Is It Worth It? - NCL Pride of America - Hawaiian Island Cruise

[@robinbrook5624]

Little FYI, no ship allows ironing! Steamer are also banned on most. Tip, poor folk way, is hang your clothing in the bathroom and turn the hot water on in the shower. For a few bucks the ship does offer steaming/pressing. This particular cruise is very unique from all others! It flies under the American Flag, simply because it never goes to a foreign port. Think of it as an island hopper rather than a cruise. It gives people a chance to sample different islands for a fraction of the cost. As for other trips, Carnival, NCL and RCC are your majors, each one offers some great experiences. Out of FL if you want to party pick a 3 or 4 day cruise, they are known as booze cruises. If you want a nice mix of things, choose at least a 7 day or longer! If you are looking just for a beach to lay out in the sun, some cruises stop off at private islands. If you want a taste of culture and foods, choose one that skips those. Big ships vs the older smaller ones, most people fall on one side or the other. Newbies like you might enjoy those over grown hunks of metal that carry more people than some small towns have. They are basically the same as visiting a land resort that floats. The smaller ships that don't have built in amusement parks, and carry 5,000+ people is what real cruising is all about. - Trust me if y'all do continue to travel and cruise you will look back to this trip and chuckle. Have fun.

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

We did not know that Robin. Thank you! As we said this was our first cruise. We just used a small $20 handheld steamer, and wrinkle release spray. Also thank you for all the tips, for our future trips! - Logan

[@juanitarobinson728]

@@LoveTheAdventureChannel I agree. Did you really save that much renting a car? Also there maybe future ports that renting a car may not be a great idea. I would never drive myself on some islands, the locals are crazy and roads are not the safest. Read alot and then decide.

[@Doncarpenterradio]

DOWNY WRINKLE RELEASE SPRAY

[@markanderson4163]

you can use one of the ships steam irons...just ask your room steward...or send to ships laundry and write "Press Only" on the bag

[@dianeribaudo956]

My husband found this an absolutely perfect way see the islands. The ship isn’t the most luxurious but it’s really not about the ship. It’s about the islands. Staying overnight in Maui and Kuaii allow s you to explore to your hearts content. Rent a car and explore or do excursions. Just unpack once. We have also booked back to back cruises.

[@ChrisBrooke-l8i]

After 23 cruises, this cruise is still one of our favorites. I don't remember the ship much, but I remember the vast variety of fantastic excursions at all of the Hawaiian islands. No sea days!

[@marksuchomelsr6698]

My Wife and I did this cruise about 5 years ago and loved it. It a great way to see all the islands. The ship was nice and the food was great. We plan on taking this cruise again in the future.

[@tammystreasures8766]

Do carnival short trips if you want a party vibe. I prefer Royal Caribbean and even more so NCL. I haven’t had a bad cruise yet though. I tend to get motion sick on land, but I’ve only gotten sea sick twice in 10 cruises. Not at all on the transatlantic I just did in November. That was a rocking ride! I’m ready to watch your port videos now!

[@JohnO318]

I appreciated your honesty as well as very good information on the ship.

[@murrayelliot]

Thanks folks. We're booked to go in April, can't wait!

[@jerseycatmews828]

My daughter and I were on this august 2023. It’s basically a fancy ferry that goes from island to island. I thought the food and entertainment were fine. The Hawaii events were great and crew were pleasant. I originally booked with Princess cruise but it was round trip from California 2+ weeks, no thanks. NCL is perfect for those who want to experience all the islands. I love the overnights to spend bit more time on individual islands. Just go!

[@dubinfamily2790]

Just got off 8.31.24. We did the NCL 3 day, pre-cruise add on. This was the best way to see pretty much all of Oahu including Pearl Harbor, Kua Loa Ranch, Polynesian Cultural Center, the North Shore, Buddhist Temple and Dole Plantation. We did ship sponsored excursions on the other islands including a Luau on Kauai, Road to Hana on Maui, Volcanoes National Park in Hilo and tour of Kona. I was super pleased with every tour guide. The ship is really not the star of this trip. The food was good, no issues, our cabin was clean, the entertainment was just fair. If Hawaii is a once in a lifetime trip, this was an amazing way to see the biggest highlights.

