim specialties.
Cadillac Diner - A 1950s-style diner serving classic American comfort food.
East Meets West - Asian restaurant featuring freshly prepared noodles, delicious wok fried dishes, authentic soups and more.
Key West Bar & Grill - A relaxed, outdoor bar and grill serving cocktails and light meals.

SPECIALTY DINING - NCL Pride of America also offers several specialty dining options that require a cover charge. These include:
Cagney's Steakhouse - A classic American steakhouse with premium cuts of beef and seafood.
La Cucina - A rustic Italian restaurant serving a range of pasta dishes and classic Italian specialties.
Moderno Churrascaria - A Brazilian-style steakhouse offering a variety of grilled meats and side dishes.
Teppanyaki - A Japanese hibachi-style restaurant where chefs cook in front of you and entertain.
Jefferson's Bistro - A French restaurant serving classic French cuisine.
Sushi - In the mood for sushi? Take a seat at this contemporary sushi bar for some traditional Japanese culinary bites.
Dolce Gelato - Slow churned, dense and intense in flavor, gelato is Italy’s answer to ice cream. And, with so many flavors to choose from, our version is the perfect accompaniment to a leisurely stroll.

Overall, there are plenty of dining options available on the NCL Pride of America to suit different tastes and preferences, and guests can enjoy a range of cuisines and dining experiences throughout their cruise.

Entertainment on board was very good - the shows and individual entertainers, musicians were all top-notch. The daily onboard activities run by the Cruise Director & staff - trivia, dance & exercise classes, lei making,(not so) newlywed game, etc. - were well run and fun!

The only negative for some may be the absence of casino games, slot machines and bingo. Because it is a US flagged essel, and Hawaii based, the current laws prohibit gambling. Quite honestly, as one who frequents onoard casinos, I did not miss it! There is also shopping on board and an art gallery & art auctions for those looking to pick up a new Britto sculpture or even a Picasso!.

River Cruise Excursions in Europe

Q? - I prefer just walking off my cruise ship and exploring on my own to taking bus tours, I have been on several ocean cruises, and it has been a great money saver, but next year, I am doing a Europe river cruise, and I was curious as to how it would be there? Thank you, Jean Impellitier, Fort Lauderdale, FL

A! - Many river cruise excursions in Europe are walking tours since many attractions are very close to the river, which was, and is, the lifeline of any major European city. Walking tours will require varying levels of fitness as defined by each river cruise line for their excursions, and in many historic European towns there are cobblstone streets. For those with mobility issues, slower paced tours are usually available.

Thank you, Jean, for your great question!

Mister Cruise - Peter E Coloyan, Sr.
(To ask your cruising question, please use the form below.)

BONUS INFO FOR ALL -
Mobility issues and river cruises: For river cruise excursions that involve bus travel, you will be required to store mobility aids beneath the bus in the luggage hold, and climb the steps onto the coach. In Europe, excursions are often included in the price of a river cruise, and, if included, you’ll be wasting money if you can’t join them due to an inability to climb the stairs of a coach..

One of the best things about a European river cruise, regardless of whether it's on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, or any other river, is the scenery continually passing by as seen from the ship. Historic castles, vineyards, and beautiful vistas often fill both banks of the river as your ship cruises by!

Accessible, or not?: There is a river cruise somewhere in the world for those with most any disability or mobility issue. Plus, new river cruise ships are launched every year, with more, and better, accessibility. So, don't think you can't go just because today there may not be exactly what you want where you want it. It may be coming next month, or next year! As river cruising grows in popularity, the options for accessible river cruising will expand - and we will help you every step of the way!