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Hawaii -- NCL's Pride of Aloha
We
recently returned from a landmark event in cruise travel, as July 4th marked
a milestone in the U.S. maritime history when NCL America christened the
first modern U.S.-flagged cruise ship in nearly a half century.
The inaugural celebration of NCL’s Pride of Aloha included Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri KT Lim, NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch, and the ship’s Godmother, Mrs. Daniel K. Inouye. They were joined by Hawaii Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Hawaii Congressman Neil Abercrombie, and dignitaries from the Maritime Administration and Seafarers International Union.
“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 Hawai’i have to offer,” said Veitch. “This is truly a proud day for NCL.”
After the inaugural festivities, the ship set sail on a seven-night cruise of the Hawaiian Islands, including an incredible 96 hours in various ports. We found that the Pride of Aloha features 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 features a Hawaii museum and Kumu Cultural Center (Kumu is the Hawaiian source of learning).
The friendly staff is mostly U.S., 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, Hawaii.