M/S Pride of America
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SteveM on the M/S Pride of America |
Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL America) M/S Pride of America SteveM's views of the ship as a possible venue for a Tsai-ko blog cruise around the Hawaiian islands... |
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Year Built: 2004 Length: 921 feet beam: 105 feet Tonnage: 81,000 Passenger Capacity: 2,128 Crew: 962 Inside cabins: 219 Oceanview cabins: 174 Cabins w/balcony: 654 Suites: 50 Restaurants: 10 Bars/Lounges: 9 Hot Tubs: 5 Pools: 3 |
| SteveM: November 1st, 2009 at 9:54 am Saturday Oct. 31, 2009 PM Boarding process went quickly and smoothly and mom and I were in our stateroom within 15 minutes of Peaches dropping us off at Pier 2. (used the tips and tricks shared at Cruiser Calls) ... |
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 Older photo showing atrium staircase and the atrium lounge. Double doors on right side is where we embark and disembark in Honolulu. Yes, that's Peaches. |
 Central desk on deck 5 midship. Similar to the customer service and consierge desk at hotels. Open 24/7. Check-in is done on the pier before boarding. NCL web photo |
 View from the central desk. John Adams Coffee Bar in background. Entrance to the Asian Fusion speciality restaurant and the Teppenyaki room is to the right of the staircase. |
 Atrium staircases to deck 6. Glass elevators go to deck 12. |
 Looking down from Deck 6. Pink's Champagne Bar is in front and the Kumu Cultural Center displays (not shown) is immediately to the right hand side. |
 Pink's Champagne bar from port side with the picture windows. Bars and lounges always open and purchase of drinks not required. Piano entertainment at night. Open 5:00 pm till closing (indefinite). |
SteveM: November 1st, 2009 at 9:54 am Saturday Oct. 31, 2009 PM ..... Change in routine with mom...she wants to see the introduction port and excursion talk with Hawaiian entertainment [Hollywood Theater--Deck 5 forward]. So, instead of getting ready for fine dining, we ate at the Cadillac 50's theme restaurant with outside seating on the promenade deck with view of Sand Island and the inner harbor. Fish & chips for mom and chicken tenders/fries for me. This was after the customary stop at the buffet between boarding and the life boat drill...... |
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 The Hollywood Theater on deck 5 (forward). Theater is the width of the ship and goes down 2 decks. (some ship theaters have balconies. loges, and span 3 decks) |
 The theater has concerts, comedians, magicians, and a variety of stage shows every night. This photo is of deparure day Hawaiian music and hula after a port and excursion talk about our itinerary. |
 Entrance to the Cadillac Diner on Deck 6 (midship port side). Drive-inn and finger food fare. Now Open 24-hour in 2011. |
 Interior of the Cadillac Diner. NCL web photo |
 In port, the Cadillac Diner expands onto the Promenade deck. SteveM's mom orders fish & chips. Another cruise ship dwarfs Aloha Tower in the background. |
 Aloha Cafe (buffet) on deck 11. The central serving islands span the width of the ship. Very extensive menu selections. All coffees, teas, milk, and morning juices are included. |
SteveM: November 1st, 2009 at 9:54 am Saturday Oct. 31, 2009 PM .... Then another stop at the buffet (yes, the American ship--Pride of America, has an extensive buffet) for crepes, fruit, and coffee before watching Honolulu, Waikiki, and Diamond head slowly slip by on our port side....in the Gold Rush Saloon. .... |
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 Buffet hot entree and salad islands. Beverage dispensers to right. |
 Buffet carving station (right). Burger and pizza counter on left. |
 Woks at end of the oriental and Mexican food islands. Dessert island behind. |
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 Port side of the Aloha Cafe central serving islands. Fruit/crepes counter to left. End of the aisleway is entrance to the Gold Rush Saloon. NCL web photo |
Deck 11 – aft  Red arrow shows direction of photo on the left. Large buffet surrounds the Little Italy specialty restaurant. The area and serving islands/counter on the stern is open air (under a large canopy). The buffet adjoins the Gold Rush Saloon. |
