Pride of America vs. stay in Oahu

[MOcruiserman]

My wife has a very important birthday coming up in March 2016 and we'd like to commemorate it by visiting Hawaii (our first visit).

 

Two must-sees are the Pearl Harbor memorial in Oahu and the Kilauea volcano on the big island. One option we have is to stay in a hotel in Oahu and take an excursion to view the volcano.

 

Another option is to take the NCL Pride of America cruise and see Oahu, the big island, Maui and Kauai. All things being equal we'd prefer the Pride of America because we'd get to see Maui and Kauai. But the POA is pretty expensive, even if you get an interior stateroom (which we probably would). Is the extra expense of the cruise worth it?

[Freehike]

I'll let you know in 3 weeks!

 

Seriously, I think it depends on the price you can get the cruise for. Inside rooms for our sailing are $899 pp right now. Factor in food and entertainment that we get on the ship, plus being able to see the other islands as well, I don't think you can beat it.

 

Hilton Hawaiian Village that same week is $200 and up per night, plus taxes and resort fees. 7 nights there for us would be almost as much as cost of the cruise, and that doesn't include food and such.

 

 

 

 

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[CruiserBruce]

If you read on the board you will see the common recommendation that the best way to see Hawaii is a land tour, not a cruise.

 

You have to look at your goals and abilities. I would think if this likely the only time you will be in Hawaii, take the cruise. But if you can go a couple of times, spending 4 or 5 days on two different islands ech trip, you will see more of Hawaii, and appreciate things more.

 

Note- we have been to Hawaii 25 times, give or take.

[poolreader]

I have been to Hawaii several times for a land trip. The first time I saw three different islands and stayed in some very nice places due to relatives that lived and worked there. One time I stayed in some nice condos, because I worked for the company the owned them. I stayed in very nice time shares on another trip. I have taken 2 cruises to Hawaii.

I enjoyed the cruises much more. Day time in Hawaii is great, but other than a Luau the nights were very boring. It was probably the places I stayed, ,but in order to do anything in the evening you had to get a car to drive around, you could not enjoy a drink because you were driving, and when it is dark it looks the same as home.

On a cruise you have the opportunity to travel around the island during the day and early evening, but then at night you have entertainment, dining and drinking (without having to drive).

For me this is more relaxing and exciting, unless you have big bucks to stay in places like Kona Village, or hire people to drive you around and try to find something to do at night. Plus there are no casinos on the islands.

[MOcruiserman]

I'll let you know in 3 weeks!

 

Seriously, I think it depends on the price you can get the cruise for. Inside rooms for our sailing are $899 pp right now.

 

$899??? The NCL website says the cruise is $899 for October 2014 but $1699 for March 2016 when we want to go! Why the huge price disparity?

[Dreamer115]

I cruised to Hawaii last year and it was amazing. We are flying there this year to see more than last year. I would not change what we did last year at all. The only thing I can say is try and get a balcony. Try and change your time going if you have too. It is amazing to have a balcony to sit on and enjoy especially in the morning have breakfast out there. Now I wish i was cruising again this year. Oh well. Next year. :D:):D

[Freehike]

$899??? The NCL website says the cruise is $899 for October 2014 but $1699 for March 2016 when we want to go! Why the huge price disparity?

 

Price gets cheaper as it gets closer usually, as they try to sell out the leftover cabins.

 

Our cabin was, at one point this summer, almost $1000 more pp than what we paid back in January. All of that is gone now and it's even cheaper now than it was when we booked. I called them last week and got bumped up from the worst balcony-class room to the best, for free.

 

 

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[punkincc]

My wife has a very important birthday coming up in March 2016 and we'd like to commemorate it by visiting Hawaii (our first visit).

 

Two must-sees are the Pearl Harbor memorial in Oahu and the Kilauea volcano on the big island. One option we have is to stay in a hotel in Oahu and take an excursion to view the volcano.

