Hawaii is a state that never disappoints. From volcanoes that birth new islands to ancient gods watching from above, its's the perfect backdrop for a bucket list trip. Sailing NCL's Pride of America cruise ship is a great way to see four islands. During its 7-day journey through Hawaii, Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu and visits five ports: Honolulu, Oahu; Kahului, Maui; Kona, Hawaii; Hilo, Hawaii; and Nawiliwili, Kauai. It spends the most time in port of any ship in the islands, and it's the only ship sailing round-trip from Honolulu.
Pride of America focuses on history and American culture, and you'll visit historic sites, including the memorial to the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, and the USS Missouri, where the Japanese surrendered. Pride of America is the only ship certified to sail solely in the Hawaiian islands year-round.
As you sail from island to island, your days will be filled with informative and fun tours of beautiful plantations and sites of natural beauty like Rainbow Falls and Fern Grotto. You can take a hula lesson while sailing up the Wailea River on Kauai, where South Pacific was filmed and lunch at the Maui Ocean Center where you can learn the importance of protecting the seas and the life within them. You can choose to visit Montage Kapalua Bay, Waimea Canyon, and the Napali Coast. In Kona on Hawaii Island, you can join the locals on a free city trolley along Ili'i Drive, past beaches whose waves crash just a few feet from the road.
Sailing on the Pride of America is a good experience; however, since it's an older ship, it doesn't offer all the bells and whistles of NCL's current new ships. It's more like a floating hotel sailing around the islands. You'll find limited nightlife and only two specialty restaurants currently open due to staffing issues. The main dining room and the two specialty restaurants are open only for dinner. Lunch options are the Aloha Cafe buffet and the 24-hour a la carte Cadillac Diner. You can also choose room service for a small fee. If you are a suite guest, you can have a private lunch at Cagne Steakhouse. Once all the dining venues are open again, there will be a variety to choose from- La Cucina (Italian), East Meets West (Asian), Key West Bar and Grill (outdoor setting), and Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki. Cocktails and spirits are sold in the five bars and lounges that are open. Because it is a US flagged ship, there is no casino on board and unlimited drink packages are not allowed to be sold. It is also staffed with an all American crew. Evening entertainment features a trio of singers and a comedian.
Pride of America is perfect for travelers who don't have a long vacation time. The 7 night itinerary gives you plenty of time to explore the islands at a good value. Its unique itinerary maximizes time in Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai. As an extra bonus, there aren't any days at sea, opening up even more time to explore and participate in shore excursions.