We just returned from a 7 day cruise on NCL's Pride of Hawaii. It is a new ship that had a lot of service issues when it was put into service last July. While there are still minor issues, we had a wonderful trip. We flew from the east coast to Honolulu without problem. Other postings are right about additional costs. Shore excursions are expensive and if you can, should be booked on line from home. Same for car rentals. We are Thrifty Blue Chip members and made reservations from home. Then we caught their free shuttle, just walked into the office and out again in about 5 minutes. Cost of a rental for the day was about $35. Figure gas to be around $3.09 per gallon. I read cruisecritic and heard a number of service issue complaints. My personal thought is if you are looking to be pampered, having waiters and stewards know you by name and service at the snap of fingers, you are on the wrong ship. The Pride of Hawaii is more of a family oriented ship with people of all ages. We did not have a bad meal
at anytime and if you don't go to one of the many resturants or buffets at peak time, can walk right in and get the table of your choice. Hope this helps.

I have been a customer but never a costumer.....and I think the main problem with the service is that NCL, in order to have these ships US-flagged, is required to hire US citizens/legal residents, pay minimum wage, and observe all US labor laws. It is difficult to find workers that will put forth the same effort and work the hours that the crews of the other lines (non-US flagged) do, but then most of those crew members come from third world countries and are grateful and happy for the work.

I have always wanted to do the Hawaii cruise circuit: the balcony cabin fare sale on POH for the 19 Nov sailing; POH's leaving HI next March and AA flights for 35k AAdvantage miles from BJX-HNL "made" my decision to "try" NCL despite the feedback.
M

mike, As long as you are not looking for a crew that will bow and scrape and pamper you should have a great time. Go and have fun. The islands are beautiful and if you can, just imagine staying on a floating hotel that is in a new port the next morning. No planes, no packing/unpacking, just a relaxing trip.

mceby,
Thanks. Hand-holding service is not a real priority, but wish the food got better feedback.
The $250. pp discount; on-board credit, and 5 free nights at Hot Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay in Mazatlan over Christmas may help.
M

Cruised the Pride of America in late Jan/Early Feb of this year. Would not recommend it. Norwegian is second, if not third class, pretty much all the way. (at least in Hawaii).