Pride of America - port or starboard - conflicting info?

[misslyss1220]

Hi everyone. We're in the beginning stages of planning a Hawaii cruise on the Pride of America. I did some reading and it seems that for a balcony room, you'd want the PORT side of the ship for the scenic cruising along the Na Pali coast (and the STARBOARD side for the Kilauea Volcano).

 

My question is this, about the Na Pali coast viewing specifically. On the NCL map (below), it shows the ship route with the PORT side going by the Na Pali coast first, then turning around so that the STARBOARD side views the coast, and it looks like it's even closer. So why am I seeing everyone suggesting the Port side? What's the deal? Why wouldn't we pick the Starboard side? What's the benefit of choosing the Port side if both sides get to see?

 

Thanks for any input! :)

 

[GrabMyWrist]

Exactly the reason I booked an Aft Balcony for our cruise next year. Good luck on getting a straight answer.

[punkincc]

Unless NCL is changing up the way they pass by Na Pali, the map is wrong. It is actually the reverse of what the map shows. The initial sail by is close up, viewed from the Port side. At the end of Na Pali, the ship heads straight out away from land, and then turns back down the coast with Starboard side viewing, but you are way out by then and the view is not optimum.

 

You definately want Port side for a good view. Or as another poster suggested, an aft facing which has views regardless of which way you are heading.

[dexddd]

What Brenda said.

[greatlakesgirl]

Definitely port side; the map of the Na Pali sail-by is inaccurate. There is no guarantee you'll do the Kilauea sail-by, but Na Pali will always be there. Do port or aft.

[misslyss1220]

Thanks everyone! We just did an aft suite on the Pearl and loved it! We are considering the aft for the POA.

[mertziek]

Get the port side. Best view of Napali coast and volcano has been inactive so they have not cruised past there in a while.

[NutsAboutGolf]

Good to know the map is wrong but wanted to share some other posts I've read...I haven't been on this cruise, but there are videos of the sail-away...It looks like a lot of fun to be up on the open deck...I've also heard being on deck 6 is generally far more relaxing...If you did that you might not even need a balcony room :)

[Molokai-Chuck]

Port side for NaPali is best....the first pass (Port side ) is closest and with the sun setting at its best for timing.

 

Chuck

[tempus137]

Port side for NaPali is best....the first pass (Port side ) is closest and with the sun setting at its best for timing.

 

Chuck

 

I agree. And depending on the time of year, the second pass may be in the dark.

 

I have seen posts that said the lava is flowing again, and the POA is now going south around the big island, but that can change at any time.

[DevCruise]

We did this cruise in January in cabin 9050 and given the direction of travel, I'd say we were on the return pass. The views from our balcony were amazing as far as I can tell. It's not like you'll be miles out to sea and not able to see anything.

 

That year was also just after the Japanese earthquake/tsunami that they blamed for the volcano no erupting, so they didn't even do the sail by on the big island to see the volcano.

[davbenn]

Just went on poa last week. Starboard side was best for lava viewing. Port for Napali coast.

 

 

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[atomax]

So, if you can switch your cabin mid-cruise, you should be all set ;-)

 

You can always go up to the higher (public) decks and walk back and forth to each side.

 

Regardless of which side you choose, you will have a blast, Hawaii is awesome!

 

Just went on poa last week. Starboard side was best for lava viewing. Port for Napali coast.

 

 

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