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Dining Guide for the Pride of America

Posted on Published: November 3, 2016

Dining Guide for the Pride of America – want to know where to eat when sailing on Norwegian’s Pride of America in Hawaii.

I think when someone decides to go on a cruise, one of the things they look forward to the most is the food. Or maybe that is just me. Well, not just me, because I know my husband looks forward to the food on a cruise probably more than I do. So when we went on a cruise to Hawaii for our 15th anniversary a couple months ago, you know we tried everything and ate everywhere we could! Want to know more about cruising Hawaii? Be sure to check out my 5 Reasons to go on a Hawaiian Cruise  post.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America has six different specialty restaurants, as well as the main dining room and even more casual dining options. So you will never go hungry, and can always find something you are craving. So come follow along, and check out my dining guide for the Pride of America.

The Pride of America has two main dining rooms called Liberty Dining Room and Skyline Restaurant. They serve the same menu each night, but the decor theme is different. The nice thing about Norwegian Cruise Line is they have freestyle dining. That means, you can go to dinner anytime you want. You can make a reservation or just show up; whatever works for your schedule that day. The main dining room is included in the price of the ship, so there is no extra charge to dine there (aside from drinks). You have your choice of a salad, appetizer, main course, and dessert each night. The menu changes daily, and they post it outside the dinning room early in the day, so you can check to see if that is what you want to eat that night, or try something else.

Aloha Cafe is the casual buffet option on the ship. An easy way to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner for sure. The cafe is located on deck 11, and there is a lot of seating along the windows, so you can dine with a great view.  The buffet has a wide variety of options, so your picky eaters will definitely find something!

Included in the price of the cruise is also East Meets West Grill, which is an Asian inspired restaurant.  You will want to make reservations early in your cruise if you want to dine here, because it fills up quickly. It is a higher end Asian fusion restaurant that gets rave reviews.

You an also dine at the Cadillac Diner, which is a 50’s style diner. It is open 24 hours a day, so you can get burgers, fries, and milkshakes anytime you want! For more burgers you can check out the Key West Bar & Grill, where you can eat your burgers pool side! A great option if you are hanging out by the pool, and don’t want to go change before getting lunch.

Norwegian offers dining packages for those that want to eat at their more upscale restaurants. We opted for the 5 night Ultimate Dining Package, which meant we could eat at any of the specialty restaurants for 5 nights. If you know you are going to go try the specialty restaurants, the ultimate dining package is definitely the way to go. It will save you money, and you can pick how many nights you want to buy (1-7).  The restaurants below all involve a fee to dine there, and would be included in the ultimate dining package.

Teppanyaki is a Japanese style restaurant that is actually attached to East Meets West Grill. It is similar to traditional teppanyaki restaurants. You have about 12 people (they have 2 stations, so about 24 per seating) that sit around a grill and the chef entertains you while cooking your food. The food was outstanding, and by far better than any teppanyaki place I have visited before. The chef was funny and engaging with everyone at the table. The only downside, is because the regulations with the ship, they are not allowed to do tricks with fire. They make up for it other things though. Given only 24 people can eat at one time, you want to make reservation ahead of time to dine at Teppayaki.

Jefferson’s Bistro is a French style restaurant. This was by far my husband’s favorite place. Between the escargot, mussels, scallops, lobster, and French onion soup he was in heaven. And creme brulee for dessert?  This was a highlight of the trip for sure! We ended up adding on an extra night, so we could could eat here twice we liked it so much. If you are celebrating a special occasion, let the wait staff know. They come and sign a love song to you, and do a wonderful job.

Cagney’s Steakhouse is a traditional steakhouse. If you are in a suite, you can actually dine at Cagney’s for breakfast and lunch free of charge. They are only open to the “public” for dinner, but suite guests get special dining options there every day. Breakfast and lunch at Cagney’s is much higher end food than you will find at other places on the ship. Plus there are only a few suites on the cruise, so you get a much quieter and more personal experience at lunch and breakfast.  For dinner, you will find amazing Certified Angus Beef Brand steaks, sea bass, crab cakes, veal chops and more. And for dessert the most decadent 7 layer chocolate cake you can imagine!

Moderna Churrascaria is a fancy Brazilian steakhouse. If you like meat, this is the place to go. Wait staff come around to the table carrying skewers of meat, then you get to pick and choose what you want to try. They slice off pieces of whatever you ask for. Find something you love? No worries, they will come back!  There is a rather large salad bar at the center of the restaurant. They have many prepared pasta salads and cheeses as well as a “make your own salad bar”. So there is something to eat for everyone in your group.

La Cucina is an upscale Italian restaurant. You can find traditional Tuscan dishes on the menu. The appetizers include pastas, that you can order as a larger size for a main dish if you would like. I had the pesto gnocchi, and it was so soft and tender. The best gnocchi I have ever had. You will find osso bucco, calamari, seafood pasta, and other Italian favorites on the menu. Plus an extensive wine list for the perfect pairings. It is a very intimate dining experience, with views of the ocean.

You can view menus for all of the restaurants at the reservations desk. So you can see what places you want to try, purchase an ultimate dining package if you choose, and make reservations all in one place.  Plus if you have questions, the staff there are very knowledgeable about the restaurants and happy to help.

**I received a discount on the price of the cruise for writing this review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

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Sunday 18th of August 2019

I am planning a cruise on Pride of America to Hawaii, I am vegan is tha a problem ? I am eating at the restaurants that come along with the cruise. thank you for your response

The main dining room definitely has options for all different diet types. They are very willing to work with you and ensure you are happy! Have a great time!

Pride of America

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Embark on a gastronomic journey aboard the Pride of America, where each dining venue promises a unique culinary adventure against the backdrop of Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes. From sophisticated dining rooms offering classic American dishes to specialized eateries serving up global flavors, this guide will navigate you through the diverse and vibrant dining options on board. Whether you're craving a casual bite or a fine dining experience, Pride of America caters to all tastes and preferences, making your Hawaiian cruise an unforgettable voyage of culinary discovery.

Liberty Dining Room Included

Embark on a culinary journey through American heritage at the Liberty Dining Room. This upscale dining venue, adorned with historical elegance and a tribute to America's rich past, offers a sophisticated backdrop for a memorable meal. Guests are invited to indulge in expertly crafted dishes that blend traditional flavors with contemporary flair, including succulent seafood, perfectly cooked steaks, and inventive vegetarian options. The Liberty Dining Room is a testament to the diversity and richness of American cuisine, making it a must-visit for those seeking an intimate dining experience with a touch of historical elegance.

Skyline Restaurant Included

Skyline Restaurant, with its stunning art deco-inspired interiors reminiscent of a glamorous 1930’s New York setting, offers guests an elegant dining experience with sweeping views of the ocean. The restaurant serves a diverse menu that changes daily, featuring international cuisine with an emphasis on American favorites. From hearty breakfasts to refined dinner selections, every dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients. Signature dishes like the succulent prime rib and the chef's special seafood creations are not to be missed. For those who appreciate fine dining in a majestic setting, Skyline Restaurant delivers an unforgettable experience.

