There is a course offered to travel agents called NCLU -the University of Norwegian Cruise Lines. It was online and featured information on all their ships plus videos and quizzes and games. The goal was to become Freestyle Certified and the bonus was to earn your PHD@SEA. It took almost a year to cover the material and June 6 to June 13, 2009 I sailed on the Pride of America with 39 other travel agents and their guests. We had 6 hours of classes and a behind the scenes tour of the galleys, laundry and theater. At the end we got our diplomas!

I started in Waikiki at a modestly priced hotel, the Maile Sky Court. I liked the location and had been there years ago. So three days of walking, shopping, using the Waikiki Trolley and one tour to Pearl Harbor. The Trolley purchased online was $30 a person and included a free day. There were discounts for seniors, military and children.

The Pride of America is now 5 years old and while it had some issues of poor service at the beginning, it now has a friendly and efficient staff. The pricing has been phenomenal -specials from $699.00 to $999.00 a person and that $999.00 is a balcony. The freestyle concept is pretty much wear what you want, eat when you want and hang out with whomever. I loved it! Hawaii is beautiful and you are in a ships setting that takes "pride in America". The Capital Atrium is the setting for the group photo. Lazy J Steakhouse serves some nice beef. The Jefferson Bistro has fine French cuisine with a motif resembling Monticello. The Hollywood Theater looks like - you guessed it - Hollywood. There are lots of places to go and things to do ...or nothing at all.

For More Information about cruising to Hawaii or about the Zaandam, please contact me, Laurie Cooper, at
(858) 459-0681 or email laurie@worldviewtravel.com