By Admiral Tim Cruise
Let’s get one thing out of the way: the NCL Pride of America is genuinely one of the best cruise products in the industry, considering. I don’t say that lightly. But if you want to see four Hawaiian islands in seven days without trucking your suitcase to four different hotels, there is no other ship on planet Earth that does what this one does. That’s not marketing copy, that’s geography and obscure maritime laws working in your favor for once.
That said, Norwegian will still find ways to pick your pockets with drink packages, dining, spa services, and especially excursions. Good news? We’ve included peer-reviewed Viator options that can save you upwards of 10-20% if you use our affiliate links peppered in the text below. Or, begin here: https://www.viator.com/partner-shop/admtim/Hawaii-Excursion-Top-Rated-Rec?medium=link&medium_version=shop&campaign=AdmiralTim
OH… there is NO casino on NCL Pride of America. Zero slot machines. No roulette. No blackjack. Poker? I hardly know her! I saw some of you degenerate gamblers flinch behind your screens. For most folks, the ship not having a casino isn’t a biggie. With all the port stops and overnights, you’re probably not going to be on the ship long enough to miss it. Good news is you can still gamble online. Yay.
What Makes Pride of America Different
The Pride of America is the only major U.S.-flagged cruise ship homeported in Hawaii. That flag thing matters enormously. Because of the Passenger Vessel Services Act — also known as the Idiot Jones Act — foreign-flagged ships can’t sail between two American ports without stopping somewhere outside the country first. That’s why every other cruise line doing “Hawaii” makes you burn two days at sea at Ensenada before touching an actual Hawaiian port. They aren’t being adventurous. They’re all legally required to do that stupidity.
The Pride of America doesn’t need a foreign port loophole because it doesn’t have a foreign port problem. And here’s where it gets genuinely interesting for passengers: because every single stop on that itinerary is a legitimate domestic U.S. port of call, you can get off in Maui, look around, decide this is where you’re supposed to be, and just… not get back on the ship. Ever. And since it’s a US state, you could even stay there forever. No PVSA violation. No federal penalty. Just you, a mai tai, and a very confused NCL room attendant watching your cabin go unclaimed. NCL’s ticket contract will still keep your money for the unused nights — that’s between you and your travel insurance — but the government has exactly zero interest in your life choices. Now THAT’S freedom.
Pride of America departs Honolulu every Saturday, visits four Hawaiian islands in seven days, overnights in Maui and Kauai, and returns to Honolulu the following Saturday morning. No sea days. No Mexico. Just straight up Hawaii, start to finish, and roughly 100 hours in port across the week.
Pride was built in the United States in 2005 and just came out of drydock in May 2025 at Vigor Industrial’s shipyard in Portland. It carries around 2,200 passengers and requires a 100% American crew by law — which is genuinely unusual and adds a distinct, um, character to the onboard experience. Depending on who you talk to, the American crew thing can be a positive or negative.
The Itinerary, Port by Port
The ship departs Honolulu Saturday evening and runs the same route every single week of the year. Here’s what you’re looking at:
Kahului, Maui (Overnight)
Your first real stop and the one with the most flexibility, because you have roughly 35 hours here. The overnight is the key — it opens up options that single-day visitors simply can’t access. Road to Hana with dangerous curves, one-lane bridges, black sand beaches, and sea-turtle-covered coastline. Haleakalā crater at sunrise — which requires being in line at 3am but produces the kind of view that breaks cameras. Molokini snorkeling. Whale watching in season (November through May). Two days, one island, so choose wisely.
What the heck is a “Road to Hana?”
The Road to Hana (officially Hana Highway / Route 360) is a 68 mile stretch of road along the northeastern coastline of Maui from Kahului to the remote town of Hana. It winds past 59 bridges and over 600 curves, revealing endless views of lush rainforest, rugged ocean cliffs, and dramatic waterfalls. The road itself is the experience — not just the destination. The motion sickness warning is legit — NCL’s own listing explicitly states the tour is not recommended for guests prone to motion sickness or those with back problems, as part of the road is unpaved. Oh, and Hana Town itself can be kind of a letdown. It’s small and underwhelming on its own. The scenic journey to Hana is the whole point of this thing. It’s genuinely one of the most scenic drives in the world and nothing else on Maui matches it for sheer visual variety.
