Has anyone been on NCL's Pride of Aloha recently? There's been so much negative posts in the past regarding food quality and service, but nothing recent.

Also, do you have to reserve car rentals prior to arriving on each island, or do they have cars available to rent when you dock at each port?

We were on Pride of Aloha the end of June 2007. I am sorry to say but we have been on many cruises and this was the worst. We had one really good meal,in the pay restaurant. There were only 3 of them. The food ranges from poor to very poor. I was not impressed. On the up side Hawaii was wonderful and a great experience. I would at least go on the Pride of Hawaii. It is a newer ship, and has to better the POA. We rented cars prior to going. I am sure you can just go and get one, but keep i mind many people do this and they have pre-exisiting reservations. I am not suggesting you would not get a car but those folks would be taken care of first would be my thoughts. I am sure you could wing it if you wanted to for there are many vans once you get to an island. The main line rental agencies have your name when they go to pick you up. The vans fill up fast, and only those names that have reservations are allowed on those vans.

Pride of Hawaii is being reflagged and renamed. It will no longer cruise in Hawaii. Pride of Aloha and Pride of America will be the only two NCL ships that do these cruises regularly.

That is correct I heard about that now that you mention it. Well then offlady should use the other ship which is newer and not so tired and at least offers more restaurants. It is my thoughts that on NCL the paid restaurants are nearly a must for a really decent meal.

BUT...the Pride of Hawaii is not leaving Hawaii till February 2008. So if your cruise is coming up soon, no problem.

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We are booked on the Pride of Aloha in January. We were originally set to go on one of the other NCL ships during Thanksgiving week and had scheduling conflict. Which POA restaurants should we eat at? I already know to avoid Pacific Heights.

It is Royal Palm Bistro. It was very good. The only really good meal I had the entire week. It is a great way to see and experience Hawaii. Enjoy.