NCL Hawaii Cruise on Pride of America

Table Of Content

• What to see and do with one day on Maui
• Excursions from the NCL Pride of America
• Is Norwegian (NCL) Pride of America a good ship to cruise on?
• We use cookies in the delivery of our online services.
• Don’t Miss The Puddings Behind The Dessert Station In The Buffet

Or just order the Nutella and fresh cream for seven consecutive days like I did. The Aloha Cafe (buffet) on the Pride of America was very crowded during breakfast hours as everyone was trying to grab a quick bite before heading out to port. For a more relaxing experience (and better food, in my opinion), eat breakfast in the Skyline dining room. There was never a wait to be seated and service was fast. A variety of enrichment lectures, activities, and crafts will be hosted by the ship’s Hawaii ambassador, a local resident of the islands.

What to see and do with one day on Maui

There are bubblegum hues in Pink's Champagne Bar, for instance, and a riot of vivid bead-inspired colors in the Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge & Nightclub. There are two pools, multiple hot tubs and lots of appealing outside deck space—including the Aloha Lanai Bar aft on deck 11—ideal for sail-away cocktails at sunset. Hawaii is more than resorts, volcanoes and beaches. The best trips to these paradise islands invite you to discover Polynesian culture in Hawaii. Go for bigger, bolder Polynesian adventures filled with sunset surfing and evening luaus in the Aloha State. Royal Caribbean® returns to Hawaii with two revolutionary Quantum Class ships, Ovation of the Seas® and Quantum of the Seas®.

Excursions from the NCL Pride of America

If you are on the Pride of America, this is the port where the ship has arranged the option to go on a luau. We have not been on to this luau, so we cannot speak from experience, but the feedback we heard from a handful of other passengers is that they were slightly disappointed. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is about a 50-minute drive from Hilo. The ship will offer tours, but if you want to consider an independent operation, we had a great tour with Keikana Tours’ Hoppa On Hoppa Off.

Is Norwegian (NCL) Pride of America a good ship to cruise on?

There are several scenic beaches—including Secret Beach, Lumahai Beach, and Tunnels Beach—along the way, but parking is roadside, access can be tricky via steep trails and swimming isn't advised due to rough surf. A guide to Hawaii vacations for couples including where to go, what to do and how to amp up the romance on a Hawaiian cruise to the islands. From top to bottom and from bow to stern, Pride of America has enough onboard activities to fill every minute of your cruise. Indulge in a refreshing swim at the Oasis Pool or the Miami-inspired South Beach Pool. Go for a run with the best views on the jogging track, or break a sweat at the Santa Fe Fitness Centre. And when all is said and done, enjoy a pamper session at Mandara Spa.

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Overall, the food was edible, but far from being memorable. The waitstaff seemed to want to provide a good experience, but they also seemed very stretched trying to take care of so many other guests at the same time. With dining being such a big part of most people’s expectations of cruise, we felt that Norwegian fell short. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is the only ship that sails roundtrip solely within Hawaii. There are no days a sea on the Pride of America and every day is spent in Hawaii. Seeing sunrise from 10,000 feet above sea level on a dormant volcano is quite a unique experience.

Don’t Look For The Casino

Pride of America is the only ship allowed to stay overnight on Kauai. Make the most of the evening with a sunset dinner somewhere lovely like The Beach House Restaurant. Our Lyft driver in Lihue spoke of regretting sleeping in on Thursday morning; he wasn't aware Pride of America was coming back this week. Shopkeepers at a local artisan store in Kilauea-Kona told us the ship played an important role in tourism in Hawaii, which is finally starting to expand beyond domestic visitors once again. The itinerary is excellent and the island destinations are fantastic.

NCL Cancels Kauai Napali Coast Sailing From Its Itinerary - Beat of Hawaii

NCL Cancels Kauai Napali Coast Sailing From Its Itinerary.