Along the way you’ll pass through tropical rainforests, bamboo jungles, waterfalls, tropical streams and pools, and spectacular cliffs. The road is scary narrow — many of the most scenic sections have bridges that are only one lane wide. Self-driving the Road to Hana is completely possible. But reports from our friends say it can be genuinely stressful. Most people are thankful they opted to have someone else drive. On a cruise the stakes are higher — misjudge the return time and you could miss the ship, so if you’re fixin’ to drive, do it on day 1. Mini-coaches used by tour operators sit higher than a most rental cars and offer superior visibility with oversized windows — you’ll see things looking over the top of the guardrail that you’d probably miss in a rental car.
Tours typically include most or all of these: Ho’okipa Beach Lookout (Maui’s famous north shore beach where surfing and windsurfing competitions are held with waves reaching 25 feet in winter), Ke’anae Peninsula with its historic taro fields, Wai’anapanapa State Park for the black sand beach, lava tube, and blowhole, Pua’a Ka’a State Park waterfall pools, Hana Town, Auntie Sandy’s banana bread stop, and for tours that go past Hana, the Pools of ‘Ohe’o (Seven Sacred Pools) and Charles Lindbergh’s Gravesite.
The key split is big bus vs. small van. Small-group tours offer personalized attention, a made-to-order hot lunch near Hana, and a loop around the entire eastern side rather than retracing the same road back. Larger cruise ship excursions have gotten complaints about rushed stops to make it back in time.
A full-day guided shore excursion from Kahului Harbor runs approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. NCL’s Pride of America gets two days in Maui, which is the ideal setup — Road to Hana on day one, and so what if it returns late, so you can enjoy the savings of booking your own non-cruise-markup tours! Then, Haleakala or Molokini on day two. Ships with only one Maui day have to treat this as a full-day all-in commitment. Here’s our highly rated recommendation by Aloha Sunshine Tours – ask for Jayson! vi.me/zySfD
What else should I do in Maui?
Here’s the honest rundown — and it really depends on what you’re after, because the answer isn’t the same for every traveler. Popular day 2 activities include:
#1 Overall: Molokini Crater Snorkel
This is the consensus “second day” pick for a reason. Molokini’s crescent-shaped volcanic caldera offers crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, and it’s categorically different from anything on land. Snorkeling at Molokini is considered not just the best in Hawaii but among the best snorkeling in the world — abundant coral reefs, world-class visibility, and a real chance at encountering Hawaiian green sea turtles. Most tours combine it with a second stop at Turtle Town. Pro tip: early morning departure is essential — mornings offer the calmest conditions and the crater is quiet before the swath of tour boats arrive. Red Rafting is the most-recommended operator because they use faster power rafts, getting you there ahead of the crowds. Here’s the link: vi.me/TYMBR
#2 Haleakala Sunrise
This is the other “bucket list” Maui experience. You’re watching sunrise from above the clouds at 10,023 feet — it’s genuinely otherworldly. The big caveat is that it requires a 3 AM departure and a reservation through Recreation.gov (the sunrise viewing slots go fast). If you’re on a cruise, this is logistically difficult — the ship call time becomes a real stressor. But for land-based visitors, it pairs well with Road to Hana as a back-to-back Maui heavy-hitter combo. This is a great tour that offers fair pricing and pickup: vi.me/mvqCV
#3 For Something Completely Different: Zipline in Haiku
Ziplining through the jungle environment of Haiku involves eight ziplines, three tree platforms, two swinging bridges, and a suspension bridge — all in a couple of hours. It’s quick, high-energy, and sits along the Hana Highway corridor so it can anchor a half-day without committing to the full Road to Hana experience again.
#4 Whale Watching (Seasonal — Dec–April)
If you’re on Maui during humpback season, this is a no-brainer add. A whale watching raft tour lets you see massive humpback whales essentially at eye level — a very different experience from a big catamaran. Peak season is January–March.
