From vibrant fern grottos and lush volcanic landscapes to fire and hula dancers, the full Hawaiian experience was alive and well during my recent Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) inter-island sailing in Hawaii.
According to Harry Sommer, president and CEO of NCL, “bookings have been great” for the product. The challenge is not traveler demand; rather, it’s staffing the ship. The U.S.-registered Pride of America is still the only vessel to offer weeklong voyages exclusively within the islands. (It does not need to call on a foreign port to satisfy the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 like other foreign-flagged cruise ships.)
Guests visit Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawaii; and Nawiliwili, Kauai, roundtrip from Honolulu. During the voyage, shore excursion options are varied, allowing clients to see everything from dramatic waterfalls to the breathtaking Waimea Canyon. Pride of America’s departure from Kauai also includes a sailing along the Napali Coast, which, given the recent release of the new “Jurassic World: Dominion” film, provides no better way for fans to be transported to the original setting of the franchise.
Staffing Shortages May Change the Onboard Experience
Clients should be aware that the onboard experience will differ somewhat from pre-pandemic days. On our sailing, the crew count was under 550 (the ship is normally staffed at around 920 to 940 employees). Despite a presence at multiple job fairs and raising pay scales a couple of times, the line has struggled to lure staff onboard, a problem that local Hawaiian hotels are also experiencing, according to Sommer.
As such, guest capacity was cut to about 1,100 versus the vessel’s typical double-occupancy numbers of 2,186, and a number of dining venues were not available.
However, the changes will not hurt the passenger experience, according to Sommer, who notes that the passenger-to-crew ratio and resulting service levels have not been watered down.
Clients on Pride of America’s Hawaii sailings can see a variety of Hawaii scenery.
Credit: 2022 Jason Leppert“We will not ever lower our standards for guest service,” he said.
Sommer expects guest and crew numbers to remain this way through the summer, with the hopes that everything will reach 100% by Christmas (including the reopening of currently closed eateries La Cucina (Italian), Modern Churrascaria and the ship’s Teppanyaki room and sushi bar.
But that’s not to say the shipboard cuisine we did experience onboard was any less impressive. Jefferson’s Bistro was fantastic, and even the Aloha Cafe buffet was exceptional. In fact, some of our greatest meals onboard were from the self-service venue, including excellent daily pizzas and sweet fruit crumbles.
Accommodations and Amenities Onboard the Refurbished Ship
Overall, the recently refurbished ship shines. Balcony staterooms and their bathrooms run smaller, as is expected for a ship of Pride of America’s vintage, but accommodations remain comfortable. The greatest disappointment here was how inordinately long it took cabins to be ready — well into the afternoon — for occupancy at embarkation.
The patriotic ambiance of the ship remains, as does its U.S.A.-themed public spaces. Still great is the S/S America Library and its historical passenger ship exhibits. The Gold Rush Saloon is a favorite watering hole, even though its bar service has been temporarily suspended. The rustic cabin vibe might be better served in Alaska, though, making this a perfect spot to eventually place a tiki bar instead.
All of this is to say: Hawaii is ready for clients, and Pride of America is nearing its prime time. It’s just important to know what customers can accurately expect for 2022. For some, it may be best to hold off until 2023.
In the meantime, Sommer reiterated that agents remain hugely important to Norwegian.
“Travel advisors continue to be our single largest source of business,” he said, adding that individual agency sales are approaching 2019 levels.
So, mutual success is already on the horizon in Hawaii and beyond.