Posted: Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Don’t Miss The Puddings Behind The Dessert Station In The Buffet

Norwegian Cruise Line Returns to Maui Beginning September 3 - Travel Agent Central

Norwegian Cruise Line Returns to Maui Beginning September 3.

Posted: Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Come aboard Pride of America, our only cruise ship that sails round trip from Honolulu year-round so you can vacation on your schedule. As you journey from one exotic island to the next, learn about the Hawaiian culture through the eyes of native ambassadors on board our ship. Come aboard and learn why no one does Hawai'i like Norwegian. But if ever there were a time to skip the expensive ship excursions and book tours through private local companies or venture out and explore on your own, it’s this cruise! Because you’ll be staying overnight at two ports – Maui and Kaua’i. So if you book tours or explore on your own via a rental car or public transportation, you don’t need to worry about what time you get back to the ship – the gangway will stay open all night and into the next day.

I think our server must have been stretched too thin. At the Teppanyaki restaurant, our chef put on a great show, but the food was just okay. When planning your days in port, note that with the exception of Kona, the ship docks at ports that are short driving distances to any points of interest. This is a noticeable difference for passengers used to cruising in places like the Caribbean where most activities can be found immediately on shore.

My Best Travel Resources

We particularly enjoyed the flower lei making class, offered for free, that included plentiful and beautiful fresh flowers. We each made one and used them to decorate our cabin for the remainder of our voyage. Their lovely smell almost masked the stench of my gym clothes. This is important on nights at sea when the shows are more widely attended and prime seats fill up fast. When staying overnight at a port, shows and restaurants will be less crowded as many passengers will choose to eat and recreate off the ship. Explore more while spending less with Hawaii cruise deals onboard our best cruise ships.

Look closely at the above photo and spot the tiny red fish swimming in the wrong direction near where the carpet transitions to a different pattern. Thankfully, the fish on the carpet on the Pride of America will point you in the right direction. As such, you won’t do much lounging around the ship in your robe with a cocktail in one hand and a soft serve cone in the other, turning the pages of your book with an elbow. Stay longer and see more with Norwegian, the only cruise line offering a cruisetour in Hawaii. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to your very own sweeping balcony.

Recruiters are focused on finding several hundred more staff by Christmas. Until then, the crew-to-guest ratio will be limited to a level that ensures good service. Every cruise fare includes beautifully crafted menus in our main dining room, a help-yourself buffet and a variety of casual cafés, grills and on-the-go choices. From fresh-baked breads, desserts and pastries to our chefs’ original dishes made with the freshest ingredients, your dining can be as fine or fun as you want.

Haleakala sunrise is one of the top activities for Maui. If your ship stays overnight on Maui, day two would be your only option for seeing sunrise from Haleakala. Even if you’ve already eaten multiple desserts from the restaurant, there’s always room for a made-to-order crepe. Hit the buffet during dinner hours each night so you can try all the delicious combinations.

Go here for my top recommendations for shore excursions in Maui and here for my top recommendations for shore excursions in Hilo. Unlike most cruise itineraries that include a mix of port and sea days, every day on the Pride of America is a port day. The ship even remains docked at port in Maui and Kaua’i overnight and travel between ports mostly takes place after dark. You may have heard the Pride of America described as a “floating hotel” for that reason. Hawaii, not the ship or the sea, will be the main attraction for most.

Hits and Misses on a Hawaii Cruise on NCL's Pride of America

If you are on the NCL Pride of America cruise, you should have plenty of time to see all of this on the first day of your stop at Kauai, which includes an overnight stay. Most excursions offered through the cruise ships only go to Hana and turn around, but there’s much to see beyond Hana. We opted for a tour with Valley Isle Excursions, which took us well beyond Hana in a long loop back to Kahului. The road to Hana is one of Maui’s top attractions. This rainforest drive offers lush, tropical scenery, a black beach, waterfalls and beautiful coastal views. We found a mistake on our final bill – we were charged for several drinks that should have been included in the Hawaii Beverage Package.

