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 n July Fourth, the U.S. Independence Day, Norwegian Cruise Line launched its 2,002-passenger Pride of Aloha and with it the new US-flagged NCL America. The significance of the move is that, sailing under the US flag, these ships can begin and end cruises in US ports without visiting another country. As a result, a weeklong cruise offers about 96 hours in port, with overnights to enjoy island nightlife. In addition, because the ship is dedicated entirely to Hawaii, the d cor reflects the joyous colors and themes of the islands, and the majority of the staff on board is from Hawaii as well.
The same seamless approach to Hawaiian culture is reflected in the Mandara Spa, a Steiner product, but designed with Hawaiian techniques and products; therapists trained in Hawaii before the launch.
 Some of the ship spa's massage treatments geared toward relaxing mind and body are steeped in Hawaiian tradition. The Lomi Lomi, a full body massage, dates back to the centuries of Hawaiian royalty when this procedure took seven hours or longer. The oil historically used was from the Kukui Nut, which contains about 60% oil and was used for fuel in lighting (Kukui literally means light).
The 50-minute version on the ship was wonderfully relaxing. Because so many passengers Manadara's Jerry Knapp uses a variety of oils, but his oil of choice (and mine, too) is lavender. He even placed a tissue scented with lavender under the bedding of the spa table so I was surrounded with the scent.
The treatment room was warm and decorated with fabrics in colorful patterns and the massage table was soft enough to be comfortable yet firm enough to give the body support under the masseur's hands. Relaxing music started the work even before the massage began.
I was given a two-page form to fill out requesting health information and an explanation of what I hoped to achieve from my session. I was asked to disrobe only to the level to which I felt comfortable.
Because so many passengers (like me) are interested in relaxation, not in the more intensive deep tissue or sports massage, the Lomi Lomi is an excellent choice. While the pressure was not harsh, it did have a releasing effect on my deeper muscles as well as loosening the surface ones. And afterwards my skin felt 20 years younger. I left the massage table with a feeling of balance and well being both physically and mentally; this was perhaps the best massage I have experienced as a first session treatment.
Pride of Aloha's spa staff is knowledgeable and friendly. In addition, Knapp is well traveled, having lived in Asia and Australia as well as Hawaii.
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In addition to Lomi Lomi (50 minutes $90, 80 minutes $140), the spa offers Hawaiian Pohaku, a special version of hot stone massage in which smooth lava rocks are heated and covered in a rich Ke Kino butter that penetrates and releases deep muscles (80 minutes $185). Ka'lani a me Ka'aina (Heaven and Earth Massage) is a soothing head, neck, scalp and face massage followed by a pressure point massage of the hands and feet (50 minutes, $99). A Massage Around the World (50 minutes $90, 80 minutes $140) and a Four Hands Massage (two therapists 50 minutes $180) incorporate Swedish, Balinese, Thai Lomi Lomi and Shiatsu techniques.
A royal experience, the Ali'I Spa Package begins with an exotic scrub. You can choose from a Pa'Kai Glow with the exfoliating benefits of Hawaiian sea salt, a Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Scrub, a Kona Coffee Scrub or a Tropical Coconut Scrub using grated coconut and Hawaiian Olena root (especially for sensitive or dry skin). The 80-minute package is $160.
Additionally, a Pahoehoe Wrap involves nourishing and detoxifying as natural minerals relieve water retention and help flush toxins from the body. A hair and scalp massage completes the 50-minute treatment, priced at $125.
Pride of Aloha offers year-round seven-day cruises from Honolulu, calling overnight in Kauai and Maui and making full day calls in Kona and Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. For more information visit www.ncl.com.
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