 View of the Gold Rush Saloon while standing near the entrance to the Aloha Cafe buffet. Note large picture windows on port side. Dart throwing area to immediate right. |
 Enclosed dart throwing area using steel tipped darts. Right-hand wall adjacent buffet area. |
SteveM: November 1st, 2009 at 9:54 am ... If this was a Tsai-ko Cruise... Starting point is the Gold Rush Saloon. This would probably be the Tsai-ko hangout for the alcoholic beverage crowd. The sports bar and large place with scenic views. Most importantly, one end is adjacent to the buffet. Did I tell you you can carry food from the buffet anywhere? Then, there are two dart boards--real darts with a lot of holes in the wall--in an area where you can hold 8 of the electronic ones. Popcorn machine. Also the site for karaoke -- which is on tomorrow night's schedule. Yup, found the primary Tsai-ko evening-to-dawn hangout. I'll check out the bar and grill adjacent and just above the pool deck tomorrow.... |
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 Gold Rush Saloon looking aft from the front entrance. Note buffet entry at end. Popcorn machine midway to left and adjacent large cabinet holds karaoke equipment. TV monitors along bar and karaoke wall. Open at 1200 - closing (indefinite). |
 Little Italy Restaurant on deck 11 (port side) is surrounded by the Aloha Cafe buffet. Entrance is via the stern elevator lobby. This is a cover charge alternative restaurant. NCL web photo |
Deck 11 – midship  Pool deck and Ocean Drive Bar is midship and near the buffet and Gold Rush Saloon. The Key West Bar & Grill is on deck 12 and just forward of the pool deck area. |
 The Conservatory. Located on deck 12 between the midship elevators and the pool. NCL web photo |
 SteveM's mom and sister on pool deck. Note Key West Bar & Grill in background one deck above. |
 Pool deck viewed from the Key West Bar & Grill on deck 12. Stage immediately below. Ocean Drive Bar under white canopy. Open 8:30 am - close. |
SteveM: November 1st, 2009 at 6:41 pm ... If this was a Tsai-ko Cruise... The Key West Bar and Grill on deck 12 immediately forward and overlooking the pool deck is an adequate meet area for the daytime Tsai-kos utilizing the hot tubs and pools. Could also use the shade of the pool deck tables and cocktail waiters and either walk to the adjacent buffet for supplemental munchies. |
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 Key West Bar & Grill on deck 12 (forward) open during lunch through evening. Tables and chairs available 24/7. |
 View of the Key West Bar and Grill from port side. Bar in center with food counter on starboard side. |
 Key West "Mojito" bar closeup. Bar service 1200 - closing. |
 Key West food counter. Open 1:00 - 6:00 pm daily. |
 Key West food counter. Menu: Classic Hamburgers, All Beef Hot Dogs, Grilled Chicken Breast, French Fries, Fresh Fruit of the Day, Potato Salad, and Island Cole Slaw, and more. (Note: you may bring food from anywhere on the ship) |
 Pool deck view taken from Deck 13. Behind me is the Video Arcade. The Meeting Rooms, the Lanai (martini) Bar & Lounge, and Diamond Head Auditorium is above and forward of the Key West. |
SteveM: November 1st, 2009 at 6:41 pm ... Ship is reportedly full and sold out. Doesn't seem like it., but the ship's buffet and main dining rooms are massive and the public areas large. Only the pool deck might be a little smaller than ships it's size, but there's another pool tank on the stern with hot tub with an unrestricted view. I'll take a photo of the massive fitness center on the way there. Missed the morning exercise session for the 110th time in a row. I slept most of the afternoon after the hot tub, pool and lunch in the buffet. |
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 View of Kahului bay from above the Key West Bar & Grill. 2006 photo used since I did not take new ones this trip. |
 Pier-side view of ship. Note the corner parking lot immediately adjacent the tank farm is for personal vehicle pick-up and drop off. Nearer lot with fence is for taxis, shuttles, and buses only. |
Deck 12 – aft  Note the Fitness Center is directly above the buffet and the Fitness Room over the Gold Rush Saloon. The Oasis pool and Waikiki Bar are on the stern, behind and above the spa. |
 Santa Fe Fitness Center. Deck 12 aft. View from entryway on starboard side of ship. Open 24 hours. |
 Weights and equipment on port side
of the Santa Fe Fitness Center.