 

Another option is to take the NCL Pride of America cruise and see Oahu, the big island, Maui and Kauai. All things being equal we'd prefer the Pride of America because we'd get to see Maui and Kauai. But the POA is pretty expensive, even if you get an interior stateroom (which we probably would). Is the extra expense of the cruise worth it?

 

We recently did the POA 15 years after doing a 7 day land vacation to Maui and Kauai. The land vacation was nice, but it took us 15 years to get back to see the other islands. And we wasted the bigger part of two or three days on that land trip flying inter island, not to mention the added air expense. Yes, you will see many people say you will see more on a land vacation, ( mostly those who have never cruised the POA, IMO ) but I don't buy that. We saw just as much in Maui and Kauai with the overnights as we did on the land vacation.

 

Yes, the cruise is expensive, but have you priced out a land vacation and factored in hotel and food costs vs the cruise? We tacked on an extra 6 nights after the POA to see Oahu. The least expensive place we stayed was $250 per night, and that was an apartment in a home overlooking Kanohe Bay. Three nights at Turtle Bay on the Northshore cost us $1,482 pre tax. We did buy some groceries so we did not have to eat out every meal. A good rule of thumb in Hawaii is to figure an average of $5 for every item you put in your grocery cart no matter how small or insignificant. It adds up fast. Two breakfast buffets at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, $58. Figure on $100 to $200 for dinner for two at a nice restaurant, $50 to $60 for lunch.

 

I am already plotting my next Hawaii adventure, and I think I would do exactly the same, cruise the POA ( there is SO much to see and do ) and then choose an island to vist post cruise for some extra R & R. Maybe the big island next time.;)

[kapoho2]

cruisernewbieman....the price difference is due to several different things. Sometimes prices do get a bit lower as the cruise date gets nearer if they have empty cabins to sell. But, probably, the biggest reason is that March is usually a spring break time and an expensive time to travel. If kids are out of school....prices get higher. That is why October usually prices well....the kids are in school. Perhaps you could adjust your month to cruise accordingly. Check when Easter falls in 2016. April and May....after spring break, but before summer. are great times to cruise and usually offer better prices.

[fendbass]

but, you are aware that Kiluea is on the Big Island, not Oahu?

 

If seeing several islands, and you may never get back, a cruise is the way to go. You get a taste of each island, and a place to eat and sleep every night, plus,. you avoid all of that airport nonsense

 

Also, if you can afford it, I wouldn't go cheap with an Inside cabin. There is so much to see. I guess after my first Hawaii cruise, I became a balcony snob

[MOcruiserman]

Thanks, everyone. Most people who've responded suggest the cruise. Also I spoke to a friend who took the cruise last year and loved it. And today I heard from my travel agent who took the cruise a few years ago and had a great time.

[punkincc]

Thanks, everyone. Most people who've responded suggest the cruise. Also I spoke to a friend who took the cruise last year and loved it. And today I heard from my travel agent who took the cruise a few years ago and had a great time.

 

We booked 18 months in advance with a TA and got a great rate for an aft facing balcony. Although we enjoyed the balcony it was probably an unnecessary expense for us. You are off the ship most of the time, and there is not a lot of scenic cruising time between the islands. You will not miss that much by having an inside cabin if that is what it takes to fit your budget. There are so many places on the ship to enjoy the view other than your own balcony. If you find a good rate, don't be afraid to book it. If prices fall before sail date or a good promo becomes available, your TA should be able to get it for you, and there may be a good chance you can upgrade your cabin for free or very little if prices drop before sail date. Jan Feb March will be more expensive, but the whales are there then. I really missed them when we sailed in August.

 

I hope you can make it happen.

[Hlitner]

We think there are some places that are perfect to see on a cruise, and others that are worthy of a land trip. Hawaii falls into the latter as a cruise is just too limiting in terms of time to see and enjoy the islands. However, of all the major Hawaiian islands we put Oahu at the far bottom of the list. Kauai is certainly the most exotic (and some would say beautiful), Hawaii is big with some interesting places to see, and Maui (our favorite island) is a little of everything. But we find Oahu too crowded, Honolulu just another large city, the beaches nothing to shout about, etc. If one is a surfer then the North Shore of Oahu is certainly where to go (in the winter) but otherwise we prefer to avoid the island in favor of the others.

