Questions on Pride of America

[dexddd]

OK... thanks for the replies. In researching a little more, I did find the info on staying onshore... but doesn't look good for Chef's Table or Thermal Suite. Those are 2 must do's for us when we cruise, but with this cruise being so unique, we don't feel like we will be missing much.

 

My wife is getting to have surgery and her eating patterns will make it a challenge to make eating at upgrade restaurants difficult. I know on other cruise lines, they are starting to offer their signature steaks, etc. on ther Main Dining room menus with an upcharge. Does anyone know if they do this on Pride of America?

 

From everything we saw the menus on POA are the same as the other ships operating with the new menus although I didn't check them out every night.

Edited July 30, 2016 by dexddd

[papamouse101]

From everything we saw the menus on POA are the same as the other ships operating with the new menus although I didn't check them out every night.

 

Hmm... OK, well the question is did those main dining menus include any "upcharge items" like steaks, etc. ? :)

 

Thanks for the help

[punkincc]

Hmm... OK, well the question is did those main dining menus include any "upcharge items" like steaks, etc. ? :)

 

Thanks for the help

 

 

Yes, the new NCL MDR menus do include upcharge steaks. Whether they might be as good as what you would get in Cagney's or Le Bistro, I couldn't say.

 

Those specialty restaurant menus are available for in cabin service if you are in a suite.

[papamouse101]

Yes, the new NCL MDR menus do include upcharge steaks. Whether they might be as good as what you would get in Cagney's or Le Bistro, I couldn't say.

 

Those specialty restaurant menus are available for in cabin service if you are in a suite.

 

K.... Thanks!

[boogbird]

Thanks for the info. I have read here, especially about the interior cabin; we usually get that category, but thought for this a balcony might be better; now can save that money.

My main concern is whether to take this cruise with the land package in Honolulu or to just do an escorted land tour to all the islands. I want to make sure that there is enough time to see the most important things to see at each port because I doubt we will return to Hawaii; I don't just want to get an overview. I know the land tour would be more expensive and then we would have to pay for many lunches and dinners.

My other chief concern is sailing NCL. It was the first line I ever cruised with and had a few other ones with them, but they went down from the first one. I have heard from quite a few sailing friends that they wouldn't do NCL again. I realize it's not going to be the Queen Mary, but don't want a horrible experience either. Also concerned that with cruising might not get the actual Hawaii experiences- luaus, culture, food of islands, etc.

Any opinions would be appreciated, especially if anyone has done a land tour AND this cruise.

[Silver Sweethearts]

Also concerned that with cruising might not get the actual Hawaii experiences- luaus, culture, food of islands, etc.

 

While the POA may not be the ideal cruising experience, try and think about it as a floating hotel. In its favor are the facts you only unpack once and don't have to spend multiple times waiting at airports and checking in and out of hotels - which leaves you more time for luaus, culture, food of the islands, etc. That said, a land tour will get you more immersed in everything - but would take considerably more time. How much vacation time are you looking at??

[Budget Queen]

Thanks for the info. I have read here, especially about the interior cabin; we usually get that category, but thought for this a balcony might be better; now can save that money.

My main concern is whether to take this cruise with the land package in Honolulu or to just do an escorted land tour to all the islands. I want to make sure that there is enough time to see the most important things to see at each port because I doubt we will return to Hawaii; I don't just want to get an overview. I know the land tour would be more expensive and then we would have to pay for many lunches and dinners.

My other chief concern is sailing NCL. It was the first line I ever cruised with and had a few other ones with them, but they went down from the first one. I have heard from quite a few sailing friends that they wouldn't do NCL again. I realize it's not going to be the Queen Mary, but don't want a horrible experience either. Also concerned that with cruising might not get the actual Hawaii experiences- luaus, culture, food of islands, etc.

Any opinions would be appreciated, especially if anyone has done a land tour AND this cruise.

 

No, I would not take any "land" tour. Any reason you can't go on your own? There is FAR more to "Hawaii", than Oahu. I spend my least time there, frankly. But- I really like Hawaii and Maui. Frankly= with your claim of wanting to see islands- escorted tours are the worse choice. You are funneled point to point, stuck in tourist traps and overall, waste a lot of time. I find the cruises a perfect match for using rental cars, AND I always add open jaw flights. Last 2 trips I fly into Kona, spend a week on Hawaii, day of cruise fly to Honolulu, stay a couple days on Oahu, then fly to Maui for another week. then home from there. I see and do a LOT, all with rental cars and plans in place. You will never get that on any escorted tour.

[boogbird]

We have up to 2 weeks. I have never planned out a vacay like this- we either cruise and do as we choose or just drive and stop along the way. I have been told by others that what you are saying is very doable, but don't know how to start and I am older, so it's teaching an old dog new tricks. I am not familiar with your jargon "jaw" flights- possibly beginning and end of trip? Also, didn't quite understand what you were saying about Oahu- you flew into Honolulu day of cruise, but spent some days there and then flew to Maui? Did you actually take the cruise?

Thanks for your thoughts.