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Norwegian Cruise Line

MV Pride of America

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Will Chance
# previous cruises: 1
Date of Trip: July 23, 2005
Itinerary: Hawaii

My overall opinion of this cruise, specifically the cruise line was that it was not worth the money spent. While the ship was new and impressive, the cruise itself was way short of being what I thought it would be. Hawaii was all I had imagined and would jump at the chance to return just not aboard an NCL ship. I feel NCL is the Motel 6 of the Pacific Ocean.

Most of the Public areas were bright and inviting. There could have been more housekeeping as there were always dirty dishes in the hallways. Pool area is way small and the hot tubs are more cold than hot. There were not enough deck chairs on Deck 6 outside of the wine bar. Plenty of space just not plenty of seating.

The buffet was typical of any buffet. Adequate but nothing I didn't expect. The Skyline and Liberty have the same menus just one above the other. The Skyline can only accomodates parties of 8 or less at a table while the Liberty can handle at least parties of 10. The speciality restaurants were fine. The additional cover charge for the specialities (except for Little Italy) was reasonable and the food was of good quality.

If you ate at any restaurant and wanted a fountain beverage you had to find a server to get it. The only soft drink fountains hooked up were in the Bar areas and sometimes (like breakfast) the bars weren't open so getting the morning caffeine seemed like quite a contest. Paying for the unlimited soda card was no great value for me. Because getting the drink was hardly worth it. Some mornings we waited 45-60 minutes for breakfast after placing the order and by day 4 of the trip the ship was out of fresh pineapple, pineapple juice and grapefruit juice.

Booked in Category BE Deck 8 with a Lanai. Room was small even for two people. Storage for luggage was very limited and the closet space was even more limited. The bathroom looked like something out of a travel trailer. No informational channel on the television, just plenty of adds for NCL excursions. The lanai was the best part of the cabin. We saw flying fish off the balcony, the lava flow of MT. Kileau and outrigger canoe teams practicing as we dropped anchor in Kona.

Only attended the Battle of the Sexes trivia in the Gold Rush Saloon.

Ship was late leaving Honolulu and that with engine problems put us 4 hours late into Hilo. One Half of our tour for that day was cancelled. Maui attempted to do the Molokini Crater Snorkel but due to NCL booking an afternoon trip this turned into a 3 hour boat ride and never getting into the water. On Kauai we took the Na Pali Explorer excursion and we would recommend this highly. The crew on the Na Pali Explorer II were fun and informative which made this shore excursion the highlight of the trip.

The fitness center was equipped rather well although this being only the 4 cruise I was surprised that some of the equipment was out of order.

Most of the passengers seemed nice. Cruised with a group of 18 and personality quirks were certainly seen. Only one bad experience on an excursion to West Maui the family behind us on the shuttle ride refused to talk quietly so we could hear the tour operator, when asked they just became louder. Can't understand why you would spend the $87 to not at least speak some what quietly and let others enjoy the tour. There did seem to be a large number of unattended children through out the ship.