 

Hank

[punkincc]

We think there are some places that are perfect to see on a cruise, and others that are worthy of a land trip. Hawaii falls into the latter as a cruise is just too limiting in terms of time to see and enjoy the islands. However, of all the major Hawaiian islands we put Oahu at the far bottom of the list. Kauai is certainly the most exotic (and some would say beautiful), Hawaii is big with some interesting places to see, and Maui (our favorite island) is a little of everything. But we find Oahu too crowded, Honolulu just another large city, the beaches nothing to shout about, etc. If one is a surfer then the North Shore of Oahu is certainly where to go (in the winter) but otherwise we prefer to avoid the island in favor of the others.

 

Hank

 

 

Have you cruised on the POA? We have done both land and cruise vacations in Hawaii and prefer a combination of both when at all possible, but if I had to pick one, it would be the cruise.

 

I have to strongly disagree with you about Oahu. We chose Oahu for a 6 day add on after our cruise as we had never seen anything of the island aside from Waikiki. I agree Waikiki is crowded, but the Northshore area and especially the Windward Coast, definitely not!

 

We split our 6 days between the Turtle Bay area on the north side and the Windward coast along Kaneohe Bay. Many gorgeous beaches on the Northshore as well as beautiful Waimea Valley.

 

As you continue around toward the eastern, or Windward Coast, you pass through many small town communities. No high rise hotels here (on either the Northshore or windward coasts). Just the trade winds across some of the most beautiful, sometimes deserted beaches I saw anywhere in the islands. The road hugs the water, and you have ocean and beautiful Kaneohe Bay on one side, and the spectacular Koolau Mountain range on the other side. Truly one of the most beautiful and spectacular areas I have ever seen. We spent a lot of time touring at the Kualoa Ranch, which sits between the mountain and the sea and is the site where many movies have been filmed.

 

So don't write off Oahu. It has a little of everything. The nightlife and beauty of Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, the surf and beauty of the Northshore, and the peace and spectacular beauty of the Windward Coast.

[dalgirl]

I think a cruise for your first time in Hawaii is a good idea. Although POA is not one of my favorite NCL ships, it does hit the high spots (overnight in Maui and Kauai). Look at it as an inexpensive way to sleep and eat while touring the islands. After taking the week cruise we now know where we want to spend our time when we return (for us Kauai). And we rented cars on every island so that we had the freedom to go where and when we chose - and it is cheaper to rent a car than to buy expensive excursions, although my DH did take a dive trip with the ship.

[MOcruiserman]

Although POA is not one of my favorite NCL ships

 

I'm curious why the Pride of America is not one of your favorite NCL ships? From what I can tell from photos and videos, it looks like a beautiful ship.

 

Which NCL ships do you like better?

[punkincc]

I'm curious why the Pride of America is not one of your favorite NCL ships? From what I can tell from photos and videos, it looks like a beautiful ship.

 

Which NCL ships do you like better?

 

Not dalgirl, but speaking for myself after 7 cruises with NCL on 7 different ships, the POA is a different cruise experience much the same way that an Alaskan cruise is different. The port intensive itinerary and seeing as much of Hawaii as can be squeezed in is the focus for most. On some itineraries, the ship itself is the destination, for instance the Getaway or the Epic. All those bells and whistles would be wasted on a Hawaiian cruise, IMO, because we would be too exhausted to enjoy them.

 

Non stop touring and very long days ashore leave very little time for enjoying the ship. We saw not a single show and did not miss that in the least. The POA is the ONLY US flagged ship and has a mostly American crew. This is a turn off to some people who say the service is lacking in comparison to the other ships which have a mostly Filipino crew. Although we love the vibe with the crew on the rest of the fleet, and yes there was a subtle difference on the POA, honestly, the service was just fine. The ship is clean and beautiful. We ate in three specialties and the food was excellent. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat.

