Pride of America
In 1920, The United States passed The Merchant Marine Act. Also known as the Jones Act, it prevents foreign-flagged cruise ships from embarking and disembarking passengers in U.S. ports unless they visit another country during the cruise.
Today, all American cruise ships — except one — are foreign flagged because it’s less expensive to register ships in other countries like the Bahamas. Essentially, this prevents them from being able to operate roundtrip cruises in Hawaii.
But NCL believed that there was a market for seven-night cruises within the Hawaii Islands. So they modified the Norwegian Sky, christened it the Pride of America, and made her the first American-flagged cruise ship in fifty years.
Everything about the ship — from the staff and crew to the Napa Wine Bar to the South Beach pool — is as American as apple pie.
She visits Hawaii’s most beautiful islands in an easy, one-week voyage. Passengers can visit all the top attractions and only have to pack and unpack once. Overnights in Maui and Kauai allow plenty of time for independent activities. And sailing along the gorgeous Napali Coast and passing Kilauea Volcano at night are unforgettable experiences. Whales and spinner dolphins are frequently seen off the deck.
Dining aboard Pride of America.
With 14 restaurants and 9 bars and lounges to choose from, passengers can dine in a different venue every night of their cruise. And NCL’s Freestyle Dining program lets them eat where and when they feel like it.
There are two main dining rooms — Liberty and Skylight, which is decorated in an Art Deco Manhattan style. The Cadillac Diner is a Johnny Rocket’s-like retro burger joint and Little Italy serves the kind of food you’d get in the neighborhood of the same name. Both these options require reservations.
Other options include the indoor/outdoor Aloha Café, which has individual stations serving sandwiches, pizza, salads, and buffet items. And several venues that have a surcharge. East Meets West specializes in pan-Asian cuisine. Lazy J Texas Steakhouse has Angus Beef and top-quality seafood. Jefferson’s Bistro is the French fine-dining restaurant. And there’s also a sushi bar and Teppanyaki restaurant.
When the weather’s nice, there’s usually a luau on deck at least one night of the cruise. And unlike on most cruises, passengers can have dinner ashore during the overnight stops.
Coffee, wine, and Champagne bars specialize in liquid refreshments, and half a dozen other bars mean there‘s always a place nearby to wet your whistle.
Accommodations aboard Pride of America.
Launched in 2005, the 2,146-passenger Pride of America doesn’t have the Courtyard Villas of NCL’s newer ships, but there are plenty of family-friendly accommodations to choose from. Having a balcony is a big bonus here, so upgrade if you can. Breathtaking views are pretty equally divided between port and starboard.
All the staterooms are decorated with bright, bold colors, and they have a real island feel. They’re on the small side, but because the ship and the ports are casual, you won’t need lots of dress-up clothes.
Most cabins have a sitting area, and all have a small refrigerator, safe, Internet connection, and satellite TV. The coffee maker and mugs are thoughtful touches.
Two-bedroom family suites with balconies sleep up to five. And large parties can also choose from a number of connecting cabins.
Along the Napali Coast of Kauai
Facilities aboard Pride of America.
With a sports court, gyrosphere, golf driving net, jogging track, and good fitness center, active travelers will find plenty of ways to stay in shape. If golf is your game, you can play many of the terrific courses ashore.
There are pools and hot tubs aplenty. The Santa Fe Spa offers all the requisite ways to relax, including traditional Hawaiian lomi lomi massages. And there’s WiFi access for those who want to stay in touch. Families traveling with kids will appreciate the extensive programs and facilities for children from 3 to 17. There’s even a kid-sized buffet with favorites like hot dogs and mac and cheese.
Since Hawaii outlaws gambling, there’s no casino on board. But performances by Hawaiian entertainers are a nice diversion, as are the Hawaiian-themes classes.
Experienced cruisers sometimes feel like service aboard Pride of America is more casual that what they’re used to at sea. But this is a terrific way to explore the Hawaiian Islands and it also offers a great value for money.
Pride of America Image Flickr: raveller
Along the Napali Coast of Kauai Image Flickr: MPD01605