HILO

After working my way through more island classics — Pina Colada, Orange Crush, Blue Hawaii — it's high time for more than liquid sustenance. Dinner tonight is in Cagney's Steakhouse, a surf-and-turf extravaganza followed by classic apple pie and ice cream. It's as American as, well, apple pie, just like the waiters.

Norwegian's Pride of America Cruise Itinerary

My husband and I are software engineers by profession and explorers at heart. Only after a life-changing realization of how important it is to feed and nourish our souls I changed our lifestyles, and since then, we have traveled to all 50 states in the US. The Big Island of Hawaii, also called the “Island of Hawaii,” is the southernmost and the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Hawaiian Airlines operates regular direct flights to Honolulu's main Daniel K. Inouye International Airport from Sydney.

Cruising Hawaii and Renting a Car

It’s a great way to see the four major islands in seven nights, though, as the itinerary is planned, there’s minimal sightseeing time for Oahu. Hawaii is a large draw for families, which brings down the average age of Pride of America passengers a bit (the median age on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship is around 50). You'll find a good mix of families and older couples with some younger (in their 30s) mixed in, but you won't find many college-aged spring breakers.

Departing from Honolulu at sunset on Saturday night, it's Mai Tai o'clock before we've even pulled out of the harbour. Launched in 2005, the ship has a vintage vibe, particularly in Pink's Champagne Bar. Wearing a colourful fresh flower lei around my neck, it feels right to order a frozen mango daiquiri. The current policy is that bookings are within 75% penalty if cancelled 60 to 31 days prior to departure and 100% penalty if cancelled within 30 days. Make no mistake about it, this is not the Pride of America of 2005. It's a win-win for Norwegian, and we can't wait to set sail again on this one-of-a-kind ship.

How To Best Enjoy Hawaii On A 7-Night Pride Of America Cruise

Fly in early, book a hotel in Waikiki and try your hand at surfing or outrigger canoe paddling. If you feel energetic, reserve a time (early morning is best) to hike to the summit of Diamond Head for panoramic views. Or visit Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum to experience the royal Hawaii of old. Further west, stop in historic Lahaina, which is home to a massive 149-year-old banyan tree along with galleries, shops, and restaurants. Quantum of the Seas® takes you on an epic adventure to the best of Hawaii.

Our stay in Waikiki was fantastic and we shared the highlights in our Waikiki Beach post. ” Kauai, popularly known for its Na Pali Coast, has a lot more to offer, including gorgeous beaches, rainforests, rivers, waterfalls – Kauai Travel Guide. Maui, renowned the world over for its idyllic beaches, coastal vistas, & the Road to Hana, the most scenic coastal drive on the planet, is a true Eden on earth! You get two days in Maui, of which I recommend spending one day exploring West, Central, and Upcountry Maui; you can find more details in my Maui Travel Guide, and one day driving the iconic Road to Hana. When it comes to the entertainment on Pride of America, there’s never a dull moment. Tickle your funny bone during our comedy variety show inside the Hollywood Theatre.

The Norwegian Pride of America

The best way to see Hawaii is on a cruise - 9Honey Travel

The best way to see Hawaii is on a cruise.

Posted: Fri, 12 Apr 2024 02:27:34 GMT [source]

Skyline is decorated like something you would see in an art deco style building in New York City. That was all interesting decor, but seemed really out of place for Hawaii. We hope you’ve allowed at least an extra day or two to explore Oahu either on the front end or the back end of the cruise. Here is our Oahu vacation itinerary that you can adjust to your available days. If you are on the Pride of America, the ship will make its way around Kauai to cruise by Kauai’s stunning Na Pali Coast. You will have some time, probably a couple of hours, from when you leave the dock to when you can see the Na Pali Coast.

NCL returning to Maui, with community's support - Seatrade Cruise News

NCL returning to Maui, with community's support.

