Pride of America Cost - worth it?

[olesiabr]

I am casting another vote for the POA.

 

We originally booked two inside cabins for our family of five, and when prices dropped one month before the cruise paid a few hundred more to "upgrade" one of the rooms to a balcony.

 

Quite honestly, we didn't use the balcony much on this cruise since most of the port areas were not very scenic, and we were either in port or cruising in the dark. The roosters in Kauai woke me up before dawn! I did see the sun rising over Diamondhead as we were pulling back into Honolulu and I was finishing up the packing...

 

We rented a car at every island and hit the high points. I tried to plan one beach/snorkel day and one sightseeing day at each island. We had two days in Oahu at the start.

 

My favorite moments:

 

Oahu

North shore waves

Shrimp trucks

Chief's Luau

 

Maui

Sunset at Haleakala

Snorkeling south shore

Whales!

 

Hilo

VNP

Akaka falls

 

Kona

Snorkeling

Kona Brewing Company

My tahitian pearl earrings (!)

 

Kauai

Snorkeling

Sunset at Hanalei

Na Pali coast and more whales

 

We took the ship tour of Pearl Harbor at debarcation because it included transfer to the airport, and allowed us to kill time before our late afternoon flight.

 

My family has wonderful memories of our spring break in Hawaii, and I can see how some consider a back to back on this ship to have even more time on each island, especially since airfare is expensive.

 

The ship is clean, smells great due to the fact that there is no casino, and the staff was uniformly charming despite the occasional bad reviews.

[pspercy]

We did a Hawaii cruise so that we could see multiple islands. It did not work out as anticipated as we were unable to stop at Maui and Kona. Due to high winds and waves it was deemed unsafe to tender. They gave us an extra day in Honolulu. Very disappointing and a huge waste of $$$$.

POA docks in Kahalui I believe.

[pspercy]

Thanks again, everyone! Great info here.

 

We are still undecided, but with all I've read, we definitely want to TRY and make the POA work. However, NCL isn't helping - since I first posted, the cost of the family obstructed suite has increased to $11k, which is the same price as a balcony and inside. . . And being that our two boys are older, I wouldn't try to fit us all into one, non-suite cabin (and the balcony is a personal choice).

 

At that price, I think we could spend two leisurely weeks on the islands and get in a lot of touring.

 

Still have a lot of time until next July, so we will keep monitoring the prices and reading responses.

See http://www.gohawaii.com

[Twinkletoes101]

Yes, we too are sort of taking big gulps of air when thinking of the cost of our cruise to Hawaii. We have never been. We are flying in the night before from MN and then going on the cruise. We booked a balcony room. We will stay 3 days after the cruise in Oahu. We have decided to wait to book excursions for the most part to see what we are feeling like and weather. We did a cruise in Bahamas and learned the ship excursions are more expensive. We have talked about car rentals and exploring on our own, but are starting to think that we don't want to be exhausted from driving all day to make the rental worth it. We are tussling with the bag storage on our last day as our flight does not leave until 10:30 at night. I have decided that 1) we want to cruise 2) we want to see Hawaii before we die 3) yup, it is expensive and 4) we will have a great time no matter what happens. I guess you just have to take the leap. Hawaii is not going to be cheap no matter how you do it. That is just the nature of the beast. Granted, I am not taking a family with me on this. What ever you decide, have fun!

[Budget Queen]

I travel to Hawaii every year, last several have been twice/year. POA is a WINNER itinerary. There is WAY more to "Hawaii", then thinking Oahu, which is my least priority for my travels. I'm there only a few days at most. No way, would I ever recommend someone spend all their time there.

 

I book POA- late and pick up the $899 inside rates, which they've had several times over the past few years. BUT with that trip- I also add another week on each side, plus a few days in Oahu, with a week on Hawaii and another on Maui.

[Budget Queen]

Yes, we too are sort of taking big gulps of air when thinking of the cost of our cruise to Hawaii. We have never been. We are flying in the night before from MN and then going on the cruise. We booked a balcony room. We will stay 3 days after the cruise in Oahu. We have decided to wait to book excursions for the most part to see what we are feeling like and weather. We did a cruise in Bahamas and learned the ship excursions are more expensive. We have talked about car rentals and exploring on our own, but are starting to think that we don't want to be exhausted from driving all day to make the rental worth it. We are tussling with the bag storage on our last day as our flight does not leave until 10:30 at night. I have decided that 1) we want to cruise 2) we want to see Hawaii before we die 3) yup, it is expensive and 4) we will have a great time no matter what happens. I guess you just have to take the leap. Hawaii is not going to be cheap no matter how you do it. That is just the nature of the beast. Granted, I am not taking a family with me on this. What ever you decide, have fun!

 

 

For general information- this would be a poor plan for many. Hawaii isn't the Caribbean with hordes of vendors on the dock. Extremely few, if any. The islands are all small, not sure how anyone could be "exhausted" driving around. But a car rental offers the most touring possibilities and works out excellent for many to consider. So much of Hawaii is natural beauty- just drive up and see it. :) Actually very cheap place to tour with a rental car.