Hilo, Big Island
The wet, green, jungle side of the Big Island — and exactly the right side for what makes Hilo special. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the anchor here: active volcanic craters, steam vents, lava tube walks, and the otherworldly landscape of a place that is still being made. Rainbow Falls is a fifteen-minute drive from the dock. The Punalu’u black sand beach is further out but worth it. This is not a port you wander around on foot — it’s industrial, and not much, other than some cool humongous banyan trees planted by celebrities, is within walking distance. Here’s the full rundown of what cruise passengers typically do when the ship docks in Hilo.
#1 — Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (the dominant choice)
This is the clear #1 from Hilo by a wide margin. Hilo is only 45 minutes away from Volcanoes National Park, making it one of the most popular options for cruise travelers. The park is home to Kilauea Volcano — you see steam vents, the Halemaumau Crater, and lava landscapes in a UNESCO World Heritage site. Most tours bundle it with a couple of add-ons. The most popular combo is Volcanoes National Park plus a photo stop at Rainbow Falls, the Crater Rim Drive, and a sampling of local macadamia nuts. Some operators throw in a black sand beach or a chocolate/coffee tasting stop. Whether the volcano has active surface lava depends entirely on timing — it’s worth checking USGS before you book, since the park is still worthwhile either way, but the “active lava” version is obviously the bucket-list version. Our favorite tour is this one: vi.me/OgRyw
#2 — Mauna Kea Stargazing/Summit Tour
This is the night-sky tour that gets genuinely rave reviews. Small-group sunset and stargazing tours go up Mauna Kea by luxury 4WD van to an altitude around 9,000–14,000 feet, well above the cloud layer. The stargazing is considered among the best on Earth. The tradeoff for cruise passengers is timing — it’s an evening activity, so it only works if the ship has a late departure or an overnight in Hilo. On NCL’s Pride of America, Hilo is a single-day port call, so most passengers can’t do this one.
#3 — Rainbow Falls and Hilo Town Highlights
For passengers who want something shorter and lower-key, Rainbow Falls is a quick, beautiful stop right in town — a 80-foot waterfall that catches rainbow light in the morning mist. It’s often bundled with Liliuokalani Gardens, Kaumana Caves, Lava Tree Park, and the newest black sand beach. These tours run a few hours and leave plenty of time to wander Hilo’s farmers market and downtown, which has a genuine local feel compared to the resort-heavy side of the island. Here’s a great tour: vi.me/G6ejA
#4 — Helicopter Tour Over the Volcanoes
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is one of the longest-running helicopter companies on the Big Island and the aerial volcano tour is a premium option that gives you perspective nothing else can match — you’re looking down into craters and over lava fields from above. It’s expensive, weather-dependent, and short, but the reviews are consistently strong for people who splurge on it. Here’s one of the most reliable and popular helicopter tours on the Big Island: vi.me/WqRgM
#5 — Snorkeling / Kayaking
There are options to snorkel among sea turtles at white and black sand lagoons on a guided tour of the Hilo coastline, and kayak tours run on calm waters with Mauna Kea in the backdrop. These are less popular at Hilo than at Kona, where the water conditions are better and calmer — Hilo sits on the wet, windward side of the island.
#6 — The Hidden Nēnē
The Hidden Nēnē (Hawaiian goose) is a speakeasy lounge tucked into a basement on Furneaux Lane in downtown Hilo, accessible by descending a staircase after being greeted by “Do Not Enter” and “Wrong Way” traffic signs — which means you’re in the right place. Inside it blends vintage glamour, modern design, and inventive cocktails with subtle nods to Hawaii. The menu is broken into six categories and deliberately departs from gimmicky tiki bars. One signature drink is a “sushi roll in a glass” topped with a flaming skewer of raw ahi. It’s walkable from the harbor, and completely off the standard excursion radar. A good “skip the bogus macadamia factory” alternative.
The honest consumer note:
Volcanoes National Park is the one excursion that’s almost impossible to replicate on your own efficiently in a single port day, which makes it the rare case where a guided tour genuinely earns its price. The macadamia nut factory stops you’ll see bundled into nearly every tour are the classic filler — they exist to pad the itinerary and sell you overpriced macadamia brittle (that may actually be imported from Australia, South Africa, China, or Kenya). Worth knowing going in.