[@jameschetwynd]

Hell yes. All of Hawaii is magnificent

[@jameschetwynd]

Got sensational charter $399 flight & 7 day hotel Waikiki next to hilton

[@jameschetwynd]

1973

[@lindak1768]

Thanks for posting this. We are retired and wanting to do a Hawaii cruise next year. My husband wants to do this one and I want to do one leaving from the west coast for a more relaxing time. I don’t want that long of a flight either. I love sea days. If he watches this, I think I will win! 😂 I understand this would be a better cruise for someone that has limited time.

[@IrvingtonArms]

I had not seen a Pride of America review so thanks... however, I am surprised your steamer was not confiscated. From the NCL what not to bring list- Irons / Ironing Boards and Steamers Guests are not permitted to bring and use their own irons or steamers onboard. Norwegian Cruise Line carries a limited number of irons and ironing boards which can be loaned to guests for a few hours at a time. They can be requested through housekeeping or Guest Services Desk. Irons and steamers would both be taken from guests at embarkation and returned at the end of the sailing.

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

Thank you for the heads up. This was our first cruise so we had no idea. When I read all of the restrictions I did not see that, but we will remember that for the future. I am surprised they did not take it too. It is just a little hand steamer and we had it sitting in our room on the desk the entire trip. - Natalie

[@IrvingtonArms]

@@LoveTheAdventureChannel Welcome to cruising! Well be looking forward to your content.

[@2tedmonds]

Nice video format. Carnival Mardi Gras is my favorite ship. 😎

[@norwegiancruiseline]

Hope you have a wonderful cruise! 💙

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

This particular cruise (new port almost every day) was a little hectic for us personally, but we did have fun. We hope to try, and review another Norwegian cruise in the future to give a proper assessment.

[@janicestewart7546]

Ship is very old and small. However, it allows you to see more islands without packing and unpacking. Loved the tours; not the ship so much!

[@heidijohnson2136]

MSC out of Port Canaveral does some nice cruises. They are trying to break into the American market. We did a back to back 3day/7 day. Their private island is nice. Drink at the Lighthouse bar.

[@juanitarobinson728]

My first cruise was also to tne islands. It was on American Hawaiian cruises, a line that does not exist today I went in 1982 on a ship built in the 1950's so no real pool srea to speak of. It wa10x10 and open to 10 so we went in after dark a couple of nights. The buffet was also very american but I would have been surprised if not. In the main dinning room they had themed nights, Hawawiian night, Mexican night, Italian night, Red,White and Blue night, Surf and Turf night, Captains night, and just a regular night. I did excursions off the ship. I was a single on the cruise that was bumbed up to a singles cabin ( i went as a garentee share)that meet people on the ship rhat I joined up with but I wanted to do things so I booked a coupe of thingsl in advance. It was hectic, I did early dinning so I could see the shows. The cruise also did something called "The Midnight Buffet" that is not done now but then there was no specialty dinning or as many places to grab food later on rhe ship. Then there were 2 ships and one did 2 days at maui and one did 2 days in Kawai'i and one in the other port plus 1 day at sea. I liked that, Both did 2 days on the Big Island as there are 2 different ports. Can you tell I loved this cruise?. Please go on more and On different lines. They all have different flavors. This wis a small ship that I cruised on but in some ways the best.

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

I am so glad you enjoyed the cruise! It sounds like it was a lot of fun. We fully plan on going on more cruises that go out of Florida and exploring what the different cruise lines have to offer. Are there any that you would recommend? - Natalie

[@springerbanff]

We loved it so much we wished we had booked a second week.

[@eric26bkk]

I am a big Royal Caribbean fan so would like to see you do a review of one of their cruises.

[@cheonglee300]

Nice , Maryland transplant to Myrtle Beach SC here, plan on going to Hawaii next year, debating wether we want to do Oahu or a cruise

[@michellevincent8338]

The Waikiki pool adults only was small but also only has an ladder to climb up , no stairs … just a note for those with mobility issues

[@royerskine2774]

no steamers allowed!

[@jamesjacobs4209]

My wife and I REALLY like the Disney Cruise Line. It is more expensive but the ships are nice and the food is great with all the entertainment in the dining rooms.

