I wanted to write a quick review of NCL's Pride of America because I read so many leading up to the cruise, including a number of fairly negative ones. My message: don't believe the hype--this cruise is amazing! This is our second NCL cruise--the first was to Alaska; we've also sailed Disney twice and done a Viking River Cruise. For the money and quality of service, you cannot beat NCL. (For context, I travel a great deal for work, and our family travels frequently in and outside of the US--so we have a pretty good idea of what to expect for the money paid.)

We're a family of 4: mom, dad, teen daughter (16) and teen son (15). We booked the lowest cost inside cabin option, but then got a balcony cabin through Upgrade Advantage (bid $230 pp). Both the inside and balcony cabins had ample storage, very comfy beds, and were kept clean and inviting.

We used the boat as a floating hotel and didn't see any of the shows. But, we did make good use of the card room, the lounges, the coffee bar, and the pool deck. We had a sizeable amount of shipboard credit, which we used to eat at Jefferson's Bistro, Moderno, and La Cucina--all were quite good. We also ate regularly at the buffet--perfectly fine--and the main dining room--same. Our daughter is GF/LF and staff were outstanding in making her meals. Read more