cruise critic pride of america forum

• Norwegian Cruise Line

News regarding Pride of America

By 4 cruisers , March 15, 2022 in Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

I just received this email!

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Just now, 4 cruisers said: I just received this email!    

Mixed feelings here!  Less passengers on board but for many, the lack of a “sit down” dining room for breakfast and lunch will be a disappointment.    

Just so she sails!! 🥳 🙏 🥂 🌺 🌺

While our POA sailing is not until next March, I have mixed feelings too.

Very happy that the POA is finally back at sea; however, taking away a lot of dining options (and our favorite, Teppanyaki too) will bother me if this holds unto next year.

1 minute ago, vacation44 said: While our POA sailing is not until next March, I have mixed feelings too.   Very happy that the POA is finally back at sea; however, taking away a lot of dining options (and our favorite, Teppanyaki too) will bother me if this holds unto next year.

I bet you will be fine by next year!  I guess I will make a reservation here at home for Teppanyaki before we go 🤗

Which sailing is this for?

3 minutes ago, 4 cruisers said: I bet you will be fine by next year!  I guess I will make a reservation here at home for Teppanyaki before we go 🤗

One never knows with NCL!   But, when the time comes, I know I will be just very excited for our sailing as I know you are.

ChiefMateJRK

It's good to see move evidence that she is really going to resume sailing.  I've been monitoring POA status, as we're planning to soon book a May sailing.  There are a LOT of empty cabins right now.  Also, the cost of tickets on my preferred airline has almost doubled since we booked flights.  It's like HI opened up and said "come on back, we're open!" and very few are taking the invite (for now).

BermudaBound2014

Thanks to the OP for sharing. This is very good news for those booked on POA in the near future as at least it appears she is FINALLY going to sail with passengers!

1 hour ago, ChiefMateJRK said:  It's like HI opened up and said "come on back, we're open!" and very few are taking the invite (for now).

Very few are taking the cruise invite, but overall occupancy here in Hawaii is nearing 2019 pre-pandemic levels according to the news last night.

2 hours ago, kaprin02 said: Which sailing is this for?

We are on April 23

I also received this comm this morning. It is not the end of the world, and I think "most" will survive without the Teppanayiki and the  Churrascaria, and I was looking forward to the Churrascaria, but I think we are going to manage just fine without it. There are PLENTY of other dining options available, although as someone pointed out, if your looking for "sit down" it might sound a bit limited, but keep in mind, the ship will be sailing at reduced capacity for the 1st few cruises, so it "should" not be an issue.

After all, this is Hawaii, I would imagine most are looking for that quick meal and out, to enjoy the islands, that is after all why we are on this cruise...right?? But alas I can't speak for everyone and someone is going to always say, well “no I'm on it just for the cruise” ok fine,  then you should have plenty of space to sit down and enjoy all the time needed to enjoy your meal after the majority of people leave to go ashore! 🙂  

MoCruiseFan

4 hours ago, 4 cruisers said: Mixed feelings here!  Less passengers on board but for many, the lack of a “sit down” dining room for breakfast and lunch will be a disappointment.     Just so she sails!! 🥳 🙏 🥂 🌺 🌺

The Aloha cafe does not have seating?

2 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said: Thanks to the OP for sharing. This is very good news for those booked on POA in the near future as at least it appears she is FINALLY going to sail with passengers!   Very few are taking the cruise invite, but overall occupancy here in Hawaii is nearing 2019 pre-pandemic levels according to the news last night.

That’s interesting.  I wonder if the CDC warning reduction might prompt some increased cruise bookings.  We only understand what “enthusiasts” are thinking here on the forum, not the masses. 

10 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said: That’s interesting.  I wonder if the CDC warning reduction might prompt some increased cruise bookings.  We only understand what “enthusiasts” are thinking here on the forum, not the masses. 

Unfortunately, it is my firm believe that a significant portion of the masses now associate cruising with 'petri dishes' mentality and I believe this is a large part of why cruising is coming back much slower than other travel sectors. The CDC lowering warnings may help bring some back, but I sadly think it could be years before the cruise industry rebounds to pre-pandemic levels. They have been beaten by main stream media. Beaten by the CDC. Now they are getting hammered with significant inflation. Triple punch.

3 hours ago, MoCruiseFan said: The Aloha cafe does not have seating?

That's the Garden Cafe on other NCL ships. Buffet style.

Cadillac Diner is a gem for breakfast, we loved it. They make breakfast items to order and pretty fast.

9 hours ago, MoCruiseFan said: The Aloha cafe does not have seating?