 

With the POA itinerary- Hawaii is the highlight, for some, the cost of this cruise is high- (my opinion, it's an excellent value) I would think, along that line- full advantage of being there is worth the effort with planning. Do no count on any walk up rental cars available- frequently sold out.

[Mom2B&Z]

IMHO POA is a great way to get a taste for 4 of the islands. As others have said, it's impossible for someone else to tell you what parts of Hawaii you will love.

We sailed POA then spent a week on the big island about 45 mins outside Kona. It was the best of both worlds, we got to see 3 islands and explored one in depth. When we go back (because we will be going back!), we want to spend more time on Kauai. Fwiw it was at least half a day to take the flight between islands, since you need to get there, check in, fly, get luggage, transfer to the new hotel...I was glad we only did it once.

We were 4 in a balcony (our boys are 10&7) and it was tight but doable. This is one cruise that I would cram the family into a small cabin, because you really are there only to sleep and shower. We've had an aft suite on breakaway where we spent a crazy amount of time in our cabin and on the balcony, but POA just isn't this type of cruise.

 

 

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[Budget Queen]

From another point of view, I've flown between the islands numerous times. For me it takes less than 3 hours, with turning in and picking up rental cars. Flights are an hour- with my flights between Hilo, Kona, Maui, and Honolulu only. Longer flights add a little more time.

[jakeT]

You really should check other cruise lines. They do 14, 15 day cruises from CA.

Round trip stop at a number of islands. Saves you airfare to HI. So overall it could come out the same or very cheaper. Carnival does 15 day cruises what no where near $11k. You get less time on the islands. Have a limited choice of excursion because of the shorter port time. Just some thing to think about.

[Barb Nahoumi]

I think that the cost of the cruise is worth it, because prices of inter-island flights, room rentals, food and own transportation can explode your budget.

 

I did this cruise years ago on the Pride of Aloha. Our flight to Oahu, pre and post hotel stays were booked through NCL. If I were to return to Hawaai, I would want to spend all of my time on my favorite Island------Maui.

[punkincc]

You really should check other cruise lines. They do 14, 15 day cruises from CA.

Round trip stop at a number of islands. Saves you airfare to HI. So overall it could come out the same or very cheaper. Carnival does 15 day cruises what no where near $11k. You get less time on the islands. Have a limited choice of excursion because of the shorter port time. Just some thing to think about.

 

And while you are looking at those cruises, be sure to see just how many ports and port hours you get. Depends on what your main goal is. Is it to maximize your time IN Hawaii or just to vacation as cheaply as possible? Assuming someone has enough vacation time to take a 14 or 15 day roundtrip, you said it yourself, "less time on the islands", "shorter port times". I would opt for the 7 day, maximum port time experience provided by the POA in a heartbeat, vs limited port time and several sea days instead coming and going.

 

A balcony cabin is nice if you can afford it, but for this itinerary where the sailing is all at night, and you overnight twice, it is really mostly wasted. If one wants to enjoy sailaways and watch the islands go by, that aft Aloha Lanai is a wonderful place to relax and watch the scenery until dark. We spent a lot of time there despite having our own balcony. You can get by just fine with an inside cabin in order to save $. And, as has been stated, there is really very little in Hawaii that requires a booked excursion to be seen. Excursion for 4 = $400 to $500, vs rental car @ $50 or less, total for 4 or more people.

[NOSaints1]

My thing is is the price around 1400 U.S. Which probably translates into around 2000 CDN plus around airfare

[BS Racing]

We have taken the POA twice once paid for by our adult children, once when we took our adult children with both times we had a great time. The second one our departure date was Dec 7 and we took in the Pearl Harbor ceremony in and actually went to the memorial with one of the survivors. A once in a lifetime thing for us. Also but not really cruise related on our last free day in Honolulu after the cruise we saw Jimmy Buffett also a blast.

 

The cruise is worth it IMO.

[punkincc]

We have taken the POA twice once paid for by our adult children, once when we took our adult children with both times we had a great time. The second one our departure date was Dec 7 and we took in the Pearl Harbor ceremony in and actually went to the memorial with one of the survivors. A once in a lifetime thing for us. Also but not really cruise related on our last free day in Honolulu after the cruise we saw Jimmy Buffett also a blast.

 

The cruise is worth it IMO.

 

I agree, even if you have to book years in advance for the best price, book an inside, start saving way in advance, and maybe even skip a vacation or two ( or do really cheap ones ) in order to be able to finally get there. Hawaii is an "experience", much like Alaska, that is hard to convey to someone who has not seen it.

[bonvoyagie]

Hawaii is an "experience", much like Alaska, that is hard to convey to someone who has not seen it.