East Meets West Included

East Meets West stands as a culinary crossroads where the flavors of Asia beautifully merge with Western techniques, offering guests a unique dining experience aboard the Pride of America. This dining venue presents an exquisite selection of dishes that showcase the best of Asian fusion cuisine, from tender teriyaki beef to spicy Thai curries and delicate sushi rolls. The ambiance, with its sleek and modern decor, complements the innovative menu, making East Meets West a perfect spot for those looking to explore the rich tapestry of global flavors. Don't miss the opportunity to embark on this flavorful voyage where East indeed meets West.

Cadillac Diner Included

Step back in time at the Cadillac Diner, a nostalgic eatery that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of a 1950s American diner. From the classic Cadillac seats to the jukebox tunes, every detail transports you to a bygone era. Open 24/7, it's the go-to spot for satisfying those late-night cravings or enjoying a casual meal any time of the day. The diner-style menu features all-time favorites like juicy burgers, crispy fries, and thick milkshakes, along with several other comfort food classics. The Cadillac Diner is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience that revives the golden age of American diners.

Key West Bar & Grill Included

The Key West Bar & Grill offers guests a laid-back dining atmosphere with stunning views of the ocean, perfectly capturing the essence of seaside dining. This casual outdoor eatery is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a breezy meal under the sun. The menu boasts a selection of grill favorites, including juicy burgers, grilled chicken, and fresh salads, all prepared with a Key West flair. With its relaxed ambiance and tasty offerings, the Key West Bar & Grill is the ultimate spot for cruisers looking to enjoy a meal without straying too far from the pool or the comfort of their deck chairs.

Aloha Cafe Included

The Aloha Cafe offers a burst of flavors in a relaxed, buffet-style setting, making it ideal for families and guests looking for a variety of dining options. With an array of stations serving international cuisines, from Asian to Italian and Hawaiian specialties, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The cafe's open-air seating encourages diners to enjoy their meals amidst the gentle ocean breezes, offering both indoor and outdoor dining experiences. Its convenience and wide selection, including a dedicated kid's area, make the Aloha Cafe a favorite for those seeking both variety and flexibility in their dining schedule.

Teppanyaki Not Included

Teppanyaki at Pride of America is more than a meal; it's an engaging culinary performance. This interactive dining experience sits guests around a communal table where a skilled chef prepares your chosen dish on a hot steel griddle right before your eyes. The menu features a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetables, all cooked with Japanese-inspired flavors and flair. Highlights include the succulent filet mignon and the fresh, flavorful shrimp. With its thrilling live cooking show, Teppanyaki provides not only a feast for the taste buds but also entertainment for the whole family.

Jefferson's Bistro Not Included

Jefferson's Bistro is Pride of America's hidden gem, offering a refined dining experience that pays homage to French cuisine with a modern twist. Nestled within an intimate and elegantly decorated setting, this specialty restaurant serves exquisite French classics, from savory escargot to decadent crème brûlée, each dish artfully prepared and presented. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a romantic dining spot, Jefferson's Bistro delivers an unforgettable experience with its sophisticated ambiance and exceptional service. The wine selection, carefully chosen to complement the menu, further enhances the bistro's charm.

Cagney's Steakhouse Not Included

Cagney's Steakhouse is the epitome of classic American dining at sea, offering a selection of premium cuts and gourmet sides in an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere. This signature specialty restaurant prides itself on serving the finest quality steaks, from juicy rib-eyes to tender filets, each cooked to perfection and accompanied by indulgent sides like truffle fries and creamed spinach. The attentive service and elegant decor make Cagney's Steakhouse an ideal choice for a special evening out. For steak lovers and those seeking a high-end dining experience aboard the Pride of America, Cagney's is a must-visit destination.

Moderno Churrascaria Not Included

Moderno Churrascaria invites guests to savor the vibrant flavors of Brazil in a lively and authentic rodizio-style dining experience. This specialty restaurant is a carnivore's delight, where gauchos roam the dining room, offering an endless array of grilled meats, from succulent picanha to tender lamb chops, all sliced tableside. The heart of Moderno is its expansive salad bar, featuring a wide variety of fresh vegetables, cheeses, and traditional Brazilian sides. With its festive atmosphere and generous offerings, Moderno Churrascaria is perfect for diners looking to enjoy a taste of South America's rich culinary traditions.

La Cucina Not Included

La Cucina transports guests to the heart of Italy with its warm ambiance and rustic charm. This specialty Italian restaurant serves a feast of traditional favorites, from handmade pasta to gourmet pizzas, each dish bursting with the authentic flavors of Italy. The intimate setting, reminiscent of a cozy Italian trattoria, provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. Guests can indulge in signature dishes like the rich and creamy risotto or the perfectly cooked osso bucco, paired with a selection from La Cucina's extensive wine list. For a taste of Italy aboard the Pride of America, La Cucina is the quintessential choice.

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Pride of America Deck Plans & Reviews

Pride of America

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Aloha! Come aboard Pride of America, our only cruise ship that sails round trip from Honolulu year-round so you can holiday on your timetable . As you journey from one exotic island to the next, learn about the Hawaiian culture through the eyes of native ambassadors on board our ship. Island hop Hawaii in style, with a wide variety of restaurants and bars and lounges, excellent family accommodations, spacious suites and balconies – perfect for whale watching, witnessing Kilauea Volcano or taking in the dramatic views of the lush natural landscape. Come aboard and learn why no one does Hawai'i like Norwegian.

• Ship 80,439 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,150 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Length 280 m Overall Length
• Width 37 m Max Beam
• Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 2005
• Crew 927 Ship Crew

Pride of America CRUISE SHIP HIGHLIGHTS

NEW! Starlink High-Speed Internet

Starlink provides fast Internet service at sea and is now available on Pride of America. Using advanced low earth orbit satellites, SpaceX's Starlink delivers industry leading broadband internet connectivity, which will improve the capacity, speed, and reliability of Internet on board.

Cruising Hawaii Year-Round

As the only U.S. flagged cruise ship, Pride of America sails year round from Honolulu, giving you the freedom and flexibility to holiday on your timetable . Visit four Hawaiian Islands and five ports in seven days whilst you cruise through paradise in style.

Extraordinary Dining Options

Pride of America offers a genuine Hawaiian culinary experience by serving local Hawaiian cuisine such as Pineapple Beurre Blanc with fresh seafood, papaya with Asian short ribs and a variety of tropical juices.

Authentic Hawaiian Culture

As the only U.S. flagged cruise ship Pride of America sails year round from Honolulu. This vibrant Americana-themed ship features the Kuku Cultural Center with showcases of historical pieces that illuminate and outline the heritage and history of this exotic destination.

