Pride of America Review - Nov 25th

[TRun]

So many people helped me with my first trip to Hawaii, here is my trip review…hope it helps someone as much as everyone helped me.

 

Pre-Cruise

 

We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village – arriving on Thanksgiving, Rented a car with Budget – very nice hotel, beach access is great, and lots of extra things to do – beds are super comfortable. Dining is a bit expensive, but alternatives outside the hotel.

 

On Oahu, we toured Pearl Harbor, arriving about 730am and were on the second boat over. Very good experience for the first time visitor. Later that day we went to Sea Life Park before our Luau there. Park is very below average compared to a Sea World experience…might be better if we had little kids. Luau was fine, small group of people with a dolphin show and a few extra touches.

 

We went to the North Shore to watch the surfing competition which was fun, before boarding the ship.

 

Boarding was quick and easy, boarded about 2ish. We had an Owners Suite, room 10502. That night we had a quick bite to eat at the Diner- food wasn’t very good, service was good.

 

First Port – Maui – rented a car with Budget, went out on a whale trip but didn’t see any whales – received a coupon for a free trip in the next year if we choose. Also, did the Maui Ocean Center which we enjoyed, good variety there. That night we ate dinner at the Steakhouse – a must on the cruise ship – very good – Galen was our waiter who we enjoyed twice during the cruise.

 

Day 2 in Maui – went out on a snorkeling trip to the crater, we enjoyed that very much, they made one other stop near Lanai, not as enjoyable, I would like to go longer at the crater if I do this again. Dinner that night in the main dining room, service was slow, food average at best, server was very friendly though.

 

Day 3 in Kona – Rented a car with Dollar at the hotel by port - another snorkeling trip – small group of only 13 on a big boat – was great – we made 3 stops I believe, various sites, all great, food and crew were outstanding. Dinner that night at Little Italy – decent – not outstanding but good – service was good.

 

Day 4 in Kona – one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had, we charted a boat and went out swimming with the dolphins – just great – I have done Discovery Cove in FL, but it doesn’t ever compare to swimming with them in the wild – we swam with about 50-70, most in groups of 3-10. We were in and out of the water 4 times for a total of about 1.5-2 hours, maybe shorter, it seemed like a good amount of time. The captain had a swimming instructor in the water with us. Was truly a great experience. Dinner at Teppanyaki – good – food decent – steakhouse better.

 

Day 5 in Kauai – rented a car with Budget – Went driving around, and drove up to go ziplining – great choice – 8 zips – nervous at first, but after about 3, they were lots of fun, good instructors. Dinner at the steakhouse again – once again – outstanding.

 

Day 6 in Kauai – drove to the falls and the Canyon, back on ship for the sailing of the coast, ate dinner in the room – Little Italy. Entered the talent show, didn’t win, but was fun – guy who won was really good, did the blues with a harmonica.

 

Day 7 – off the boat – went to the swap meet at the stadium, another Budget car, this is the place to buy stuff – great prices – lots of choices. That night went to the game (Hawaii vs Oregon State) – great time !

 

Day 8 – just relaxed and took in the beach before late night flight home – booked the room that night, so we didn’t have to worry about checking out.

 

Overall – good trip – cant wait to do it again – will do POA again – I like the ship, services I thought was very friendly, our Butler was good, we used him for Breakfast every morning. Never really dealt much with our Concierge. Downfall was the food, except for the Steakhouse…Service I really did think was decent, yes a bit different than you find on most ships, but people really seemed to be trying to make people happy. We did see many get bent out of shape on little things or wait times, but I hope most don’t let things like that ruin their vacation. We plan on going back again next year, in fact just booked today for the same time.

 

I will be glad to let you know what companies I used and answer as many questions as I can – Once again thanks to all who helped me decide what to do for my first Hawaii trip, I hope this helps someone as well.

[jprint]

Who did you use for this trip. I have not heard this advertised and have a son who would die for this trip?

[Host CMLA]

Thanks for the review. Make sure to submit it to the official CC review page in order to have your ratings included in the official CC ratings. It will also be seen by many more people that might be new to NCL and are looking to try something new. :)

[TRun]

http://www.konaseasports.com/ - Captain Ray - Shogun Charters -- He was great, the swim instructor was Rue - boat is really nice - they did a great job with us - we cant say enough good about them

[jprint]

Thanks for the info.

[ohioNCLcruiser]

Mahalo for cruising on our ship. Glad you had a great time! THanks for the review.

 

POAmerica crew member

[dagtoking1]

Make sure to submit it to the official CC review page in order to have your ratings included in the official CC ratings.

 

How is this done?