Pride of America Cruise

Question

Hello everyone

I will be cruising in October with a group of six of varying abilities.

Just have a couple of questions I hope you can help with.

On each island is the ship Portside for easy access to disembark and board ?

Also, with each island are beaches, restaurants and shops within an easy stroll of the ports ?

We will be doing some organised tours but also looking to discover things close to the ship.

With tour companies are there others than those that are arranged with the ship ?

Thanks in advance.

Ausy1

Answer

It sounds like you're going to have a fantastic time on the Pride of America cruise! Let me help answer your questions to make your trip more enjoyable.

1. Access to Disembark and Board the Ship: On most of the islands, the Pride of America docks at a port that is relatively easy for passengers to disembark and board the ship. However, the specific ease of access can vary depending on the port and the size of the ship. In some locations, you may need to take a shuttle or a small boat to reach the dock, especially if the ship is anchored offshore (this is common in more remote ports). That said, for the majority of the islands, you should have relatively smooth access to and from the ship, but it’s always good to check in advance with the cruise line for any specific accessibility concerns related to your group’s needs.

2. Proximity of Beaches, Restaurants, and Shops to Ports: Each port on the cruise offers varying levels of access to local amenities such as beaches, restaurants, and shops. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:

Oahu (Honolulu): The port is located close to downtown Honolulu, so you’ll have easy access to shopping areas like Ala Moana Center and plenty of restaurants, including those along Waikiki Beach. Waikiki Beach itself is a short distance from the port, and you can easily stroll there.
Maui (Kahului): The port is located near the town of Kahului, and while the port itself is not directly on the beach, there are beaches within a short drive. There are also plenty of shops and dining options in and around the port area.
Kauai (Nawiliwili): The port is quite close to the town of Lihue, and there are shops and restaurants within walking distance. However, the beaches are a bit further out, so you might need a short taxi ride to get to places like Kalapaki Beach.
The Big Island (Kailua-Kona): The port in Kailua-Kona is a tender port, meaning you'll be taken ashore by smaller boats. Once you’re on land, there are shops, restaurants, and a beach within walking distance of the port. It’s easy to stroll around the town and enjoy the local atmosphere.

3. Tour Companies Other Than the Ship’s Arranged Tours: While the ship’s tours are certainly convenient, you do have other options. Many local companies offer shore excursions that you can book directly, often for a better price than through the cruise line. You can find options for guided tours, adventure activities, or cultural experiences in port cities. A few tips:

Booking Locally: Many tour companies operate right outside the port and offer a variety of options, from nature hikes to cultural tours.
Research in Advance: If there are specific activities you're interested in (like a helicopter tour, a luau, or a hike), it’s a good idea to research and book these in advance.
Flexibility: While tours through the ship are convenient, booking independently gives you more flexibility with timing and the types of activities you want to do. Be sure to leave enough time for a safe return to the ship.

4. Final Thoughts: It sounds like you’re planning to explore both on your own and with organized tours, which is a great way to see the islands. Most ports have something close by for easy exploration, but if you're looking for more specialized activities or quieter beaches, you may need to take a short drive or hop on a local shuttle. In terms of tours, local companies can provide a more personalized experience and often offer better rates, so it’s worth looking into them in addition to the cruise’s options.

Wishing you a wonderful cruise, and I hope this information helps with your planning!