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Witness the fiery lava flow of Kilauea. Sail along the lush natural landscape. Sip a Mai tai in Maui.

Experience luxury and privacy like never before. Spacious suites with enough room to make infinite memories. Enhanced by only the finest touches throughout.

Soak in the paradise that surrounds you. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to your very own sweeping balcony. Inside, your private, spacious room is well-appointed with style.

Picture this. Modern, comfortable and stylish staterooms with nice appointments throughout, including a window with clear views of the ocean.

Enjoy island hopping in style and comfort. Thoughtful appointments inside include a TV and more.

Savour superior solo travel with stylish features like mood lighting, a full-size bed and access to our exclusive Studio Lounge.

Experience WHAT’S ON BOARD

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Serving a wide variety of culinary delights to please every palate, our complimentary dining options include two main dining rooms, a help-yourself buffet and a variety of casual cafés, grills and on-the-go choices. Plus, our Main Dining Rooms offer a menu that changes daily, Chef's Signature Dishes and carefully selected wine recommendations, guaranteeing a different culinary adventure with every visit.

Enjoy a night of gastronomic proportions at one of our many speciality restaurants. Sip your favourite cocktail as you select from choice cuts of Angus beef at Cagney's Steakhouse. Enjoy delicious pasta made with the freshest ingredients inside our chic Italian eatery, La Cucina. Or savour French cuisine at Jefferson's Bistro. No matter what you choose, our speciality dining options feature the tastes you'll crave.

With so many bars and lounges to discover, finding your favourite may take a few days. Pop some bubbly and toast to the good life inside Pink's Champagne Bar. Dance until the wee hours at New Orleans-inspired Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge & Nightclub. Or hang loose with a Mai Tai at Waikiki Bar. Whether you're looking to meet up with friends or make new ones, there's always an opportunity to mix it up.

From top to bottom and from bow to stern, Pride of America has enough onboard activities to fill every minute of your cruise. Indulge in a refreshing swim at the Oasis Pool or the Miami-inspired South Beach Pool. Go for a run with the best views on the jogging track, or break a sweat at the Santa Fe Fitness Centre. And when all is said and done, enjoy a pamper session at Mandara Spa. With so much to do, we'll always have you coming back for more.

When you want some "me" time, look no further than Mandara Spa®. Relax with a hot-stone massage, one of over 50 speciality treatments offered. At our onboard spas, treatments range from the classic to the luxurious. Let our pampering professionals soothe and rejuvenate you with facials, massages, acupuncture and a full menu of services.

Forget to pack something? No worries! Our gift shops onboard carry everything you'll need for fun in the sun. Shop from a variety of souvenirs, cosmetics, clothing, snacks and sundry items. Treat yourself at our duty-free shops full of fantastic savings on fine jewellery, accessories, perfume, liquor and tobacco.

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The Best Time to Cruise to Hawaii

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Dress code for dining on pride of america

By russnleanne , July 18, 2017 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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russnleanne

We are Royal Caribbean cruisers most of the time. we are going to do the Hawaiian cruise on the Pride of America next March. I am hoping those who have been on the POA could help with a dress code question. Do they have formal nights? if yes, are there 2 and how dressed up do people get?

thank you for your help, Leanne

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cruiser123!

we were on POA this past March. I don't recall a formal night, but to be fair we were off the ship as much as possible.

We ate in the MDR. My hubby wore slacks and a button down. I wore dresses. My kids wore dress shorts and polos. No flip flops for anyone. That was the norm. Lots of Hawaii shirts.

Enjoy! the ship isn't the best but you can't beat that itinerary!

POA does NOT have any formal night and even in specialty dining, it's resort causal, neat & clean - for men, a Hawaiian shirt with collar is the "dress code" at dinner time.

Who vacation and cruise the Hawaii waters, taking along a suit or blazer, shirt & tie ... no way, let alone tuxedo (common sense). Not to worry, you will be fine - just don't show up in the MDR at 6 PM wearing the bathrobe with swimwear underneath. Besides, it's port intensive - it's not uncommon to be done eating early breakfast by 7 AM and off the gangway before 8 AM and not onboard until 8 or 9 PM, barely time to do dinner.

Fleetwide, the dress codes are getting relaxed more - of course, you are free to do whatever ... under the notion of freestyle dining.

POA does NOT have any formal night and even in specialty dining, it's resort causal, neat & clean - for men, a Hawaiian shirt with collar is the "dress code" at dinner time.   Who vacation and cruise the Hawaii waters, taking along a suit or blazer, shirt & tie ... no way, let alone tuxedo (common sense). Not to worry, you will be fine - just don't show up in the MDR at 6 PM wearing the bathrobe with swimwear underneath. Besides, it's port intensive - it's not uncommon to be done eating early breakfast by 7 AM and off the gangway before 8 AM and not onboard until 8 or 9 PM, barely time to do dinner.   Fleetwide, the dress codes are getting relaxed more - of course, you are free to do whatever ... under the notion of freestyle dining.

we were on POA this past March. I don't recall a formal night, but to be fair we were off the ship as much as possible.   We ate in the MDR. My hubby wore slacks and a button down. I wore dresses. My kids wore dress shorts and polos. No flip flops for anyone. That was the norm. Lots of Hawaii shirts.   Enjoy! the ship isn't the best but you can't beat that itinerary!

thank you both for your help! that was my guess, but thought I better be sure. My sister in law just asked me. thank goodness none of that kind of packing! Yea!!

May I ask what you did on the islands that is not to be missed. I do have Honolulu all planned out.

We'll be on POA next March as well. We usually eat in the MDR's on cruises so I'm glad you asked this question. I don't want to take anything 'formal' to Hawaii at all since I'm only taking 1 suitcase but I hope we don't see any shorts, T shirts and baseball caps either,

which seems to be the only clothing people on our last cruise in the Caribbean brought with them.

KeithJenner

but I hope we don't see any shorts, T shirts and baseball caps either,

I'm afraid you will be disappointed with that one.

You must be dressed for dinner, no nude dining allowed.

Really, well shoot, I guess I better not run out of clothes:D

ColinIllinois

OMG who would ever wear shorts and a t-shirt while on a cruise? Seriously though, why is it of any concern at all how other people are dressed for dinner?Why I do think (and know inmost places) that it is both rude and impolite to wear a cap while dining, if someone else chooses to do so it will have zero impact on my dining experience. However all I ever wear is a pair of Levi jeans and a t-shirt, perfectly fine clothing.

Depends on what venue you are eating in. Personally, if I am eating in a restaurant whose dress code states no t-shirts, hats or jeans, in other words...dress nice for dinner then I expect it to be enforced. Most people book those restaurants not just for the food but the ambiance and a nice experience.

Point being is that NCL doesn't always enforce their own dress code.

