Hear from NCL's very own Lara Anderson, Business Development Manager Victoria & Tasmania, as she details her recent holiday to Hawai'i on board Pride of America®:
I have recently returned from a wonderful 2-week holiday in Hawai'i, including 7 days onboard Pride of America. I must admit, initially I wasn’t sure about the destination, I first visited Waikīkī 20+ years ago (showing my age!) and thought I’d “seen Hawai'i”. Well, let me tell you, I was wrong!!
Although O'ahu is beautiful, the true beauty of the Hawaiian islands is absolutely prevalent in the outer islands of Maui, The Big Island and Kaua'i, with each island (and even the 2 different ports on the Big Island) being distinctly different from each other and offering so many unique options for shore excursions.
Boarding was super quick and easy, maybe 15 minutes from arrival to the port to the first margarita of the holiday!
Our first port of call was Maui for an overnight stay. Once docked on the first day, you are able to come and go as you please with no curfew, you just need to be back on board by sailaway the following day! On the first day we chose to do the Road to Hana which is a spectacular drive filled with amazing beaches, lush tropical rainforests and waterfalls. Our second day we drove to the top of the summit of Haleakala, a dormant volcano that stands a majestic 10,000 feet at the top. Top tip - bring a jumper, it's freezing up there! The summit of Haleakala looks like nowhere else on Earth I've ever seen!
Next port of call was Hilo on the Big Island. We chose to do Volcanoes National Park this day, and the scenery just has to be seen to be believed!
A short overnight sail brought us to Kona which is the only tender port of the itinerary. We didn't have any plans here so opted to wait until tendering was open to disembark, around 10am. Tendering was very easy and no more than a 10 minute journey. Kona is a beautiful historic town with a lovely beach perfect for snorkelling right at the tender port.
Next stop was Kaua'i for another overnight stay. Whilst all the Hawaiian islands are really beautiful, Kaua'i is by far the most spectacular (in my opinion). The first day we went to Waimea Canyon (also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) and were rewarded with the most amazing views. The second day we set out for the Northern side of the island and made it all the way to the end of the road (there is no road that goes all the way around the island). Stunning resort areas and beaches are all towered over by the majestic mountain range that forms the Napali Coast.
The food on board was delicious; we chose to eat dinner each night in either Skyline or Liberty Main dining rooms, and both offered exceptional and friendly service, although we did find Liberty to be a little quieter each night, which suited my dad after really busy days!
For our two specialty dinners we chose Jefferson's Bistro (fine dining French) and Moderno's Churrascaria for the most delectable (and plentiful!) fresh cooked Brazilian meats.
Pride of America is a very unique cruise ship, being the only cruise ship in the NCL fleet which is registered in the USA. The crew is approximately 80% American and it was a lot of fun talking to them and getting to know where they were all from. Everyone was exceptionally friendly and helpful!
The decor on board is also unique within the NCL fleet and has been thoughtfully designed to reflect various aspects of American history and culture, it's in the name after all - Pride of America!
This was truly one of the most special cruises I've ever done and I highly encourage everyone to add it to their "Must Do" list!!
Pride of America sails every Saturday.
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