Pride of America Hawaiian Island First Time Cruiser

Item: Pride of America
Rating: 3.4
Author: susangardner

Pride of America Cruise Review to Hawaii

susangardner

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 53

Overall rating:

3.4 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Hawaii (Honolulu Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 30, 2017

Ship: Pride of America

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8704

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

This is the first cruise I have been on, and will probably be the last. I wasn't impressed enough to change my normal vacation style as the cost / value ratio was not inline with expectations.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Got great advice from the hotel I stayed at the night before, suggesting not to head over to the cruise until after 2pm. Even later would have been better as it took a while to get checked in.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

I was very disappointed with the food on the ship. I guess I expected more impressive options, flavors, presentations etc. The wait staff of most of the restaurants (Cagney's being the exception) all seemed overworked, tired, frustrated and simply not happy. Made our dining experiences a bit odd at times.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Very disappointed with the three SMALL pools and the hot tubs that were often out of order.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

As I mentioned, most waiters (Cagneys' being the exception) seemed very unhappy, and it made it slightly uncomfortable at times.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Three small pools for 2700 passengers is not sufficient.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

we had been told our balcony's between 8704 and 8702 were adjoining - they were not. The rooms were but not we were not able to share the balcony space, this was very disappointing.

Ship tip

Don't get on board until 3pm the first day- no point since many rooms weren't ready before that and it took a long time to get checked in when we arrived at 2pm.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Honolulu, Oahu

4 out of 5

Kahului, Maui

4 out of 5

Hilo, Hawaii

4 out of 5

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

4 out of 5

Nawiliwili, Kauai

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

way easier than I had expected.

21 Comments

66gt350ps 7 years ago

Good comments. We go to Las Vegas for casinos. Casinos on cruise ships are not regulated so forget slot machines. We enjoy cruise for the destinations and relaxing. Hawaii has lots of scenery and on shore experiences.

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majmom96 7 years ago

*POA

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majmom96 7 years ago

A lot also depends on whether your main focus is Hawaii or the cruise. I saw someone say the four days at sea were “wasted”. For those who prioritize the cruising over the destinations, those sea days are wonderful! It’s all a matter of personal preference. 🛳😊

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majmom96 7 years ago

And because of the reasons explained by @66, POS doesn’t have a casino either. Some people don’t realize this before they sail. So if you enjoy an evening (or two) in the casino, this would not be the cruise line for you. 😎

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66gt350ps 7 years ago

To fly to each cruise stop costs about as much as a basic cabin rate. Add hotels and meals and it can more than double or triple for a week.

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CentralFL 7 years ago

Someone else also mentioned that the cruise was cheaper than flying and staying in all those ports. Probably depends on cabin type too.

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66gt350ps 7 years ago

Absolutely the lowest cost way to see the various islands. The costco fly to each island, time in airports, meals, car rentals, hotels, etc. cost 2 to 3 times more. We know because we are from Hawaii. We visit friends and relatives at each port. It is estimated that about ten percent if those on each cruise are local residents.

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CentralFL 7 years ago

I've never been on this cruise but I would have to agree with you on the cost. For about half the cost I could cruise for 7 days in the Caribbean. I'm doing it for the experience of visiting Hawaii; probably easier than island hopping on my own. I think every cruise and cruise line I've been on the food gets to be the same. Menu never changes throughout the week. But POA is the only cruise that does the island tour. Other cruise from Vancouver, then you waste 4 days at sea. Good point about embarking later in the day.

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66gt350ps 7 years ago

POA cruise is set up for a casual cruise that focuses on all that Hawaii has to offer. No formal dinners, though you can dress up if you want, so no lugging lots of luggage to Hawaii. There are higher style cruises by NCL and other lines like Celebrity and Holland if that is what you are looking for. But POA is the only around the State of Hawaii cruise available. Others do pass through and stop at a couple of Hawaii ports.

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deepcman 7 years ago

US citizens don't need passports for a Caribbean cruise as long as you begin and end your cruise at a US port but heaven help you if you get stuck on an island and need to fly home.

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66gt350ps 7 years ago

Also POS has enough pools for its 1700 passengers. Crew has no pool use other than the pool volleyball match one afternoon wth passengers.

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66gt350ps 7 years ago

There is no casino due to Hawaii laws, not NCL. It is noted in the cruise description. But then only cruise without passport requirement for US citizens!

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flaming8 7 years ago

I've always told others that not every cruise line may fit your needs - try another one until you find that match. We have been cruising NCL for 10 years now and enjoy their ships. POA will be different for us but we have upgraded to a much better room - as once you go up you hate to go back. This cruise is for the ports and one on our bucket list. Will be doing our own road trips where possible and bypassing some of the high end excursions. Thanks for you feedback on this ship.

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majmom96 7 years ago

And because of the reasons explained by @66, POA doesn’t have a casino either. Some people don’t realize this before they sail. So if you enjoy an evening (or two) in the casino, this would not be the cruise for you. 😎

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66gt350ps 7 years ago

Not sure what you were expecting but we always enjoy POA around the islands. It is the only U.S. registered passenger ship so it is a US crew under US labor laws for work hours and benefits so it can visit all the Hawaii ports without going to a foreign one. All supplies of food, fuel, etc. have to come from 2500 miles so are more expensive. We get that but enjoy daily stops in a port and the scenic views in-between. More luxury on other NCL cruises that we have taken as they are foreign crew and closer to supplies at less cost. Try NCL to Alaska and Carribean.

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phil20261014 7 years ago

try celebrity line the best everything

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GIL155 7 years ago

Credit for trying. Hope your next adventure makes you happier.

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vickies79398715 7 years ago

I've been on numerous cruises and different cruise lines. POA was the worst ship, staff and service. As others have said, don't judge cruising by this ship. All others will be a step up!! Try again.

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CruiselineSarah 7 years ago

I agree also - if you ever want to try cruising again, just go with a different ship or line. I personally really like Norwegian, though I've never been on Pride of America.

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majmom96 7 years ago

I agree with @deepcman. Other lines/ships are much better!

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deepcman 7 years ago

You picked one of the worse ship's out there but the itinerary is great. That's a strange setup due to the Jones act. I suggest you try one more time perhaps on Royal Caribbean or Princess. Just my 2 cents worth

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