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

We really want to check out the Disney Cruise Line. We are really interested in the ones that travel Europe. Which ones have you and your wife done? - Natalie

[@thetwindragons-jw9uy]

Thanks for sharing the video. Not sure this was the exact cruise that we were on, but our days were from 8/24 thru 8/31, deck 10. I was looking for us in the video, but couldn't find, Lol! This was my 6th cruise, compared to all other international cruises, in my opinion, this one was just OK. From food, service to entertainment, shows...just average. The only highlight was the drink package. Lol! Overall, we had fun!

[@JLee62671]

Yep, going on this cruise in October! Very much appreciate the video.....The part where you mention the restaurant "East Meets West", I thought I heard you say that there is a dress code?.....could you elaborate what attire needed to be worn?....

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

Dresscode was business casual. Pretty relaxed. They just don't want you coming straight from the pool in swim shorts and flip flops.

[@scottjohnson9908]

been on 9 so far this one might be number 10 next year

[@janicew6222]

Electric steamers and irons are NOT allowed according to NCL prohibited items, but enjoyed your video, going in October.

[@jeanyang4775]

Incredible video, I really liked it! I saw a couple drone shots and I was wondering how you brought the drone to the cruise?

[@WaterWorld1]

I was onboard earlier in the year. I have done many cruises including other NCL ones. Personally I though it POA was very overpriced, but so is the whole of Hawaii. I though the standards of included food, service, entertainment and accommodation onboard were very good. So, was it worth it. NO. Am I glad that I went YES. Do I recommend her YES. Is she good value NO. (You are not supposed to take irons or steamers. They can blow the circuits onboard.)

[@michellevincent8338]

You’re on vacation and island hoping , who wants to iron? Take a can of Downey wrinkle release and use the steam from the shower… or pack items that font wrinkle as much as you

[@michellevincent8338]

Island hopping

[@michellevincent8338]

I got the Norwegian pride of America beach towel for $20

[@wesmorrison1211]

Loved your video, regarding the ABC stores, which port has the closest location?

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

Neither of us remember which port has the closest location. However, ABC stores are VERY prevalent across all islands. You won’t have a difficult time finding one near the port.

[@pasha21k]

You mentioned Jurassic Park, and wondered if you made it up to Kaula ranch where they filmed it. I lived on Oahu 10 yrs, and did take the Jurassic Park tour there. The ranch is right near China man's hat.

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

We did! We stayed a few extra days in Waikiki after we got off of the NCL cruise. We went on the regular tour. The landscape was breathtaking! I linked the video to it below if you want to see what we did. What was your favorite thing to do on O'ahu? - Natalie kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2mTfZyFrrdpeaMsi=VZPC4awlVAYAfzkh

[@pasha21k]

@@LoveTheAdventureChannel My most fave things to do is go to Sandy beach to watch, as i had always wanted to see the Bonsai Pipeline, so that too was my most fave place, ever and a thrill i had from childhood.

[@KristiHess-z4t]

How was the water? When we took an Alaska cruise the water in the Alaska bay got pretty rough. It was June-i think you just answered this in your video. Dang

[@Kjfsparky]

My family of 4 as a dad in wiakiki for 7 days can tell you abc stores are the best unless you have two teen daughters that you give no limit on purchases and just give your card too well $1300 later 😂

[@markanderson4163]

the ship is kinda crap but the islands are pretty great...and like all excursions on NCL, they have gone "stupid" with prices...better to book your own and save up to 50% or more...we're going again in '26...wish they would get one of their newer ships with more to do onboard, when the weather is bad.

[@janeorlov]

Could you please share why the Kauai port was cut short? Thank you very much for your video...

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

We were told a month beforehand that the ship needed to go in for maintenance, so the last day of the cruise was cut off.

[@janeorlov]

@@LoveTheAdventureChannel Thank you very much!

