Pride of Hawaii
NCL America's Newest Pride & Joy
by Linda Coffman
Part Two
Staterooms & Suites
While the brochure lists over thirty fare categories, Pride of Hawaii's accommodations range from Standard Inside and Oceanview Staterooms to Oceanview staterooms with Balconies, Mini-Suites, Penthouses, Owner's suites, and the fantastic Courtyard Villas and Garden Villas. More than 70% of all staterooms are outside. (Follow this link to representative Stateroom Photos
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Mini-suite 11576
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All accommodations have gleaming wood cabinetry and paneling accents, a small refrigerator/mini-bar, and personal safe for valuables, as well as in-cabin coffee service to brew coffee or heat water for tea. Internet access using WiFi or broadband-type connection is standard throughout (for a charge, of course). A professional style hairdryer with real power is provided at each dressing table. Interactive televisions can be used to book shore excursions, order room service, and request a wake-up call. Cabin telephones include a voice mail feature. Bathroom amenities include shampoo and soap dispensers and most bathrooms are split into sections. Yes, the toilet is separated from the sink area by a wall and sliding glass door. The shower is roomy and also has a sliding glass door. No more clinging shower curtain or problem retrieving dropped soap.
At approximately 161 square feet, standard Oceanview Staterooms are well proportioned, but a bit tight for more than two occupants. Inside Staterooms are cheery and the clever use of color and strategically placed mirrors achieves an open feeling. One of the most desirable of all stateroom amenities is a balcony and more than half of Pride of Hawaii's outside staterooms have them. Mini-Suites with a balcony are even more desirable with additional square footage, generous storage, and bathtubs. Stepping up to more space, Penthouses and Owner's Suites are some of the chicest digs in the Pacific.
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Courtyard Villas' Private Courtyard
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As on sister-ship Norwegian Jewel, there are ten Courtyard Villas. At up to 660 square feet, with balconies, they are essentially identical to the Penthouse categories (eight have "children's bedrooms" and two do not). All ten share a private courtyard with a small pool and whirlpool and Balinese-style sun beds. Lounge chairs, hammocks, and ocean views are found on private rooftop sun spaces one deck above.
The pièce de résistance are the two sumptuous Garden Villas. High atop Pride of Hawaii, they are the ultimate in shipboard accommodations. At 4,390 square feet, with living room, dining room, three bedrooms with luxury baths, and more amenities than I could count, they are quite literally apartments afloat. Occupants need only step outside to enjoy a relaxing soak in their private hot tub or al fresco dining in their private garden. Additionally, access to the Courtyard Villas' private pool is available. Have the butler serve cocktails while you slip a CD into the state of the art Bose entertainment center if you can book a Garden Villa... they are not at a loss for occupants, even at rates that make my gold card cringe.
Butler and concierge services are available for all Villa and Owner's Suite occupants.
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Garden Villa Courtyard
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Last year while on board Norwegian Jewel, Doug Stallings, editor of Fodor's The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises, described the Courtyard Villas as "really amazing, although there's nothing different about the Villas themselves." The actual layout of the Villas mirror that of the Penthouse categories. He adds, "The Courtyard, which has a retractable roof, is a great addition."
I still agree; however, looking forward, while I anticipate they will be ideal for small family groups traveling together, the possibility of a problem exists if such a group doesn't book them all. Couples who anticipate a serene atmosphere could find their relaxation disturbed by such a group (including small children, although Colin Veitch, President & CEO of NCL America, feels children will be more attracted to the waterslide at the Lido pool than the smaller Courtyard pool.)
For large families, interconnecting standard staterooms and suites can create a two to five bedroom area. Passengers with disabilities haven't been overlookedtwenty-seven cabins of various types have been designed for their special needs.
More--> Pride of Hawaii Preview, Part 3
Pride of Hawaii Preview, Part 4
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Photos Author's Collection & Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