Posted: Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Check with guest relations for their estimated timing for that day. Cruises are a great way to see many Hawaiian islands in a short period of time. With so many options and such little time in each port, it’s a daunting process to choose what you will see and do. The Hawaii Beverage Package includes most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (including boxed water which is nice to have for port days) up to $15 (and you’ll just pay the difference for any drinks over $15).

Oahu, Hawaii’s most populous island & home to the state capital, Honolulu, features unfathomably beautiful nature and an amalgam of Native Hawaiian traditions & modern western culture! You must plan on spending a couple of days before or after your cruise to explore Oahu’s golden beaches, historic sites, surf towns, rich history & culture – Oahu Travel Guide. Spend a few days pre- or post-cruise in Hawaii's capital city to enjoy Waikiki beach, sunset luaus and plenty of shopping temptations. Here you'll find the most interesting museums and historic sites in Hawaii, including Pearl Harbor, Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design, and Iolani Palace. Perhaps the island has changed in the ensuing two decades or, more probably, I have, but in any case this time I appreciate the natural beauty much more.

It doesn't often feel like there are more than 2,000 people on the ship at the same time. The spacious vibe is also helped by the fact that most of the ship empties when in port, and the ship is in port every day. The reason we chose the road to Hana for day one of our two-day stop at Maui is that this tour takes all day.

Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. Check out our NCL Hawaii Cruise YouTube video where we show the highlights of the Hawaiian Islands Cruise portion of our Hawaiian Islands adventure.

Here’s a list of general items you’ll need or want for your excursions. – Kalapaki Beach is a nice beach and just a short (approximately 0.5 miles) walk or shuttle ride from the cruise terminal. – Another one of our favorite tours is the Kauai Secret/Sacred Falls Kayak and Waterfall Hike. In both Kaua’i and Kona there are free or inexpensive things to do within walking distance of the ship (or near Kailua Pier where your tender boat will deliver you, in the case of Kona). The photo above may cause introverts to run, hyperventilating, to the nearest paper bag (I’m breathing into one right now!). If you prefer a more private and serene place to relax, hit the sun decks above the Lido for comfortable and more secluded lounging options.

However, the significant expense involved in getting to and from Honolulu makes booking the Pride of America unique. Entertainment onboard is more low-key than on other NCL ships, which are known for their Broadway musicals and high-gloss production shows. Aboard Pride of America, performances are limited to vocalists, comedians, movie screenings, and game-show-like contests. Think of it as your travel companion, helping you experience an unforgettable cruise vacation every step of the way. Learn about the latest ships and destinations by browsing hundreds of questions (and the answers to those questions) posted by real cruisers. If you happen not to find what you’re looking for, you can even post a question of your own.

This cuts out the "fun days at sea", and the Pride of America is able to sail directly from Honolulu at the beginning of its seven-day cruise. The islands of Hawaii are a group of eight major islands and various atolls, islets, and seamounts in the northern Pacific Ocean that stretches 1,500 miles from the island of Hawaii to Kure Atoll. The four most populous islands are Hawaii, which is the biggest island, and Maui, O'ahu, and Kauai. Each of these islands has its own distinctive natural and historical attractions, and many who visit Hawaii try to see these four islands during the course of their vacation. However, this requires intensive planning for the hotels, transportation and dining requirements needed for island hopping.

For a “floating hotel” of that size, it never really felt crowded, except for the arrival at Kona, when there were long, crowded waits for the tender boats to shuttle us from the ship to shore. Several bars were completely overhauled, private cabanas were added to Deck 14, the suites were refurbished and the spa was upgraded. The results of this effort are impressive and immediately apparent upon boarding the ship. In addition to a fresh paint job in patriotic colors, the interior resembles that of a five-star resort. – As we mentioned above, for some fun, we love the Mountain Tubing Adventure.