The dress code on the POA is even more relaxed than the rest of NCL. Formal to a Hawaiian is you wear your shirt tucked in.

Jefferson's Bistro & 1 of the MDR's state that men must wear collared shirt & closed-toed shoes. But nice jeans are acceptable everywhere.

• 2 weeks later...

osbornislandlover

I have to tuck my shirt in?:( Not a good look for me!

We are Royal Caribbean cruisers most of the time. we are going to do the Hawaiian cruise on the Pride of America next March. I am hoping those who have been on the POA could help with a dress code question. Do they have formal nights? if yes, are there 2 and how dressed up do people get?   thank you for your help, Leanne

No NCL ship has formal nights. You are free to dress up as much or as little as you like on any night. Usually the night of the first sea day is designated "Norwegian's Night Out". You may see more people that night than normal who wear cocktail dresses, but you will see a mix of dress styles on any night. It helps to go to the NCL website and look at the actual dress code to see what the minimum requirements are. There are only two which require long pants and collared shirts for men, and even then, jeans are acceptable. All others, shorts and tees are acceptable. I've never seen ball caps allowed in any restaurant.

As far as enforcement, on the newer ships, NCL has sometimes taken to relaxing the code in the aft, more formal MDR to allow shorts for men. If so, this will be spelled out in the Freestyle Daily. Perhaps this is an experiment on NCL's part, but it does cause some confusion and may lead to some reports that the "code" is not being inforced. Not a good idea, IMO. Either relax the code fleetwide, or keep it uniform to all ships as is. Also, note that the dress code does not apply on the first night of the cruise, so shorts in the aft MDR are fine.

  May I ask what you did on the islands that is not to be missed. I do have Honolulu all planned out.

Sure! I loved this trip. We booked a private tour with Emily ( http://epicexperiencemaui.com/ ) while on Maui. We've been there before, so we didn't want to do the Road to Hana again. Emily was great. She took us to the West lobe which is often ignored by tours. We also went whale watching with Trilogy in Lahaina. Fun!

We did a tour of Volcanoes National Park we found on Viator out of Hilo . It was nice, but I wouldn't recommend it. We spent all of 20 minutes at Jaggar, but WAY more time at the Orchid shop. They call it a Orchid Garden..nope, it's a shop.

We took the helicopter tour thru the ship at Kona. it was fantastic! You can book yourselves, but I had read (may be wrong but didn't want to take the chance) that people tend to get bumped for cruise ship tours if they are running behind. I didn't want to miss this one.

.Kauai.... We did the really long tour via the ship. 11 hours or so. Not even 30 minutes at the Canyon. If you're not afraid of the drive, I'd recommend renting a car and going yourself. It's amazingly gorgeous. I wish we had more time there. We also went to a Luau at the plantation. That was fun. On the 2nd day we went tubing with Kauai Backcountry Adventures. Cold water, but a good time.

Sunflower & The Scientist

You mention no flip flops...did you see others wearing flip flops in specialty or MDR? I plan on wearing a cute dress, but with flip flops...as I have cute ones. I wear them to church with dresses so guessed they would be okay for specialty or MDR.

Two Wheels Only

Depends on what venue you are eating in. Personally, if I am eating in a restaurant whose dress code states no t-shirts, hats or jeans, in other words...dress nice for dinner then I expect it to be enforced. Most people book those restaurants not just for the food but the ambiance and a nice experience.   Point being is that NCL doesn't always enforce their own dress code.

Enforcement is important but at the same time, if jeans, t-shirts, hats, etc. are within the rules, there is no reason for those dressed otherwise to be bothered or upset by people who are within the restaurant's guidelines.

With regards to NCL's dress code, there seems to be a feeling (from some) that people dressed in jeans/t-shirt are somehow "ruining the experience for others". If people are within the rules, there's nothing to complain about as far as clothing. I'm more concerned with someone else's behavior than I am with their clothing.

BirdTravels

There is a dress code. On the Breakaway, Getaway, and Escsoe, long pants are required in Le Bistro and Ovean Blue/Bayamo. They are not required in any MDR. That is the dress code.

I think those would be fine

If you go to the NCL website and read the official dress code, is it pointed out anywhere that the dress code is different for those 3 ships, and spell out the differences? The last time I looked, it did not, and that is my point.

The "official" dress code for NCL is on the NCL website, not what is printed in a Freestyle Daily on a particular ship. I agree that if its posted in the Daily, then that's what applies on that ship. BUT, how many people actually see that small notation in the Daily, yet see many people with shorts in the MDR, and jump to the conclusion, as you have seen repeated often on this board, as well as in this thread, that NCL "does not Inforce their own dress code".

I'm simply suggesting that NCL should either allow shorts in MDRs on All ships, or keep the no shorts rule in all ships. Or, simply point out in the official code on the NCL website that there is a difference for these 3 ships. It never made any sense to me why the difference was made between the ships in any case. Is the Escape any less formal than say the Sun or the Jewel or any other ship in the fleet?

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Pride of America to Have Limited Dining Options For Restart

• March 18, 2022

Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2,100-passenger Pride of America will sail with reduced staff and dining facilities when it comes back to commercial operations in Hawaii on Apr. 9.

This is due to a reduced passenger capacity meaning reduced crew levels, as was explained by Norwegian Cruise Line in a letter to passengers. The measure will only concern initial sailings, the cruise line said.

In so, Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki will not be available, and the Main Dining Room will not be open for breakfast or lunch.

However, the cruise line said that guests will be able to grab breakfast, lunch and dinner at the complimentary Aloha Café.

Dinner will be available in the Skyline Main Dining Room and in select specialty dining venues, including La Cucina, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Jefferson’s Bistro. In addition, the Cadillac Diner will be open 24 hours a day.

Freestyle Daily will provide a complete list of dining and beverage options available to guests once they are onboard.

The Pride of America will sail its first voyage on Apr. 9, 2022, from Honolulu. Calls on this seven-day itinerary include Maui, Hilo, Kailua Kona and Kauai.

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• Hawaii / Norwegian (NCL) / Ship Reviews

NCL’s Pride Of America Review And Ship Tour

by Prof. Cruise · Published May 7, 2020 · Updated June 24, 2021

As we speed-walked up the gangway to board the Pride of America in Honolulu, adorned in leis and puka shell necklaces barely noticeable below our excited eyes and ear-to-ear grins, we had no idea that we were on one of her last sailings before the coronavirus pandemic would halt global cruise travel and lead to the cancelation of our next three cruises scheduled for 2020. That Seattle – the city where we store our stuff, pawn our kid off on a saintly public school teacher, and visit our shaggy-haired shelter dog between cruises – would become the first Covid-19 hotspot in the United States. Or that life as we knew it was about to grind to a stop faster than Mr. Cruise turns 180 degrees upon entering our cabin restroom after my first full day of cruise binging: “who forgot to pack the Poo-Pourri ?”

