If you’ve ever dreamed of island hopping through Hawaii without unpacking and repacking your suitcase every few days, the Norwegian Pride of America might be exactly what you’re looking for.
As the only major cruise ship sailing exclusively within the Hawaiian Islands year-round, Pride of America offers a unique way to experience Hawaii’s stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and culture in one convenient vacation. NCL’s Pride of America is the largest cruise ship on the US register, and the only USA flagged cruise ship.
But is Pride of America worth the price? Here’s my honest review.
What Makes Pride of America Different?
Unlike most Hawaii cruises that depart from California or Vancouver and spend several days at sea, Pride of America begins and ends in Honolulu on Oahu. If you can fly out the day before, there is so much to do in Honolulu, you might want to purchase pre and post excursions.
The ship visits Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai during its 7-day itinerary, with nearly every day spent in port. That means more sightseeing and less time staring at the ocean. Just be aware, no sea days means no rest days in between ports for 7 days. I personally found it a bit strenuous, but it is truly the only way to see as much as possible. If you have any mobility issues, try and pick shore excursions that have limited walking.
But for travelers who want to maximize their Hawaii experience, this is one of the biggest advantages of sailing Pride of America.
The Ship and The Staterooms
Inspired by the architecture of the White House and the Capitol, Pride of America has a unique United States themed design, featuring the red, white and blue colors, historical art and regional references throughout the ship. The cabins have a nautical theme. It was recently revitalized in 2025, and now boasts updated staterooms, a Starbucks and a pickleball. The specialty restaurants also received a much-needed facelift.
If your budget allows, I highly recommend booking a balcony cabin. Waking up to views of Kauai’s dramatic coastline or watching the sunset from your private balcony is one of the highlights of the cruise. Careful though, if you are on the wrong side of the ship you might wake up to views of the shipyard or industrial containers in Kauai and Maui.
Dining Options
The diversity of America is also showcased in the variety of dining options.
Included options are:
- Skyline Restaurant- Main Dining Room
- Liberty Dining Room – Main Dining Room
- Aloha Cafe Buffet – Buffet Area
- Cadillac Diner – 50’s style diner
For an additional charge, guests can enjoy specialty restaurants including:
- Cagney’s Steakhouse
- Teppanyaki
- La Cucina Italian Restaurant
- Jefferson’s Bistro
The food quality was generally good, with enough variety to satisfy most travelers. Cagney’s Steakhouse was great, as was the Teppanyaki, a great place to make new friends!
Entertainment and Activities
Because this itinerary focuses heavily on port days, onboard entertainment is somewhat less extensive than what you’ll find on larger resort-style ships. I found the ship overall to be quieter than most cruises I’ve taken, but at the end of the day, arriving exhausted from the excursions I was ready for a bit of peace and quiet!
Shore Excursions: The Real Star
The destinations are truly the highlight of this cruise. I highly recommend you do your research and book as soon as you can because these sell out quickly. Be prepared to be on the go all day long, take water bottles, hats, sunglasses and bug spray.
From helicopter tours over Kauai’s Na Pali Coast to snorkeling with manta rays on the Big Island, or trekking up to the Big Islands volcanoes- Kilauea and Mauna Loa, these are some of Hawaii’s best experiences. Before your cruise, I recommend browsing my favorite Shore Excursions Group to compare prices and small-group experiences that often provide better value than cruise line excursions
A visit to Pearl Harbor is more than sightseeing, it’s a powerful reminder of courage, sacrifice and honors the lives of those who served and sacrificed during World War II.
The USS Missouri holds a special place in history as the site where World War II officially ended. On September 2, 1945, representatives of the Empire of Japan signed the surrender document in the presence of Allied leaders, including Douglas MacArthur and Chester W. Nimitz.
Staying Connected in Hawaii
While ship Wi-Fi has improved, it can still be expensive and inconsistent.
For cruises and international travel, I typically use an eSIM that allows me to stay connected while exploring ports without relying entirely on ship internet. If you haven’t used one yet, read my review here: Best eSIMs for Cruises & International Travel I’ve Tested. I use GigSky for the best service while out at sea. It’s easy to install before departure and often saves money compared to cruise Wi-Fi packages.
Travel Insurance Is Worth Considering
Hawaii is expensive as a stand alone destination. Add on to that the cost of the cruise including the shore excursions and it represents a significant investment.
Unexpected flight delays, medical issues, or weather disruptions can impact your trip. For that reason, I never travel without comprehensive travel insurance.
I really recommend travel insurance. Peace of mind has no price. You can shop for the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors here.
The Pros
- Visits four Hawaiian Islands in one week
- No long sea days
- Convenient round-trip Honolulu itinerary
- Excellent sightseeing opportunities
- Easy way to see Hawaii without changing hotels
The Cons
- Ship is older than newer Norwegian vessels, although it has been refurbished recently
- Limited nightlife compared to mega-ships
- Excursions can add significantly to overall cost
- Hawaii is generally an expensive destination
Is Pride of America Worth It?
For travelers who want to experience multiple Hawaiian Islands in a single vacation, the answer is yes. I have a dodgy knee, but I kept up with all the hiking and trekking we did. Felt very accomplished indeed!
While the ship itself may not be the most luxurious in Norwegian’s fleet, the itinerary is exceptional and the ship has a very different and cool vibe to it. It was lovely to experience American culture so well incorporated in the decor. And the convenience of unpacking once while exploring some of the world’s most beautiful islands makes Pride of America a memorable and worthwhile vacation.
If your priority is experiencing Hawaii rather than spending all day onboard a ship, Pride of America remains one of the best cruise options available. I personally wouldn’t have been able to see as much of the islands as I did.
You can read more about Norwegian Cruise Line and book your next cruise here: Norwegian NCL .
If you’re interested in exploring other cruise lines, start here: Cruise Lines & Cruises
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