Kailua-Kona, Big Island (Tender)
The dry, sunny, west-coast Kona — and the one port on this itinerary where you’re at a slight operational disadvantage, because it’s a tender. You’re taking a small boat to shore, which costs you 30 to 45 minutes each way and disappears as an option if the swells get too big. Hope you can swim. Whale watching is only possible during migration season, roughly January through March. Kailua-Kona is world-renowned for it, especially at Puako Bay in the South Kohala District. If your cruise hits Kona in winter, this replaces almost everything else on the priority list.
Kona is a fundamentally different experience from Hilo — it’s the sunny, dry, water-sports side of the island, and the port itself drops you right in the middle of a walkable waterfront town. One important logistics note upfront: cruise ships visiting Kona anchor offshore in Kailua Bay with no deep-water dock — passengers are tendered to the Kailua Pier right in the heart of downtown. That tender situation is also a wildcard — there’s a chance the ship may not let passengers off at all if ocean conditions are too rough for the tenders to reach the port.
Kealakekua Bay / Captain Cook Snorkel
This is the #1 activity consensus for Kona, and it genuinely deserves the ranking. Kealakekua Bay is only accessible by boat or hiking, which keeps it less crowded than shoreline snorkel spots. Over 600 species of ocean wildlife are found in the protected reefs there. The Captain Cook Monument sits on the bay — Cook was killed here in 1779. Zodiac boat operators get you there faster and smaller than a catamaran, which matters both for crowd reasons and for time on a port day.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
The manta ray night dive/snorkel is something you can only realistically do if you’re spending the night on the island, since it runs after dark. For Pride of America passengers who can arrange to stay over between Hilo and Kona, it’s considered one of the most unforgettable Big Island experiences. For a standard single-day port call, that’s pretty much off the table.
Kona Coffee Farm Tour
Kona coffee is genuinely one of the most prized single-origin coffees in the world, and it’s only grown here. Smatter of fact, Kona is the only place in the U.S. where coffee is commercially grown. Farm tours run up into the cooler highlands, show you the growing and processing operation, and include tastings. Worth knowing: the “Kona blend” labeling issue mirrors the macadamia nut scam — many coffees labeled “Kona blend” sold in gift shops are legally only required to contain 10% actual Kona beans. A farm tour sidesteps all of that mess.
Atlantis Submarine
For about $160, the Atlantis submarine descends over 100 feet to a coral reef that rests on a lava bed formed over 18,000 years ago. This may be the right choice for non-swimmers, older passengers, or families with young kids — you see real marine life without getting in the water. It’s pricey and touristy but the reviews are consistently solid as a “no-effort ocean experience.” Save 10% with our affiliate link: vi.me/Pn8JC
Pu’uhonua O Honaunau (City of Refuge)
In ancient times, anyone caught violating a kapu (sacred taboo) was put to death unless they could reach a puuhonua, or place of refuge, where a priest could absolve them. Pu’uhonua O Honaunau is the best preserved of these sacred sites in the islands. It’s a National Historic Park about 35 minutes south of town with ruins of the king’s home, temples, royal fishponds, and the massive wall separating the chief’s residence from the place of refuge. Culturally it’s one of the most significant sites in all of Hawaii and it’s almost always uncrowded.
Walkable Downtown — Free
Unlike Hilo which requires transportation to get anywhere interesting, Kamakahonu Beach is right across from the tender pier, with a water sports stand renting snorkel gear, kayaks, bikes, and paddleboards. Hulihee Palace, a vacation home built in 1838 for Hawaiian royalty, is a short walk from the pier and operates as a museum with koa furniture and royal artifacts. The farmers market runs Wednesday through Sunday. Kona Brewing Company is a short uphill walk and sells draft beers you can’t find in stores. For a port day with no agenda, Kona is one of the most genuinely walkable cruise stops in Hawaii.
