Norwegian
Pride of Aloha
Hawaiian Islands

Vimala Nowlis

Age: 59
Occupation: Attorney
Number of Cruises: 1

Travel around the islands without daily packing and flying is a wonderful way to see Hawaii. It's my first cruise. I was impressed. It's my daughter's 4th. Even though she was used to being pampered on luxury liners, she was not disappointed. It was a great cruise with some problems here and there.

My biggest complaint is that the ship was "FREEZING". I went from Los Angeles to Hawaii in August. I did not bring along any winter clothes. I was cold even when bundled up whenever I was on board inside. I had to go out on deck frequently to let the natural weather warm me up.

The crew were extremely friendly and efficient. Everyone always smiling and service was immediate and unobtrusive. However, there were times when there was no clean towels at the pool area.

The freestyle food was adequate but could use a bit of variety. After 3 days of the same things, it got boring. The special restaurants were always booked full so we only got to try one of them.

The room was small but the space was well utilized and the beds were comfortable. The shower could be a big bigger as it is a bit small for turning around (and I am only 5'5" and 115 lbs). The mildew behind the soap dispensers were never entirely cleaned away which became an eyesore after a few days. But overall, the room was clean and made up quickly and competently.

The on board activities were also kind of generic. The on board band was limited and the drummer constantly drowned out the other band mates so all you could hear is the drummer, not the music. Also, we were taking a cruise around "Hawaii", but there was only 1 hula dance class at the bar a few days in mid afternoon. You can't take the class if you are sightseeing on the island. There needs to be more "native activities" that highlights Hawaiian culture and heritage. The on board Polynesian Review was excellent, even better than the show at the big luau. The luau was fun but too much of a buffet. It should be a traditional spread on the grass.

We could have used another day at Hilo. So many natural wonders to see. Nothing but tourist shoppin at Kona. The cruise should have skipped Kona and stayed 2 days at Hilo.

Still, it was a wonderful cruise. But , next time, I will bring warm sweaters and thick sweat pants for August in Hawaii on board Pride of Aloha.

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