Pride of Aloha vs. Diamond Princess for Hawaii

[PhotoGal07]

My fiance and I are looking at doing a cruise in Hawaii next February for our honeymoon. But I just can't seem to make up my mind as to which one. We are looking at either the 15 day Diamond Princess (mini-suite) which goes rountrip from LA, or at the 10 day Pride of Aloha (penthouse) which goes roundtrip from Honolulu. Any suggestions on how choose?

 

So far I've figured out:

Pros for Princess: Relaxing sea days, seems to get better reviews for food, and there is a casino on board (which will make my fiance extremely happy, he lives to play blackjack).

Cons: I've heard the sea days can be a bit rough, and we will only be staying in a mini-suite (vs. a penthouse cabin on NCL). I should note that I'm not complaining about room size here, usually we stay in inside cabins, but considering it's a honeymoon, I think the splurge is worth it.

 

Pros for NCL: More time to enjoy the islands, better room, access to a butler and things like full room service in the room.

Cons: I'm concerned about the food quality and service, and of course the lack of casino. I've heard a lot of negatives about the Pride ships, although I've heard that they are getting much better.

 

Is there anything I'm not considering? Suggestions and advice appreciated. I've ony ever sailed RCL and Carnival before.

[johnql]

Is there anything I'm not considering?

Have you factored in the cost of airfare (flying to Honolulu vs. flying to LA)?

 

Also, do you (or your fiance) have a preference for Princess's traditional dress code vs. NCL's Freestyle dress code, which deems "resort casual" attire as appropriate every night?

[PhotoGal07]

Thanks, I forgot to include that airfare is not a factor in our decision. As far as dress goes we tend to be more resort casaul people. Although dressing up on formal nights is fine as well. Neither of airfare or dress are a huge factor for us.

[Retired not Expired]

I believe you've done a pretty good job researching what is available and should go with which factors are most important to you. We all have our own reasons why a cruise line is better for us and sometimes the bias shows through. Go with your own feelings.

[emilygrace]

Just FYI, the Pride of Aloha is an older ship from the NCL fleet that has been adapted for NCLA (taking out the casino and other things) while the Diamond Princess is fairly new. Just in case any of this matters to you. I'm going to stick out my neck here and venture that the service on Princess might be a tad better, and if you're on your honeymoon it's nice to be pampered.

[Retired not Expired]

Just FYI, the Pride of Aloha is an older ship from the NCL fleet that has been adapted for NCLA (taking out the casino and other things) while the Diamond Princess is fairly new. Just in case any of this matters to you. I'm going to stick out my neck here and venture that the service on Princess might be a tad better, and if you're on your honeymoon it's nice to be pampered.

 

Believe me, if they're in a Penthouse on an NCL ship, they will be pampered. Been there, done that. Anything you want, within reason of course, is just a phone call away. The Concierge and Butler takes VERY good care of you.

[calmac]

As the casino seems to be a fairly major consideration I would check out whether or not the casino on the Diamond Princess is open while you are sailing in Hawaiian waters (someone on here is sure to know but I don't).

 

Which is more important - time aboard the ship or time on the islands? It would be worth checking out how much time each cruise allocates to each of the islands which might help with the decision.

[Tressacruise845]

The rough sailing from San Diego is definitely a concern. In Hawaii you will be in gorgeous ports and calm waters. My vote would definitely be a butler, etc. on NCL. As said before probably no casino in Hawaii either way. On Princess lots of sea days for gambling.

Let us know what you decide.

[emilygrace]

Remember, they would be on NCLA, not NCL.......might make a difference as far as the service.

[cruizinwithkids]

We are sailing POA on February 13, 2008. For me the 10 days in Hawaii win hands down over all the sea days, BUT we are coming from the East Coast and I am absolutely not looking forward to the flight.

 

We also have MBNA/BOA points saved so anything other than NCL/NCLA would not be in our price range.

 

If you do decide on POA you might want to hurry up and make your decision. The number of suites is limited and the number of rooms that hold more than three is limited. There are four of us sailing so we are in a suite.

[gofeo]

Go on POA if you want to experience the Islands. You go to sleep and wake up in a new one.