Nā Pali Coast (Scenic Sailing)
Not a port stop. The ship passes along the northwest coast of Kauai, and the 4,000-foot sea cliffs are visible from the deck. It’s one of the most visually arresting things you will ever see from a cruise ship. Get up early and claim a rail position before everyone else figures out what’s happening.
And if someone tries to sell you an excursion to Nā Pali during the scenic sailing, bop him in the freaking nose.
Nawiliwili, Kauai (Overnight)
Kauai is considered by many people to be the most naturally beautiful of all the Hawaiian islands, and Nawiliwili gives you access to a genuinely wide range of experiences. One important note upfront: NCL’s Pride of America is the only cruise ship allowed to dock at Nawiliwili for over 24 hours — all other lines are limited to a single day within sunrise and sunset. That extra overnight window for Pride of America passengers opens up evening options like the luau that single-day port callers can’t access.
Waimea Canyon
This is the signature Kauai experience and the one that appears on virtually every excursion list. The canyon is 10 miles long, one mile wide, and 3,000 feet deep, with an array of rainbow colors created by the reds and browns of exposed volcanic rock mingled with the blues and greens of lush tropical vegetation. It’s commonly called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” — that’s a marketing nickname but the comparison isn’t wrong. It’s stunning. From the overlook you also get views of the western Kauai coastline. Worth noting: Kauai’s Mt. Waialeale is considered one of the wettest places on Earth, so weather at Waimea Canyon is genuinely variable — some days it’s cloud-socked, some days it’s jaw-dropping. Check out this affordable tour: vi.me/VPFwQ
Wailua River & Fern Grotto
The Wailua River is Hawaii’s only navigable river, and the standard excursion puts you on a riverboat cruise through ancient royal lands up to the Fern Grotto — a lava cavern dripping with ferns that forms a natural amphitheater with excellent acoustics. It’s one of the most iconic Kauai experiences and runs frequently. The shorter version is about 3.5 hours, easy on everyone, and commonly bundled with a stop at Opaeka’a Falls. The full combo with Waimea Canyon runs about 9.5 hours and covers the whole island’s highlights in one day. Save up to 15% with our affiliate link! vi.me/mFqOJ
Na Pali Coast — Helicopter or Boat
The cliffs of Na Pali form a 915-meter wall along 35 km of the northwest coast of Kauai — the 10 magnificent valleys that line these cliffs are all uninhabited and accessible only by foot, boat, or helicopter. This is the most dramatic coastline in Hawaii and arguably in the entire United States. Helicopter is the premium option — expensive, weather-dependent, and entirely worth it if conditions cooperate. Boat tours (catamaran or raft) run from the south shore and take a full morning or afternoon. For a single-day port call, helicopter is the time-efficient choice.
Sail and snorkel: vi.me/a2m2z
Here’s a wonderful NO-DOORS helicopter tour: vi.me/zL1UN
Movie Sites Tour
Kauai has been a filming location for an extraordinary number of major productions. The movie tour takes you to lush valleys, waterfalls, and coastlines featured in Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Lilo & Stitch, among many others. It’s one of the more uniquely Kauai-specific experiences and reviews run consistently strong — it gives context to landscapes you’ve probably seen on-screen without knowing it.
Kalapaki Beach — Free, walkable
Kalapaki Beach is located near the Marriott resort just north of the port with shops and restaurants — an easy walk from the pier for passengers who just want a beach, a drink, and some ocean time without booking anything. Duke’s Kauai restaurant sits right on the beach and is a legitimate local institution. This is the “do nothing and have a great time” option.
Kauai Luaus
There are several luaus that consistently dominate the conversation on Kauai, each with a distinct personality. Sadly, only one jives with Pride’s schedule, and it’s the one most commonly reviewed as the most “average.” Smith’s has been running for four generations and is set in a jungle-like garden adjacent to Wailua River State Park, making it the most convenient option for cruise passengers coming out of Nawiliwili. The full experience starts at around $150 for adults, among the lowest priced on the island, and the grounds include a narrated tram ride and the traditional imu pig ceremony. The tradeoff is that some reviewers describe the pork as too salty, the performance in line with a “middle school talent show,” and the gardens beautiful but filled with mosquitoes. Read them for yourself.
