Pride of America Review, Hawaiian Cruise Day Four

Continued from Day Three

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Day four found us arriving to the Big Island. We arrived in Hilo, which is the wet side of the island, although the day we were there it was sunny and gorgeous. The morning was amazing! As we pulled closer to the port we found ourselves in a bay filled with whales! They were tail lobbing, breaching and so close to the boat in some instances you could hear them breathe as they pushed air out of their blow holes…magic.

Hawaii Morning

We had breakfast again in Cagney’s. I had the crab cakes Benedict and it was really good. I also tried the Muesli, with fresh fruit on top and that was very good as well.

Pride of America Crab Benedict

Due to the fact we’d been to Hilo a handful of times, and this trip was more about being on a cruise, we elected to stay on board with the exception of taking the shuttle into town to grab a few things at the store. As I was journaling about our day I heard a woman talk about the botanical gardens. I was so bummed we missed them! Her description sounded like they are really amazing (note: since the time of this trip we have returned to Hilo and did go to the botanical gardens. Definitely worth a trip if you’re not up to seeing the volcano).

Hilo Botanical Gardens Ocean View
Hilo Botanical Gardens Orchid
Hilo Botanical Gardens Flower

Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a bit about Volcanoes National Park. If you have never been, it’s a must see. It was established back in 1916 and is one of the most fascinating experiences we’ve had, as we were lucky enough years ago to watch the lava flow at dusk and into the night. At the time the stream of lava was dropping into the sea and sending up plumes of steam. If you’re lucky enough to see this, it’ll be a sight you won’t soon forget.

Kilauea Lava meets the sea
Kilauea Crater
Kilauea Lava on Road

The park actually encompasses two active volcanoes: Kilauea (which is one of the most active in all the world) and Mauna Loa (which is the world’s most massive subaerial volcano). The area gives visitors an opportunity to view dramatic volcanic landscapes and glimpse rare flora and fauna. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1987 as well as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980. We really enjoyed exploring the lava tubes! You can find more information on this spectacular place at the National Park Service Site.

Thurston Lava Tube Sign
Thurston Lava Tube Sign


When we got back from town we returned to Cagney’s for lunch. Unfortunately, I wasn’t impressed with the scallops and shrimp over risotto. But Jed’s turkey burger was good.

Scallop Risotto Pride of America

After we were done,  Jed ran ahead to trivia. Regrettably,  I missed it due to waiting for our to-go desserts. Jed had banana cream pie and I had a brownie sundae. The sundae was good, however, I would have rather done trivia. After the sundae I felt compelled to hit the gym and did just under five miles while watching The Hobbit 2! It really helps that they have individual TV’s on each machine.

That night we were invited to dine at one of the specialty restaurants and enjoy a bottle of wine. We chose Cagney’s, as our memories of dinner at Cagney’s on the NCL Jade were very positive. It was superb. They have a fabulous chopped salad and an amazing filet. It’s very impressive, especially considering the fact you’re on a ship!

Pride of America Cagney's Chopped Salad
Pride of America Cagney's Filet

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Continued – See Day Five

Hollin Stafford
Hollin Stafford

Hollin is originally from California. After obtaining a degree in Sociology she worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines so that she could combine her work with something she’s always loved, travel. Later she found herself in Seattle, WA where she met her husband and went to work in the real estate field.

She moved with her family from Port Townsend, WA to Sintra, Portugal in 2016. They said they’d try it out for a year and never left! Leveraging her U.S. real estate background and the insights she’s gained over the years into Portuguese life, she works with the Brightman Group, guiding international buyers and connecting sellers. She loves her work and finds delight in helping people find their ‘spot’ in the world.

Hollin's passions also include spending quality time with family and friends, seeking out excellent food and writing. She writes in a variety of genres, from YA, to literary short stories, non-fiction and engaging travel pieces. Her current focus is on writing a memoir about what brought her family to Portugal.

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