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 |
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 |
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
overlooked—twenty-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
Back to --> Pride
of Hawaii Preview, Part 1
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Author's Collection & Courtesy of Norwegian
Cruise Line
