Pride of America - which suite to pick?

[vulcan1971]

Hello,

 

I'm hoping to receive some help in picking a cabin for a future cruise on the Pride of America.  I'm planning a trip to Hawaii in 2020 and looking to get some insight on which suite cabin to choose.  Currently, I am considering either the Owner's Suite or Deluxe Owner's Suite. I might consider other types of suites on the ship but that will be based on your input and what you tell me about your experiences in those suites.  I am hoping that past cruisers that have actually stayed in these type of cabins will come forward and give what they consider their "pros and cons" for why they picked the cabin they had and what they would have done differently in hindsight.  Let me know things about why you picked the suite on a particular floor (good & bad).  I'm trying to get a feel for things to consider for when I finally make a decision on the actual cruise I choose.  Generally, I am hoping to get a wide range of feedback about what was enjoyable for you, what did you not like (and why), and what would you do differently knowing what you now know about cruising on the Pride of America.

 

As a bit of background, I have sailed on NCL 3 times previously... 1 time on the Pearl and 2 times on the Epic.  In all cases, I sailed in a 2 bedroom Villa in the Haven.  There will only be two of us at the current time, but that could change.

 

Okay, I look forward to hearing from you.  :)

Edited January 9, 2019 by vulcan1971

[bluenose1]

HI, 

We sailed on the POA twice so far. The trip is very port intensive. It is a floating hotel.

We (Husband and wife) had a balcony midship both times. Second time with older son. Not as big but that was a first cruise ever, kind of spoiled. It really depends on what you want. I might spend more on a excursions than on stateroom. If you are out at sea longer periods I would think more about the stateroom. The ship was easy to get around in. No casino. Breakfast buffet great omelettes at the Aloha cafe at the stern of the ship. Enjoy your cruise.  We have a cruise booked on the Bliss, Feb 2020 Miami to LA with a Aft facing balcony. Once again have fun.

 

[Weluv2cruise2gether]

We chose a midship balcony cabin since we wanted to spend more money on excursions then on a cabin because, as bluenose1 stated, it is a very port intensive cruise. The islands are so beautiful and you have a lot of time every day on them. We really only used the room to sleep and shower! We still did a balcony so we could have uninterrupted views of the Na Pali Coast. 

 

If you like to snorkel, do so in Maui at the Molokini crater. It was the best snorkeling we have ever done. In Kona, we did the secret waterfalls of Kohala tour offered by NCL. Great time, beautiful views, ate fresh fruit right off of the trees, and even swam under a waterfall. We really enjoyed all of our excursions. 

 

Have a get Hawaiian cruise!! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Edited January 9, 2019 by Weluv2cruise2gether

[dexddd]

There is only one DOS and it is on 12.

 

There are OS on several floors and all different.  OS on 12 best as small, quiet area.  Have whirlpool on deck, not all have one.

 

No free booze but 3 bottles of wine and unlimited in room water and soda.

[vulcan1971]

In just 3 days, my thread has only 3 responses (that didn't answer my questions) and fell to page 8. I'm a bit disappointed there aren't more responses from folks that cruise on NCL in a suite.  Hoping to sill hear from you about your experiences staying in any of the Owner's Suites on Pride of America as well as other suite categories. Many thanks in advance.

 

 

Edited January 13, 2019 by vulcan1971

[papa B me]

6 hours ago, vulcan1971 said:

In just 3 days, my thread has only 3 responses (that didn't answer my questions) and fell to page 8. I'm a bit disappointed there aren't more responses from folks that cruise on NCL in a suite.  Hoping to sill hear from you about your experiences staying in any of the Owner's Suites on Pride of America as well as other suite categories. Many thanks in advance.

 

 

We will be sailing in the DOS February 23.  I will be posting a day by day review.  I've had difficulty getting personal experiences in the DOS in the 2 years I've had this booked.  I assume it is because there is only one of these suites on the ship so very few people on CC have actually sailed in her.

 

For me some of the reasons I chose this suite is the shear size, incredibly large balcony, and amazing bathroom.  We are also traveling with another couple who aren't in a suite and I think it will be great for the 4 of us to hang out in or have the butler serve dinner in.

 

Of all the information I've gathered I only find one negative.  It is located on the starboard side of the ship so not great for the Napali Coast sail by.