One honest caveat: Nawiliwili gets about 50 inches of rainfall per year — rain gear is genuinely worth packing, and the more weather-dependent excursions including pricey helicopter tours can disappoint on a cloudy or foggy day. It’s not a reason to skip it, just a reason to manage expectations.
Honolulu, Oahu (Disembarkation)
You’re back Saturday morning. If you flew in a few days early — which you should have — you’ve already done Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Waikiki. If you didn’t, you have the morning to stare at the airport ceiling and think about what you missed.
The Excursion Pricing Conversation Nobody Is Having Honestly
Here’s where we have to talk numbers. Shore excursions on this ship are expensive. Like, a LOT more expensive than comparable Caribbean or Mediterranean ports, and multiple cruisers report most “worth doing” options running $120–$200 per person per day once you get past the basic shuttles. That’s not a rumor — it’s consistent across reviews, and it’s the natural result of Hawaiian tourism pricing meeting cruise-line markups.
What NCL is charging:
- Road to Hana bus tour: roughly $250–$500 per person
- Molokini crater snorkel catamaran: around $249
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park full-day tour: $120–$160
- Nā Pali helicopter (Kauai): $350–$700 depending on the configuration
- Luau Kalamaku: $190–$280
- Waimea Canyon combo tour: $109–$139
- Kona snorkel catamaran: $149–$179
- Basic beach shuttle: $50–$60
The Free at Sea math, decoded
NCL’s Free at Sea package includes a $50 shore excursion credit at every port — applied to one guest per room, on NCL-booked excursions only. Four ports, $50 each, means $200 of offset on your excursion bill. On a two-person trip where only one guest gets the credit, that $200 is doing a lot less lifting than the marketing suggests.
The book- direct angle
Here’s the thing most cruise lines would prefer you not spend five minutes Googling: third-party operators run the same tours, with port-synced pickup, at prices that can beat NCL. Road to Hana through the actual tour operator, not the third-party intermediary who takes a commission, runs about $200 per person. And yes, they are all synced to the ship’s arrival on Sunday mornings and most run in smaller groups with direct port pickup. The one thing you lose by booking outside NCL: the ship-guarantee policy. If a Norwegian-booked excursion runs late and you miss the ship, they put you on a plane to the next port at their expense. You’re on your own with a third-party booking. Fortunately, with the overnight stops, you won’t have to worry about missing the ship in most cases if you do the long tours on the first day.
Book early. The Kauai excursions, especially Waimea Canyon tours, sell out well before the ship leaves port. Do not decide you want to go on day four.
Best single excursion at each port, for the money:
Maui: Road to Hana. It’s the one experience you genuinely cannot replicate independently without significant driving stress on one of the most technically demanding roads in the country. Do it on arrival day. Use day two for Molokini or Haleakalā on your own time.
Hilo: The full-day Volcanoes National Park tour. Skip the helicopter here — the consistent traveler complaint is “more steam vents than lava,” and the helicopter runs three times the price of the bus tour. Save your money for Kauai.
Kona: Catamaran snorkel. The coffee farm tour is cool but it’s the kind of thing available everywhere in Hawaii. Kona’s west-coast bays are protected and unusually clear. Get in the water!
Kauai: Nā Pali boat or helicopter on day one, doors-off helicopter if available. Then rent a car on day two, and drive to Waimea Canyon for the cost of gas and a parking fee. That combination is the best two-day port sequence on this entire itinerary.
Budget-conscious full week with one solid excursion per port: $500–$600 per person. Doing it properly with premium picks: $1,000–$1,800. NCL’s Free at Sea credit knocks $200 off guest one regardless.
What’s Happening Onboard
Since every single day on Pride of America is a port day, the entertainment situation is a little different than a typical cruise. Most passengers are exhausted by 8 PM. NCL knows this. The low-budget onboard programming reflects it. Pride isn’t a ship trying to compete with Norwegian Viva’s go-karts and laser tag. It’s a ship that keeps the lights on for the twelve or so passengers who still have functioning legs after a full day in Hawaii. That said, here’s what’s actually available. And surprisingly, there’s no legit luau onboard.
