Norwegian Cruise Line’s US-flagged Pride of America returned to her homeport of Honolulu on Saturday, March 26, as a nearly new ship.
During a three and a half week dry dock, Pride of America received ship-wide enhancements, including newly designed public spaces, brand new venues, and refreshed décor in all staterooms. Pride of America’s extensive renovation is a part of “The Norwegian Edge” program, a $400 million investment that sets a new standard of excellence.
“When guests step aboard the all new Pride of America, they will be amazed by the breadth of this renovation,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief operating officer. “This is much more than just a fresh coat of paint and new drapes. Pride of America is now essentially a new ship, and the only one to offer this incredibly unique way to experience the Hawaiian Islands with 100 hours of time in port.”
Many of Pride of America’s public spaces — along with several of the ships’ restaurants, bars, and lounges — were refreshed from top to bottom to receive a modern, updated look with new contemporary décor and furniture as well as new lighting and flooring. Every stateroom aboard Pride of America was renovated, receiving new bedding, new furniture, new flat screen televisions, and updated flooring.
Pride of America guests will now be able to enjoy not only refreshed spaces but also new modern venues including the Soho Art Gallery, an expansive venue that features original works of art available for purchase; the new Perspectives Photo Studio, an area for couples, families, and friends to have professional photo memories of their vacation; and Dolce Gelato, Norwegian’s signature gelateria.
Those looking to tie-the-knot while in any of the ship’s enchanting ports-of-call can do so in the ship’s wedding chapel, now in a new location on deck six with new flooring, furniture, and wall fixtures.
The ship’s pool deck underwent a complete refurbishment to create an upscale feel onboard with a refinished pool, new loungers. and Jacuzzis.
Guests looking to enjoy some quiet time can now do so in the completely transformed conservatory, complete with new furniture, flooring, and modern décor. The library and card rooms received new flooring, furniture, and six computer stations for Internet access.
The Mandara Spa was expanded and revitalized to feature more treatment rooms so guests can enjoy massages, facials, and more. The spa features New Mexican décor including soft, neutral colors and natural elements like stone and wood to provide a tranquil atmosphere.
Dining enhancements for Pride of America include extensive renovations to all of the existing complimentary dining venues. Most notable is the ship’s Skyline Main Dining Room, which received a refreshed look with new décor including: a new entrance, new carpet design, new furniture upholstery, new window drapes, and new columns throughout the restaurant.
La Cucina, Norwegian’s signature Italian restaurant, has been transformed into an elegant and intimate venue where guests can enjoy fine Italian fare. The ship’s specialty restaurants East Meets West, Cagney’s Steakhouse, and Jefferson’s Bistro also received enhancements to upgrade the venues to a modern look with new flooring, reupholstered furniture, new artwork, lighting fixtures, new window treatments, and more.
Beyond hardware upgrades, guests sailing aboard Pride of America can now enjoy new menus in all dining outlets. With additional choices and à la carte priced items, the menus offer more freedom and flexibility to guests.
Building on the success of the enhanced menus aboard Norwegian’s newest ship Norwegian Escape, Pride of America’s new menus now feature increased variety and have been carefully developed by Norwegian’s culinary team with a focus on balancing popular traditional dishes like prime rib, chateaubriand, rack of lamb, and escargot with current dining trends and heightened guest expectations.
Pride of America is the only ship that sails year-round from Honolulu on seven-day intra-Hawaii cruises. This one-of-a-kind itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of port time and visits Hawaii’s main islands, including an overnight in Kahului, Maui; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; stops in Hilo, Hawaii, and Kona, Hawaii; as well as an afternoon cruise by the spectacular Nãpali Coast.
