An Unforgettable Experience Aboard the Pride of America!
Pride of America Cruise Review to Hawaii
Contributor Level:
Third Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 4
Helpful Votes: 57
7 Night Hawaii (Honolulu Roundtrip)
Sail date: August 31, 2024
Ship: Pride of America
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 10082
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 3 months ago
Review summary
I can confidently say that this was one of the best cruise experiences I've ever had! While some reviews may point out the ship's age, I can assure you that the Pride of America is in fantastic condition following its 2022 refurbishment. The ship looks fresh and vibrant, with updated decor and facilities that feel modern and comfortable. Any concerns about its age should be completely disregarded. This cruise offers a unique experience compared to other 7-night sailings. Yes, it may lack the vast entertainment options you might find on some other ships, but that's not the point of this cruise. Pride of America is a "Floating Hotel," providing you with an exceptional way to see and explore the stunning Hawaiian Islands. The focus is on the destinations, and this ship provides the perfect, comfortable means of travel between them. The food quality on the Pride of America blew me away. It was far superior to any post-COVID cruise I've taken with Royal Caribbean or even Disney Cruise Lines. Every meal was delicious, fresh, and creatively presented, with a wide variety of options to please all palates. The dining experiences were consistently outstanding, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure every meal was memorable. Speaking of the staff, they were simply incredible. From the moment we boarded to the final farewell, the crew was attentive, friendly, and genuinely eager to make our cruise special. They were also impressively well-staffed compared to my recent experiences with other cruise lines, where staff shortages were noticeable. The crew on the Pride of America made us feel welcomed and cared for, ensuring our vacation was seamless and stress-free. If you're looking for an amazing way to explore the Hawaiian Islands, I wholeheartedly recommend the Pride of America. This ship exceeded my expectations in every way, offering great service, superb dining, and a unique focus on the beauty and culture of Hawaii. Don't hesitate to book this cruise – it's an experience you won't regret!Embarkation
Embarkation on the Pride of America was smooth and efficient. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcomed and guided us seamlessly through the boarding process. The check-in lines moved quickly, and we were on the ship enjoying the start of our Hawaiian adventure in no time. It was one of the easiest and most organized embarkations I’ve experienced!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The food on the Pride of America was simply outstanding. The quality and variety blew away any post-COVID cruise I’ve taken with Royal Caribbean or even Disney Cruise Lines. Every meal was delicious, fresh, and creatively presented, with a wide range of options to satisfy any palate. Whether dining in the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, or even at the buffet, the food consistently exceeded expectations. The bars also offered an impressive selection of drinks, with bartenders who were not only skilled but also genuinely friendly and engaging.
Onboard Activities
The Pride of America offers a selection of onboard activities, but it’s important to remember that this ship is designed more as a "Floating Hotel" to get you between the Hawaiian Islands rather than a traditional cruise focused on endless onboard entertainment. There are still plenty of options to keep you engaged, from educational talks about the islands to cultural activities, poolside fun, and a well-equipped gym. However, the real highlight is the time spent on the islands themselves.
Entertainment
While entertainment is not as extensive as on other ships, this is by design. Pride of America is all about the destination — Hawaii! The entertainment that was available, like live music and themed events, was enjoyable, but the focus of this cruise is on the breathtaking scenery, excursions, and experiences available at each port. If you’re looking for Broadway-style shows every night, this may not be the cruise for you, but if you’re here for Hawaii, you won’t miss a thing!
Service and Staff
The service on this ship was phenomenal. The crew was attentive, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to make our experience memorable. They were impressively well-staffed compared to my recent experiences on other cruise lines, where staff shortages were noticeable. Every member of the team seemed genuinely happy to be there and eager to help, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the entire voyage.
Ship Quality
Despite the Pride of America's age, the ship is in fantastic condition following its 2022 refurbishment. Everything feels fresh, modern, and comfortable. The decor is tastefully done, and the ship is impeccably clean. Public areas are well-maintained, and it’s clear that the crew takes great pride in keeping the ship looking its best. You’d never guess it’s nearly 20 years old — it feels like new!
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
If you're looking for an amazing way to explore the Hawaiian Islands, I wholeheartedly recommend the Pride of America. This ship exceeded my expectations in every way, offering superb service, excellent dining, and a unique focus on the beauty and culture of Hawaii. Don’t let concerns about its age or the lack of traditional cruise entertainment deter you — the Pride of America is a fantastic choice for those seeking an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure!
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Ports of call
I had the honor of visiting Pearl Harbor, a place that holds a special significance for anyone who has worn the uniform. Standing on those hallowed grounds, I felt the weight of history and the deep sense of sacrifice made by so many. As taps played, I couldn't help but tear up, thinking of the courage and commitment of the men and women who gave their lives that day. It was a powerful reminder of what it means to serve and to protect the freedoms we hold dear. I’m grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects and honor their memory. It was an experience that I will carry with me always.
We recently had an unforgettable trip to Maui, where we rented a car and embarked on two incredible adventures. On the first day, we took on the famous Road to Hana, and it was absolutely worth the hype. The drive took about 8 hours round trip, but the breathtaking scenery along the way made every minute memorable. From lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls to dramatic coastal views, there was so much natural beauty to soak in. The winding roads kept things exciting, and having the freedom of a rental car made it easy to explore at my own pace. Though we had to stop every so often to allow our traveling companions to regain their composure!
The following day, we drove to the summit of the Haleakalā volcano, which was a completely different but equally stunning experience. Reaching the summit felt like being on another planet. The panoramic views from the top were simply amazing. The drive up was smooth, and the scenery changed from lush green to otherworldly as we ascended.
Renting a car in Maui made all the difference, giving is the freedom to explore these iconic sites without being on a schedule. If you’re planning a trip to Maui, I highly recommend both the Road to Hana and a drive up to Haleakalā. They’re two very different adventures, but each offers its own unique slice of paradise. I also recommend utilizing the Shaka app for your narrated guide, it’s definitely worth the money!
Our plans for our stop in Hilo took an unexpected turn, but it ended up being a fantastic day nonetheless! When we arrived this morning, we disembarked from our cruise ship and took an Uber to the airport, excited for our helicopter tour over the island. The itinerary included highlights like Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, and several other stunning sites.
However, as the time for our tour approached, a dense fog rolled in, reducing visibility to almost zero. To our surprise and delight, the tour operator didn’t try to push us into an experience that would have been disappointing. Instead, they gave us the option to reschedule or cancel without any hassle. Since we were only in Hilo for the day, we had to opt for the cancellation.
Luckily, we had a backup plan! We rented a car and drove to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ourselves, and it turned out to be an incredible adventure. The views were breathtaking, and we enjoyed every minute with our amazing friends. We even used the Shaka app for a guided narration along our route, which added a fun and informative element to the drive.
The best part? We saved over $1,500 by doing the trip this way, which we’ll put toward our next vacation! While our original plans didn’t work out, we ended up having an unforgettable experience in Hilo. Highly recommend having a flexible plan when exploring this beautiful island!