Hollywood Theatre — The Main Event Lineup
The Hollywood Theatre spans Decks 4 and 5, seats 880 people, and runs two shows per night at 7pm and 9pm. NCL is kind of stealth regarding the current production lineup, but here’s what we found on socials. Of course, people lie, so who knows what we’ll find in August:
- Aloha Polynesia — a Polynesian cultural show on day 2. The one that’s actually unique to this ship and this itinerary. We’ve heard it’s a really good show. It’s not a luau, but it’s as close as you’re gonna get on-ship.
- Duets — NCL’s production cast covering Elvis, or Tina Turner, or maybe it’s Motown now. Who knows. Standard cruise ship production value — competent and crowd-pleasing, but probably nothing you’d seek out on land.
- Random Comedy Shows — Some for all ages, later shows for adults. Typically frustrated comedians who didn’t make it in the real world.
- Magicians — a variety act featuring illusions and magic. Runs in the theater as a stand-alone show.
- Movies — random movies shown on-screen in the big theater as filler.
Live Music & Nightlife
The bars are where the real evening atmosphere lives on this ship.
- Club Mardi Gras — New Orleans-themed lounge and nightclub on Deck 6. Dance music, lively crowd, transforms into an 18+ nightclub after 11pm. The place to be if you still have energy.
- Pink’s Champagne Bar — piano lounge with sing-alongs. Named after the Royal Hawaiian Resort’s “Pink Palace” on Waikiki. Good for couples who want an alternative to theater shows.
- Gold Rush Saloon — karaoke most nights, lcomplimentary popcorn. The casual option. Also the venue for big sporting events, which matters if you’re sailing during a major game.
- Aloha Lanai Bar — outdoor bar on Deck 11, good for watching the ship cast off from each island. Hawaiian cocktails, ukulele, island-themed music sets throughout the week.
- Waikiki Bar — live Hawaiian music, Mai Tais, laid-back atmosphere.
Cultural Programming (Daytime — The Actual Standout)
A Hawaiian Cultural Ambassador — like, a real, native Hawaiian — runs daily enrichment workshops throughout the entire week. Lei making, Hawaiian history talks, cultural demonstrations, music. It builds across the cruise and culminates in a closing ceremony and graduation on the final night. This is the thing most underrated by first-time bookers and most praised by guests who actually participated. It’s also free.
Everything Else
- Themed parties — the White Party (all-white dress code, deck party, mid-cruise) is the main event here. I don’t do white, and especially while traveling.
- Trivia — multiple formats throughout the day across different venues, including evening sports trivia at the John Adams Coffee Bar. What was John Adams’ favorite color?
- Karaoke — most nights, Gold Rush Saloon. Please don’t.
- SoHo Art Gallery — Deck 6, gallery receptions and art knowledge competitions. Worth a flag that this is almost certainly a Park West Gallery operation, the art auction enterprise that runs on ships fleet-wide and that I have extensively covered elsewhere. Enjoy the receptions. Know what you’re walking into before you bid on anything.
- Blast Off Video Arcade — Pew pew! Deck 13.
- Outdoor giant chess — Deck 12. Available at all hours because, bruhm who actually plays exhibitionist chess?
- Board games, card room — Deck 5, with bridge, Scrabble, checkers. Best place to illegally gamble.
- Splash Academy kids club — three age groups (Turtles 3–5, Seals 6–9, Dolphins 10–12), and Guppies for pants poopers 6 months to 3 years. Teen Club for 13–17. Reports are there are like six kids per sailing. Pro tip: don’t bring parasites to Hawaii. They’re not old enough to enjoy it.
The Honest Bottom Line on Entertainment
This ship’s entertainment is perfectly adequate for what this itinerary demands, which is not much. You will spend your days on land and come back to the ship wanting a shower, a drink, and a horizontal surface. The production shows are cruise-standard — not embarrassing, not exceptional. The Hawaiian cultural programming is the genuine differentiator and the thing worth building an evening around if you can stay conscious past 9 PM on the second night of your cruise. Honestly, nobody is booking Pride of America for the entertainment. They’re booking it for the islands. The ship’s job is to not get in the way of that, and mostly it succeeds.
