A mediocre cruise

Pride of America Cruise Review to Hawaii

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 18

Overall rating:

2 out of 5
Pride of America

Sail date: October 01, 2008

Ship: Pride of America

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 15 years ago

Review summary

Our cabin was roomy and clean except for a bathroom odor which stayed all week. During the week, we could hear much noise in our 10th deck cabin from the 11th deck above us from the staff working in the restaurants and cleaning and preparing for the next morning. This occurred all night into early morning. Overall ship was easy to move around in and was well maintained. We didn't think the extra expense for the specialty restaurants was worth the cost, even though the food was better than the non-reservation restaurants. The whole gratuity concept is alittle confusing compared to other cruises. Gratuity is added to all beverages(15%) and to the cover charges at the restaurants. The mandatory $10 per person is unfair and not being able to have the same wait staff takes away the option to reward their efforts. We don't like Freestyle Cruising.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5
Food quality was fair to poor. Did not experience a better quality compared to other cruises, even when dining in the specialty restaurants. Aloha Cafe is a buffet which was overcooked and held too long on warming trays. Cadillac Diner is too small and for a fast food concept, I've had better at local restaurants with drive thrus.

Entertainment

1 out of 5
The poor quality of the entertainment was a surprise. Our previous experience on cruises was of professional grade acts. The comedian and musical talent was amateurish.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5
The staff was efficient, but seemed to be going through the motions of just doing the job. Previous cruises made us feel very welcome and the focus of their attention. The shore excursions staff were not helpful and seemed alittle stressed. The restaurant staff were good but seemed to be overworked and shortstaffed. Our cabin steward was efficient and attentive, but was not a naturally friendly person.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
We enjoyed the ship, but remember, with the itinerary you basically sleep while cruising. Unless you choose to not go ashore, there isn't much to do. No casino, very little entertainment, small deck area compared to other ships.

Cabin / Stateroom

1 out of 5
We were happy with the size of the stateroom. But a bathroom odor and a persistent noise every night into early morning made the stateroom a challenge to enjoy. Poor quality TV, few channels and it's time to upgrade to flat screen. Would recommend paying attention to what is around your stateroom before booking, make sure the kitchen/dining rooms are not above your head.

Pros: Well maintained ship, good excursions, efficient on/off process

Cons: Freestyling, cabin issues, efficient but not attentive staff, poor entertainment,

Recommends Pride of America? Yes!

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