I should have been on my third cruise of the season right now instead of competing for the most incompetent homeschool teacher of the year (see the photo below of me up in a tree with a martini while my pupil is on his third hour of video games today), but I feel lucky to have had this incredible trip to Hawaii aboard the Pride of America before all our lives changed forever.

And while the true prides of America are our coronavirus heroes – the nurses and doctors and other healthcare workers, the delivery drivers and postal workers, the grocery store clerks, the scientists, and so many others – I hope this virtual trip aboard the only American flagged large cruise ship will serve as a brief distraction from any stress, illness, grief, financial hardship, or boredom you may be facing in these difficult and uncertain times. So with that overly wordy introduction (sorry about that – these long days at home don’t necessitate succinctness), join me on the Pride of America!

Pride Of America: The Basics

She’s 15 years old (with her last refurbishment completed in 2016), 920 feet long, weighs in at over 80,000 tons, is adorned in red, white, and blue, and is affectionately known as the “Pride of America” to her 927 crew members and 2,186 guests. And while the rest of us have been wearing the same sweatpants for 53 consecutive days (what, just me?) and revealing our true hair color for the first time in an equal number of years, the Pride of America is fortunate enough to have a trip to dry dock (a ship’s version of a beauty parlor) scheduled for May 2020 (this may be delayed, stay tuned).

What Makes The Pride Of America Unique?

I’m perhaps the only Seattle resident who proudly drinks her morning beverage of choice, instant decaf coffee, from a mug that reads “ I Work To Fund My Cruising Addiction .”

But I prefer to think of myself as “unique” instead of “weird.” My 7 year-old would disagree: “mom, you’re weird.” Yeah, like I’m the one with underwear on my head pretending to be a superhero. Okay, that actually was me (what? I’ve been stuck at home for months now).

But anyway…

As the only American flagged ocean cruise ship, you’ll notice three major differences between the Pride of America and other ships that sail to/from Hawaii. First, the Passenger Vessel Services Act does not apply to American registered ships, so the Pride of America isn’t required to stop at a foreign port. All other cruises to/from Hawaii will call in a foreign port (usually Canada or Mexico), adding on many sea days and at least one non-Hawaiian stop to their itinerary (not a bad thing in my mind, but a significant difference). If you only have one week off work and want to cruise Hawaii or don’t like sea days, the Pride of America is your only option.

Second, because the Pride of America has to abide by all American labor laws, the majority of crew members will be Americans, unlike other cruise ships that employ mostly foreign workers.

And the third difference, directly related to the second, is cost. You’ll likely pay a much higher per night cruise fare on the Pride of America than other ships that sail to/from Hawaii. Pride of America crew members are paid more, enjoy labor protections foreign workers do not, and turnover is higher, leading to increased cruise fares. Our total 7-night fare on the Pride of America was nearly double what we paid for a 15-night sailing on the Grand Princess round-trip to Hawaii from San Fransisco. In fact, it was our most expensive vacation ever (factoring in the expense of getting to and from Honolulu by air).

Why We Booked The Pride Of America To Hawaii

We took our first cruise to Hawaii on the now infamous Grand Princess to/from San Francisco in 2018 and it scooted Alaska off to the side when it comes to our favorite place to cruise. Itching for a return trip to these most beautiful and culturally rich American islands, but with only a week off of school for H’s (my teaching/travel assistant and 7 year-old son) mid-winter break, we couldn’t accommodate the 10+ sea days required to cruise to Hawaii from the west coast. So, despite reading mixed reviews of the ship, the Pride of America was our only option.

Pride Of America Ship Tour

Here a complete ship tour featuring the best free elevator music money need not buy.

Dining On The Pride Of America

Go here for all restaurant and bar menus from the pride of america, skyline and liberty main dining rooms (complimentary).

The Pride of America has two main complimentary dining rooms, the Skyline and the Liberty. The Skyline is open for breakfast and they’re both open for dinner. They serve the same dinner menu and are available by reservation or by just showing up. They only differ in decor and dress code. For a more formal dining experience, opt for the Liberty restaurant for dinner. But if, like me, you skipped the prom because it would have required you change out of sweatpants, make your reservation for the Skyline. Either way, I do recommend making a reservation (online, via the NCL app, at the reservations desk next to Guest Services, or by calling reservations) if you know in advance when you’d like to dine. There was a separate podium for those with a reservation allowing them to bypass the (sometimes long) line and be seated quickly.

Service in the Skyline dining room was fast, friendly, and attentive, with servers checking in often to take our bar orders (I’ve found getting bar drinks in the main dining room difficult on some other NCL ships) and not batting an eye when Mr. Cruise ordered every single appetizer on the menu one night (don’t worry, he tipped an extra few dollars in cash for each item he ordered – thankfully his heart is even larger than his appetite):

As is the case (in my opinion) for all main dining room cruise fare, the food was good, but not great – akin to what you’d find in an American chain restaurant like TGI Friday’s, Chili’s, or Red Robin. Here’s what we ordered each night (with menus to be found here ):

Skyline Dining Room Night 1

Skyline Dining Room Night 2

Skyline Dining Room Night 3

Skyline Dining Room Night 4

Skyline Dining Room Night 5

Skyline Dining Room Night 6

Skyline Dining Room Night 7

Breakfast In The Skyline Dining Room

In addition to dinner, we loved eating breakfast in the Skyline Dining Room. The food was delicious and it was less crowded and chaotic than the buffet as everyone hurried to eat before getting off at port (they were also serving all food items in the buffet and passing out plates and cutlery which made the lines very long – more on that later). We especially enjoyed the daily specials.

Extra Credit Pro Tip: order the Pound Cake French Toast, one of the daily specials. It’s a dessert disguised as an entree and one of my favorite food items on NCL.

If you have the drink package don’t forget to order a Mimosa, Screwdriver, Bloody Mary, Greyhound or a shot of Bailey’s with your coffee. Here are some pics (am I the only one who photographs everything I eat on a cruise so I can stare at them longingly once I’m back home and nibbling on carrots so I don’t bust through the floor before it’s even my turn to step on the scale at Weight Watchers?):

East Meets West (Complimentary)

In addition to the main dining rooms, there are two additional complimentary full service, sit down restaurants on the Pride of America and we loved them both! East Meets West is an Asian fusion restaurant serving soups, noodles, and popular dishes from East and South Asia. You can preview the menu here . Having spent significant time in both China and Japan, I know (and love) Asian food. And I found the selections at East Meets West delicious and hovering pretty close to authentic for free cruise ship food .

Reservations were not accepted at East Meets West during our sailing and lines could get quite long. Consider eating there on the first night and arriving a few minutes before opening time for the shortest wait.

Extra Credit Pro Tip: if you’re a vegetarian, tofu can be substituted for the meat in several of the dishes. Just ask!

