Pride of America

Moderno Churrascaria: The Brazilian steakhouse is a carnivore’s fantasy, with so many meats carved tableside you’ll be begging for mercy. It’s totally worth the $24.95 upcharge. Tip: Book ahead to dine on embarkation night for a magical view of Honolulu during sail-away. 

Nā Pali Coast: The ship’s itinerary saves the best for last. Late afternoon on Friday the Pride of America sails past the spectacular Nā Pali Coast of Kauai for a breathtaking view of the dramatic lava-carved cliffs. The experience is best experienced from decks six and above (though the uppermost decks draw the biggest crowds), with a cocktail in hand.

All Hawaii, All the Time: The line boasts that you have 100 hours in port on the week-long itinerary, offering plenty of time to experience the islands’ beaches, volcanoes, and rain forests. Those hours in port include overnights in Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, providing extra time to see the sights without rushing back to the ship.

Loose Schedule: The flexibility of freestyle dining is especially useful on overnight stops. With no reservations needed in the complimentary dining venues, passengers can wander in whenever they like for an afternoon snack or late-night treat.

Older Couples: Much of the onboard entertainment is geared toward folks who appreciate the music world’s oldies and goodies (though on a fall 2018 sailing, we did catch a particularly enjoyable comedian for young people and old couples alike), and while there are a few families and groups of friends, most passengers come in pairs.

This Is No Party Ship: Things quiet down pretty early on board, with most passengers retiring to their cabins after a long day on the beach or exploring in port.

Hawaii Is Expensive: Prices in town come with sticker shock, and some excursion costs are flat-out eye-popping. Budget tip: With some advance planning, it's easy to DIY outings and avoid the NCL upcharge. Car rentals are largely affordable — on Kauai for instance, free shuttles to the agencies are waiting in port when you disembark — and give you free-rein of the islands, away from pricey tourist hubs.