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 Aerobics and Fitness room. |
 Reverse view. Opening at end leads to the entrance Sante Fe Spa lobby. |
 The Oasis pool and Waikiki Bar. Located on deck 12 stern. This was the midnight - closing bar and meeting spot in 2011. NCL web photo |
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SteveM: November 1st, 2009 at 6:41 pm ... If this was a Tsai-ko Cruise... Some Tsai-kos might be found in the 5:00 PM Singles Social in the Napa Wine Bar on Deck 6, but those not attending whitey's patented Maui darkside tour can watch a Polynesia show in the large theater. Karaoke from 9:00 PM in the Gold Rush Saloon. Country Line dancing in Club Mardi Gras at 10:45 PM. The Haleakala Crater Sunrise viewing tour departs at 0345 tomorrow morning. |
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Deck 6 – midship  Napa Wine Bar and Lazy J Texas Steakhouse specialty restaurant location. |
 Napa Wine Bar forward entrance. Deck 6 midship on starboard side. Open 4:30 pm - close |
 Napa Wine Bar. Deck 6 midship on starboard side. NCL web photo |
 East Meets West specialty restaurant. Deck 6 midship on port side. NCL web photo |
 Lazy J's Texas Steakhouse. Deck 6, starboard side. This is a specialty restaurant with cover charge. NCL web photo |
 Thomas Jefferson Bistro. Deck 5 midship, starboard side. This is a French cuisine specialty restaurant with cover charge. NCL web photo |
SteveM: November 2nd, 2009 at 9:57 am ... I have received two invitations to cocktail parties tonight and tomorrow evening. Both are frequent cruiser related and are hosted by the Captain, so the drinks are complimentary. ... If this was a Tsai-ko Cruise... Standby to meet in the Gold Rush Saloon again as we leave Kahului and the grand excursions with the Maui Tsai-ko Chapter. Hilo tomorrow morning. Monday night football live at 2:30 PM and the "buy 5, get 1 free" helmet beer bucket available. Karaoke from 9:00 PM again. Martini Happy Hour (2030-2130) in the Deck 13 Lanai "Martini" Bar has 50% off. Comedy Showtime in the Hollywood theater at 1900 and 2100. For the Tsaikettes, "White Hot" dance party in Club Mardi Gras from 2200 features the "ship and male" dancers. No one under 18. |
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 Starboard entrance to the Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge & Nightclub. Lots of music, dancing, and other larger gatherings. Also the site of the first and larger frequent cruiser cocktail party. |
Deck 6 – forward  |
 The Mardi Gras dance floor and stage (curtains drawn). |
 View from port side forward, showing bar and equipment room. |
SteveM: Finally, off to dinner at the Skyline (deck 5) or Liberty (deck 6) main restaurants. I wear shoes, long pants, and an aloha shirt; although that dressy is not required in the Skyline restaurant. The two restaurants align on decks 5 and 6, with a connecting stairway between them. |
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 Skyline main restaurant on Deck 5. NCL web photo |
 Liberty main restaurant on Deck 6. NCL web photo |
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 Peaches at restaurant connecting staircase in 2006. Lunch time attire. |
 Skyline restaurant looking aft from starboard side. |
 Skyline restaurant and entrance looking forward from starboard side. |
 View from my cabin approaching Hilo in the early morning. This cabin is in the "ocean view" class, but of the "obstructed view" category. View is obstructed by launches, life boats, or tenders. |
 Typical "ocean view" or "Outside" stateroom have a picture window or porthole(s). Number of bunk beds vary, if any. NCL web photo |
 Typical "balcony" class stateroom on the Pride of America. Related to the "mini-suite" category, which is larger in area. Full suites have separate rooms. NCL web photo |
 "Inside" stateroom has no windows. Number of bunk beds vary, if any. Most economical but very adequate (in my opinion) for 2 people. Same amenities as "outside" and balconies". NCL web photo |
 Penthouse suite. Decks 8, 10, 11 forward. NCL web photo |
 Owner's suite. Decks 8, 10, 11 forward. NCL web photo |
SteveM: November 3rd, 2009 at 9:39 am Port of Hilo Around 10 hours in Hilo today and the ship excursions are going out in force to see the Kilauea volcano. We will be departing at 1800 and sailing south to pause where the lava is entering the sea (ETA 2145). Seen this on 4 previous cruises--it is an impressive sight at night as you see the red lava flowing down the hill and the white steam clouds where it enters the water. Mom is thinking about anthuriums again. Last time in Hilo, she bought huge bunches and I had to call room service for a heavy champagne bucket to store them on our balcony for 3 days. No balcony this trip--but she's not listenin'... Going to try steer her toward Big Island Candies rather than Banyan Drive.... |