[@karenmckersie2239]

I'm curious what is the water like in Hawaii?! We would love to do the cruise from Vancouver, Hawaiian islands 5 days them it goes 5 days at sea up to Alaska 16 days trip. But we have also never traveled before...it sets sail in June on the Norwegian Sun. And like your cruise goes to 4 islands I believe... just curious if it's worth it...thanks! ❤🚢🚢🚢🚢

[@barnessharmain1]

Thanks for this. Try the Virgin Voyages cruise with no children. All restaurants are included and extremely good. Carnival is good too, I enjoy going to different states to try different Ports to leave from and Carnival is the most affordable and if you have children they have great kid programs.

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

We will take a look into them. Thank you!

[@susanjackson8066]

Irons and steamers not allowed. I’m surprised it wasn’t noticed and taken from you.

[@TheOriginalMarimoChan]

New to your channel here. Like the content but found the picture-in-picture distracting. I'd much prefer to hear you and your SO's narratives over the scenery than having to look down to the bottom right corner to see you both talking. Thinking of doing this cruise, and I live here! Mahalo.

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

Thanks for the feedback! We have been playing around with how we format our videos and have started to do things that way to make it easier to watch.

[@sandiperkey7665]

Don’t go on Royal Caribbean, they have changed their cruises to accommodate families with kids and parents pretty much just let the kids go loose. It was horrible, lots of kids eating ice cream in pools, and probably doing the urinating. This line used to be really nice but they have changed dramatically. Food is crappy unless you go to specialty restaurants

[@sctexan5392]

This isn't a cruise for a parting crowd, it is a destination cruise. If you are not into seeing Hawaii and that's all, it's not for you you're the first I've ever heard that got sea sick, better not go to Australia and Sail the Tasman Sea, you'll need hospitalization. IMO, food is okay, the entertainment we had when we took the cruise was okay and the ship in general was okay. Expensive, yes, but it is because it has to be American flagged and meet US regulations and pay. That makes it more expensive to operate.

[@chrischen9126]

Do you need to bring passport when onboarding or just any government ID?

[@alive4082]

😂

[@aaronl439]

depends if you're an international visitor..if you live in the states, you don't need a passport

[@noxproductions6851]

The Pride of America may not have been the best example of a cruise for a first cruise. It would set the expectation that most cruise, especially in the NCL brand, are like it and that isn't the case as it is the only cruise ship in the world allowed to fly the American flag, the only one allowed to directly port in Hawaii, and is entirely crewed by Americans.(its price also reflects that fact XD) 7:05 did the kid pee or poo in the pool? either way GROSS!

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

We both felt that it probably wasn't the best example of a cruise. We do plan on going on other cruises NCL has and fully exploring what they offer. Are there any you would recommend? We are not sure which...but agreed GROSS! - Natalie

[@noxproductions6851]

@LoveTheAdventureChannel If you were to stay in the NCL brand, I would say the Prima. Personally I am not a big fan of the nickle and diming of NCL. Celebrity is a good brand if you enjoy comfort and not seeing as many children's, Royal is great for its number of things to do on its ships and huge selection of destinations, Carnival is great for a budget and if you have children, Disney is good to try at least once, maybe JUST once. Lastly MSC is good it you on a tight budget.

[@michellevincent8338]

Never happened on our cruise and the pool was well enjoyed . Also there was. Hawaiian themed night on our cruise

[@michellevincent8338]

U also got a T-shirt I support of Lahaina after the wildfires the funds lso supports the people and rebuîlding I think it was $25

[@michellevincent8338]

Wait til round 7 pm .. there was no one on te Hortons, when I went there …

[@CommanderXED]

Norwegian cruises to the Caribbean.

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

We'll take a look into those!

[@davidpeebles430]

You are not allowed to have steamers on cruises.

[@noxproductions6851]

You're not allowed to have anything that has a heating element, steamer included.

[@TheHiducky]

It’s stated in the brochure not to bring a n iron or steamer. Some people don’t read the rules then complain.

[@SandraHernandez-mz7um]

NCL Pride of America is a crappy ship and the most expensive ship I believe in Norwegian has. This ship is only good for taking you to see the islands every day is a port day. Excursions at the ship offers are very expensive compared to what you can do on land on your own. The state room they offer are nothing special and extremely overpriced. I believe it is due to it being a United States flag ship and US crew but there’s other way to see the islands on a cruise ship that are much nicer, cruise ships and much better food options, the food in the main dining room is average at best. The buffet is OK except the breakfast is the same food all week. There’s only one 24 hour free restaurant open Cagneys, which is good. I never spent much time doing any other activities on the ship because there was really nothing that interest me. NCL make some incredible ships. Unfortunately, this one is nowhere near as nice their other ships.