 

I believe the perks are the same between the OS and the DOS and they both have the hot tubs on the balcony.(I don't believe there are hot tubs on the Deck 13 owner suites)  So it boils down to whether you prefer the larger square footage in the suite and the balcony.  And don't forget the player piano in the DOS.  Don't know if we'll use it but it is funny to see our friends expression when we tell them about it-ha.

 

In my research it seems pretty consistent that Deck 12 is a great location in that they are somewhat secluded.  

 

If you google Pride of America Deluxe Owners suites there are two you tube videos that tour the suite.  One is post 2016 refurb and one pre.  I would assume there are some Owners suites videos as well.  

Edited January 13, 2019 by papa B me

[Beachiekeen]

I have read a ton of reviews on the POA and I do recall one where the poster had the DOS and I will try to find it (BTW, the search function on this new site is completely terrible).  I wanted the DOS for our trip in November since it's our 10-year anniversary but it just didn't make sense.  This is a very port intensive cruise and I for one want to be on the ship as little as possible. (BTW, the one on our cruise has been sold out for some time now.) The only reason I really wanted it was for the hot tub but if something were to happen and it was broken, not hot (which I have also read), etc. I know I would be upset for paying all that money so it's not worth the possibility of being disappointed.  We ended up just booking a regular suite on Deck 12.  (The DOS on 12 is starboard anyway so not ideal for the Napali Coast viewing which is what I wanted it for.)

 

I like cruise advice dot org for searching for the best cabins.  Sorry, I know it's not a lot but maybe it will help.

 

Forward on the Pride of America, Owners' Suites 10502, 10000, and 10002 offer the most spacious accommodations on Deck 10. (Each has at least 512 sq. ft. of space with a 164 sq. ft. balcony.) Each will typically have a dining room, a living room,  master bedroom with a king sized bed, two TV's, a bath with a whirlpool tub, a balcony with a hot tub, a double sofa bed, and a guest bathroom with a shower. Please note that 10000 does not have the guest bathroom.

 

Deluxe Owner's Suite with a Large Balcony, 12006, is the largest suite on Deck 12 of the Pride of America, boasting 1382 sq. footage of luxury including a massive balcony!

• The Owner's Suites, 12502 and 12000, each have at least 676 sq. ft. including the balcony,

The Owner's Suites, 13500 and 13000, each have at least 676 sq. ft. including the balcony.

Edited January 13, 2019 by Beachiekeen

[dexddd]

10 hours ago, vulcan1971 said:

In just 3 days, my thread has only 3 responses (that didn't answer my questions) and fell to page 8. I'm a bit disappointed there aren't more responses from folks that cruise on NCL in a suite.  Hoping to sill hear from you about your experiences staying in any of the Owner's Suites on Pride of America as well as other suite categories. Many thanks in advance.

 

 

Sorry to disappoint.

[HBCcruiser]

4 hours ago, papa B me said:

We will be sailing in the DOS February 23.  I will be posting a day by day review.  I've had difficulty getting personal experiences in the DOS in the 2 years I've had this booked.  I assume it is because there is only one of these suites on the ship so very few people on CC have actually sailed in her.

 

For me some of the reasons I chose this suite is the shear size, incredibly large balcony, and amazing bathroom.  We are also traveling with another couple who aren't in a suite and I think it will be great for the 4 of us to hang out in or have the butler serve dinner in.

 

Of all the information I've gathered I only find one negative.  It is located on the starboard side of the ship so not great for the Napali Coast sail by.

 

I believe the perks are the same between the OS and the DOS and they both have the hot tubs on the balcony.(I don't believe there are hot tubs on the Deck 13 owner suites)  So it boils down to whether you prefer the larger square footage in the suite and the balcony.  And don't forget the player piano in the DOS.  Don't know if we'll use it but it is funny to see our friends expression when we tell them about it-ha.

 

In my research it seems pretty consistent that Deck 12 is a great location in that they are somewhat secluded.  

 

If you google Pride of America Deluxe Owners suites there are two you tube videos that tour the suite.  One is post 2016 refurb and one pre.  I would assume there are some Owners suites videos as well.  

 

Like the OP I look forward to your LIVE review. We are sailing in the DOS July 4, 2020. We booked it because our family and friends will be traveling with us to celebrate birthdays, graduations and our 25th anniversary. 

[vulcan1971]

4 hours ago, papa B me said:

We will be sailing in the DOS February 23.  I will be posting a day by day review.  I've had difficulty getting personal experiences in the DOS in the 2 years I've had this booked.  I assume it is because there is only one of these suites on the ship so very few people on CC have actually sailed in her.

