Food quality needs improvement. Judging from our collective experience, consistency was not achieved. Selecting from the limited menu offering was a hit and miss proposition during the week. We had a couple of excellent dinners that we considered worth the gourmet label, and terrible ones, barely edible too many times. We had cruised 8 times before on different cruise lines and dinner time was an occasion to look for and experiment good cuisine. Not this time. On several occasions, the food had no taste at all, was weirdly spiced or was really odd when it came to taste and flavour combinations. This was clearly a disappointment for all of us as we quite enjoy good cuisine and are not afraid to experiment and taste new things. Breakfasts and lunches were eaten usually in the Aloha Nui Café and were acceptable, not more, no less. On two occasions my wife and I ate breakfast and lunch at Cagney's with no particular lasting memory.
Although I did not experience too much difficulty with Freestyle Cruising myself, my observation leads me to be somewhat lukewarm about the concept. You have to plan and reserve in advance, pay extra at most restaurants and most of the time you may not have a booking at a time and date that matches exactly what you want, if you can get a booking. While I understand the logistical difficulties that must be managed here, I have seen many people complaining and staff trying to keep their cool while incurring the wrath of dissatisfied passengers. It is regrettable that there will always be insisting, rather rude, short-tempered and impolite people in these circumstances, but this inconvenient situation is unnecessarily irritating and surely does contribute to a pleasant cruising experience for all concerned. I have seen throughout the week too many maître d's arbitrating conflicts and trying to accommodate parties on the spot who had been coming into a particular restaurant as their fourth or fifth choice for the evening. Perhaps the concept is promising too much flexibility for what it can really deliver to the satisfaction of the potential clientele.
Given that we were a party of 9, we rented a car or a van most of the time. The excursions offered by NCL appeared pricey. In Maui and Kauai, it is easy to get around. There is always a beach nearby and the scenery is beautiful everywhere. You can stop when and where you want. The road to Hana in Maui is worth taking your time and do not forget that you have to come back on the same road! The resorts on the other side of the island are just as beautiful as any if you like a day at the beach nearby well landscaped gardens. Be careful about the undertow in some areas. Lahaina is worth a visit: stroll down the main street bordering the ocean. You will be tendered from ship to shore in Kona where you can walk leisurely or go on various excursions or visit historical sites. In Kauai, the Marriott Hotel Resort is located on a beach that offers a most beautiful view. The Waimea Canyon is worth the drive and the view. Cruising along the Na Pali Coast shortly after leaving Nawiliwili is picturesque. And cruising by the erupting volcanic lava off the Island of Hawaii in the darkness of the night is a magic moment to experiment.
Entertainment was acceptable. The variety shows, dancing and signing were average. The magician/illusionist was interesting and spectacular. The two comedians were...well not worth much, in fact they were boring and terrible. No one seemed to laugh or enjoy their sense (lack) of humor. As I said up front, I had read damaging reviews about NCL America before I booked. As a result, I was somewhat apprehensive and concerned about what I would experience. Notwithstanding my criticism about food quality, I must say that cruising on the Pride of Hawaii was enjoyable. It was a relaxed way to see the Hawaiian Islands. Our 9-person party already has fond memories of our good time there and aboard the ship. If you want to visit the Hawaiian Islands by ship at anytime during the year, I would recommend that you not let the overly negative reviews mislead you and that you experience the Pride of Hawaii by yourself.