9 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:   Unfortunately, it is my firm believe that a significant portion of the masses now associate cruising with 'petri dishes' mentality and I believe this is a large part of why cruising is coming back much slower than other travel sectors. The CDC lowering warnings may help bring some back, but I sadly think it could be years before the cruise industry rebounds to pre-pandemic levels. They have been beaten by main stream media. Beaten by the CDC. Now they are getting hammered with significant inflation. Triple punch.

Scary economy, for sure. 💙 . Honestly, cruising is still more bang for your buck….I really realize it more than ever after pricing a “back up plan” for Hawaii should our cruise be cancelled again!! Had to use the air!  Still hopeful about PofA April 23rd! 😎 😎 🇺🇸

6 hours ago, bluesea777 said:

Would not be happy if I were booked and that occurred.

14 hours ago, 4 cruisers said: Lol!

Aloha Café is the best place for breakfast. Get your Omelets and go sit outside on the stern. Enjoying your Hawaiian morning. Going in August 2022 for 3rd time.  

18 hours ago, 4 cruisers said: . Honestly, cruising is still more bang for your buck….I really realize it more than ever after pricing a “back up plan” for Hawaii should our cruise be cancelled again!! Had to use the air!  Still hopeful about PofA April 23rd! 😎 😎 🇺🇸

  Cruising is certainly a great bang for the buck for Hawaii. I seriously could have done a world cruise for cheaper than the 4 months I stayed last year, and this year is significantly more expensive. I long for the days when I could pick up a gallon of milk for $7.00 lol.

BirdTravels

Hawaii is an itinerary where you are in port early every morning with overnight port calls (specifically for dinners ashore). Many are off the ship early each day enjoying the local cuisine. 

We were booked on the POA for February and we got the same letter a few weeks before they cancelled our trip.  I don't think this letter guarantees she's sailing.

1 hour ago, Sugar0802 said: We were booked on the POA for February and we got the same letter a few weeks before they cancelled our trip.  I don't think this letter guarantees she's sailing.

Well she is almost to Honolulu so that's a good sign.

I wonder if suite passengers will still be able to eat breakfast and lunch at Cagney's.

9 hours ago, Sugar0802 said: We were booked on the POA for February and we got the same letter a few weeks before they cancelled our trip.  I don't think this letter guarantees she's sailing.

Awe, thanks!

8 hours ago, amyh13 said: Well she is almost to Honolulu so that's a good sign.   I wonder if suite passengers will still be able to eat breakfast and lunch at Cagney's.

I am assuming that will be so....but I am anxiously awaiting the results of the first cruise!  Since Covid, we are not into serve yourself buffets anymore.  One of the reasons we book a suite is to have the breakfast and lunch in Cagney's.  

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• Hurricane Zone 2024
• Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com Summer 2024
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!
• How To: Follow Topics & Forums (Get Notifications)

Write An Amazing Review !

Click this photo by member XFrancophileX to share your review w/ photos too!

Parliament, Budapest

Features & News

LauraS · Started Friday at 09:08 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 10:09 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 08:19 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 07:42 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 02:44 PM

Cruise Planning

Find a cruise, popular ports, member reviews.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Pride of America technical Problem in Hilo

By Nikita4 , April 17 in Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

We are on the Pride of America Cruise this week in Hawaii. Now we are in Hilo and unfortunately we have a technical problem so that we had to stay another day hier in Hilo instead of sailing to Kona.  I am interested if that is the first time oder the ship has more problems like this? The cruise is special, especially the service on the ship.... but we like the Hawaiian Islands, so no problem.

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

4 hours ago, Nikita4 said: I am interested if that is the first time oder the ship has more problems like this?

Ships are machines, they are not infallible.  Breakdowns are not unheard of for ANY machine.

Capitan Obvious

5 hours ago, Nikita4 said: I am interested if that is the first time oder the ship has more problems like this?

I can pretty much guarantee that nobody on this forum has a maintenance/issue log for the Pride of America. That aside, since you are acutally ON the ship in question, why not just ask them?

It's a nice ride over the mountains to get from Hilo to Kona, and you get a chance to see the Keck, and possibly even snow.

Panhandle Couple

It has been posted that POA will dry dock for 2 weeks in June, so maybe another item that they can add to the list of repairs then. 

We sailed POA 5 weeks ago, still in reasonable good shape, but certainly needs some TLC during dry dock that you simply can't do on a cruise.

The Traveling Man

3 hours ago, Capitan Obvious said:   I can pretty much guarantee that nobody on this forum has a maintenance/issue log for the Pride of America. That aside, since you are acutally ON the ship in question, why not just ask them?

I would bet that @chengkp75  does.

www3traveler

2 minutes ago, The Traveling Man said: I would bet that @chengkp75  does.

