Pride of Hawaii
NCL America's Newest Pride & Joy
by Linda Coffman
Part Three
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Aloha Atrium
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Public Areas
Positioned beneath an exquisite profusion of Murano-style glass flowers, the Aloha Atrium is the ship's heart where passengers can enjoy specialty coffee at the Aloha Café, shop in nearby boutiques, and discuss tour options with the Shore Excursion staff while background music fills the air. A second, and smaller atrium is surrounded by Jasmine Garden on deck seven, while a deck below, Magnum's Champagne & Wine Bar, Mixers Martini & Cocktail Bar, and Tankards Beer & Whiskey Bar comprise "Bar Central'a new concept introduced by NCL. The three distinctive areas flow nicely one into the next and are anchored by generous seating, a piano-bar atmosphere, and the adjacent Corona Cigar Club (for cigar aficionados). Bar Central also serves as a pre-dinner gathering spot for the nearby Alizar Restaurant and Le Bistro French Restaurant.
Other places to freestyle the nights away should appeal to a wide array of tastes... the rollicking Medusa Lounge & Nightclub (a high-powered disco/karaoke lounge with three adjacent private karaoke rooms), the stylish Star Bar (our choice for a nightcap accompanied by piano melodies), and the Spinnaker Lounge for cabaret entertainment and dancing.
Designed in the manner of a Venetian opera house with rich jewel toned appointments and plush seat coverings, the Stardust Theater is one of the loveliest at sea. It's a grand setting for the lavish production shows presented on its proscenium stage. Theater style seating offers sightlines that are good throughout, with the exception of the last row of the top balcony. Unfortunately, that open area on deck 5 is also dedicated to wheelchair seating.
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Funky furnishings in Spinnaker Lounge
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Compared to those found on fleetmates Pride of Aloha and Pride of America, the Kumu Cultural Center is something of a disappointment. The exhibits are interesting and nicely displayed, but the locationalong an otherwise nondescript, but busy, passagewayisn't likely to lure passengers to stop and examine the contents closely.
The nicely appointed SS United States Library showcases vintage advertisements, photographs, and lithographs that illustrate the vessel's significant place in maritime history. Finally, there are meeting rooms, a card room, a lifestyles room, and small chapel.
For Active Lifestyles
The Ying & Yang Spa, staffed by Mandara Spa, boasts a full menu of salon treatments and spa indulgences and reservations go fast. Plus, there is a fantastic Relaxation Room, thallasotherapy pool, and you'll find whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms, and Vichy rain showers in the men's and women's changing areas.
For those who can't leave their workouts at home, the 24-hour fitness center sports state-of-the art equipment and a wide range of classes taught by certified instructors are available (some with a nominal charge). Adjacent to the fitness center locker rooms for men and women are complimentary steam rooms.
Pride of Hawaii features an NCL Golf Pro Shop and the NCL Golf Hawaii Program. Passengers can rent equipment and take advantage of booking tee times on all four islands
Entertainment
Always a strong element on NCL ships, entertainment options abound on Pride of Hawaii. In the Stardust Theater three theatrical performances are presented:
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On BroadwayA tribute to New York's Broadway and London's West End productions
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Elements of IllusionMusic, dance, and illusion celebrate the elements of Earth, Water, and Fire and an erupting volcano
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Soul Rockin' NightsA musical journey through the classics of the 60s and 70s
In addition, Medusa Lounge & Nightclub features live performances, dancing, and karaoke. If singing in public isn't your thing, adjacent private karaoke rooms are available to release your inner American Idol. Spinnaker Lounge is Pride of Hawaii's combination observation lounge and secondary show lounge for cabaret, music, and dancing.
Daytime activities include hula and Tahitian dance lessons and arts and crafts and palm frond weaving classes and demonstrations. Education programs include lecturers from the Pacific Whale Foundation during whale season, the history and art of Polynesian tatooing, and presentations by historians on the history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands on certain sailings. Watch the Freestyle Daily schedule for technology classes and health and nutrition programs.
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The Wipe Out Club for teens
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Kid Stuff
Parents can relax while their children are entertained with fun and educational activities in the Keiki Kids Club Program. Parents can join in the fun at the kiddy pool where tykes whiz down their own waterslide. Group babysitting is available nightly from 10pm to 1am for children age two and up. Their own special menus are designed to suit even the finickiest junior passengers.
For parents with children under age two, Pride of Hawaii offers "Under 2 Zoo"a play space stocked with learning toys and games where they can entertain their toddlers.
Teens are free to hang out in the Wipe Out Club, the surfing-themed teen disco, or in an adjacent video arcade with 37 of the latest machines.
Families have the flexibility to dine together at their own table or mom and dad can indulge in a "Night Out" while their youngsters are having a pillow fight at a pajama party. Teenagers, always difficult to please, can opt to participate in a wide range of sports, dance parties, and entertainment options or simply "do their own thing" with new-found pals.
More--> Pride of Hawaii Preview, Part 4
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