Public Areas & Facilities

Launched as Norwegian Sky in 1999, she dazzled passengers with her open, expansive, and elegant skylight-topped atrium, the comfort of her forward facing observation lounge, and lively spirited entertainment. NCL tapped her to be re-flagged for the NCL America fleet. After an extensive makeover, the ship re-entered service in 2004 as Pride of Aloha.

The island-style Blue Hawaii Nightclub has the spirit of a beachfront dance club, the Polynesian-inspired Outrigger Lounge is situated to provide endless sea views, and the Plantation Club reflects the hospitality and grace of a late-1800s plantation home. Due to the state of Hawaii's gaming laws, the ship's casino was removed.

A unique feature on board Pride of Aloha is the Kumu Cultural Center (Kumu is Hawaiian for source of learning). Three themes dominate the exhibits: Everyday life in Ancient Hawaii, the Hawaiian Kingdom, and Contemporary Hawaii.

Restaurants

This is a Freestyle ship, so all seating is open during meal hours in the two main dining rooms, which are complimentary to all. Most specialty restaurants carry a cover charge and require reservations. Casual dining choices are the Lido deck buffet -- with indoor and outdoor seating -- an ice cream bar, and pizzeria.

What Works & What Doesn't

Pride of Aloha is an all-American ship with an American crew, so you won't encounter any language barriers; however, you will find a more casual work ethic than on typical cruise ships that have foreign-born crews whose cultures are more service-oriented. NCL's signature restaurant Le Bistro is called Royal Palm Bistro here; even though it's in Hawaii, it serves nouvelle and classic French cuisine. The restaurant's décor, inspired by royal Hawaiian gardens of the Victorian era, is lovely yet is often overshadowed by the extraordinary sea views visible through floor-to-ceiling windows. There's plenty of room to play onboard, with two pools and lots of sunning space, but the islands are the main focus of Pride of Aloha cruises.

Accommodations

Layout: Staterooms are a bit more generous in size than on NCL's older ships and contain adequate closet and storage space for a casual one-week Hawaii cruise if you don't overpack. More than two-thirds have an ocean view, and nearly two-thirds of those have a private balcony. Clever use of tropical colors and strategically placed mirrors achieve an open feeling. All have a sitting area with sofa, chair, and table.

Amenities: Light wood cabinetry conceals a small refrigerator in all accommodations, and you'll also find a tea/coffeemaker, personal safe, broadband Internet connection, duvets on beds, and a hairdryer in every cabin category. Bathrooms have limited storage, but you'll find basic toiletries.

Suites: Suites include such luxuries as whirlpool tubs and entertainment centers. Butlers and a concierge are at the service of suite occupants.

Good to Know: Connecting cabins are available in numerous categories, including those with balconies. Oddly sandwiched in between Decks 6 and 7 forward is Deck 6A, which has no direct elevator access and should be avoided by anyone who has trouble climbing stairs or experiences other mobility issues. Six staterooms are wheelchair accessible.

	Size (square feet)
Owner's Suite	828
Penthouse Suite	504
Minisuite	332
Ocean View Balcony/ Ocean View	221/145
Deluxe Interior/ Interior	172/145

Favorites

Best Entertainment: NCL's flashy production shows are always polished and professional, but don't miss the authentic South Pacific performances that highlight native singers and dancers.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: Pride of Aloha seldom sails far from shore, and we really don't want to be indoors with a tropical paradise in sight, so we'll grab an after-dinner drink and stroll entirely around the ship on the promenade deck for a bit of sea air in the moonlight.

Best Added Value: These sightseeing adventures won't cost a thing. Whenever possible, Pride of Aloha's captain sails past the rugged Na Pali coastline of Kauai for a look. A real treat is sailing past The Big Island's Kilauea volcano as it spews molten lava into the sea.

Paradise by Night and Day: Pride of Aloha offers the advantage of not only more time in port during the day, but most itineraries have at least one overnight stay in port. We like to go ashore for a luau in Maui, or take a catamaran tour to snorkel in Lanai or at Molokini Crater.