I was thinking the same thing: @chengkp75  would know or would have a very educated guess.  I am not sure about this particular cruise, but on of the Chief Engineers on the Pride is lady.  There was a story on a different website posted about her.

55 minutes ago, Panhandle Couple said: It has been posted that POA will dry dock for 2 weeks in June, so maybe another item that they can add to the list of repairs then.    We sailed POA 5 weeks ago, still in reasonable good shape, but certainly needs some TLC during dry dock that you simply can't do on a cruise.

Where did you get this information?  I can't find it and would appreciate a link to the post or article.

The chief engineer is a men at the moment.

The ship really needs some maitenance.

I was on more than 30 cruises and this is the first with a problem like this, boring is that we don‘t know how long we stay in Hilo today. We rentet a car for today but not to know when to be back is challenging.

This will be our first and last NCL cruise, also the pax are special, many drunken elderly people on the ship. We never see things like this on a cruise.

Our  teen son was shoked after the first night after a old lady invited him to come with her in her cabin….

And our plann is to drive to Kona when we know how long we stay hier.  But please no snow, we are swiss and at home its cold at the moment and will snow again.

1 minute ago, Nikita4 said: And our plann is to drive to Kona when we know how long we stay hier.  But please no snow, we are swiss and at home its cold at the moment and will snow again.

You won’t find snow between Hilo and Kona. 

2 minutes ago, Nikita4 said: The ship really needs some maitenance.

What kind of maintenance?  Are you talking about the appearance of the hotel areas, or things that don't work in the hotel?  Or, the actual maintenance of the ship's systems?  If you mean the latter, then I would ask your qualifications to make that statement, and your ability to determine what has caused the problem, and how you know the state of the ship's equipment.

You are not new to CC, so you must have seen any of the numerous threads, across virtually every forum, many that I have responded to, regarding technical problems that either cancel cruises, delay ports, slow ships down, cause itinerary changes, or even require emergency dry dockings, and so on. It happens to every cruise line, and I would say that over the life of every cruise ship, it has happened more than once.

1 hour ago, Panhandle Couple said: It has been posted that POA will dry dock for 2 weeks in June, so maybe another item that they can add to the list of repairs then.

15 minutes ago, jkbec101 said: Where did you get this information?  I can't find it and would appreciate a link to the post or article

According to the DNV database, yes, the POA is due for dry docking in June.

59 minutes ago, www3traveler said: I am not sure about this particular cruise, but on of the Chief Engineers on the Pride is lady.

.I'm not sure anymore (I've been gone for quite a while), but if it who I think it is, I trained her when she was a junior engineer on the Pride of Aloha.

I don't recall the POA having any "propulsion" problems (if that is what this is, don't know any details), over the 20 years of her career.  She did "tow" a buoy, chain and concrete anchor from Honolulu to Maui during her first year or two of operation, and that did cause some problems with delays in getting that unwrapped from the prop in Maui, but since she does so little time steaming on this itinerary, and most of it is relatively moderate speed, her propulsion system is never really stressed.

2 minutes ago, Nikita4 said: And our plann is to drive to Kona when we know how long we stay hier.  But please no snow, we are swiss and at home its cold at the moment and will snow again.

A Captain of the Pride of Aloha (former NCL ship in Hawaii), lived on the Big Island, and told me how some days they would go skiing in the morning on the mountain, and surfing in the afternoon.

3 minutes ago, zqvol said: You won’t find snow between Hilo and Kona. 

Depends on which way you go.  One route goes past the Mauna Kea ski resort, though no snow at this time of year.

20 minutes ago, chengkp75 said: Depends on which way you go.  One route goes past the Mauna Kea ski resort, though no snow at this time of year.

I was thinking by Volcano National Park, but you can definitely get from Hilo to Kona without encountering snow

4 minutes ago, zqvol said: I was thinking by Volcano National Park, but you can definitely get from Hilo to Kona without encountering snow

Yeah, that's the southern route, the other route, north of Mauna Loa takes you past the ski mountain.

1 hour ago, chengkp75 said: What kind of maintenance?  Are you talking about the appearance of the hotel areas, or things that don't work in the hotel?  Or, the actual maintenance of the ship's systems?  If you mean the latter, then I would ask your qualifications to make that statement, and your ability to determine what has caused the problem, and how you know the state of the ship's equipment.   You are not new to CC, so you must have seen any of the numerous threads, across virtually every forum, many that I have responded to, regarding technical problems that either cancel cruises, delay ports, slow ships down, cause itinerary changes, or even require emergency dry dockings, and so on. It happens to every cruise line, and I would say that over the life of every cruise ship, it has happened more than once.   According to the DNV database, yes, the POA is due for dry docking in June. .I'm not sure anymore (I've been gone for quite a while), but if it who I think it is, I trained her when she was a junior engineer on the Pride of Aloha.   I don't recall the POA having any "propulsion" problems (if that is what this is, don't know any details), over the 20 years of her career.  She did "tow" a buoy, chain and concrete anchor from Honolulu to Maui during her first year or two of operation, and that did cause some problems with delays in getting that unwrapped from the prop in Maui, but since she does so little time steaming on this itinerary, and most of it is relatively moderate speed, her propulsion system is never really stressed.

