Freestyle Debaucle

Pride of Hawaii Cruise Review to Hawaii

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 28

Overall rating:

2 out of 5
Verified Review
Pride of Hawaii

7 Night Hawaii (Honolulu Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 18, 2007

Ship: Pride of Hawaii

Cabin type: Inside

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

The ship itself was satisfactory. The itinerary of the Hawaiian Islands worked very well. The problems lie not in the cruise itself, but in the management and staff of the ship. The freestyle design does not work well, the excursions are priced far above market price and are nearly impossible to book on the ship without standing in line for hours immediately upon arrival. The freestyle restaurant reservation experience is the same. Ridiculous booking times (must start taking reservations for that night at 7 a.m. and many are totally booked by 7:30 - unless you want to eat dinner at 9:30). Hosts are generally condescending and argumentative when asking for assistance - as are most of the concierge staff. It is obvious that this ship's management does not promote or reward good service by their staff. The staff is numbered well below where it needs to be, they seem to be overworked and unhappy for the most part. There were stars that shined occasionally, but they seemed to be few and far between. We had a great time as a family because of the time we shared together - 12 of us came together from all over the nation to celebrate our parents wedding anniversary. The fun times were all because of us being together, however, the ship did very little to contribute to the success of our celebration vacation.

Ports of call

Kahului, Maui

3 out of 5
No excursions planned on this tour. Took city bus to Lehaina for lunch and to see Hawaii's largest banyon tree.
Don't Miss: Lunch at Bubba Gump's is fun!

Hilo, Hawaii

3 out of 5
Despite the ridiculous price, we did enjoy the volcano/rainbow falls tour. We had a great tour driver and he accomodated my handicapped father very well. The volcanos were pretty cool as was the Rainbow Falls/Banyon Tree area. Mauna Loa was cool. Overall - a fun day, although pricey!
Don't Miss: Volcano Park

Nawiliwili, Kauai

5 out of 5
Great beach within walking distance of port. Spent two days surfing, kayaking and swimming there for free! Also took a helicopter ride with Air Kauai - call information for number. Fabulous price, great staff and spectacular once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Don't Miss: Helicopter ride with Air Kauai (company) - not a ship excursion

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

5 out of 5
Took the tenders into port and took the city bus to a snorkeling beach. It was amazing with sea turtles and fish galore. The best in my life!
Don't Miss: Snorkeling

Kahului, Maui

3 out of 5
No excursions planned on this tour. Took city bus to Lehaina for lunch and to see Hawaii's largest banyon tree.
Don't Miss: Lunch at Bubba Gump's is fun!

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

5 out of 5
Took the tenders into port and took the city bus to a snorkeling beach. It was amazing with sea turtles and fish galore. The best in my life!
Don't Miss: Snorkeling

Nawiliwili, Kauai

5 out of 5
Great beach within walking distance of port. Spent two days surfing, kayaking and swimming there for free! Also took a helicopter ride with Air Kauai - call information for number. Fabulous price, great staff and spectacular once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Don't Miss: Helicopter ride with Air Kauai (company) - not a ship excursion

Hilo, Hawaii

3 out of 5
Despite the ridiculous price, we did enjoy the volcano/rainbow falls tour. We had a great tour driver and he accomodated my handicapped father very well. The volcanos were pretty cool as was the Rainbow Falls/Banyon Tree area. Mauna Loa was cool. Overall - a fun day, although pricey!
Don't Miss: Volcano Park

Pros: The itinerary

Cons: The freestyle dining procedures

Recommends Pride of Hawaii? No.

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