Here are photos of what we ordered:

Also, if you have the drink package and like sweet cocktails, be sure to order the Wasabi Martini. It was my favorite drink on the Pride of America.

And order the Shaku Shaku Martini if you consider pickles an appropriate topping for pizza and imagine they would be even more delicious in cocktail form.

Cadillac Diner (Complimentary)

If you’re thinking, “I did not book the most American vacation possible to eat at a g-darn Asian restaurant,” cool your engine after pulling up to the Cadillac Diner where the menu items are in English: “chicken wings, that’s more like it!” On the other hand, if you think you’re too sophisticated for french fries, you can order the delicious lasagna and pay extra for a premium milkshake. This is a popular spot and housed in a very tiny space, so consider eating there for lunch while at port when it’s less crowded. You can preview the menu here .

Here’s what we ordered (all excellent):

And the best for last, because what’s more American than:

Aloha Cafe (Complimentary)

While the photos above portray a serene setting captured while 90% of passengers were at port and the Aloha Cafe was closed, a swarm of locusts on the scent of a bumper corn crop would more accurately depict the buffet on the Pride of America during peak breakfast and lunch hours. Additional health and safety precautions during the first half of our sailing due to a flu outbreak onboard (stay tuned for additional information and thoughts on this) also led to long lines and waits during peak times.

There were some real standouts (the made-to-order pasta, crepe station at dinner and the warm puddings are not to be missed), but I didn’t find the selection or quality of the food as good as I’ve experienced on other NCL ships. I found the international selections particularly weak (I know, I know, it’s the Pride of AMERICA, not INDIA, but I so love the Indian food on other NCL ships).

I’d strongly suggest eating breakfast and dinner at one of the sit-down restaurants if you can spare the time. And if you must experience the buffet (I get it, I’m currently camping outside of Golden Corral, hopeful for an eventual reopening, because what’s American life without warm yeast rolls dripping with honey butter and mashed potatoes topped with cheddar cheese from the taco station), do so at off-peak hours (right when it opens or just before it closes) for lunch.

Extra Credit Pro Tip: head over to the Gold Rush Saloon for overflow buffet seating.

Key West Bar And Grill (Complimentary)

As a generally less crowded alternative to the buffet for lunch, hit the Key West Bar and Grill for serve-yourself burgers, hot dogs, french fries, and deli style salads. It also offers made-to-order veggie burgers for vegetarians. We found the quality of offerings here quite good and never had to wait in line for food or a table. And if you have the Hawaii drink package, hit the adjoining bar for a North Shore Power (one of my favorite drinks onboard) or a red or white Sangria.

Dolce Gelato (Extra Charge)

We used some of the onboard credit we had – because we sensibly purchased 100 shares of NCL stock right before the coronavirus hit and prices dropped faster than Prof. Cruise chases the ice cream truck – on…ice cream. Well, gelato actually. Try the coconut or Kona coffee if you want to experience my two favs. Just don’t take my advice on investments!

Room Service (Complimentary and Extra Charge)

While cold breakfast items are complimentary (although I always tip delivery crew a few dollars), all other items will incur a $9.95 service charge per delivery (you can order as many items as you want). We used room service for coffee and once so we could avoid the buffet prior to an early morning excursion. Go here for the menu.

Extra Credit Pro Tip: for those who are lactose intolerant or who prefer non-dairy milk, soy milk is available via room service even though it’s not listed on the menu. Just write it on the order card or request it when you call in your order.

Specialty Restaurants On The Pride Of America

There are six specialty restaurants on the Pride of America, but we didn’t eat at any of them, instead choosing to splurge on our favorite Hawaiian specialties while at port (think shave ice, not spam).

But should you be interested in dining at them, here are some photos and a brief description of each. You can also find all the menus here .

Sushi & Sashimi Bar (Extra Charge)

If your vacation at sea has you craving sushi, hit the sushi and sashimi bar on deck 5, in the same area as East Meets West and Teppanyaki. While this small bar and dining area is separate from East Meets West, you can also request the sushi menu while dining at East Meets West (which I’d recommend if you want to order off both menus). Sit at the bar though if you want to watch the talented chefs prepare your rolls. Either way, prices are a la carte.

Teppanyaki (Extra Charge)

For $39 per person (unless you have a dining package), you can watch a masterful teppan chef prepare meat, seafood, vegetables, noodles, and rice on a flat grill around which you will be seated with your family, friends, and fellow passengers. Think a floating Benihana, which makes the egg trick even more impressive (don’t worry if it lands in your hair, it will add a nice shine for your elegant night photos).

Jefferson’s Bistro (Extra Charge)

A snooty Frenchman in slim-fit jeans, a cashmere scarf, and horn-rimmed glasses would so forcefully scoff at a French restaurant named “Jefferson’s Bistro” onboard an American flagged cruise ship that he might pass out cold having forgotten to take a breath between insults: vous, imbéciles d’Américains, vous vous êtes surpassés cette fois quelle insulte à ma culture et à mon peuple n’as-tu pas honte?

But if you’re looking for a romantic spot to celebrate a special occasion, consider this French themed restaurant. And while your waiter is more likely to be Dave from Birmingham sporting a mullet than Jean-Pierre from Bordeaux sporting a beret, at least he won’t attempt to throw you overboard when you complain, “what do you mean you don’t serve fries? Aren’t you a FRENCH restaurant?!?”

Jefferson’s Bistro is on deck 5 midship and pricing is a la carte.

Cagney’s Steakhouse (Extra Charge)

If you’re looking for a more premium cut of meat than is available in the main dining rooms, along with some outstanding sides and desserts, you’ll want to reserve a meal at the Pride of America’s steakhouse: Cagney’s. Pricing is a la carte without a dining package and it’s located on deck 6 midship near the Liberty main dining room.

Moderno Churrascaria (Extra Charge)

Located on deck 11 aft, Moderno Brazilian steakhouse offers twelve meats carved right at your table and a large salad bar. It’s currently priced at $39 per person if you don’t have a dining package (but double check pricing in your online reservation or when you get onboard as things change frequently).

La Cucina (Extra Charge)

If counting down the days until the Never Ending Pasta Pass goes on sale at Olive Garden is a tradition dearer to you than the New Year’s Eve ball drop, you’ll enjoy the Pride of America’s Italian restaurant, La Cucina. It’s located on deck 11 aft and pricing is a la carte without a dining package.

Bars And Lounges On The Pride Of America

There are nine bars on the Pride of America, each with either a Hawaiian or American theme (Although I still haven’t figured out “Pink’s.” Maybe it’s in honor of the raspy-voiced American singer/songwriter, but a quick Google search doesn’t suggest an obvious link to champagne.).