 

For me some of the reasons I chose this suite is the shear size, incredibly large balcony, and amazing bathroom.  We are also traveling with another couple who aren't in a suite and I think it will be great for the 4 of us to hang out in or have the butler serve dinner in.

 

Of all the information I've gathered I only find one negative.  It is located on the starboard side of the ship so not great for the Napali Coast sail by.

 

I believe the perks are the same between the OS and the DOS and they both have the hot tubs on the balcony.(I don't believe there are hot tubs on the Deck 13 owner suites)  So it boils down to whether you prefer the larger square footage in the suite and the balcony.  And don't forget the player piano in the DOS.  Don't know if we'll use it but it is funny to see our friends expression when we tell them about it-ha.

 

In my research it seems pretty consistent that Deck 12 is a great location in that they are somewhat secluded.  

 

If you google Pride of America Deluxe Owners suites there are two you tube videos that tour the suite.  One is post 2016 refurb and one pre.  I would assume there are some Owners suites videos as well.  

 

Hello papa B me,

 

Thank you for posting. I hope that I am able to find your thread that you will create to document your February cruise. I assume your "day by day" review will be done somewhat in real time and I hope to follow along.

 

After posting yesterday, I went to YouTube to see what, if any, videos were posted.  I was pleased to see two videos on your stateroom (12006 - pre and post refurb) and several others on various floors. All of them gave me a good indication about size and layout of the room and also details on the size of balcony.  The videos were actually quite helpful relative to photos because you saw all points of the room and might have learned some interesting info while the person filming the tour spoke to the camera.

 

I did think that the space, both in the room and the balcony, was amazing for the Deluxe Owners Suite (12006).  There were videos for both Owner's Suites on Deck 12 as well as on other floors.  Given what I found attractive or a draw back, I may have come to a decision that I will be looking at the Owner's Suite on either Deck 12 or Deck 10.

 

Thanks again for posting your thoughts and I will look for your thread to come out.

[vulcan1971]

38 minutes ago, Beachiekeen said:

I have read a ton of reviews on the POA and I do recall one where the poster had the DOS and I will try to find it (BTW, the search function on this new site is completely terrible).  I wanted the DOS for our trip in November since it's our 10-year anniversary but it just didn't make sense.  This is a very port intensive cruise and I for one want to be on the ship as little as possible. (BTW, the one on our cruise has been sold out for some time now.) The only reason I really wanted it was for the hot tub but if something were to happen and it was broken, not hot (which I have also read), etc. I know I would be upset for paying all that money so it's not worth it.  We ended up just booking a regular suite on Deck 12.

 

I like cruise advice dot org for searching for the best cabins.  Sorry, I know it's not a lot but maybe it will help.

 

Forward on the Pride of America, Owners' Suites 10502, 10000, and 10002 offer the most spacious accommodations on Deck 10. (Each has at least 512 sq. ft. of space with a 164 sq. ft. balcony.) Each will typically have a dining room, a living room,  master bedroom with a king sized bed, two TV's, a bath with a whirlpool tub, a balcony with a hot tub, a double sofa bed, and a guest bathroom with a shower. Please note that 10000 does not have the guest bathroom.

 

Deluxe Owner's Suite with a Large Balcony, 12006, is the largest suite on Deck 12 of the Pride of America, boasting 1382 sq. footage of luxury including a massive balcony!

• The Owner's Suites, 12502 and 12000, each have at least 676 sq. ft. including the balcony,

The Owner's Suites, 13500 and 13000, each have at least 676 sq. ft. including the balcony.

 

Hello Beachiekeen,

 

I've been on 13 cruises with 135 nights at sea. I had never heard of the website you mentioned until this week, so thank you for posting the information and sharing with me and others reading this thread.  I've been around Cruise Critic since 2011... it isn't as long as many of the folks that i read and follow on a regular basis, but I like to think that when I do post, that I am actually contributing to improve the knowledge that folks take away from a thread.  When I do post, it is only the facts as I experienced them and I provide sources to affirm the information where possible. So, thanks again for sharing... it was very helpful and informative.

[vulcan1971]

On 1/10/2019 at 4:53 AM, dexddd said:

There is only one DOS and it is on 12.

 

There are OS on several floors and all different.  OS on 12 best as small, quiet area.  Have whirlpool on deck, not all have one.

