Although NCL Pride of America was a disappointment (price/food/service below par), still the best way to see the islands (from a cost point of view).
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Friendly and helpful
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Food and drinks were below average. Many restaurants & bars were closed due to reduced staff and passengers (1,100 passengers/550 staff). Only one main complimentary dining room was open and had to wait in long lines. Could not eat several meals served (tough meat). Specialty restaurants were limited and hard to get a reservation. Buffet was adequate but overcrowded. No bar wait staff, had to walk up to the bar to get a drink. Drinks were low quality and difficult to get.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
There wasn't much to do on the ship other than basketball, chess and the pools.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
Entertainment was limited and below average. We found the entertainers were more amateurs than professionals.
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
Wait staff at shows, pool areas and bars were non-existent, had to wait in line at the bar to get a drink.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Ship cleanliness was fine, ship has some sloppy paint issues around the windows and rusty/bent ceiling panels in the pool bar areas.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Cabin was decent size and was clean. Service was limited. No turning down the sheets at night and no sheet changes unless requested.
Ship tip
Although the price for the cruise is twice as expensive as it should be, it's the best way to see the islands.
We did the mountain bike ride. This was rated activity level-2 (should be level-3). It was a 22-mile downhill ride sharing the road with cars. Although I enjoyed it, it may not be for everyone.
Our favorite port, water was beautiful. We did the local "hop on-hop off" trolley ($20 per person). This is a good way to see the area without breaking the bank.
Also if you think of it for future cruises, spend more time eating on land, better food options for a better value on the dollars. You’re still allowed to eat in the cruise, despite the long lines. If you eat half way full on the islands and then eat on the cruise, you’ll find the lines not to be so bad as you’ve already had eaten, but can go for a second or third as if it was your first meal. Think of it as eating top dollar for the cruise, but on land at your port of call and while on the cruise munch on what you can often.
This is what you get when you are restricted with Covid protocols still at play on cruise lines. Expect that the cruise staff not to be at its best cause of the limitations that are placed on them by their managers. Instead be appreciated and thankful your going on a cruise during this Covid pandemic. We all are trying to deal with or get though these difficult times. Crew staff can’t say much about their personal situations, but all they want is you the guest to be satisfied with the service.
Sorry it wasn’t as good as you’d have like it to be during your cruise. Please don’t let this discourage you from cruising again.
I did this cruise in 2011 with my mother who had some mobility issues. I lived in Hawaii 1975-1978(husband was in the Navy) and never got to see any other island. We made arrangements for wheelchair assistance for boarding & debarkation at ports only. Service was great. Wheelchair was always there when it was needed. Food was great, only ate at one specialty restaurant for my birthday. Great entertainment. This was my first cruise so I did not know to look for flaws. I was looking for and got a wonderful vacation.
Even in 2013 with a rather full sailing I found the service lesser on this ship and noticed more wear and tear than others, but agree it’s a wonderful itinerary and would still do it again!
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