Hit the Gold Rush Saloon for the best selection of beers on tap, the Waikiki bar if you’re a smoker (it’s the only place onboard you can smoke), the Napa Wine Bar for a W.I.N.O.S (Women In Need Of Sanity) support group, the Ocean Drive or Aloha Lanai bars for a cocktail by the pool, Pink’s for fancy martini’s, Key West for a burger with your beverage, John Adams for espresso coffee drinks (for an extra charge and not included in the Hawaii Beverage Package) or an Irish coffee with a shot of Bailey’s (included in the beverage package), and Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge for drinks and a show.

As a martini lover, my favorite bar was Pink’s (although the service was slow at times), but I also loved several of the drinks unique to the menu at Key West.

SEE ALL PRIDE OF AMERICA BAR MENUS HERE .

And stay tuned for my review of the Hawaii Beverage Package, coming soon.

Entertainment And Activities On The Pride Of America

Go here for the freestyle daily (the daily activities and dining schedule) from each day of our pride of america sailing..

Awe, the good old days when we could pack into a cruise ship theater only to complain about people arriving late, chattering children, and how “the entertainment isn’t what it used to be.” Now days, after being stuck at home for roughly a million years, I’d consider an off-key, nose picking, tights pulling, stoney-faced, wilding out 1st grade music program quality entertainment if it meant I got to congregate with human beings I’m not legally bound to: “which child is yours?” “The one off to the right singing the wrong song while he practices his cartwheels.” Bravo, bravo!

But harkening back to my slightly higher pre-coronavirus standards with the hope that eventually I’ll return to them, I’d consider the entertainment on the Pride of America perfectly fine, but not great. I’m a huge fan of the full-length Broadway-style shows on the larger NCL ships, but those aren’t offered on smaller ships. Instead, the Pride of America main theater features loosely plotted singing and dancing shows (such as Lights, Camera, Music!) performed by the ship’s production cast, a magician, a comedian, and a special guest vocal group (on our sailing it was These Guys Worldwide). We enjoyed the performances, but they weren’t anything I’d have payed extra to see pre social distancing days. Now I’d almost consider giving up my epic bag of quarantine snacks for one.

In addition to the larger shows in the main theater each night, there was also ample live music onboard and a variety of activities during the day (although slightly fewer than on a more traditional sailing with a mix of port and sea days, since we were at port every day and the majority of guests were off the ship). We particularly enjoyed the Hawaii themed activities offered by our Hawaii ambassador, China. She taught daily hula lessons, gave port lectures, and led lei making classes with all materials (including gorgeous fresh flowers) included for free.

Service On The Pride Of America

If mine is the 20th review of the Pride of America you’ve read today – because you’re trying to avoid another video chat with your grandkids where they remind you for hours at a time how ill advised it was to send them a joke book during quarantine (I can say with authority that your daughter-in-law really does hate you now) – that’s unfortunate because my reviews are far more palatable before you have any others to compare them with. But you’ve probably also read mixed reviews, some positive and some negative, of the service on the Pride of America. And that’s how I’d describe the service too: mixed.

Although not as friendly and warm as on other ships, the service in the main dining room was fast and attentive. We missed learning about the countries where our servers were from, since they were all Americans, but minimal small talk and the lack of language barriers seems to really speed things up. We were encouraged to order as many items as we wanted and were regularly asked about bar service, which was appreciated since we had the beverage package and enjoyed trying some different cocktails with our meals. At dinner we were generally in and out in about an hour, which is extremely fast for a cruise ship main dining room dinner. Having a young child with us, we really appreciated this.

Service in the buffet was poor (especially during the first part of our cruise while increased health precautions were in place – more on that in a minute) due, I think, to it being understaffed. Tables were not cleared quickly, lines were long at times, and crew members seemed stressed. It was an extra challenging week for them though, so this may not be typical.

Bar service was also spotty. There were a few bartenders who were bordering on rude and service was very slow at times. But most were working hard and doing their best to be friendly and attentive.

Our room steward was excellent. He knew our names before we even introduced ourselves and made sure to ask about our room preferences. He was fast and thorough and friendly. We missed nightly towel animals, but understand these are being phased out fleet wide and never requested one.

Hits And Misses On The Pride Of America

Because I’ve cruised to Hawaii before, some of these hits and misses serve partly as a comparison of my two experiences, the other being a 15 night round-trip sailing from San Fransisco on the Grand Princess. And some are stand-alone observations of the Pride of America, teased apart from the overall Hawaii cruising experience.

Spotty Service

We had excellent service in some areas and less-than-ideal service in others. I never observed anything egregious and most crew members were working very hard and doing their best under stressful circumstances, but I’d still describe the overall service as “spotty.”

No Sea Days

I certainly can’t blame the Pride of America for this one, since I got exactly what I booked – an itinerary packed with port days with most sailing from island to island taking place at night. But man oh man, as a gold medal, five star, world champion relaxer I sure missed long days at sea spent reading and walking the promenade deck and eating every 15 minutes.

If given a choice I’d take a 15 day cruise over a 7 day cruise any day. Disagree? Well, as your Cruising 101 professor, I’m going to have to flunk you and strongly suggest you reevaluate your direction in life.

And what if I told you it’s possible to book a 15 day cruise to Hawaii for half the price of a 7 day cruise to Hawaii? Well, it is! And I know this because we did it! For the reasons I spoke to earlier, sailings on the Pride of America can be much pricier than other cruises (even other cruises to Hawaii). There are certainly things that are unique to the Pride of America cruise that you won’t find on another line (I’ll speak to those below), but I’d still book a longer roundtrip cruise from the west coast to Hawaii versus the Pride if America if it were possible.

Leis At Embarkation

No need to purchase an expensive lei at the airport, you’ll receive a beautiful free one at embarkation!

Hawaii Ambassador

It was so fun having a Hawaii ambassador onboard to lead activities and lectures. This wasn’t unique to the Pride of America (we had a wonderful Hawaii ambassador on the Grand Princess too), but we thought the programming China led was particularly good (especially the beautiful fresh flowers for lei making classes).

Napoli Coast

With sharp emerald ridges towering above the Pacific Ocean seeming to touch the sky, steep, plunging waterfalls, and beaches so remote I kept expecting to see Tom Hanks and Wilson, cruising along the spectacular Napoli Coast was my favorite part of my Pride of America sailing.

Go here for my tips for maximizing your scenic cruise along the Napoli Coast along with my other top 35 tips for the Pride of America.

More time at ports.

The opportunity to add on a land portion to your trip to Hawaii either before or after your sailing, as well as overnights at several ports is a huge advantage to the Pride of America.

24 Hour Gym

Because we were off the ship at port during the day, it was very helpful to have a gym open 24 hours to squeeze in a few workouts so I could still squeeze into my stretchy buffet cruise pants. This is the first NCL ship I’ve ever sailed on with a 24 hour gym.

East Meets West And Cadillac Diner

These complimentary alternative restaurants were two of the top reasons I needed the gym and worth every calorie!