 

No free booze but 3 bottles of wine and unlimited in room water and soda.

 

1 hour ago, dexddd said:

Sorry to disappoint.

 

Hi dexddd,

 

When you quoted my post, I wasn't sure if you were truly being honest in your feelings that you felt you "disappointed" with your response... OR, if that response was intended to be some form of passive aggressive posting.  In either case, your subsequent post did not contribute to helping me or anybody else. Your initial post told me information I was already able to gather / had gathered by looking at the NCL website and deck plans.  My original post / request was to go beyond the basics and ask those folks that actually had stayed in on of the various suite categories to comment candidly on what they liked, what they didn't like (and why), and what they would have done differently knowing what they now know.  I think that was a pretty clear request.

 

My quoting of your posts is not to "come at you" but more a reminder to everybody else that if they chose to post, to please try to contribute information that honors my initial request and is based on actual experiences.

 

That's all... and thanks.

Edited January 13, 2019 by vulcan1971

[papa B me]

1 hour ago, vulcan1971 said:

 

Hello papa B me,

 

Thank you for posting. I hope that I am able to find your thread that you will create to document your February cruise. I assume your "day by day" review will be done somewhat in real time and I hope to follow along.

 

After posting yesterday, I went to YouTube to see what, if any, videos were posted.  I was pleased to see two videos on your stateroom (12006 - pre and post refurb) and several others on various floors. All of them gave me a good indication about size and layout of the room and also details on the size of balcony.  The videos were actually quite helpful relative to photos because you saw all points of the room and might have learned some interesting info while the person filming the tour spoke to the camera.

 

I did think that the space, both in the room and the balcony, was amazing for the Deluxe Owners Suite (12006).  There were videos for both Owner's Suites on Deck 12 as well as on other floors.  Given what I found attractive or a draw back, I may have come to a decision that I will be looking at the Owner's Suite on either Deck 12 or Deck 10.

 

Thanks again for posting your thoughts and I will look for your thread to come out.

 

My thread will be relatively live.  I tend to be an early riser and usually hang out on the balcony for an hour or so before my wife is ready to go so have time to recount the previous day.  We are doing 3 nights on Waikiki pre cruise in a condo so I will start the thread pre cruise hoping it will help others as they are planning their trips.

 

From my research I really don't think you can go wrong with either an OS or the DOS.  They are both great suites.  I would struggle a little with the decision on Deck 10 or 12.  From what I understand the Deck 10 OS is a little larger and the deck 12 is more secluded/quiet.  

 

Hopefully you will get some first hand accounts.  So my thread will probably start on Feb 20 but the actual embarkation is Feb 23.  I'll try to be as detailed and objectives as possible.  Not much on posting pictures but I do post pretty detailed descriptions.  I also tend to be a glass half FULL kind of blogger as I feel so grateful to be able to travel as we do that I usually don't sweat the small stuff.  But hopefully those planning a Pride of American cruise will benefit from the thread.

[vulcan1971]

23 hours ago, papa B me said:

 

My thread will be relatively live.  I tend to be an early riser and usually hang out on the balcony for an hour or so before my wife is ready to go so have time to recount the previous day.  We are doing 3 nights on Waikiki pre cruise in a condo so I will start the thread pre cruise hoping it will help others as they are planning their trips.

 

From my research I really don't think you can go wrong with either an OS or the DOS.  They are both great suites.  I would struggle a little with the decision on Deck 10 or 12.  From what I understand the Deck 10 OS is a little larger and the deck 12 is more secluded/quiet.  

 

Hopefully you will get some first hand accounts.  So my thread will probably start on Feb 20 but the actual embarkation is Feb 23.  I'll try to be as detailed and objectives as possible.  Not much on posting pictures but I do post pretty detailed descriptions.  I also tend to be a glass half FULL kind of blogger as I feel so grateful to be able to travel as we do that I usually don't sweat the small stuff.  But hopefully those planning a Pride of American cruise will benefit from the thread.

 

That is wonderful news!  I imagine you will have many followers once you start the live-ish blog.  I look forward to reading it as you go and maybe will send a question or two your way to answer.  Don't feel obligated to go out of your way to track an answer... only if it is something you can easily answer or give perspective to.

 

By the way, i will be interested in everything you do including your pre-cruise activities and other trip planning.  I have never been to Hawaii.  It's my plan to be there about 3 weeks between the pre-cruise arrival, a seven day cruise and then flying to Maui to spend time with family for a wedding vow renewal.

