Pride of America
As the only U.S.-flagged ocean cruise ship currently at sea, Pride of America has the unique ability to depart from and return to Honolulu without making a stop at an international port, allowing cruisers to see as much of Hawaii as possible. Shore excursions are such an essential part of any cruise on this ship that they fill up quickly, so make sure to book early in order to participate in trips to places like Pearl Harbor and Volcanoes National Park. While there is a lot to do at port, the ship itself offers all of the amenities of a five-star resort, making it the ideal home base from which to explore the Hawaiian islands.
With more dining options than any other cruise line in Hawaii, there is something for every palate. The various restaurants and bars pride themselves on offering plenty of local Hawaiian cuisine as well as locally-sourced ingredients. Additional Hawaiian influences can be found throughout the ship from the drinks and décor in the Waikiki Bar to the Frangipani Monoi Salt Scrub in the onboard spa. Whether you opt to book the nearly 1,400-square foot Deluxe Owner's Suite or a more modest Studio Inside, you'll be treated to first-class service while you explore all that Hawaii has to offer.
Onboard Experience
Dining
With 16 restaurants and 12 bars and lounges, you'll never want for variety when it comes to dining aboard Pride of America. The two main restaurants, Skyline and Liberty, offer a wide range of traditional and contemporary menu options. Make your way to Skyline for ocean views and Liberty for a more modern atmosphere. The Cadillac Diner serves up American classics like burgers and fries, East Meets West is your go-to for Asian noodle dishes, and the Aloha Café is a classic buffet serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Specialty dining options include La Cucina Italian Restaurant, Cagney's Steakhouse, and Moderno Churrascaria, which offers traditional Brazilian slow-roasted meats alongside a 43-item salad bar that is sure to delight those who'd prefer something lighter.
Entertainment
Spanning Decks 4 and 5, the Hollywood Theater is Pride of America's largest entertainment venue. The 2,000 square-foot theater is where you'll see the ship's two large-scale productions, Vegas! The Show, a playful journey through the history of the City of Sin, and Lights, Camera, Music!, a tribute to the Hollywood musical. Other evening entertainment options include karaoke at the Gold Rush Saloon, sports trivia at the John Adams Coffee Bar, and dancing at Club Mardi Gras. During the day, guests can see movies and magic shows in the Hollywood Theater, take in culinary demonstrations, join Ping Pong tournaments, or take advantage of classes in lei making and hula dancing, which are offered by the ship's Hawaiian Ambassador.
Fitness & Recreation
Renovated in 2016, the Pulse Fitness Center is a state-of-the-art facility with the latest and greatest in cardio and strength training equipment. The fitness center is open from 6 am to 11 pm every day so that you can get your workout in on your schedule. The upgraded facility boasts multiple studios for small group classes, including Pilates and TRX training. Those who prefer to exercise outdoors can log miles on the outdoor jogging track or work up a sweat on the volleyball and basketball courts. If you want to work on your swing, the Golf Driving Net on Deck 13 is the place for you. Envisioning something a bit more laidback? Check out the Shuffles Card Room, which is stocked with board games, or the SS America Library where you'll find reading materials and historic memorabilia.
Spa
If you need a little help relaxing into island time, the Mandara Spa has you covered. With over 50 onboard treatments like the signature 100-minute Aroma Spa Seaweed Massage or the Fire and Ice Manicure, you'll be channeling the aloha spirit in no time. Want to make sure that you return home with that vacation glow? Book the Elemis Pro-Collagen Age Defy Facial, which includes a peel-off masque treatment that improves skin's firmness and elasticity. Next door to the spa is a full-service salon offering everything from haircuts to keratin treatments. The spa also features a co-ed relaxation room and a thermal suite with heated stone loungers. If you want to go beyond relaxation and pampering, you can book a nutritional consultation.
Shopping
Located on Deck 5, the ship's Newbury Street Shops are a collection of boutiques arranged to give guests the feeling of strolling along an upscale Main Street in a quaint downtown. Here you'll find a variety of brand name shops and gift stores perfect for picking up souvenirs. If you are hoping for a new piece of jewelry to commemorate your trip, you'll want to head directly to Na Hoku, a famed Hawaiian jewelry store offering island-inspired baubles. Look for jewelry and watches inlaid with Koa wood, which is native to Hawaii. Na Hoku's Hawaiian Slipper Collection features jewelry that incorporates bejeweled flip-flops for a real island vibe. If you forget any essentials or want to pick up some snacks, Island Treasures, also on Deck 5, has you covered.
Kids
Pride of America is incredibly welcoming to families and has plenty to offer for passengers of all ages. Little ones under age three can participate in the Guppies program as long as an adult accompanies them. Splash Academy was developed to ensure that cruisers aged three to 12 (and their parents!) can have the vacation of a lifetime aboard Pride of America. Theme days, age-appropriate games and activities, as well as arts and crafts, will keep the kiddos busy for hours while Mom and Dad enjoy a little downtime. Older kids will gravitate to Entourage; a teen hang out spot with video games, a dance floor, and tabletop games like foosball and air hockey. The Blast Off Video Arcade is also a safe bet for kids and kids at heart who want to play pinball or fly a virtual fighter jet.
Casino
Since cruises on Pride of America never enter international waters, there is no onboard casino.