A few weeks ago there was a story and pictures of her posted on another social media website.  Picture with her was David Herrera, Harry Sommers other Senior Corporate Officials.  General Manager Steven Jacobsen was on vacation at the time.

1 hour ago, Nikita4 said: .... This will be our first and last NCL cruise, also the pax are special, many drunken elderly people on the ship. We never see things like this on a cruise. Our  teen son was shoked after the first night after a old lady invited him to come with her in her cabin….

Yeah, problems like these never happen on other cruise lines. LOL! I wish I had a dollar for every time someone made the 'never again' statement here, for all cruise lines. I could afford to cruise whenever I wanted. All cruise lines/ships/itineraries have such problems. Just because this is the first time you personally experienced it in no way means it's limited to NCL. You've been a member here long enough that you should know that very well by now.

43 minutes ago, www3traveler said: Chief, A few weeks ago there was a story and pictures of her posted on another social media website.  Picture with her was David Herrera, Harry Sommers other Senior Corporate Officials.  General Manager Steven Jacobsen was on vacation at the time.

Yeah, looked her up, Lindsey Smith.  She was hired by NCL as a third engineer, as one of the original Pride of America crew.  She actually made it to the shipyard, I was due to fly out to Germany the day the ship sank at the dock, so everyone was transferred to the Pride of Aloha (Norwegian Sky) for familiarization and reflagging.  She has spent nearly her entire career with NCL, and on the POA in particular.  While for senior engineers (Chief, Staff Chief, First) longevity on the ship leads to a lot of institutional knowledge and consistent maintenance, junior engineers can benefit from experiences on other ships and types of ships.  Having said that, Linds was a good engineer.

I can't remember, but I don't think there are any tugs of any real pulling power based in Hilo, so if POA has an azipod out of service, she needs a tug escort for the entire (acknowledgedly short) maneuver out of harbor, so they may be getting a tug down to help out.  Only real reason I can think of to delay the ship a full day in harbor.

17 minutes ago, chengkp75 said: Yeah, looked her up, Lindsey Smith.  She was hired by NCL as a third engineer, as one of the original Pride of America crew.  She actually made it to the shipyard, I was due to fly out to Germany the day the ship sank at the dock, so everyone was transferred to the Pride of Aloha (Norwegian Sky) for familiarization and reflagging.  She has spent nearly her entire career with NCL, and on the POA in particular.  While for senior engineers (Chief, Staff Chief, First) longevity on the ship leads to a lot of institutional knowledge and consistent maintenance, junior engineers can benefit from experiences on other ships and types of ships.  Having said that, Linds was a good engineer.

Thank You   She must be an amazing person.

3 minutes ago, www3traveler said: Thank You   She must be an amazing person.

No more than I am, just a simple boat mechanic.

8 minutes ago, chengkp75 said: No more than I am, just a simple boat mechanic.

You just  made me laugh.  Chief Engineer Oystein Undrum would say the same thing about himself.  There is nothing simple about either one of you.

Prayers as always, Sir for you and your family.

6 minutes ago, www3traveler said: You just  made me laugh.  Chief Engineer Oystein Undrum would say the same thing about himself.  There is nothing simple about either one of you.   Prayers as always, Sir for you and your family.

Oystein was Staff Chief on the Sky when I joined as observing First Engineer (had been sailing Chief for about 20 years, but took a step back to start with cruise ships) for a few months prior to the reflagging of the Aloha.  Wonderful guy.  Reflagging and dry docking the Sky was accelerated about 4 months or so, due to POA sinking. 

ChiefMateJRK

3 hours ago, Nikita4 said: many drunken elderly people on the ship. We never see things like this on a cruise.

You've never seen a drunk old man on a cruise before?

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• Hurricane Zone 2024
• Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com Summer 2024
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!
• How To: Follow Topics & Forums (Get Notifications)

Write An Amazing Review !

Click this photo by member XFrancophileX to share your review w/ photos too!

Parliament, Budapest

Features & News

LauraS · Started Friday at 09:08 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 10:09 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 08:19 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 07:42 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 02:44 PM

Cruise Planning

Find a cruise, popular ports, member reviews.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...