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 Early morning. Inside the breakwater of Hilo Bay and heading to Pier 1. |
 Hilo Bay and town viewed from the ship at Pier 1. |
 A clear early morning view of Mauna Kea from Pier 1. |
 Note the Hilo bay breakwater. Entrance to the bay at far end. |
 View on the other side of the ship. End of the bay breakwater. |
 Hawaiiana activities and crafts on Hilo port day, where the ship brings aboard thousands of vanda orchids for complimentary lei making class. |
SteveM: November 3rd, 2009 at 9:39 am ... If this was a Tsai-ko Cruise... For some, the Gold Rush Saloon is the launching point for the second Cruise Director sponsored "Pub Crawl" of the cruise. 5 drinks, 5 bars, $20. Sign up at 1730 and crawling starts at 1745. ID required. Not just karaoke tonight in the Gold Rush Saloon, but a one night only Karaoke Stars Competition Sign up between 2200-2215.... 50's Rock and Roll party on the pool deck with live band at 2030. 50% off (Apple) Martini Happy Hour again in the deck 13 Lanai bar at the same time. For the golfers: Sign-up for the Waikoloa Village golf course on Wednesday (Kona) for $99, which includes transportation from ship, lunch, etc.. You may begin signups for the Jack Nicklaus Kauai Lagoons Resort (Thur-Fri) for $140.99. I'm not a golfer but the logistics and distances in Kona make the shipboard tour attractive. Don't know about Kauai but I'm sure Stretch, duffer and Liz could make golf arrangements. |
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 Lava entering the sea. Reached the area (19º 16' N, 155º 00' W) at approximately 2200 HST. |
 Using photos from previous cruise since my new small camera (or me) performing inadequately. |
SteveM: November 4th, 2009 at 10:35 am off Kailua-Kona Hilo Bay was beautiful as usual yesterday. Departed at 1800 and cruised slowly by the area (64 nautical miles south of Hilo -- 19º 16' N, 155º 00' W) at 2200. The red lava paths could be seen coming down the mountain and the steam clouds almost reached the ship. Just had my small digital camera, but sj-macro would surely have a kodak moment. Currently station keeping off Kailua-Kona. Ships don't drop anchor--better for the coral and the multiple side thrusters easily correct drift. No pier large enough for a cruise ship here, so the ship's small boats (called "tenders") ferry passengers to shore. These tenders hold around 100 and are fully enclosed with twin props for speed and maneuverability. |
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 Ship tenders at the built-in dock of the ship. |
 View of Kailua-Kona from the ship. Note tender enroute. |
 Retrieving the last tender and the end of the day... |
 ...and underway westbound into the setting sun (Sep 2011). Next destination: Kauai |
SteveM: November 4th, 2009 at 11:47 pm At Sea -- somewhere south of Molokai just past Lanai enroute Nawiliwili Mom went ashore and found her avacados in Kona today. I attended a second cocktail party last night...so small that there was only one server but I could order anything from the bar (in my case, a diet coke). It was the [Lanai] martini bar too. Captain was the host. I was trying to get some sleep today. Great magician-comedy show tonight and the couple doing a Beatles tribute in the Mardi Gras Club were very good playing and singing the songs. I skipped the Mardi Gras dance party |
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 The Lanai Martini bar on deck 13 forward. Location of small private parties and Martini Happy Hours. Used for craft events in the day. Open 4:30 pm - close. |
 Shelf behind bar in the Lanai Bar. |
Deck 13 – forward  |
 Diamond Head auditorium on deck 13. Used for large meetings, seminars, presentations, etc. Used here for hula classes and large lei making classes. |
SteveM: November 4th, 2009 at 11:47 pm .... If this was a Tsai-ko Cruise... This is Nawiliwili harbor, Kauai and it's another scenic harbor. A lot of excursions are going out...Waialua River, Waimea, Poipu beach, golf, etc. There is a luau at Kilohana Plantation. We'll be trying to figure out how to smuggle Liz aboard--maybe best she board with us in Honolulu in the first place! She could disembark Friday afternoon, saving a flight back from HNL the next day. SteveM: November 5th, 2009 at 12:00 pm Nawiliwili Harbor Feeling lazy and sleepy looking out over the harbor and the Ha'upo ridge with the Hule'ia Stream at it's base and feeding into the harbor. I vote this the most beautiful harbor scene, edging out the majestic view of Hilo Bay from a 164' tall cruise ship. |
