Pride of aloha: proudly flying the Stars & Stripes, NCL America debuts its Hawaiian program

Cruise Travel, Nov-Dec, 2004 by Lynn Seldon

This past July 4th, on a bright Hawaiian morning, a landmark event in cruise travel marked a milestone in United States maritime history when NCL America christened the first modern U.S.-flagged cruise ship in nearly a half century.

"On this day, when Americans celebrate our independence, NCL America is proud to inaugurate a whole new cruise-ship experience--one that represents all that America and Hawaii have to offer," said Colin Veitch. NCL America president and CEO, "This is truly a proud day for NCL." Besides Veitch, the inaugural celebration dignitaries included Tan Sri KT Lim, chairman of parent corporation Star Cruises, and Mrs. Daniel K. Inouye, the ship's godmother. They were joined by Hawaii Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Hawaii Congressman Nell Abercrombie, officials from the Maritime Administration and Seafarers International Union, and a spirited crew that's entirely from the U.S.

The aloha spirit of the ship is even evident on the outside, thanks to a harmonious hull design by Hawaiian artist Linda Umstead. The vivid work features a pretty plumeria lei, as well as the traditional maile and orchid wedding leis. Umstead's award-winning work was chosen from dozens of entries in a hull-design competition.

After the inaugural festivities, the colorful ship set sail on a seven-night cruise of the Hawaiian Islands that offers lots of port time. During those seven days, we found that Pride of Aloha features a somewhat modified version of NCL's signature "Freestyle Cruising," offering a diverse choice for dining (without fixed seating times), resort casual dress (bring your aloha wear), and relaxed debarkation. Along with all of the standard ship amenities (sans casino) and many Hawaiian touches, the ship also features a Hawaii museum and Kumu Cultural Center ("kumu" is the Hawaiian source of learning).

The friendly staff is mostly American, creating a unique atmosphere that is sure to be the talk of many Pride of Aloha passengers (as well as other similarly operating ships NCL America has planned for Hawaii). The 2,002-passenger/77,104-gross-register-ton ship sails seven-day, roundtrip Hawaii itineraries, visiting all four main islands, and giving passengers up to an unprecedented 96 port hours each week. Ports-of-call include: Honolulu, Oahu (embarkation/debarkation); Nawiliwili, Kauai (overnight); Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawaii; and Kahului, Maui (another overnight call).

During her recent drydock, the Pride of Aloha was completely refurbished, with the redesign obviously touching nearly every past of the ship, including staterooms, public rooms, the deck and pool areas, and the six restaurants. Highlighting the refurbishment are many Hawaiian touches added throughout the former Norwegian Sky.

"When faced with the daunting task of redesigning a ship to capture the essence of Hawaii's many rich and diverse elements, we immediately sought out one of the island's most well-respected designers, Mary Philpotts," Veitch said. "It's Mary's vision, along with the folks at SMC Design, that makes the redesign a truly unique one--one that we hope honors the ship's name."

As soon as passengers board Pride of Aloha, they experience a vibrant and colorful world of fauna, flora, and many water- and Hawaiian-inspired details. A focal point is the towering eight-deck-high glass-domed atrium, with 50-foot-high sculptures inspired by Menehune (the mythical little people of Hawaii), rainbow-colored sails patterned after the islands' traditional canoe sails, and carpeting and chairs featuring vibrant pinks, yellows, greens, and blues.

Up on deck six, the Blue Hawaii Night Club was inspired by the outdoor beachfront dance clubs that were once very popular in Hawaii. Hula girl graphics grace the walls and there are thatched roof sections, palm trees, and even colorful leis strewn into the new carpet. Nearby, Captain Cook's Bar and Captain Cook's Cigar Club both pay homage to the legendary seafarer's travels and discoveries. Highlights include replicas of early-1800s etchings done when Hawaii was first being explored by Europeans. Also on deck six, the Mark Twain Library is infused with the names and personalities of Twain and other authors who journeyed to the islands for relaxation--and inspiration. The library's collection is somewhat small, giving an indication that passenger interests lie elsewhere.

In a combination that only an American-flagged and -staffed ship in Hawaii could pull off, the Sports Bar on deck 11 provides a perfect place to watch sporting events or participate in periodic--and popular--sports trivia contests, with a backdrop mixing images and memorabilia of surfing and baseball. Spotlighted are sports greats like Duke Kahanamoku, the four-time Olympic medalist and world-renowned surfer, and Joe Dimaggio, the Hall of Fame baseball player who started his professional career with the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League and thus played frequently in Hawaii.

Early Polynesians who navigated the Pacific Ocean inspired the Outrigger Lounge, also on deck 11. They were known as blue-water sailors, thanks to their ability to sail using the stars as their navigation instruments. A huge outrigger canoe hanging from the ceiling is this elegant room's highlight. Ondeck the Hoku (Star) Bar is a pleasant outdoor bar with artwork including volcanoes and colorful local plants. Up on deck 12 the large Plantation Club reflects that era's British Colonial style. The bright pool deck has a relaxed atmosphere, where a Pan Hana ("abandon work") attitude is the theme. A mural of surfers behind the typically bustling Breakers Bar gives the pool deck design an Hawaiian beach or outdoor lanai feel.