Cruising Hawaii with the Family on Pride of America
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Ask anyone who’s been to Hawaii which of the islands they like the most, and you’ll get a different answer every time. Fortunately, cruising the islands is a great way to eliminate the need to decide between which to experience. After all, why choose between a heli-flight over an active volcano, snorkelling with ancient turtles or outlet shopping when you can do it all in one trip?
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America cruises the Hawaiian archipelago year-round, allowing Australians to explore this scenic slice of the South Pacific on their own schedule, including key school holidays such as Easter or Christmas. Thanks to a near-perfect climate and a port-intensive itinerary, in a single week you can visit four of its marquee islands – Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island – traveling in comfort and all-American style.
Norwegian is a favourite line for family cruising thanks to an informal approach to cruising, with no Captain’s welcome party, no fixed dining and no daily routine. Pride of America is also ideal for families in particular for other reasons.
Easy to spot with her “stars and stripes” livery, she’s a large ship without being too big to navigate, and packed with facilities to keep cruisers of all ages entertained. Families also have a number of accommodation options. For those on a budget, there are family inside staterooms accommodating up to four guests, however, for those who can afford more there are family oceanview staterooms and family balcony staterooms accommodating three or four guests. And if you’re able to splash out, a family suite is an option with separate bedrooms accommodating up to five guests.
Pride of America underwent a major refurbishment in 2013, emerging with new additions including 24 new luxury suites, four additional inside staterooms, a Brazilian-style steakhouse, ship-wide wi-fi, and flat-screen televisions in all accommodations. As a result, she now has an impressive line-up of 19 dining options, 10 bars and lounges, two swimming pools, six hot tubs, and a fitness centre and spa if you fancy a work-out or spot of pampering.
Kids are especially well-catered for on Pride of America with Norwegian’s newly revamped youth programs, allowing junior cruisers to enjoy age-appropriate and supervised creative play, sports, socials and more. Splash Academy is for kids aged six months to 12 years, with features including a dedicated hangout with computer stations and a kiddie pool. Meanwhile teens aged 13 to 17 have Entourage, with highlights including a “mum and dad-free” Teen Centre equipped with flat-screen TVs and games such as PlayStation 3. Also a bonus for families is a group babysitting service, perfect for allowing grown-ups some “us time”.
Given the exotic destinations the ship visits, shore excursions are a major part of the Pride of America experience. Options for fun and adventure for all ages range from water sports such as kayaking, snorkeling and parasailing to biking trips, zip-line adventures and waterfall hikes.
Need To Know: Pride of America operates mostly a seven-night itinerary, a round trip from Honolulu, calling at Kahului (Maui), Hilo (Hawaii), Kona and Nawiliwili (Kauai). Longer itineraries of between eight and 10 nights are also available at selected times of the year. Book on a seven-night cruise departing on April 2, 9 or 16, 2016, during the Easter school holidays and you’ll enjoy special savings and a bonus US$50 on board credit.
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