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 Sunrise at sea. Ship approaching Kauai from the south. |
 Entering Nawiliwili. Beach park, Marriott Kauai, and Lihue airport area. |
 Ha'upo ridge ends at the sea. 2006 photo. |
 Ha'upo ridge and the Hule'ia Stream. 2006 photo. |
 Nawiliwili harbor entrance at dawn. 2011 photo as ship approaches Pier 2. |
Deck 6 – forward  Mardi Gras Cabaret entrances by elevators |
 S/S America Library on deck 6 (port side). |
 Shuffles Card Room and the Internet Cafe on deck 6 NCL web photos I sat in the card room or the Lanai martini bar with my laptop to blog. Strong wireless signal in the public areas but my room jack was dead (they plead hapless). But, strong cell phone signal in most areas (and my cabin) so those with iPhones, Blackberry, wireless modems, etc. should have good internet connectivity at no extra charge. My cell phone had signal except between islands. |
SteveM: We are Nawiliwili overnight. The evening features a luau excursion for visitors at Kilohana Plantation with train ride and other options (you pay for excursions). There were many activities for tourists aboard ship too-- ribbon, kukui nut, and flower lei making; dance lessons, etc. at no charge. A much better venue for first-time Hawaii visitors than in 2006. We depart Nawiliwili at 2:00 PM so the ship can reach the Napali Coast and slowly cruise by before sunset. Depending on time of year, the sunset with the islands near Niihau is spectacular as the ship usually continues down the west coast of Kauai. |
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 SteveM's mom sits on the pool deck to watch the Napali Coast and hear the Hawaii Ambassador's narrative of the area. (Nov. 2009) |
 Weather and time just right to see a rainbow along the Napali Coast. Using past photos because I didn't take more this 5th time through :-( |
 SteveM's mom views the Napali Coast from her cabin balcony in 2011. |
 The famous Napali scene of many movies. Photo taken from the basketball court on the Pride of Hawaii (now Norwegian Jade) in 2007. The Pride of America has a basketball court too. |
 Weather and time of year (September) contributed to this sunset photo from my balcony as the ship passed between Kauai and Niihau after the Napali Coast. |
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SteveM: After the Napali Coast, it is time for the last dinner with new friends and last show aboard ship. Then the realization that this week-long party went by too fast as we pack our suitcases to put outside our door for the midnight collection. Oahu residents don't have to worry about packing your hand-carry to meet airline and TSA standards...throw your final night items in a plastic bag (or your Big Island Candies box). BTW, I did not show pix of all the shops onboard, the video arcade, and child/teen club areas. |
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 November 7, 2009. The sun rises behind Diamond Head as we enter Honolulu channel. The view, of course, will vary by time of year. |
Back home. A leisurely last buffet breafast (or served breafast in the main dining room, if you prefer) and disembark the ship after your luggage is ready on the dock. I hope I have given Tsai-kos who haven't cruised before (on a modern cruise ship of medium-large size) an overview of the amenities and facilities of the ship currently cruising our islands weekly. There are ships that are more (and less) elegant than the Pride of Hawaii, but this one is the most convenient for us and probably a good first-timer cruise since we are in port almost every day. Experienced Tsai-ko cruisers and their past and future itineraries are found here. email SteveM if you would like to be placed on his Tsai-ko Cruisers email announcement list, where cruisers can share tips and upcoming cruise deals and specials. NCL Hawaii Golf Program FAQ (.pdf) |
| CruiseCritic.com Pride
of
America
review |
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SteveM's Photos of the Norwegian Pearl Taken in July 2010 (Alaska Inside Passage cruise) |
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Pride of America Year Built: 2004 Length: 921 feet beam: 105 feet Tonnage: 81,000 Passenger Capacity: 2,128 Crew: 962 Restaurants: 10 Bars/Lounges: 9 Hot Tubs: 5 Pools: 3 Sister ships: none |
 Tsai-ko appeal: Features bowling alleys and good quality karaoke equipment. |
Norwegian Pearl Year Built: 2006 Length: 965 feet beam: 105 feet Tonnage: 93,530 Passenger Capacity: 2,380 Crew: 1,124 Restaurants: 12 Bars/Lounges: 11 Hot Tubs: 4 Pools: 2 Sister ships: Norwegian Star & Dawn (1st gen.), Pride of Hawaii (now Norwegian Jade) & Jewel (2nd gen.), Norwegian Pearl and Gem (3rd gen.) |
