Pride of Hawaii
NCL America's Newest Pride & Joy
by Linda Coffman
Part Four
The Pride of Hawaii Experience
From the sophisticated ambiance of Magnum's Champagne & Wine Bar to the rattan casual of Topsiders Bar, Pride of Hawaii's Freestyle Cruising should satisfy the tastes of even the most discriminating passenger. Whether you choose to do it all, or nothing at all, there's a little something to tempt everyone. When you're not ashore exploring the wonders of Hawaii, if scheduled activities don't appeal to you, there's always your private balcony, a quiet corner to read a book from the library, or a deck chair from which to contemplate the sea.
Service
Initially a problem area when Pride of Aloha launched NCL America's first Hawaii cruises, the all-American cruise ship crew is coming into its own. With extensive land-based training, new crewmembers are embarking with skills superior to new hires in the past. Pride of Hawaii was staffed with half experienced crew and half new crewmembers for our 2-night preview sailing and it was difficult, if not impossible to tell the old hands from new hires. In addition to the training they received, many newly hired servers came from other sectors of the hospitality industry and their experience showed.
Just as a reminder... for passengers accustomed to international crews, NCL America's crews are American. All-American, which means they exhibit a familiar American style and exuberance. They also speak perfect English. Don't expect totally polished service in the European or Asian tradition. Service is fine, but it is different from other cruise lines. Do expect to see smiling faces and an evident sense of camaraderiethese young folks are working as a team and really want passengers to be satisfied. Incidentally, they are allowed to keep for themselves any cash gratuities extended above the daily service fee.
What You WILL Find:
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Abundant choices
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Tasty meals, creatively presented
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Service by an All-American staff
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Activities to suit a wide range of interests for all ages
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Freestyle Cruising lifestyle & enrichment programs
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Well stocked shops with over 7000 square feet of retail space (not duty-free; this is a US-flagged ship)
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Photo kiosks to print pictures from digital cameras
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An Internet center and WiFi in suites and throughout public areas
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A chapel for weddings, marriage renewal of vows ceremonies, and religious celebrations
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Numerous connecting staterooms and suites for families
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Self-service laundry rooms on decks 5, 9, 10, & 11
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Huge, well-equipped areas for children and teens, including Keiki Kids Club and adjacent kids-only pool
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Duvets on supremely comfortable beds
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Concierge and butler service for suite guests
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The very best entertainment afloat
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Meeting facilities
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A fixed service charge is automatically added to all accounts in the amount of $10/per person, per day for adults and $5 for children aged 3 to 12 (there is no charge for children under 3)
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The nicest poolside lounge chairs we've seen on any cruise ship!
What You WON'T Find:
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A casino
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Structured dress codes
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Rigid dining schedules
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Boredom
Fast Stats
A Carefree Aloha Spirit Permeates Pride of Hawaii
Set to sail weekly cruises year-round from Honolulu, Pride of Hawaii will spend every day (up to 100 hours) in port as well as overnight at Maui and Kauai. In addition, when conditions permit, she promises an evening sail past Mount Kilauea, the active volcano on the big island of Hawaii.
Back to --> Pride of Hawaii Preview, Part 1
Pride of Hawaii Preview, Part 2
Pride of Hawaii Preview, Part 3
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Photos Author's Collection & Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
