Fantastic cruise, but horrible NCL experience getting refund for credit

Pride of America Cruise Review to Hawaii

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 11

Overall rating:

2 out of 5
Pride of America

7 Night Hawaii (Honolulu Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 31, 2015

Ship: Pride of America

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8152

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

We had a wonderful time while cruising around the four large Hawaiian islands; however, dealing with NCL after the cruise ended was a nightmare. We had approximately $50 in refundable credit left in our account when the cruise ended.  We were told before we disembarked the cruise that the check for the credit would be sent to our home within two weeks.  When we hadn't gotten the check after two MONTHS, I called 1-866-625-1164 to inquire about the refund.  I was put on hold for 30 minutes while I waited to speak to someone.  I was told the check had been processed that day and it would be at my house the following week. The check did not arrive, so I waited for three more weeks, before calling again.  I was put on hold for 45 minutes before I was able to speak to anyone.  I was told the check would arrive in my mailbox within a week of my current phone call.  After waiting a total of three months since the end of our cruise, I called 1-866-625-9177 and waited on hold for 55 minutes before anyone answered my call.  I was told the check had been mailed to me, and I'd need to wait 30 more days.  If the check hasn't arrived within 30 days, I need to call again to NCL.  This is totally unacceptable public relations on the part of NCL.  They need to hire more customer service people to answer their phone calls immediately, and they need to be able to handle their credit refunds in a more efficient manner.  I won't book another cruise with NCL due to this problem.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
The queen bed was comfortable. The patio was adequate. The bathroom was small, but it worked for us. There was space under the bed to store our luggage. The desk was small, but it was adequate.

Ship tip

The crew on board was great. The people in guest services were very helpful. We loved the Freestyle Dining, since we didn't need to take an extra suitcase with formal clothing, shoes, jewelry, etc. The entertainment staff was very talented and friendly.

Ports of call

Honolulu, Oahu

5 out of 5

Kahului, Maui

5 out of 5

Hilo, Hawaii

5 out of 5

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

5 out of 5

Nawiliwili, Kauai

5 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 11

5 Comments

janice5    8 years ago

This is standard procedure for check replacement. They have to trace the check to make sure it was not cashed before replacement. Check that your address on file is correct. Have them check if the check was returned. Refunds can take s very long time to be issued.

pennpam    8 years ago

Geez, they sailed ten years ago. We just got back from the POA cruise and it was wonderful. The staff on the ship was wonderfully friendly without being dumb, food was plentiful, good quality and well prepared. Entertainment was good, but we did not see much of it as we were tired by the end of the day. We had absolutely no issues with anything on the Pride, in fact I would highly recommend it!

littlescraper    8 years ago

Well. Another wonderful review for Pride of America I would think people would leave from any other port besides Hawaii. Just to skip POA.. Sail over on another line and enjoy your awesome vacation.. It's worth adding a few days to your trip .

frazer519    8 years ago

I feel your pain with NCL! 10 years ago we took the Hawaiian cruise of the islands for our honeymoon and it was the worst cruise ever! It was my husband's first cruise and it was just horrible. Making the travel arrangements was just horrible...granted I booked not thru NCL so I take the blame for that. I was able to get beyond that. However, during check in going thru security my wallet was lifted! Yes it was lifted! My credit card was used on the other side of the island which we did not have access to because we flew from Maui to Oahu and had transfers from airport to port. Ship could not guide at all as to what to do. I asked them about filing a report and they told me I couldn't. Come to find out I should have because banks wanted to see the report. Our first night was the rockiest night and no one was prepared for it. No joke ppl were in the halls and leaning over the sides puking. I usually don't get sick but I could actually feel the boat moving and started to get queezy. The next morning we were given a speech of "ohh sorry it was a rough night last night and that was the rockiest channel". Dinners were just horrible in a sense of service. We purchased a beverage package and it wasn't until we got dessert our waiter remembered we asked for a beverage even after numerous reminders. One of the nights at dinner we were told they were super busy and we had to hurry up and order. We looked around and there wasn't a soul around. We were like whatever. We ate at one of the speciality restaurants (the French one) and it was the best meal on the ship. It also appeared as if the ship closed up early. Usually by 9 pm, the ship was dead. It really was a disappointed. This was my 3rd cruise so I knew it could have been better. I know this was an American registered ship so I really felt the service reflected that. After we were off, I sent NCL an email and told them how displeased we were about the cruise. They sent me a letter and told me how aorry they were and to enjoy the enclosed $500 voucher towards the next cruise. The kicker....no voucher enclosed. Needless to say, we will not be cruising with NCL again. After 10 years, we will be setting sail on RCL in 80 days!

lidomiddeck    8 years ago

Really looking forward to doing the Hawaiian cruise one day. If they are the only one to offer this cruise then 50 dollars isn't going to stop me. Lose more than that in an hour in the casino.

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