relaxed onboard vibe that dovetails beautifully with the attractions on land. Only one port – Kona – requires the use of tenders to go ashore, hence the ease of enjoyment of each island is almost total, and there is so much local knowledge from the ship’s crew, you are never short of good recommendations for things to do and see.
T
he essentially American nature of the crew is also a novel feature, with a less deferential and more interactive style that sits well with
the Aloha vibe. The restaurant staff in particular are a joy to spend time with, and we found each mealtime a wonderfully genial occasion. With a relatively high Space Ratio (in excess of 37.00), she rarely feels crowded either, even with 2,000 on board, and the only noticeable queues were for disembarkation at Kona. Norwegian’s situation as the Big Cheese in local cruise terms also ensures terrific expertise in an array of shore excursions that are not overwhelming (in number) or heavily over-priced (as can be the case these days). At each port, excursions ran like clockwork and it was pleasing to see the well-oiled weekly routine swing into action every day. Our voyage, in early December, came at the start of the nominal winter season (the few degrees of difference, from around 85F to 80 or 82, from ‘summer’ to ‘winter’ are mainly noticeable in the evening and early morning), when the seas can occasionally turn rough, but we enjoyed dead-calm sailing, and even a nervous first-timer would have been blissfully at home. The winter is also the time for the Pacific’s
SUITE EXTRAS
In keeping with cruising’s trend for a more exclusive onboard experience, Pride of America features some worthwhile ‘extras’ with their suite accommodations.
Priority embarkation and disembarkation lead the way, along with a
Concierge to oversee additional amenities, like an exclusive breakfast and lunch option at the Lazy J Steakhouse and bookings for the alternative restaurants. Suite guests are also invited to their own Captain’s Reception and a
Sailaway experience out of Kauai, with champagne and unique viewing forward on Deck 7. Daily hors d’oevres and other delicacies are delivered daily, while
bathroom toiletries are upgraded to the superior Elemis brand, making for a truly deluxe style.
Winter 2012-13 I WORLD OF CRUISING 21
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