Full Library

The Pride of America has a large, well-stocked library. Libraries on cruise ships are more endangered than ivory-billed woodpeckers as more and more ships are phasing them out. And even though I didn’t have nearly enough time to relax on my balcony with a novel on this trip, I’d walk through the library in the evenings to breath in the faint vanilla smell of old books – a smell I love almost as much as the ocean.

Large Wrap Around Promenade Deck

If you know me at all, you know that I was hacking off my own hair and forgoing makeup and real pants long before quarantine. But you also know that walking the promenade deck while listening to an audio book and watching for ocean life is one of my favorite cruise activities. And while, again, I didn’t have nearly enough time to do this on the Pride of America, the wide, wrap around promenade deck was my favorite feature of the ship. It even had two drinking fountains available (not that my pace ever necessitated hydration)!

Flu On The Pride Of America And Hints At The Future Of Cruising

As we boarded the Pride of America we were subjected to an additional health screening form and notified that there had been a concerning number of flu cases on the prior sailing. I was also quizzed on the Chinese visas in my passport book (when was the last time you visited China?). Even though there hadn’t been any known coronavirus cases in the United States yet, it was clear the cruise line was already concerned and there were restrictions on passengers who had recently been in China.

There were strict additional health precautions for the first half of our sailing that included:

• No pre-set tables in sit-down restaurants. Typically when you arrive at your table in the main dining room or at a specialty restaurant, it will be beautifully and fully set with silverware, plates, napkins, glasses, a centerpiece, salt and pepper, and butter. With the additional health precautions in place, tables were completely empty until guests were seated. Then silverware wrapped in a napkin was provided for each person along with water glasses and butter. Anything beyond that generally had to be requested. Condiments were provided in single portions. There were no salt and pepper shakers, ketchup bottles, etc. available anywhere on the ship.
• No self-service in the buffet and plates, silverware, napkins, and condiments were handed to guests by a gloved member of the crew. Instead of grabbing a plate or bowl, we had to wait in line to receive a plate and napkin wrapped silverware from a crew member. All buffet items including drinks were served by crew. This led to long lines and waits at times.
• Restaurant menus were paper and thrown away after a single use.
• There were no menus available in any of the bars. If you requested a menu you would receive a generic paper menu (not specific to a particular bar) with a limited selection of some of the more popular NCL drinks. I asked several times for an actual menu for a specific bar and wasn’t able to receive one (until later in the cruise when the extra restrictions were lifted).
• Restroom doors remained open at all times. The main doors to public restrooms remained open to minimize passengers touching handles.
• Books could not be checked out from the library (cases remained locked at all times) and all games and cards were removed from the game room.
• Frequent cleaning of handrails and other high touch surfaces.
• Washy washy, happy happy. While hand sanitizing is always encouraged before boarding the ship and before entering the buffet or restaurants, it was mandatory in this case. There was a crew member with a bottle of sanitizer spraying every guest’s hands.

While we’re now learning that cases of covid-19 may have arrived on American soil far earlier than we first thought, I’ve wondered if there were actually cases aboard the Pride of America in February that were being mistaken for flu (to be clear, there is absolutely no evidence of this that I’ve seen – it’s only speculation on my part).

Either way, I imagine that the future of cruising, at least in the short-term until a vaccine is widely available, will look much like the first half of our Pride of America sailing, but with the possible addition of masks, covid-19 testing and/or temperature checks and/or additional heath screening forms and fewer passengers. It will be interesting to see how the industry continues to respond to these challenging times and you’d better believe, even though it may not be the exact same experience, I’ll begin cruising again as soon as it’s safe and available.

Does The Pride Of America Live Up To Her Name?

Perhaps the only thing more America than tater tots, baseball, and divisive politics is apple pie. With cruising rounding out the top five. But ironically enough, nearly all cruise ships are registered outside the United States (this fact has been used to argue against any federal coronavirus bailout money going to cruise lines), with the majority of crew members coming from other countries. But NCL’s Pride of America is the exception! She’s American through and through, from her abundant opportunities for consumption, to her crew, to the stars and stripes adorning her exterior. And just like America – where the American dream eludes so many and democracy can be messy – she isn’t perfect. But she’ll provide a comfortable place to rest your weary bones after a long day of adventuring and safely ferry you from one tropical paradise to another while feeding your body and soul. Is she perfect? No. Does she live up to her name? Absolutely! And with that…

Class Dismissed.

Homework : See my top 35 tips for the Pride of America , all Pride of America drink and restaurant menus, and my Hawaii port reviews here (stay tuned, I’ll be adding many more in the coming months). Also, go here for my complete guide to the Hawaii Beverage Package .

And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog (scroll up to the top right if on a computer or keep scrolling down if on a mobile device) and follow Prof. Cruise on social media:

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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Moderno Churrascaria

on the Norwegian Pride of America

Looking for a unique experience? Our authentic Brazilian churrascaria is a must. Start with an impressive salad bar, but save plenty of room for our slow-roasted meats carved tableside by our Passadores.

Which deck has the Moderno Churrascaria on the Norwegian Pride of America?

You’ll find the Moderno Churrascaria on the ship’s Deck 11 .

Is the Moderno Churrascaria free with my cruise purchase?

No, this restaurants requires an additional fee and is not included in your cruise purchase. See below for pricing details and information on “how to book” this restaurant.

How much does the Moderno Churrascaria cost on the Norwegian Pride of America?

Cover Charge Applies.

How do I make reservations for Moderno Churrascaria on the Norwegian Pride of America?

To purchase your dining experience at Moderno Churrascaria, you can reserve your space and pay on Norwegian Cruise Line's site. Reservations tend to sell out, so we encourage you to purchase your Moderno Churrascaria experience as early as possible.

Reservations for Moderno Churrascaria can be made online. Once purchased, you can make reservations online in the 'Dining' section at ncl.com/myncl or through Norwegian Reservations at 1-866-234-7350. Once onboard, you can also make reservations by calling or visiting the Restaurant Reservations Desk or using the Norwegian App.

What is the dress code for Moderno Churrascaria?

The Dress Code for the Moderno Churrascaria Dining venue is 'Smart Casual'. For women, this includes slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops. For men, acceptable attire includes jeans or slacks with a collared shirt and closed-toed shoes. Kids 12 and under are welcome to wear nice shorts in all our restaurants.

Click here for  Moderno Churrascaria Menu Link .

Which Norwegian Cruise Line Ships offer the Moderno Churrascaria?

You can find the Moderno Churrascaria on the following Norwegian Cruise Line Ships.

Norwegian Breakaway Norwegian Dawn Norwegian Epic Norwegian Escape Norwegian Gem Norwegian Getaway Norwegian Jade Norwegian Jewel Norwegian Pearl Norwegian Star Norwegian Sun Pride Of America

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