Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	408
Accommodation	200	150
Food	400	248
Service	400	233
Entertainment	100	78
Cruise	400	276

How this score is created

Pride of Hawaii, assembled from 67 blocks, is a sister ship to Norwegian Jewel, but with decor and features specific to the Hawaii cruises the ship operates. The ship completed NCL’s plan of bringing three US-flagged cruise ships to Hawaii by 2006 (creating 4,000 new seafaring jobs in the process). The ship features a “pod” propulsion system. The ship’s interior decor is decidedly in keeping with Americana and the 50th state of Hawaii (written as Hawai‘i in Hawaiian English to indicate the glottal stop), and the interior colors are best described as “in your face bright.”

Pride of Hawaii has a “Bar Central” – three specialty bars (Magnum’s Champagne/Wine Bar, Mixers’ Martini/ Cocktail Bar, and Tankard’s Beer/Whiskey Bar) that are connected but have distinct personalities (there are a dozen bars and lounges on board). Other facilities include a Kumu Cultural Center, three meeting rooms, a chapel, card room, bridge viewing room, and the SS United States Library (with original photography and material about America’s last ocean liner).

The dress code is casual – very casual; no jacket and tie needed, although you are welcome to dress formally if you wish – in fact, there is no suggested dress code in the daily program. Children are well provided for, and have their own facilities, including the Keiki Kids Club; teens have their own disco, the Wipe-Out Club.

While the initial cruise fare seems very reasonable, the extra costs and charges soon mount up if you want to sample more than the basics. This ship has an all-American crew and service. The ship is full of revenue centers designed to help you part with more of your money. You can expect to be subjected to a stream of flyers advertising daily art auctions, “designer” watches, and many other promotions (including poolside “Inch of Gold” sales outlets).

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. A $5 (fundraising) “donation” to the Bishop Museum is also added to your account; you can remove or reduce it by visiting the reception desk. The crew is paid a salary (plus all sorts of additional benefits, including health insurance and paid vacation), so additional gratuities are not necessary, although they are not refused.

In addition, a 15% gratuity plus Hawaii sales tax (presently 4.166%) is added to all bar and spa treatment accounts (this is a US-flag ship, remember). The onboard currency is the US dollar. Passenger niggles include waiting to use the interactive dining reservation screens in the public areas; lines for breakfast in the main dining spots (particularly before the shore excursions start); and poor service and hospitality in some areas.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008