The TAT Tax Situation: Still Unresolved, Still Collecting It
In May 2025, Hawaii’s legislature passed a law extending the state’s Transient Accommodations Tax, or TAT, the same 11% tax that applies to hotel rooms , to cruise ship passengers. For a seven-day Pride of America cruise where every single day is spent in Hawaiian waters, that means 100% of your base fare becomes the taxable amount. NCL estimates the hit at $250–$500+ per person, and started warning passengers in their booking confirmations.
Good news is the cruise industry immediately sued, arguing the tax violates the Constitution’s Tonnage Clause and the Rivers and Harbors Act, which limit states’ ability to tax maritime traffic. On December 23, 2025, a federal district court judge denied the injunction and let the tax move forward. But on New Year’s Eve, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed it, granting a temporary stay that blocked enforcement while the appeal continues. Ha ha!
So as of now, I suppose you could say it’s TITs up for TAT. TAT is on the books, legally blocked from being collected by the state, and still being litigated in federal court. But before we all high-five each other, know that NCL seems to be still charging the TAT tax to passengers — telling guests that “corporate instructed them to collect it” regardless of the injunction, with a promise to refund if the industry wins in court. So basically NCL will probably stuff it all into an interest-bearing escrow account until the courts figure out what they want to do. It’s on my invoice too as shown below, although I can’t see how the math works out to 11%. It’s more like 20% all-in. But I’ll be watching. Have you ever tried to get a refund from a cruise line? It’s painful!
Regardless of how the litigation eventually resolves, the existing port fees and taxes before this dispute are already around $871 for two of us on my invoice. Hawaii is easy, but she’s not cheap.
The Honest Bottom Line
The Pride of America is the real deal for Hawaii. The itinerary is genuinely thoughtful — two overnights placed exactly where you need them, no wasted days at sea, and the Nā Pali coastal sailing thrown in because, well, why not. The ship itself is functional, American-themed in a way that’s kitschy rather than offensive, and freshly refurbished. The American crew requirement gives it a different feel than a typical NCL ship. I may miss the high pitched “GOOD MOANING” sung repeatedly by the omnipresent male and female Filipino servers.
The snags are real but manageable. Excursions are expensive by any standard, whether you book independently or not (local tours seem to have figured out you’ll pay top dollar anyway so they’ll just keep the commission). Regardless, they should be booked early. Like, now, while you’re thinking about it. And the $200 Free at Sea credit is nice but narrower than the promo makes it sound. Kona’s tender situation adds worry on one of your shorter port days because it’s based on weather. And the tax situation in Hawaii is still unresolved and worth monitoring before you book.
Pro-pro-PRO tips:
- Arrive in Oahu a few days early before your cruise and see Pearl Harbor. It’s a sad but memorable place.
- Climb Diamond Head for spectacular views of Waikiki if you’re able (there was a very walkable mostly paved path last time we were there).
- Visit the Leeward side and much larger North Shore beaches on a group tour.
- Maybe do the Polynesian Cultural Center tour to learn about Hawaiian culture and hang out for their luau, since there ain’t one on the ship.
- Skip the Dole Plantation. It’s pretty much a tourist trap.
- Experience the Las Vegas-like Waikiki downtown at night and catch the scantily dressed TikTokers, drunks, and street performers.
- Be prepared for rain. It rains a bunch in Hawaii.
- Don’t pay the premium to stay at a beachfront hotel, because there’s really not that much beach in Waikiki, and you can walk there from wherever.
If you’re going to do Hawaii by cruise ship, perfect for a first-time visitor who wants maximum island coverage with minimum logistical headaches, there is exactly one ship to book. Norwegian Cruise Lines Pride of America is it. Just go in with realistic expectations, accurate numbers with a tax buffer, book your excursions before you board, and claim a Mai Tai and a rail spot on deck at least an hour before the Nā Pali coast appears. You’ll thank me later.
Admiral Tim covers the cruise industry without apology. Pricing reflects guestimate ranges as of 2026 and is subject to change.
