Pride of America set for major upgrades

SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 — Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2,124 passenger U.S.-flag cruise ship, Pride of America, is to receive more than $30 million in major enhancements at its next drydocking, including the addition of new luxurious suites and studio staterooms.

The 921 ft x 105 ft Pride of America is scheduled to arrive at BAE Systems Ship Repair Hawaii on March 23, 2013, for a 14 day drydocking in Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard’s 1,060 ft x 135 ft dry dock 4.

“As the only large U.S.-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.”

In addition to routine technical maintenance of the hull and machinery the ship will receive major renovations that will include addition of 24 ultra-luxurious suites, four Studio staterooms and four inside staterooms; 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; renovations to the gift shop, photo gallery and art gallery; and much more.

The 24 new suites on Deck 13 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. Among the 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.

All of the new suites and staterooms will go on sale October 1, 2012 for sailings beginning September 7, 2013.

Pride of America will return to her seven-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 Nãpali Coast.