Pride of Hawaii

Pride of Hawaii - the best way to Island Hop Hawaii.

The third and final vessel in NCL America’s U.S.-flagged fleet, the Pride of Hawaii certainly lives up to its name. Filled with salutes to Hawaii, its history and its culture, the ship embellishes the designs and concepts that have evolved at NCL. And it is staffed with a cheerful crew that embodies the islands’ spirit of aloha. At 93,500 tons, and carrying 2,400 passengers and 1,000 crew members, the Pride of Hawaii is the largest U.S.-flagged cruise ship ever built.

Pride of Hawaii is a sister ship to Norwegian Jewel, with several significant differences. One is that by Hawaiian law it has no casino; there’s not even bingo. The absence of the gambling scene changes the ship’s ambiance. It also leaves space for more cabins. Suitability for families, wedding and romantic getaways are among Norwegian Cruise Line’s themes.

The sister ships have a category of accommodations new to Norwegian Cruise Line: Courtyard Villas. These ten, 574-square feet suites share a private courtyard, complete with swim-against-the current lap pool, hot tub, male and female steam rooms and a small gym. Each suite has an espresso machine. They also share a private sundeck with lounge chairs and hammocks. These are promoted as great for families, with the kids getting the second bedroom, which happens to be inside.

Pride of Hawaii, which sails interisland cruises all year, brings the islands’ color aboard. Stair carpeting is bright red. Carpets on some of the landings are abstract swirls of red and orange. The staterooms and much of the public areas have expanses of simulated wood paneling in various tones.

Entertainment options are varied. The huge Stardust Theater, which can be entered from three decks, is home to the big production numbers, “Soul Rockin’ Nights”, “Elements of Illusion” and “On Broadway”. One show each on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings.

Pride of Hawaii’s fitness room is state of the art. Outdoors at the stern, there’s a basketball, volleyball and paddle tennis court. The sports deck offers two golf driving nets, a jogging track, shuffleboard and an oversize chess set. Just forward of the fitness center is what must be one of the largest spas afloat, one of 60 worldwide spas operated by Hawaii-based Mandara.

The Waikiki Beach pool deck features two pools, including one with a water slide, and four hot tubs, all surrounded by art deco palm tree light posts.

The largest and most traditional of the ship’s dining rooms is the 556-seat Grand Pacific. The second main restaurant is Alizar. The most casual is the large Aloha Nui Café on Deck 12, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. In all, there are 10 restaurants aboard and they reflect NCL’s continuing refinement of its Freestyle product.

The ship spends a full day each in Hilo and Kona on the Big Island and two days each at Maui and Kauai. With that much time, all of the Norwegian Cruise Line America ships share a very long list of available shore excursions, a golf program unlike any other and plenty of romance/wedding/family plans.

There’s an 18-seat nondenominational chapel aboard and the line is happy to arrange weddings or renewal of vows there or elsewhere on the ship. With a departure from Honolulu at 8 p.m. Mondays, the timing is great for honeymoons.