Cruise Travel....

 NEW SHIP REVIEW:
PRIDE OF ALOHA

This past July 4th, on a bright Hawaiian morning, a landmark event in cruise travel marked a milestone in U.S. maritime history when NCL America christened the first modern U.S.-flagged cruise ship in nearly a half century.

“On this day, when Americans celebrate our independence, NCL America is proud to inaugurate a whole new cruise ship experience--one that represents all that America and Hawaii have to offer,” said Colin Veitch, NCL America President and CEO. “This is truly a proud day for NCL.” Besides Veitch, the inaugural celebration of NCL’s Pride of Aloha--the former Norwegian Sky--included Veitch, Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri KT Lim, and the ship’s Godmother, Mrs. Daniel K. Inouye. They were joined by Hawaii Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Hawaii Congressman Neil Abercrombie, dignitaries from the Maritime Administration and Seafarers International Union, and a spirited crew that’s entirely from the U.S..

The Aloha spirit of the ship is even evident on the outside, thanks to a harmonious hull design by Hawaiian artist Linda Umstead. The colorful design features a pretty plumeria lei, as well as the traditional maile and orchid wedding leis. Umstead’s award-winning work was chosen from dozens of entries in a hull design competition.

After the inaugural festivities, the colorful ship set sail on a seven-night cruise of the Hawaiian Islands that offers lots of port time. During those seven days, we found that Pride of Aloha features a somewhat modified version of NCL’s signature “Freestyle Cruising,” offering a diverse choice for dining (without fixed seating times), resort casual dress (bring your Aloha wear!), and relaxed disembarkation. Along with all of the standard ship amenities and many Hawaiian touches, the ship also features a Hawaii museum and Kumu Cultural Center (Kumu is the Hawaiian source of learning).

The friendly staff is mostly American, creating a unique atmosphere that is sure to be the talk of many Pride of Aloha passengers (as well as other similarly operating ships NCL America has planned for Hawaii). The 2,000-passenger ship will sail seven-day, round-trip Hawaii itineraries, visiting all four main islands--giving cruise passengers up to an unprecedented 96 hours in port. Ports of call include: Honolulu, Oahu (embarkation/debarkation); an overnight in Nawiliwili, Kauai; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawaii; and an overnight in Kahului, Maui.

During her recent dry dock, Pride of Aloha was completely refurbished, with the redesign obviously touching nearly every part of the ship--including staterooms, public rooms, the deck and pool areas, and the six restaurants onboard. Highlighting the refurbishment are many Hawaiian touches that were added throughout the former Norwegian Sky.

“When faced with the daunting task of redesigning a ship to capture the essence of Hawaii’s many rich and diverse elements, we immediately sought out one of the island’s most well-respected designers, Mary Philpotts,” Veitch said. “It’s Mary’s vision, along with the folks at SMC Design, that makes the redesign a truly unique one--one that we hope honors the ship’s name.”

As soon as passengers board Pride of Aloha, they experience a vibrant and colorful world of fauna, flora, and many water- and Hawaiian-inspired details. The focal point of the ship is a towering eight-deck-high glass-domed atrium, with 50-foot-high sculptures inspired by Menehune (the mythical little people of Hawaii), rainbow-colored sails patterned after the islands’ traditional canoe sails, and carpeting and chairs featuring vibrant pinks, yellows, greens, and blues.

Up on deck six, the Blue Hawaii Night Club was inspired by the outdoor beachfront dance clubs that were once very popular in Hawaii. Hula girl graphics grace the walls and there are thatched roof sections, palm trees, and even colorful leis strewn into the new carpet. Nearby, Captain Cook’s Bar and Captain Cook’s Cigar Club both pay homage to the legendary seafarer’s travels and discoveries. Highlights include replicas of early-1800s etchings done when Hawaii was first being explored by Europeans. Also on deck six, the Mark Twain Library is infused with the names and personalities of Twain and other authors who journeyed to the islands for relaxation--and inspiration. The library’s collection is somewhat small, giving an indication that most passenger interests lie elsewhere.

In a combination that only an American-flagged and -staffed ship in Hawaii could have, the Sports Bar on deck 11 provides a perfect place to watch sporting events or participate in periodic--and popular--sports trivia contests. Images and memorabilia of surfing and baseball provide the backdrop, including sports greats like Duke Kahanamoku, the four-time Olympic medalist and world-renowned surfer, and Joe Dimaggio, who actually started his career with the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League--and played frequently in Hawaii.

Early Polynesians who navigated the Pacific Ocean inspired the Outrigger Lounge, which is also on deck 11. They were known as blue water sailors, thanks to the ability to sail using the stars as their navigation instruments. A huge outrigger canoe hanging from the ceiling is this elegant room’s highlight. Ondeck the Hoku (Star) Bar is a pleasant outdoor bar with artwork including volcanoes and lots of colorful local plants. Up on deck 12, the large Plantation Club reflects that era's British Colonial style. The bright pool deck has a relaxed atmosphere, where a Pau Hana (abandon work) attitude is the theme. A mural of surfers behind the typically bustling Breakers Bar gives the pool deck design an Hawaiian beach or outdoor lanai feel.

