Hawaii "shuttle" cruise

Item: Pride of America
Rating: 4.3
Author: 8battags

Pride of America Cruise Review to Hawaii

8battags

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 45

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

7 Night Hawaii (Honolulu Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 10, 2018

Ship: Pride of America

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

We had group of 10 so excursions were too expensive. We chose to pre reserve rental cars and do our own thing on each island. Pre-reserve rental cars with no cash or credit card. None of the ports offer free overnight parking for rental cars. Therefore if you keep a rental car overnight you either have to take it back to airport long term parking or pay for other parking closer if available. Some rental car companies offer ship to car rental shuttles. Some don't. Taxi's are available.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

We had 7 breakfasts and 7 suppers on the ship. One or two lunches. For the most part the selection and quality was good. The breakfast buffet biscuits (for biscuits and gravy) were like bricks every morning. We ordered spring rolls at the Asian Restaurant one evening. They looked deep fried but when we bit into them they were ice cold in the middle. There were 10 of us (4 children) and 3 different nights at least 3 adults did not want to continue eating the entree they ordered at the sit down restaurant with waiter. Fortunately the buffet was available to go to.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Since we were ported at different Hawaiian islands every day we got off ship everyday except the 2nd day on Kauai. On that day we babysat grandkids and used pool etc while their parents went ashore.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

We were too tired from going ashore and sightseeing (pre-rented vehicles at each port) to do anything in the evenings after supper. Plus once the ship left port (around 6 pm ish) the ocean waves were so big we only felt like laying down after 8 pm ish. So glad that 2 ports (Maui and Kauai) were overnight so at least those two nights were calm seas for sleeping.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

Our grandchildren (ages 11, 8, 3) loved the children's Splash Academy etc each evening.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

I only give it 4 stars because we have been on newer ships and remodeled ships that handle the high seas better and have better ship amenities. The cleanliness was excellent. I did notice some things on the ship that showed the ships age.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Ship tip

You'll be more rested after the cruise if you stay on the ship at least 2 of the days.

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

5 out of 5

Nawiliwili, Kauai

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

5 Comments

MountainMama08 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

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cruisellama 5 years ago

Thanks

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Ranfour 5 years ago

Did you or anyone know rent car at port of Kahului, Maui? Wondering distance to OGG airport to pick up rental car.

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66gt350ps 5 years ago

For first time Hawaii visitors you will miss so much that makes zHawaii unique and special besides beaches and waterfalls. Recommend small van tours first time for sightseeing and knowing safe beaches. Then rent vehicle on next trip to go to favorite places. More of the reliable excursions done through NCL, not third party. There are some rotten apples out there that take advantage of visitors. May be cheaper, but not as reliable. Experience talking.

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surfandsnorkel 5 years ago

Good advice

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Other reviews of this sailing

Cleanliness is horrible

Best vacation in my life! per 4 year old grandson