BRINGING
BACK
AS THE PRIDE OF AMERICA SETS SAIL IN HAWAII ONCE MORE , TRAVELERS ARE EAGER TO EXPLORE THE LUSH RAINFORESTS , BREATHTAKING BEACHES AND TOWERING VOLCANOES FOUND ON THE ISLANDS .
BY ASHLEY RYAN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF NCL
There ’ s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on travel , but few industries were impacted quite as much as cruise lines . Virtually a hotel on the water , infection rates soared aboard ships during the first wave of the outbreak , triggering long-standing closures on the high seas .
But Norwegian Cruise Line has since made its return to the ocean , with each of the 17 ships in its fleet back in operation . One of the most in-demand , the Pride of America , offers an interisland trip around Hawaii , leaving from Honolulu , Oahu , and stopping at various ports of call on Maui , Hawaii ( also known as the Big Island ) and Kauai . Already sold out through most of October , this trip is at the top of many peoples ’ bucket lists and , given the uncertainty in recent years , they are flocking to the islands in full force .
Time spent aboard the Pride of America is exactly as dreamy as you ’ d imagine . Whether relaxing aboard the ship , enjoying its selection of pools , dining and entertainment or heading off on an excursion , there is plenty to see and do to keep you busy all week long .
ALL ABOARD Regarded as one of NCL ’ s smaller ships , the Pride of America is also one of the most exclusive , making it the company ’ s most profitable as well . It ’ s easy to see why , when you consider the fact that it ’ s the only cruise that both starts and ends in Hawaii as well as the only one to sail around the islands year-round . Once patriotic-themed , with red , white and blue everywhere , the boat was freshened up with more contemporary hues in 2016 ( with additional touches incorporated during the pandemic ). While interior rooms and solo studios are available , you ’ ll want to spring for an oceanview stateroom — or even one with a balcony — to truly soak up everything this adventure has to offer . From within your room , you ’ re likely to spot scenery and wildlife from waterfalls and dolphins to early-morning rainbows in addition to sprawling views of the islands themselves in the distance .
Although issues with staffing have kept NCL from opening up every single amenity on board the ship , there is still a lot to do during the day . Head to the South Beach Pool for some excitement — and frozen sips , as the Ocean Drive Bar is right next door — or relax at the Oasis Pool , a more serene spot to spend the day . Guests can also unwind in one of five hot tubs located near the pools . For further relaxation , visit the onboard Mandara Spa & Salon , which offers everything from seaweed or bamboo massages to cleansing salt scrubs , hot stones , collagen treatments and more .
If retail therapy is more your speed , you ’ ll find a number of shops on board as well , including Na Hoku jewelry store , SoHo Art Gallery , Island Treasures souvenir shop and more . Plus , Pride of America is home to Perspectives Studio , where creative portraits can be taken of you and your loved ones so you won ’ t forget a moment of the magic .
By night , the ship is a little light on the entertainment right now , but the current schedule does allow for some live music , trivia sessions , comedy shows and dance parties . Expect this to ramp up later this year as well .
Of course , we ’ d be remiss not to mention the dining scene on the ship . Although only about half of the restaurants are currently operating , there are a number of solid options to enjoy , as long as you make reservations as soon as you step aboard the boat . When seeking fine dining , Cagney ’ s Steakhouse has plenty of delectable offerings , from premium cuts of beef to lamb chops , lobster tail and house-made crab cakes . Another popular spot is Jefferson ’ s Bistro , an elegant French restaurant serving up traditional treats like côte de veau rôtie , or roasted veal , and filet de boeuf Rossini , or beef tenderloin .
There are a number of complimentary dining experiences as well , the nicest of which is Skyline Restaurant . This traditional dining room has an evolving menu filled with impressive dishes — think shrimp fettuccine alfredo , New York strip steak , breaded flounder and rotisserie chicken — all in a classy setting with top-notch service . The Aloha Cafe buffet , open for breakfast , lunch and dinner , is more laid-back but still has many different options , including themed dinners with unique entrees nightly . Or , for burgers and fries , head to Cadillac Diner , a casual , 24-hour eatery with large portions of comfort food , milkshakes and beyond .
EXCITING EXCURSIONS Whether you ’ re seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure or a more restful way to wander , NCL ’ s shore
NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE 73