10 Best European River Cruises 2024 2025

Table Of Content

• Paris & the Heart of Normandy
• Best Overall European River Cruise: Viking Cruises, Viking Egdir
• Post: Budapest
• Emerald Cruises launches 2025 Europe River Cruises brochure
• Seine
• Europe River Cruises
• Douro’s Valleys & Vineyards

On day six, guests can choose a trip to Rothenburg or visit a family-owned farm for a home-cooked morning tea. The ship passes through the Main-Danube Canal that connects the Black Sea and the North Sea. In Vienna, there's a cocktail party and private orchestra recital or city tour before heading to Budapest for two days. The eight-day "Saar and Moselle Fairytales" cruise boards in Cologne and cruises down the Rhine to the Moselle and its tributary, the Saar River. The ship passes the Mosel vineyards and docks in the medieval town of Cochem for a guided walking tour.

Paris & the Heart of Normandy

Apt charters the ships from AmaWaterways, but their itineraries and onboard programs are unique to Apt River Cruises. Apt's offerings include rail journeys, as well as small boat, yacht, and ocean cruises. Partnering with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney offers cruises on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube Rivers, Disney style. Specially designed itineraries and Adventure Guides create experiences for parents, children, and teens, from active excursions to unique onboard activities. Adults-only dinners and wine tasting experiences along with teen programming, Disney movie nights, karaoke, trivia nights, and Junior Adventurer dinners provide entertainment for guests of all ages.

Best Overall European River Cruise: Viking Cruises, Viking Egdir

European river cruise line includes suites, butlers, and prices up to $60k - Business Insider

European river cruise line includes suites, butlers, and prices up to $60k.

Posted: Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Sail past hilltop castles along the Middle Rhine, a UNESCO Site, and look for Lorelei Rock. Stroll through Cologne’s Old Town and see the city’s famed Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO Site. The fleetwide reservation-only Vintage Room is set up for private dining, with an extravagant seven-course wine-pairing menu. Sail the storied Seine from Paris to Normandy aboard Tauck’s 98-passenger MS Sapphire. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear.

Post: Budapest

AmaWaterways was also the first river cruise operator to carry a fleet of complimentary bicycles. The land of fire and ice is open for cruising this summer, and several lines will be exploring the coast, bringing guests to lava fields, gigantic waterfalls, seabird colonies, and other striking landscapes under the Midnight Sun. Circumnavigating Iceland from Reykjavík, the itinerary includes stops on the mainland and islands including Grimsey Island, above the Arctic Circle, where you might catch sight of rare little auks with their black and white plumage. A great way to sail the Danube is on AmaWaterways’ impressive, double-wide, 196-passenger AmaMagna, traveling between Budapest and Vilshofen, Germany, stopping in Bratislava, Slovakia, and with an overnight in Vienna. Sip the local gruner veltliner and riesling in Wachau Valley or dance like you are in The Sound of Music in Salzburg.

Emerald Cruises launches 2025 Europe River Cruises brochure

After a long day of exploring, parents and grandparents can relax at the spa or in the lounge. Viking River Cruises is one of the few lines that visits (another is the French line CroisiEurope), offering 10-day itineraries that combine hotel stays in the cities of Berlin and Prague with a stretch of river between Prague and Wittenburg, Germany. Bordeaux river cruises are different from other water routes because you explore two short waterways — the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers — and the Gironde Estuary in Southwest France. Daily escorted walking tours and other excursions provided by the river line take you to key UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other city and village attractions you've come to see.

Seine

Their fleet of 12 ships was joined by the new A-Rosa Sena, a hybrid powered ship expected to cruise the northern Rhine almost silently and emission-free. Family-friendly amenities include a kids club, heated outdoor pools, and free passage for children ages 15 and under. The "Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle" begins with arrival in Frankfurt and transfer to Mainz for boarding.

Europe River Cruises

Plan to sip on Islay Island, Scotland, home to nine distilleries, and have an opportunity to purchase crystal in Waterford, Ireland. For those looking to reduce their footprint as they return to travel, it’s worth noting that the ship was recently reconfigured to run partially on biofuel and lower emissions. When Viking Ocean Cruises returns to cruising this summer, it will have three ships sailing from Valletta on Malta to Greece, Italy, and Spain.

