Norwegian Cruise Pride of America?

Question

Will there be provided transportation when you land on the islands? Or do you have to take a cab? Do you even have to get off the ship?

How do you know which restuarants have the extra coverage charge? Do they have a sign or something?

If we want to go to the gym, or any of the spas or stuff like that, do we have to sign up, or have a membership? Or is it just free. If you have a membership, do you have to pay extra? The clubs for kids and stuff like that, do you have to have a membership for that too? Please help me answer all of these questions. ;)

Answer 1

You do not have to get off the ship.  If you are on a ship sponsored tour, transportation will be provided for you.  If you are not taking a ship sponsored tour, you will have to arrange your own transportation.

There are nine restaurants on the ship including two main dining rooms, the casual cafeteria and two no-charge alternative dining spots. The other four require a surcharge; reservations are nearly mandatory.

The main dining rooms, Liberty and Skyline, are located at the aft, one above the other. Both restaurants offer the same hearty menus. Little Italy, one of the no-surcharge restaurants, runs alongside the Lido Deck cafeteria. Reservations are required even though there is no additional charge. The Cadillac Diner, a favorite for family lunching, early dining and late-night snacks, is located at the promenade level with access to the outside.

There is the French-influenced Bistro. On Pride of America it's named the Jefferson Bistro and designed like a little slice of the library in Monticello. For $10, you can dine on scrumptious French-inspired cuisine, for $15 you can have Surf and Turf, and for $20 you can enjoy the unique Star Fire platter, a melange of meat chunks hung on an iron hook, flambeed in brandy and served with savory sauces. The Creme Brulee and Chocolate and Fruit Fondue are worth the price of admission alone.

Lazy J's Steak House is dedicated to the Paniolos, America's first cowboys, who continue their traditions today at the Parker Ranch on the Big Island. The surcharge here is only $15; if you get the lobster tail, it's $20.

East Meets West is a gathering place for several types of Asian-inspired cuisine, including Asian Fusion, sushi, shabu-shabu and teppanyaki. Teppanyaki is charged a la carte; the other dining options have a $5 surcharge. (You can get sushi a la carte too, with an average price of $2 per order).

The Aloha Cafe, Pride of America's Lido Deck restaurant, has gone to "pods," or kiosk-style self-serve stations. If you know what you want, you don't have to stand in long lines just to get to the one item you crave. At first it's confusing since the stations are spread out all over, but it's easy to learn that hot foods and cold cuts are in the middle' pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers and sandwiches at the long counter' and fruit, salads and desserts off to the sides. Breakfast served here (and out on the back deck overlooking the stern wake) is similarly set up, with the addition of fresh waffles and omelets.

On the starboard side of the Aloha Cafe is a small area created just for kids, with a junior-sized buffet table, small chairs and tables, and adult seating adjacent. It's great fun, and gives kids a place to call their own.

There is the Cadillac Diner for family fun and great meals, too. Most of the booths are either in or surrounding a Caddy hood or rear end (complete with fins). Menu items run the gamut from Mom's meatloaf to gigantic burgers. The only charge is for a float or milkshake ($3.50 each) or other soft drinks.

Reservations are recommended for the specialty dining spots as soon as you board, but don't go to each restaurant: Check in, then call from your room. If by any chance you are told that a restaurant is full for the whole week, don't despair. Pride of America has nifty LCD-TV's strategically located in public spaces that tell you which restaurants have openings at any given time. If you're flexible, you'll more than likely get to dine where you want.

Room service is available at all hours, but the menu for guests in standard accommodations is limited. The pizza and children's grilled cheese sandwich are good, as is the chicken Caesar salad. Suite guests can choose menu items from the main restaurants during meal times; those in upper-level suites have a butler to deliver it.

Espresso/cappuccino/cafe au lait makers available to guests in both the Aloha Cafe and at the Aloha Cafe's aft stations. There is a coffee bar/patisserie, where you have to pay for cappuccino and espresso, but these machines are gratis, and so, so welcome!

The gym is free.  You show up when you want.  However, if you show up at a popular time, it could be crowded.  The Spa cost extra and you have to sign up for that.  

The kids club is free, however, you do have to sign up.  On the day you board go to the kids club and the counselors there will answer all your questions.