[dalgirl]

I'm curious why the Pride of America is not one of your favorite NCL ships? From what I can tell from photos and videos, it looks like a beautiful ship.

 

Which NCL ships do you like better?

 

We have taken 15 NCL cruises and have been on most of the ships - just missing the Star (next Sept.) and the Spirit (in the future). So I have a lot of experience to compare it to.

 

The POA is one of the older ships without a spa (I have issues, so this is important to me - not a deal breaker, but important). It took almost the whole week to find the small shops in the AFT with the computers and the coffee café. As an older ship it was in the process of being refurbished, but that was mostly to add more cabins and not to update the existing ones. Our room was actually dusty from all the construction which I am sure is now complete. I prefer a bath with a shower door, not a curtain, etc. I know, picky, picky, but there it is. And hate to say it, but it took me all week to get used to the American crew. They aren't rude by any means, but they really aren't very friendly. I love my people, but....

 

I also don't like the Sun for the same reason, but I am cruising on it next year in South America and I don't care for the Jade - sister ship to the POA - which I have also cruised on several times in Europe. A ship will not stop me from going where I want to go, I just roll with it. As for the Sky: short trips only good for a quick, cheap getaway. They really should sell it. People taking this ship as their first NCL cruise may never return;)

 

My favorite NCL ships for JUST the ship experience are the newest Getaway and Breakaway (love the spa, baths and the Waterfront), the newer jewel class ships: Pearl, Gem and Jewell and I have a soft spot for the Dawn, our first NCL cruise. When we cruised, very well maintained.

 

Now the Epic is a "special" ship, that we have enjoyed for the entertainment and for uniqueness, but those bathrooms....

 

We will be on our first X cruise in April on the Millennium and it is getting some less than stellar reviews, but it is going where I am going, so I expect to have a great time.

 

If the itinerary is right, the ship will be fine in my book.

[cb at sea]

Staying on land will give you MUCH more time to explore... vs. a few hours at a time....and your hotel will be MUCH more comfortable than a ship's cabin.

 

I think Hawaii is best visited on a land vacation!

[Cruisin' Chick]

My first two times in Hawaii were on land trips (including our honeymoon) so our three cruises to Hawaii after that were for the benefit of our daughter who had never been (she was 8,13 and 15 on the cruises). But we took a different way of cruising, going on Princess out of LA. Since we live an hour's drive from the port, we don't have to book a hotel or flight so we were saving $$$$. And Princess makes it a Hawaiian cultural experience, which is why many people have repeated this cruise many times (even more than us). The sea days are full of activities and you do get the time in Hawaii, which for us is topping on the ice cream sundae.

 

If you haven't been to Hawaii, this cruise will give you an idea of which islands to visit more in depth on a longer stay. In the meantime, there's hula classes, uke classes, talks about Hawaii, and if you're lucky, live music from Elua.

 

And the cost of a two-week cruise will be much less than double an one-week on POA. We have been going during the holiday season (we have a school-aged kid). Doing quick mock bookings for the holiday cruises in 2015 on both lines...the price for the type of cabin we would get...about the same, but remember we're talking a 7 day vs a two week cruise. So Princess can be a much better value.

[Ohana Travel]

My wife has a very important birthday coming up in March 2016 and we'd like to commemorate it by visiting Hawaii (our first visit).

 

Two must-sees are the Pearl Harbor memorial in Oahu and the Kilauea volcano on the big island. One option we have is to stay in a hotel in Oahu and take an excursion to view the volcano.

 

Another option is to take the NCL Pride of America cruise and see Oahu, the big island, Maui and Kauai. All things being equal we'd prefer the Pride of America because we'd get to see Maui and Kauai. But the POA is pretty expensive, even if you get an interior stateroom (which we probably would). Is the extra expense of the cruise worth it?

 

a local friend just did the cruise and loved it. and cost wise, it is a great deal to see a bit of each island. no airfare between islands and meals are included. but keep in mind that's only while you're actually on the ship. while exploring you will need to pay Hawaii's high prices for everything.