These are the major companies offering the best European river cruises along with examples of their itineraries. Guests are kept busy (if they wish to be) with daily shore excursions, and most cruises offer several options depending on interests and activity levels. Bikes and walking tours are available in most ports, or guests can choose a leisurely day in a comfortable lounge enjoying the passing scenery.

Douro’s Valleys & Vineyards

They are, by far, the most popular, doable either on one-week segments or longer itineraries that combine areas and sometimes combine rivers. Even if your cruise is only a week, don't underestimate the allure of relaxing for seven days on a river in France or on the dreamy Douro in Portugal. The Mediterranean section of the 18th century-built Canal du Midi is often referred to as both a technical innovation and a work of art. Between Portiragnes to Béziers alone, you’ll cross an aqueduct over the River Orb and ascend a seven-lock flight of unique, oval gateways.

Fares include fitness classes, shore excursions, and all dining on board, including The Chef's Table specialty restaurant. New ships debut each year, and the spacious AmaMagna, launched in 2019, is nearly twice the width of traditional European cruise ships. German river cruise line A-Rosa has carved a niche for multigenerational river voyages after pioneering its kids club in 2014. The line's European family program is available on at least one ship on each river the line sails during school breaks. Fun activities include a “meet the captain” event, pizza-making classes and treasure hunts.

There’s a European river cruise for every type of traveler, from families and couples to the budget-conscious and luxury seekers. For a true luxury experience, we recommend a sail aboard Uniworld’s S.S. La Venezia, while for active travelers we love the holistic wellness offerings found on AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna. No matter what you’re searching for, these are the best European river cruises to book for 2024 and beyond. On one-week cruises, you'll follow the river 130 miles past green hillside vineyards in the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO-recognized destination, before turning around at the Spanish border. The river cruises typically include a visit to the university town of Salamanca in northern Spain. Viticulture is very much the lesson en route, as you learn about port production on the "River of Gold."

A guided tour takes guests through Autostadt Wolfsburg, a park dedicated to the history of the automobile. In Hamburg, there's a city tour and harbor cruise before the cruise continues to the Baltic resort, Laboe, and ends in Kiel. Established in 1976, Croisi offers cruises on rivers, canals, and seas with a fleet of oceangoing ships, canal barges, and river cruise ships. The company's innovative approach allowed them to be pioneers on several rivers in Europe including the Gironde, Loire, Po, and Elbe, basing their ships' design on the characteristics of the waterways. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. Their deluxe beds and luxurious linens provide comfort in spacious, quiet quarters with ample closet space.

Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. From the Rhine to the Douro, from the Main to the Danube, we have cruises all through Europe, ranging from 1 days up to 31 days. The most popular month for these cruises is August, which has the most tour departures. After a pandemic year without any European cruises available to Americans, sailing options are returning for the summer 2021 season.

All ships are stocked with age-appropriate games and books, and family shore excursions to zoos and theme parks feature on itineraries. This Australian-owned organization is the country's largest family-owned tour and cruise company, offering a variety of travel styles. Their Concerto River Ships, AmaVenita, AmaStella, and AmaReina, cruise on the Danube, Main, Rhine, and Douro Rivers with luxury accommodations and excursions.

Join Uniworld CEO, Ellen Bettridge, on the June 16th, 2024 sailing of Castles Along the Rhine on the S.S. Enjoy unique activities and a few special surprises planned just for this cruise. Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey. Tauck's European river cruise guide will help you find the right Danube, Rhone, Rhine, Seine or Douro river cruise for you.

The magic of our award-winning European river cruises goes far beyond the riverboat you're aboard or the landmarks you'll visit. And in the uncommon access to local culture and exclusive destination driven experiences you can't get on your own, as you experience a true slice of European life and return home transformed. I am a freelance journalist who has covered travel for over a decade and the cruise industry for several of those years. I've written about destinations ranging from the South China Sea to the Arctic and Norway.