Are you dreaming of a Hawaiian adventure but feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of islands and experiences to choose from? Want to maximize your time exploring every stunning corner of this paradise? After countless hours of research (and a fair share of daydreaming), we found the perfect solution. Having just returned from an unforgettable journey, here are five reasons to book Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Pride of America for your Hawaiian vacation.
A few years back, my son, husband, and I each made our own bucket lists of must-see destinations. Surprisingly, none of us had the same top five—except for my husband’s number one pick: Hawaii. This summer, we finally made his dream a reality. After exhaustive research and planning, we realized that a cruise was the smartest way to experience the Aloha State. And after even more digging, we settled on Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Pride of America. Let me just say, we wouldn’t have changed a single thing. Here’s why you should consider the same for your Hawaiian adventure.
Why choose a cruise to see Hawaii?
When planning your trip to Hawaii, why should you choose a cruise verses just staying on land?
Did you know that Hawaii is made up of 137 islands? There are eight main islands with four hosting tourists on a regular basis. The islands are Oahu which is where Honolulu is located, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii. Tourism is limited on Molokai and Lanai, and access to Niihau and Kaho’olawe is prohibited. There is only one ferry running between Maui and Lanai. So, how do you hop between these paradises? Well, there’s only one ferry service between Maui and Lanai, leaving you with two options for island-hopping: flights or a cruise.
Flying verses cruising?
Flying into one or more of the Hawaiian islands is definitely an option. Flights between islands range in cost between $100-$300 per person depending on the season. In addition, you should arrive to the airport two hours before your flight time. In my opinion, this is wasted time and money! Our cruise traveled to the next island at night. While sailing, we enjoyed entertainment, dinner, drinks, and sleep
More Bang For Your Buck
Visiting the Hawaiian islands, no matter the type of transportation you choose, is very costly. When comparing the cost of cruising verses staying on the land, the cost was to cruise was significantly cheaper. Hotel rooms in Honolulu ranged from $500 to more than $1,000 a night. Eating out at restaurants was also very costly.
When cruising, your meals are included. In the case of Norwegian’s Pride of America, the cost of alcohol was also included (gratuities were extra).
Convenience
One of the reasons my family consistently chooses to cruise is the convenience of it.
When cruising on Norwegian’s Pride of America, we flew into Honolulu. The cruise port was only about 20 minutes from the airport. Once on board, we unpacked one time. We were able to travel to several ports overnight and wake up in a new location. Our food, drink, and entertainment was provided. There was entertainment options that adults and teens enjoyed.
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Why choose Pride of America for a Hawaii cruise?
So, why did I settle on Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Pride of America for our Hawaiian adventure?
I’m not married to any one cruise line. When I choose a cruise, I weigh a few key factors: the ports of call (because, yes, I want to maximize my time exploring), the length of the trip, and of course, the cost. In addition, it is very important that the cruise line provide options to keep my teenage son happy.
After doing a deep dive into the options, Pride of America checked almost all my boxes. Sure, it’s a bit pricier than some competitors, but it’s also the only cruise ship with a United States registry. Why does that matter, you ask? Well, it’s the only ship allowed to stay entirely within Hawaii—no detours to far-off foreign ports.
This was a game-changer for me. Pride of America not only sails to all four main Hawaiian islands, but it also offers two overnight stops, meaning you get more time to explore, both by land and sea. This was a major win in my book.
Another reason to book is the itinerary has no days at sea. While I can appreciate a lazy day on the ocean, I would rather be chasing waterfalls or swimming with sea turtles? Pride of America let us make the most of every single day in paradise, which is exactly what I was after.
The Ultimate Itinerary
Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Pride of America itinerary is a dream come true for anyone wanting to soak up the best of Hawaii’s iconic islands.
Honolulu
What is better than starting and ending the cruise in Honolulu? Fly in early or stay a bit later so you can take in all the amazing sites in Honolulu. I highly recommend seeing Pearl Harbor, indulging in a luau, playing a round of golf, or just enjoying Waikiki Beach.
Maui
The next port is Maui. You have two days here. There is no worries of missing the ship because it stays overnight. I recommend snorkeling at Molokini Crater with sea turtles and experiencing the Road to Hana.
Hilo
On the Big Island, Hilo is where you can see Volcano National Park. After exploring Volcanoes National Park, why not visit the lush Liliuokalani Gardens or the stunning Rainbow Falls?
Be prepared it may rain while visiting this port as this area is part of the rain forest.
Kona
Kona is the only port where you’ll need to take a tender from the ship to shore, so grab a tender ticket early if you don’t have a shore excursion booked. Once ashore, savor some world-famous Kona Coffee, take a scenic boat ride, or visit the charming Painted Church built in 1899.
Kauai
Kauai stole our hearts with its jaw-dropping landscapes. Overnighting here gives you the chance to explore every inch of its beauty. Whether we were soaking up the views at Waimea Canyon or finding zen at the serene Hindu Monastery, every corner of this island felt like a postcard brought to life.