[@dianeribaudo956]

This are the only cruise that sails from Hawaii. You don’t have to spend days at sea sailing from the West coast and back.

[@NO1sFUEL]

Anyone can I do 1/2 cruise either from Hawaii to LA or the opposite direction We're not looking for "round trip" Or any other 1 ways? Just looking for the SeaTime we have family in Hawaii We want the cruise cruise at sea experience

[@susanjackson8066]

What’s an ABC store.

[@jerseycatmews828]

Retail store chain located only in Hawaii. They sell food, clothing, sunblock, beach items, souvenirs

[@beatricem7224]

Steamers aren’t allowed on ships

[@blissfuljoy6049]

I don't know if you are using a catfish type lense but please change it for your upcoming cruise tours. It's hard to watch. I like the information 👍

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

Thank you for the feedback. We purchased a 360 degree action camera for this trip and were still getting used to shooting and reframing with it. The issue should be fixed for future content. we hope you subscribe!

[@bayousbambino427]

Did you mean, "things that aren't French, like escargot", as in, escargot is one of the non-French things? Or, "things that aren't French, like escargot", as in, escargot is an example of the French things there are non-French alternatives to? Because escargot _is_ French. On a different subject, I've looked at this cruise. I was put off of it forever by two things: First, the ship decor is hideous. It looks like an American child's drawing for Independence Day. As a non-American, I couldn't stand a week of living inside that. Well, seven nights inside that. Which brings me to my second point: the fares are ludicrously high, despite one spending all day, every day, off the ship, which, as you note, means spending _more_ money on shore. I want to cruise Hawaii. But, it will be with another line. Princess does an amazing cruise out of Los Angeles to Mexico, Hawaii, French Polynesia, and Samoa, ending in New Zealand. It's almost a month for less than a week on _Pride of America_ .

[@4daloveofcruising]

No disrespect....but that ship is horrible. Maybe it's do to the fact that we have been on much larger and cleaner ships. We had to tell ourselves everyday that this cruise was about the destination...NOT THE SHIP!!! the food service was horrible. The crew always looked unkept. Meaning....shirts untucked, clothing not ironed, just not maintained. The show was average at best. I can go on..lol We went Hawaii in 2024. We hit all the islands and it was spectacular. we have decided that we will give NCL one more try on a larger, newer ship before we cancel them. JUST OUR OPINION!!!

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

We completely agree with you! We were there in April of this year. We are currently living in Florida and want to do another cruise that goes out from here. Do you have any recommendations?

[@4daloveofcruising]

@@LoveTheAdventureChannel tbh..we are RCL fans. Although, we have given other cruise lines a chance. With you living in Florida, your choices are endless. Do a little research and take a chance. That's basically what we do. 👍

[@basemmohamed7323]

Why ncl dont replace this old ship with new one for this route ?

[@alive4082]

If it works and makes money why replace it?

[@4daloveofcruising]

To bayousbambino427.... people must reply that way do to the fact the other feel that we can not express our OWN OPINIONS and that those people feel like they are always right and their personal opinion is LAW!!

[@murrayeaton]

Is this a paid review? The comp food was absolutely terrible on this ship! Every dinner meal was dry in the main hall so we gave up after the 2nd night and went for the buffet which was less terrible (but still not good) or specialty dining. You need to do ANY other cruise and you'll see what cruise dining is meant to be like! Nothing like the disappointment of this ship.

[@LoveTheAdventureChannel]

No, this is not a paid review. We fully plan on exploring other cruises to see what they are like. Neither of us felt this was a good example of what a cruise has to offer.

[@robertkahro4565]

I only see two pumps in the shower. Does that mean you're packing your own conditioner like Carnival? BTW - if you are swaying on land AFTER getting off a ship, you have MDDS. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mal_de_debarquement - I used to suffer from this on smaller ships as well.