 

if the volcano is what is important, I highly recommend staying on the big island for more time than the cruise ship will offer. there is so much to see and explore just in volcano national park that more than one day can easily be spent enjoying the beauty. then there's the rest of the island.

 

as everyone has stated, Hawaii is EXPENSIVE. hotels are ridiculously overpriced, traffic and parking on Oahu is crazy (add $20-$40 per day to park at your hotel) and people are always shocked at the food prices. the $5 per item mentioned by someone is a great rough guess - a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread will cost you $5+.... and the big island is even more expensive.

 

as someone else stated, there isn't much night life in Hawaii and it does look like any other city in the dark. except the volcano, if you are lucky you can watch rivers of lava come down the mountain which is only visible at night. the upside is you can explore all day and know that when you pass out early each night, you aren't missing much.

 

if you choose not to do the cruise, I highly recommend looking in to lodging other than hotels. there are many rentals that will give you an entire house for the price of a room with a couple beds in Waikiki.

 

based on the little bit you mentioned, I would fly in to Oahu, spend a night at an airport hotel. leave your luggage at the hotel. tour Pearl Harbor (book it in advance). stop for your luggage at the hotel and fly to the big island. you can book a cabin in volcano park. or you can stay in hilo or kona. both are about the same distance from the volcano and it will be a bit of a drive to get there. hilo is a bit more expensive but is on the prettier side of the island. for this trip I would rule out staying in waimea - too far from the volcano.

 

no matter what you do it will be more expensive than you expect it to be. I am guessing that if you do the cruise, you will want to come back and see more next time. Since you are coming for your wife's birthday, changing dates doesn't seem like an option - perhaps land trip this time and cruise at a more inexpensive time next time?

 

know that no matter when you come, Hawaii is expensive and you will want to come back.

[Cruise Junky]

 

I have to strongly disagree with you about Oahu. We chose Oahu for a 6 day add on after our cruise as we had never seen anything of the island aside from Waikiki. I agree Waikiki is crowded, but the Northshore area and especially the Windward Coast, definitely not!

 

We split our 6 days between the Turtle Bay area on the north side and the Windward coast along Kaneohe Bay. Many gorgeous beaches on the Northshore as well as beautiful Waimea Valley.

 

As you continue around toward the eastern, or Windward Coast, you pass through many small town communities. No high rise hotels here (on either the Northshore or windward coasts). Just the trade winds across some of the most beautiful, sometimes deserted beaches I saw anywhere in the islands. The road hugs the water, and you have ocean and beautiful Kaneohe Bay on one side, and the spectacular Koolau Mountain range on the other side. Truly one of the most beautiful and spectacular areas I have ever seen. We spent a lot of time touring at the Kualoa Ranch, which sits between the mountain and the sea and is the site where many movies have been filmed.

 

So don't write off Oahu. It has a little of everything. The nightlife and beauty of Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, the surf and beauty of the Northshore, and the peace and spectacular beauty of the Windward Coast.

 

Totally agree with this post. We've been at turtle bay for 6 nights right now and have 8 left. We absolutely LOVE it. So much to see and do and the beaches are fantastic. My 2 weeks up here in a 800 sq ft condo overlooking the golf course is pretty darn reasonable.

[earlbird]

Did the POA in September along with the NCL pre-cruise package - it was great.

Edited December 27, 2014 by earlbird

[KollaCruise]

 

The POA is one of the older ships without a spa

 

And hate to say it, but it took me all week to get used to the American crew. They aren't rude by any means, but they really aren't very friendly.

 

....cruising this ship as their first NCL cruise may never return;)

 

If the itinerary is right, the ship will be fine in my book.

 

We just got off the POA and it was our 1st NCL cruise, having done 9 other cruises in the last 8 years.

 

The ship is in very good shape maintenance wise, I saw no wear and tear.

 

The American crew was wonderful. Before we sailed, I read all the bad reviews of these hard working crew and what I experienced was friendliness, helpfullness and making us feel special onboard.

 

We fell in love with NCL and I will sail them in a heart beat again in the near future. NCL has a lot going for them compared to other lines and ships.