On nights when the ship is at sea, the two-story Stardust Lounge comes to life. The new production, “South Seas Island Spectacular,” played to rave initial reviews with veteran show-goers. Created for NCL America by Tihati Productions in Honolulu, the show provides a journey through the Polynesian islands of Tahiti, Rarotonga, Fiji, Samoa, and, or course, Hawaii. Singers and dancers from the Pacific share there culture, history, and spirit--from the ferociousness of Fijian warriors to the beauty of the Hawaiian hula maiden.

The ship’s playbill also currently includes two Jean Ann Ryan Las Vegas-style productions that are the high-energy shows for which she is well-known. “Runnin’ Wild” is a Bob Fosse salute to big band and swing, while the appropriately named “Sea Legs Cirque” combines aerial ballet with acrobatics and daredevil feats that get the crowds clapping.

The relatively large Body Waves Spa, operated by Mandara with an Asian influence, offers special products and services tailored to the ship’s Hawaiian itinerary. For example, freshly grated coconuts are used for the Coconut Body Polish, a soothing a naturally cleansing body treatment rich in nutrients and pure heated oils. The special Hawaiian Majesty Massage, a treatment once reserved for Hawaiian royalty, combines traditional lomi-lomi massage with long and soothing strokes. Nearby, the relatively large Body Waves Fitness Center contains an active aerobics room and a gym with state-of-the-art cardio machines and free weights. Many classes and programs are offered during a typical seven-day sailing.

As part of NCL’s popular "Lifestyles Enrichment Program", each week, distinguished historians offer presentations on Hawaii’s colorful history and culture. In addition, technology, health, and nutrition classes will also be available. The Internet Cafe on deck seven isn’t ideally located (it’s on a busy corridor), but it does offer nine computer stations (24-hour access), wireless Internet capability, laptop rental, and a knowledgeable staff.

Swingerslove the NCL "Golf Hawaii" program, which offers golf outings to championship courses on all four main islands and the first golf pro shop at sea! Located on deck seven, the Pro Shop features top-of-the-line golf equipment, including Callaway clubs and Adidas shoes for rent, Top-Flite and Callaway balls, gloves, and hats for purchase, and NCL Golf Hawaii logo items. There area also onboard clinics and three practice nets.

As part of its "Kids Crew" program, the ship also features a variety of supervised activities for children aged two to 17. Pride of Aloha Kids Center activities include Hawaiian arts and craft classes, Hula dance lessons, movies, cartoons, scavenger hunts, island-themed story books, and more.

As with all NCL America ships, creative dining is a highlight on Pride of Aloha. Though there aren’t as many venues as on more recently built ships, Freestyle dining still abounds. The two main restaurants--Palace and Crossings--feature similarly themed menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Palace Restaurant is bright and boldly colored, while Crossings Restaurant features more of a nautical design that was inspired by the Trans Pacific yacht races from Los Angeles to Honolulu. Each night, these two restaurants feature regional Hawaiian specialties from seven of the islands’ most famous chefs, including Darryl Fujita, Beverly Gannon, and Warren Uchida. One signature dish from the celebrity chefs is featured each night, like Beverly Gannon’s Paniolo Ribs with Haliimaile Barbecue Sauce and Crispy Onion Strings.

Hukilau Cafe and Hukilau Lanai on deck 11 provide casual eateries serving breakfast and lunch buffets, as well as themed stations. Hukilau--a community gathering and feast--is certainly an appropriate name for this popular dining option.

However, it’s the specialty restaurants where the ship’s cuisine really shines. Royal Palm Bistro (Le Bistro on other NCL ships) on deck 12 is certainly the ship’s dining highlight, with classic and nouvelle French cuisine including traditional escargot and a delectable surf and turf that includes lobster and filet mignon. The airy atmosphere is that of a European garden in the Victorian era. Pacific Heights is another popular choice, thanks to Pacific Rim/Asian fusion cuisine that highlights Hawaiian cuisine ranging from steak to local fish to Asian options. Contemporary works by Hawaiian artists further the sleek feel of the narrow restaurant. Finally, Kahili Restaurant down on deck five provides an upscale Italian option. Though the creative fare is sure to be a enjoyed by most, the room’s design (the pageantry of Hawaii’s Royal Families) doesn’t seem to match the Italian menu.

The cabins continue the Hawaiian theme, with lively hues of blue, pink, orange, purple, green, and more adorning the carpets, upholstery, and bedspreads. The ship features 983 renovated cabins, with 554 oceanview staterooms (243 with balconies). The ship’s four Owner’s Suites boasts an impressive 650 square feet each and 10 Penthouse Suites offer 364 square feet. Both of these categories feature butler and concierge service. All cabins include a TV, refrigerator, and bathroom with shower (basic bathing amenities are included). Storage space is fairly limited, but casual dress is encouraged throughout the cruise (there is one formal-optional night).

But the island-inspired amenities and port intensive itinerary are the true Pride of Aloha highlights.  The ship sets sail from Honolulu every Sunday on her roundtrip inter-island cruises to Kauai, Hawaii and Maui, at per-person/double-occupancy brochure rates of $1,599 to $5,399..

For more information contact your travel agent or NCL America (Cruise Travel Magazine), 7665 Corporate Center Dr., Miami, FL  33126; or log on to www.ncl.com.