Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	400
Accommodation	200	149
Food	400	248
Service	400	232
Entertainment	100	79
Cruise	400	279

How this score is created

In 2004 Norwegian Sky was “Hawaiianized” and morphed into Pride of Aloha. The hull sports flower leis along both sides. The ship operates with 100% American officers and crew (many from Hawaii), and operates Hawaiian island cruises year-round. The outdoor space is quite generous, with an extra wide pool deck (created from port and starboard “overhangs” that resulted from balconies added to cabins on two decks beneath it), with two swimming pools and four whirlpool tubs.

The interior decor reflects the ship’s operating area, with Hawaiian motifs, flowers and fauna, and artwork depicting the heritage and lifestyle of Hawaii and its people (a complete change from the ship’s former interior design). The focal point is the ship’s eight-deck high atrium lobby, with spiral sculptures and rainbow-colored sails. Public rooms include a shopping arcade, children’s playroom (there is also a splash pool in a prime open deck area forward atop ship), internet center (with 14 terminals and coffee available from an adjacent bar), several lounges and bars, small conference room, the Mark Twain library; Captain Cook’s for cigars and cognac. Those with a black belt in shopping should know the Black Pearl Gem Shop is a joint venture.

Pride of Aloha is a resort at sea, and caters well to a multi-generational clientele, with lots of choices for dining and entertainment. It provides a fine, comfortable base from which to explore all that the Hawaiian islands have to offer. It’s all a bit “twee” but at least it’s fresh.

A (non-changeable) service charge (this is not a gratuity) for staff is automatically added to your onboard account at $10 per person ($5 for children ages 3–12) per day; this is pooled for all crew and provides payment when they are on vacation. You will also be expected to also provide gratuities. In addition, a 15% gratuity, plus Hawaii sales tax (this is a US flag ship) is added to all bar and spa treatment accounts. The on­board currency is the US dollar.

The hustling for passengers to attend art auctions is aggressive and annoying, as is the constant bombardment for revenue activities and the daily junk mail that arrives at one’s cabin door. There are many announcements – particularly annoying are those that state what is already written in the daily program. There is little connection to the sea from many public rooms. Passenger hallways are quite plain. The all-American crew is fairly friendly and service-oriented, but there is almost a complete lack of finesse and polish – perhaps this will come in time

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008