 Late night movie plays in the atrium and central desk area. Photo taken from the Blue Lagoon 24-hour restaurant. |
 The Stardust Theatre extends down 3 decks and has multiple balconies. |
 This 2-deck piano bar area is called "Bar City". Located between the theatre and midship dining. Le Bistro speciality restaurant is to the right. |
 The Sushi Bar, Lotus Garden restaurant, Shabu-Shabu, and Teppenyaki speciality restaurants seen from Bar City. |
 The Summer Palace general dining room at the stern of the ship. Light at the back is from the picture windows at the stern. |
 Starboard side tables and picture windows as seen from the Summer Palace entry stairs. |
 A Celebrity ship accompanies us in the Inside Passage. Photo from my restricted oceanview cabin window. |
 A glacier seen through my cabin (restricted view) window. The ships manuever in close. |
 Photo of the pool deck taken from the deck above (immediately above the Topsider's Bar & Grill). Foreground is charcoal barbeque area. Pavillion for live entertainment. |
 Most deck chairs and lounges are stowed away due to the cold Alaska weather on this cruise. Hot tubs used, although pools are heated. |
 Forward pool is for adults only. The exercise/aerobics room is behind the waterfall and glass window. The Sky High Bar overlooks the pools. |
 Both sides of the pool deck have dining tables and large lounges for couples & families. Picture windows have beautiful view. The far end is the entry way to the midship elevators and the buffet. |
 Buffet main entry aisle (fore-aft direction) and back entry to the food counters. This outside row serves fruits during breakfast and desserts afterwards. |
 Dining tables along the starboard side of the buffet. Juneau in background. |
 Turning left from Ice Cream corner: the Hamburger counter and The Grill. Hamburger counter is one of three fried egg/omelette stations at breakfast. |
 The main buffet serving aisle. |
 The forward entry corner to the main buffet serving aisle. |
 One of four buffet beverage counters. Coffees, hot & ice tea, breakfast juices, and ice dispenser. |
 NCL web photo Buffet seating near stern and door to The Great Outdoors buffet. |
 The Great Outdoors buffet on the stern. Buffet counters and beverage station behind the bar. |
 The Great Outdoors door to the Garden Cafe Buffet. The rock climbing wall is seen above the basketball court. |
 Basketball court and rock climbing wall. Note seating for the basketball court. This deck is the jogging deck. Nice view. |
 NCL web photo |
 NCL web photo Typical full size basketball court. Used for tennis too. Sideline seating and protective netting varies |
 On the other end of the ship is the South Pacific Spa & Fitness Center. Photo of the men's side. Steam room and sauna on left, whirlpools to right, and doorway to the unisex thermal suite. |
 Forward view from the spa picture windows. Somewhere in Glacier Bay. |
 Immediately above the spa is the Spinnaker Lounge (so named on most NCL ships). Great for watching the sights outside through the floor-to-ceiling picture windows (the white background light). |
 The Spinnaker Lounge is the venue for night club acts, large parties, dancing, Cruise Director game shows (and karaoke finals), etc. |
 View of Skagway through the Spinnaker Lounge's forward windows. |
 Library on deck 12 starboard. Large card and board games room adjacent (not shown). |
 The bowling alley faces astern and has two lanes on the port side and two lanes on the starboard side. The Bliss Lounge and Night Club is between. Port side lanes shown. |
 NCL web photo Starboard side lanes. Note ball rack behind the woman. The bowling shoes and control desk is to the left of this photo vantage point. |
 The Bliss Ultra Loung & Night Club is sandwiched between the bowling lanes. Location of DJ music, dancing, and karaoke. Note small stage behind the dance floor. |
 NCL web photo This NCL rendering of the Bliss lounge is fairly accurate. I did not take photos in the adjacent smaller rooms because they were occupied. The furnishings are not conservative. |
 The casino is located between the Stardust theatre and Bar City. It is as wide as the ship. |
 Late night "Chocoholic Buffet" (a tradition on most cruise ships) was held in the buffet, rather than the usual largest dining room. See buffet above--picture all the counters loaded with chocolate goodies like this. |
 Captain Lars Bengtsson.
Master on this voyage. His photo reminded me of a notable Tsai-ko.
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 Ketchikan. Favorite salmon fishing area for bloggers whitey and A-House. View from side of ship. Downtown Ketchikan at the bow. |