[WillCruiseForMoney]

My wife and I have stayed in suite 10000.  Great room, super quiet, as you do not have any other rooms that share your walls.  Probably the best bathroom of all the suites.  Shower can easily hold 2 people and from the bath tub you you have a view off the bow of the ship.  The forward facing deck affords great views, but it is not very deep.  Lounge chairs have to be at an angle to fit. Getting in and out of the hot tub can be a bit tight..

[vulcan1971]

7 hours ago, WillCruiseForMoney said:

My wife and I have stayed in suite 10000.  Great room, super quiet, as you do not have any other rooms that share your walls.  Probably the best bathroom of all the suites.  Shower can easily hold 2 people and from the bath tub you you have a view off the bow of the ship.  The forward facing deck affords great views, but it is not very deep.  Lounge chairs have to be at an angle to fit. Getting in and out of the hot tub can be a bit tight..

 

Thank you for your post. Do you happen to have any photos to share?  You can post here or send privately to my email (see link in signature).

[commodore2010]

We stayed in 13000 OS with large balcony this past May. Large balcony is an understatement. Literally could have played half court basketball game.  The suite is also very bright and sunny being at the top of the ship.  Other OS's videos looked dark and the balcony rather small so we chose 13000.   No hot tub with the 13th deck OS's. 

 

We spent a week pre-cruise in Maui and Oahu, so we spent a day using the balcony since we did everything we wanted on Maui pre-cruise.  

 

This cruise is really about the islands and not the ship so much. 

 

 

[AmyJA]

Thinking about this for 2020.

 

So thank you everyone for the info.

 

Looking forward to Papa B Me's review!

[WillCruiseForMoney]

17 hours ago, vulcan1971 said:

 

Thank you for your post. Do you happen to have any photos to share?  You can post here or send privately to my email (see link in signature).

Here are 2 showing the balcony.  Only downside to the room is the balcony depth.

[vulcan1971]

5 hours ago, WillCruiseForMoney said:

Here are 2 showing the balcony.  Only downside to the room is the balcony depth.

 

 

I see what you mean about a "tight squeeze".  Thank you for sharing! 

Edited January 16, 2019 by vulcan1971

[vulcan1971]

22 hours ago, commodore2010 said:

We stayed in 13000 OS with large balcony this past May. Large balcony is an understatement. Literally could have played half court basketball game.  The suite is also very bright and sunny being at the top of the ship.  Other OS's videos looked dark and the balcony rather small so we chose 13000.   No hot tub with the 13th deck OS's. 

 

We spent a week pre-cruise in Maui and Oahu, so we spent a day using the balcony since we did everything we wanted on Maui pre-cruise.  

 

This cruise is really about the islands and not the ship so much. 

 

 

 

Hi commodore2010 -

 

Much like you, I will spending 2-3 weeks in total in Hawaii, so while the cruise will be port intensive, having the space, amenities, and comfort of the suite to relax and enjoy while on the ship will be important as well.

[commodore2010]

There is a youtube of 13500. Same size balcony. You can see how huge it is.

[fiftyguy]

We were in cabin 10502 last March. While I don’t have pictures or video you can google NCL POA 10002 and find a video. It’s the same cabin but everything is reversed. The LR and hot tub, on the deck, would be on the left and BR on the right. My wife and I loved the cabin. We’ve sailed on NCL in OS on the Dawn Gem and POA. We love the older, traditional look compared to the newer suites that have been added after build. We used the hot tub at the end of each day. The area was quiet and everything was close by.

whatever you decide enjoy your trip. Hawaii is awesome.

[vulcan1971]

On ‎1‎/‎16‎/‎2019 at 5:44 PM, fiftyguy said:

We were in cabin 10502 last March. While I don’t have pictures or video you can google NCL POA 10002 and find a video. It’s the same cabin but everything is reversed. The LR and hot tub, on the deck, would be on the left and BR on the right. My wife and I loved the cabin. We’ve sailed on NCL in OS on the Dawn Gem and POA. We love the older, traditional look compared to the newer suites that have been added after build. We used the hot tub at the end of each day. The area was quiet and everything was close by.

whatever you decide enjoy your trip. Hawaii is awesome.

 

Hi fiftyguy - thank you so much for your post and the details of your stateroom. This is my first trip to Hawaii and looking forward to it.  Thanks again!