 

Agreed - but I will take Alaska anyday:D:D:D

[Budget Queen]

You really should check other cruise lines. They do 14, 15 day cruises from CA.

Round trip stop at a number of islands. Saves you airfare to HI. So overall it could come out the same or very cheaper. Carnival does 15 day cruises what no where near $11k. You get less time on the islands. Have a limited choice of excursion because of the shorter port time. Just some thing to think about.

 

I've done these cruises as well. They are a bargain, and they usually have enhancement programs scheduled on the sea days. I have gone with both Carnival and Princess. These are NOT good options for rare Hawaii visitors, as they are very minimal with "Hawaii"

[NOSaints1]

Are the excursions expensive? If you had to choose, Hawaii, Bermuda or Alaska based on cost, overall experience?

[Budget Queen]

Are the excursions expensive? If you had to choose, Hawaii, Bermuda or Alaska based on cost, overall experience?

 

I go to all three of these areas every year. Alaska clearly has the most costly touring. Bermuda and Hawaii are both loaded with cheap/free options. Hawaii is a winner with car rental opportunities. and drive up beauty. Bermuda is a treasure with their bus and ferry transits.

[NOSaints1]

So POA to Hawaii, which cruises would you pick for Alaska/Bermuda?

[xlxo]

So POA to Hawaii, which cruises would you pick for Alaska/Bermuda?

My priorities...

• an itinery that includes Glacier Bay. Some offer a mid-cruise transfer to Tracy Arm as a bonus.
  
• which month can make a difference...
  
  • dry weather with some heat... something in July....
    
  • August for those looking for wildlife.
    
  • September for storm chasers looking for savings.
    
  • May is affordable too with dry weather.
    

  [*]HAL is preferred, Princess second choice and DCL with kids...

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[hrbtaxman42]

My family is a huge fan of cruising and have enjoyed our two cruises on NCL (plus many others). So when the family decided on a vacation to Hawaii this upcoming summer, I naturally started to price the Pride of America - and have frankly been astonished with the cost. For four of us the cheapest balcony and inside would cost over $10k for the week we are looking at in July (interestingly, the obstructed view family suite is $8400 which would probably be my choice).

 

Now thinking that Hawaii is just expensive, I checked online and found that for the same week, I can rent a two bedroom condo in Honolulu, or a small house outside of town (both ocean front) for between $200 and $250 per night. Now with a budget of $2000 for a place to stay, I'm wondering what on the cruise would justify the $6400 price difference? (note - saw that two oceanfront hotel rooms in a resort would cost $3000-$4000 for the week, maybe a better comp).

 

The obvious answer is the transportation between the islands, plus dinners and shows, and the convenience of being able to sleep in the same room every night justifies the price difference. But we could do a lot of site seeing and eat some nice meals for that much money.

 

I do understand that the POA is more expensive to operate than other ships, plus we probably chose a popular week, so I'm not complaining about the cost of the POA. Obviously NCL fills it up.

 

So all that said, I'm looking for advice on how I can justify the cost of this cruise to my wife?

 

Thanks

We used the ship as a hotel and rented a car in each port. Saw different things than what was offered by any group.

[gwsster]

[QUOTE=DandDM;47707551]Thanks again, everyone! Great info here.

 

We are still undecided, but with all I've read, we definitely want to TRY and make the POA work. However, NCL isn't helping - since I first posted, the cost of the family obstructed suite has increased to $11k, which is the same price as a balcony and inside.

 

Make sure you remove the cookies when you do a POA search or use a different browser. We booked an Owners Suite at almost $12g and one day doing some price checking the price dropped almost 3g after removing the cookies. We still kept the Promo's of free UDP, grats for 2 of us and $100 OBC for 2 of us in the cabin. The lower rate was only that way for one day ( I got lucky) so it pays to check the rates often (remove the cookies) I called NCL and they booked me at the lower rate in the same cabin. They do warn you that you could lose this cabin while canceling the cruise and then booking it again, I chanced it.

[NOSaints1]

What was your favourite island? Do they have any Hawaiian theme on the ship, food, entertainment?

[TifffanyD]

We did the cruise 2 years ago and it was incredible. We spent a LOT of time in port... so I wouldn't consider them "short port stops" like some would say. With 2 overnights (Maui and Kauai) you can cover a lot of ground.

 

It's too bad you missed the friends and family sail free sale... maybe that will come back.

[punkincc]

What was your favourite island? Do they have any Hawaiian theme on the ship, food, entertainment?

 

I think some of us covered some favorite things about each island farther back in the thread. People are probably pretty evenly divided when it comes to favorite islands. I would find it very hard to choose because I love them all. Which is why I like the cruise. I don't have to choose. None of us can know which might be YOUR favorite.

 

The POA theme is America (Pride of America) and very fitting since the ship is the only cruise ship flagged in the USA, and Hawaii is a U.S. State, after all;). There are Hawaiian themed shows, activities and entertainment, but not strictly so.

Edited September 14, 2015 by punkincc