Things You Need To Know To Make The Most Of Your Pride Of America Cruise
Here are few things that you should know if you have decided to book a cruise on the Pride of America.
Rooms: Manage Your Expectations
The ship is an older vessel, so be prepared for cozier quarters. We opted for a balcony room because we were traveling with our man-sized teen, and even with the extra space, it felt tight. The room was significantly smaller compared to newer ships we’ve sailed on, and storage space was minimal. The bathroom? Let’s just say, it’s not where you’ll be doing any pirouettes.
Tip: Unless you plan on spending a lot of time in your room (which, trust me, you won’t), upgrading to a suite might not be worth the extra cash. With the ship docked daily—and sometimes overnight—you’ll hardly be in your cabin anyway. Save that money for an unforgettable shore excursion instead!
Entertainment: Expect the Unexpected
Contrary to some reviews, the entertainment on Pride of America wasn’t half bad.
We were pleasantly surprised by the variety: themed shows, a comedian, and nightly live music at the Pink Champagne Bar (our personal favorite!). The poolside tunes were also a nice touch. However, it’s worth noting—there is no casino on this ship. If you’re a gambling aficionado, this might be a dealbreaker.
Pro Tip: Make sure to check out the themed shows—perfect for winding down after a day of island-hopping.
Cost: What You’re Really Paying For
Yes, Pride of America is pricier than its competitors, but there are some perks to soften the blow. Norwegian’s Free at Sea program sweetens the deal with free airfare for your second traveler (though do your homework—this may not always be the bargain it seems), complimentary drinks (gratuities apply), a $50 per port shore excursion credit, specialty dining nights, and 150 minutes of Wi-Fi. And keep an eye out for their 3rd and 4th guest sails free promotion.
Heads Up: If you opt for the free drink package and prepay your gratuities, be ready for a surprise on your Sail and Sign account. While in U.S. ports, you’ll be charged additional gratuities—usually $1-$2 per drink. And in case you were wondering, specialty coffees aren’t included in the drink package. So, budget accordingly if you’re a latte lover.
Tips To Save Money On Your Hawaiian Adventure
Traveling to Hawaii and visiting Hawaii is not cheap. Prepare yourself now! If you are looking for a bargain vacation, this is not it. But, there are a few ways to save a buck and I would be remiss if I did not include a section of this article on my money saving tips for cruising Hawaii.
Skip the Pricey Airport Transfer
Learn from my mistake! When we docked back in Honolulu, I had booked the airport transfer through Norwegian, which set us back $40 per person. On the first day, we skipped the transfer and called an Uber instead. The 20-minute ride from the cruise port to the airport was just $25 total, including tip—for all three of us. Moral of the story? Avoid the overpriced transfers and opt for a ride-sharing service.
Ditch the Unlimited Wi-Fi
Unless you’re planning to work while on board, unlimited Wi-Fi is overrated.
Most of the time, the ship is docked in U.S. ports, meaning your cell phone data plan works just fine. Even when you’re sailing, your signal sticks around until you’re far off the coast. The free minutes provided by Norwegian’s Free at Sea program were more than enough for the times when our cell service wasn’t cutting it. Save that money for a latte and a great dinner at one of the specialty restaurants!
BOGO Airfare: A Bargain or Bust?
Buyer beware! Don’t assume Norwegian’s BOGO airfare deal is a steal. In our case, booking our own flights was actually cheaper. Plus, we got to choose our flight times, instead of waiting until 30 days before departure to find out when we’d be flying. Always price check before committing to cruise line airfare—you might be surprised at what you find.
Book Private Excursions for a Custom Experience
Shore excursions through the cruise line can be crazy expensive—and often impersonal. Instead, I booked private tours for several ports, and not only did we save money, but we also enjoyed personalized experiences that the other cruisers missed out on. If you’re heading to Maui, I can’t recommend Eric with Maui Hopping enough—his Road to Hana tour was unforgettable. And Noah from Noah’s Ark Kauai gave us two days of adventure in Kauai that we’ll never forget.
Pro Tip: In Kona, which is a tender port, we booked through Norwegian to get priority disembarkation. But honestly? The tour itself was a letdown compared to our private adventures. If you don’t need tender tickets, stick with the private tours.
In Closing
Traveling to Hawaii is a dream come true, and cruising with Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Pride of America makes that dream even more extraordinary. From the convenience of visiting multiple islands without the hassle of inter-island flights to the unparalleled itinerary that lets you explore the best of Hawaii, this cruise offers an experience that’s hard to beat.
Would you consider this cruise line for your Hawaiian adventure? Drop me a comment. I’d love to hear from you.
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About the Author:
Hi! I’m Chris. I’m a mother, wife, college professor by trade and micro-influencer by hobby. I am a bargain hunter, jack of all trades, and master of chaos.
Thank you for reading my random thoughts on travel, my stories of life as an under appreciated mother of a teenager, and my easy recipes that have won no awards but instead my family’s love and adoration (which is WAY better, right?).
