Pride of America: Enhancements To Be Proud Of

Pride of America Suite

The largest US-flagged passenger ship to fly Old Glory in over fifty years was launched in 2005 and since then Pride of America’s American officers and crew have proudly been providing guests with cruises through the Hawaiian Islands.

In the seven years since her introduction, tastes and styles have changed and she is ready for an extreme ship make-over. That’s why Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that Pride of America will be the next vessel to undergo the company’s ship revitalization program when she enters dry dock in March 2013 for major enhancements, including the addition of new luxurious suites and studio staterooms.

“As the only large US-flagged cruise ship, Pride of America offers a unique and extraordinary vacation to four of Hawaii’s most popular islands,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We want to ensure that we are continuing to enhance the guest experience on this one-of-a-kind vessel. Therefore, we are making a major investment—over $30 million—in enhancing this ship with beautiful new suites, studios for solo travelers, new restaurants, and more.”

When Pride of America enters a 14-day dry dock on March 23, 2013 in Honolulu, Hawaii the 2,124-passenger ship will receive major renovations including the addition of 24 ultra-luxurious suites, four Studio staterooms, and four inside staterooms—that will take the place of underutilized meeting rooms on Deck 13; Moderno Churrascaria, the line’s signature Brazilian-style steakhouse; ship wide wireless internet connectivity; new carpeting throughout; flat screen televisions in all staterooms; updated décor; upgrades to the fitness center; new directional signage; and renovations to the gift shop, photo gallery, and art gallery.

The 24 new suites will be outfitted with premium custom furnishings, fabrics, carpets and ultra-luxurious bathrooms. Two of the 24 suites will be Deluxe Owners Suites. These 566 square foot suites, sleeping up to four guests, will feature a large bedroom, separate living area and a state of the art bathroom featuring custom mosaic tiles. The remaining suites will be Family Suites ranging from 363 to 416 square feet, most sleeping up to six guests. The two Deluxe Owners Suites will have connecting doors to the adjacent Family Suites, sleeping up to 10 guests when combined, the perfect option for families or groups who wish to travel in luxury together. Two of the Family Balcony Suites will be ADA compliant to accommodate guests with disabilities. One of the many highlights of the suites will be their expansive balconies, ranging from 245 square feet for Family Suites to 410 square feet for the Deluxe Owners Suites, giving Pride of America’s suite guests the largest balconies in the fleet, perfect for taking in the jaw-dropping Hawaii scenery.

In addition to all of the incredible features in the suites, guests will enjoy pampering service from dedicated butlers and concierge, plus an array of exclusive amenities such as luxurious Tranquility mattresses from the Bliss Collection by Norwegian, Lavazza Espresso Makers, Elemis bath products, private dining for breakfast and lunch, and more.

Guests wishing to travel solo in Hawaii will be able do so in one of four new Studio staterooms on board Pride of America. Designed and priced for the solo traveler, these staterooms will feature a full-size bed, along with a separate bathroom area. Four new inside staterooms will also be added to the area on Deck 13.

The refurbishments include:

· Upgraded flat screen televisions in all guest and crew staterooms broadcast on a digital signal;
· Wireless internet access throughout the entire ship, including crew areas;
· Replacement of carpet throughout the ship in guest staterooms and public areas;
· Video, sound and light enhancements throughout the ship;
· Upgrades to fitness center equipment;
· Décor updates in the Aloha Cafe, the ship’s buffet restaurant;
· Lazy J’s Steakhouse converted to Norwegian’s signature steakhouse, Cagney’s;
· Updated signage throughout the ship;
· Renovations to Photo and Art Gallery

Pride of America will return to her 7-day Hawaii itinerary departing from Honolulu every Saturday when she returns to service in early April 2013. Ports of call include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawaii; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kauai; and an afternoon cruise past the breathtaking Nãpali Coast. Since it will take longer than the two-week dry dock to complete the work on them, the new suites and staterooms will go on sale Oct 1, 2012, but won’t be available for occupancy until Sept 7, 2013. For more information, visit NCL.com.

Image Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line