POA questions

[NOSaints1]

Just wondering about POA and if you know if you can book in CDN dollars? Is there enough space in an interior room, onboard activities, food/Dining, can you book airfare through NCL?

[ncshp955]

I don't know about the CDN dollars but most of the other questions can be found on the POA page of this site. In most cases you can book your airfare thru NCL. Here is the link to the POA page.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/norwegian/pride_of_america

[Freehike]

We had a standard balcony room and it was tiny. The bathroom was ridiculous it was so small.

 

That being said, there is so little cruise time on the POA that the room doesn't really matter. You are off the ship almost the entire time (or I hope you are...I can't imagine not getting off the ship while in port in Hawaii, but I guess it happens).

[NOSaints1]

How is the ship, do they have lots of Hawaiian activities, is there lots of pool area/Deck space?

[Budget Queen]

How is the ship, do they have lots of Hawaiian activities, is there lots of pool area/Deck space?

 

There are some Hawaiian activities, and they have had Hawaiian Ambassadors on board doing activities. BUT frankly, this is port intensive with fantastic opportunities OFF the ship. I haven't gone to a "program" yet, even after over 10 cruises. My priority is for where this ship takes me, Hawaii. :) So much to see and do. :)

[NOSaints1]

What's your favourite island/favourite activity to do?

[Obsessedwithplanning]

The pool and deck was about as expected for a ship this size.

 

There were activities on board, but as others said most of your time is spent on the islands. We did a few night shows but never made it to anything during the day.

 

The cruise director and ambassador both do a great job of teaching you about Hawaii during the cruise.

 

We sailed 8/8/15.

 

Our favorite island things were

Haleakala - Maui

Volcano National Park - Hilo

[NOSaints1]

One place I would love to visit is Pearl Harbour, did you find the cost worth it when you can sail from the mainland for more days and around the same cost? Never sailed on NCL only Carnival and RC so what the pros and cons about NCL

[Freehike]

One place I would love to visit is Pearl Harbour, did you find the cost worth it when you can sail from the mainland for more days and around the same cost? Never sailed on NCL only Carnival and RC so what the pros and cons about NCL

 

 

Honestly, I wasn't blown away by the POA. It's not awful, but I wasn't impressed like I have been on some other ships. BUT, unlike other trips, this cruise is all about the ports so the ship is far less important.

 

As far as NCL vs other lines, that's up to you. Most people don't get to Hawaii often, so NCL is the only real choice since the entire cruise is spent island hopping. Every other cruise line burns too many precious days at sea.

 

If you want to maximize your Hawaii time, go NCL. If you are in it more for the ship and the cruise time, skip the POA because you won't be happy.

[NOSaints1]

We've gone to SJ and loved port hopping and going on Adventure out of San Juan to Aruba, Bonaire, Curaco, St Maarten and Antigua. Did you book your excursions through NCL or another company? I guess if I wanted sea days I would do a TA.

[punkincc]

We've gone to SJ and loved port hopping and going on Adventure out of San Juan to Aruba, Bonaire, Curaco, St Maarten and Antigua. Did you book your excursions through NCL or another company? I guess if I wanted sea days I would do a TA.

 

We booked no excursions through the ship. The best way to tour is by your own rental car. Shuttle picks you up at the dock. In the overnight ports you keep the car if you want and park near the ship. Easy to do a lot of the things some book tours for like Road to Hana, Haleakala, Lahaina. If you do need a tour for things like a snorkel or whale watch, you can most always book independently much cheaper, meet the tour via your car and then after, you are on your way to explore for the rest of the day/evening.

[NOSaints1]

ON ports do you have to be back on the ship or can you explore the island till the next day

[Budget Queen]

ON ports do you have to be back on the ship or can you explore the island till the next day

 

Off when you arrive, back on when it leaves.

 

Do your homework and find out what each island is about- each loaded with touring opportunities and very different from the others.

 

You can easily add Pearl Harbor- simple to go independent at a fraction of "tour" costs. IF you do go independent- Be certain, to keep track of availability of online access tickets and get them early.

 

I too find a rental car offers the most touring, and simple to do.

[Freckles_51]

Just wondering about POA and if you know if you can book in CDN dollars? Is there enough space in an interior room, onboard activities, food/Dining, can you book airfare through NCL?

 

Yes you can book in Canadian dollars and the exchange rate is usually much better than through a credit card. Recently NCL had a 1.19 exchange rate while the credit card is over 1.30 plus 2.5% exchange fee.

 

If you book in Canadian dollars I would recommend that you pre-pay your onboard service charge, excursions (if going with NCL) and even specialty restaurants if you can plan ahead. If you prepay/prebook then you will be charged in CAD at the same rate as when you booked the cruise. Your onboard account will still be in USD.

[Silver Sweethearts]

One place I would love to visit is Pearl Harbour, did you find the cost worth it when you can sail from the mainland for more days and around the same cost? Never sailed on NCL only Carnival and RC so what the pros and cons about NCL

 

Since you have so many questions about different cruise lines it sounds like you do not have a travel agent. If that is so, you will be doing yourself a favor by sitting down with an experienced agent and discussing all of your options.

[lamchops]

Yes you can book in Canadian dollars and the exchange rate is usually much better than through a credit card. Recently NCL had a 1.19 exchange rate while the credit card is over 1.30 plus 2.5% exchange fee.

 

If you book in Canadian dollars I would recommend that you pre-pay your onboard service charge, excursions (if going with NCL) and even specialty restaurants if you can plan ahead. If you prepay/prebook then you will be charged in CAD at the same rate as when you booked the cruise. Your onboard account will still be in USD.

 

I just booked POA for Hawaii at 1.10% exchange as it is a 2015 sailing. I was told 2016 sailings are at 1.20%. When I log on to buy OBC it shows it at 1.10% canadian so I'll buy enough to cover the DSC and a few dollars more. No casino onboard so I can't siphon out any cash.;)

[Freckles_51]

I just booked POA for Hawaii at 1.10% exchange as it is a 2015 sailing. I was told 2016 sailings are at 1.20%. When I log on to buy OBC it shows it at 1.10% canadian so I'll buy enough to cover the DSC and a few dollars more. No casino onboard so I can't siphon out any cash.;)

 

Great rate! Especially good on a more expensive cruise like POA.

[lamchops]

Great rate! Especially good on a more expensive cruise like POA.

 

I just got back fro the cruise and wanted to let you know about their onboard "Cruise Next" promo.

 

When you buy 1x $250us credit, you will be billed $150us to your account and if you buy 2x $250us credit, you will be billed $250us to your account.

 

I bought 2x $250us credit and was billed $250us to my onboard account which in reality cost me $277.50cdn. I basically have 4 years to use the credits of $500us for $277.50cdn.

 

When I recieved the invoice, the consultant wrote on it 2x $250us or 2x $330cdn. You can't beat $660cdn worth of credits for $277.50cdn.

 

Even if your booking rate is $1.19 your cost would be $297.50cdn for $660cdn credit.

 

Fine print:

1) You have to request the refund/extension after 4 years as it won't be automatically refunded. Refunds will be what you paid for not credited for.

2) You can transfer or gift the credit before they book.

3) You can use a credit on each leg of a b2b.

4) You can buy up to 4 credits ($1000us)

 

 

NOSaints1, here's a review of my cruise:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2284986

[Freckles_51]

Thanks for coming back with that info. Good deal :)