The 80,439-ton, 2,135-passenger cruise ship Pride of America became operational in 2005 as the first U.S.-flagged passenger cruise ship to be built in more than 50 years. The unique thing about the vessel is that its crew and officers are from America or US citizens. One main plus for this ship is that it has U.S. registration and doesn't have to embark or disembark in Vancouver or Esenada (The Passenger Services Act orders foreign-flagged cruise vessels to go to a port when leaving or returning to US waters). Pride of America and her guests celebrate American culture and history, from the kitsch of the Cadillac Diner to the sober statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Liberty Dining Room.
The only mainstream cruise ship sailing regular round-trip voyages solely within the Hawaiian islands, Pride of America, returned to her Honolulu homeport in the end of March 2016, following an extensive refurbishment. The American-flagged, Honolulu-based ship underwent a 3 and a half week dry dock in San Francisco CA that included new venues, newly designed public spaces and refreshed decor in all cabins. The refurbishment is part of the line's $400 million investment program, The Norwegian Edge, in existing ships. The changes to Pride of America include:
Pride of America has a total of 1595 cabins (of which 1145 balcony, 220 Inside, 740 connecting, 52 suites) in 34 grades. Most Pride of America staterooms (63%) are 140-sq.foot Balcony rooms. The largest aboard Pride of America are the Deluxe Family Suites (605 ft2).
| Build Year : 2005 |
| Width : 32.00 |
| Length : 280.00 |
| Speed : 22.00 |
| Capacity : 2138 |
| Deck Quantity : 14 |
| Cabin Quantity : 1072 |
| Restaurant Quantity : 11 |
| Lift Quantity : 10 |
| Balancer : Yes |
there is a bedroom area with two queen-size beds convertible into one; additional folding beds (in some cabins), living area with a sofa bed and coffee table, desk and armchair, bathroom with shower, wardrobe, toiletries, telephone, TV, air conditioning, refrigerator, safe, hairdryer
there is a bedroom area with two queen-size beds convertible into one; additional folding beds (in some cabins), living area with a sofa bed and coffee table, desk and armchair, bathroom with shower, wardrobe, toiletries, telephone, TV, air conditioning, refrigerator, safe, hairdryer
there is a bedroom area with two queen-size beds convertible into one; additional folding beds (in some cabins), living area with a sofa bed and coffee table, desk and armchair, bathroom with shower, wardrobe, toiletries, telephone, TV, air conditioning, refrigerator, safe, hairdryer
there is a bedroom area with two queen-size beds convertible into one; additional folding beds (in some cabins), living area with a sofa bed and coffee table, desk and armchair, bathroom with shower, wardrobe, toiletries, telephone, TV, air conditioning, refrigerator, safe, hairdryer
The Hollywood Theatre, located on Deck 5 forward, is just one story and fairly small, with excellent sight lines. A bank of chairs has been set aside for mobility-impaired passengers. One deck above the theater, Mardi Gras is the venue for funky themed parties and smaller shows. By day, it shows movies, hosts lectures, dance classes and other events. Kids are allowed in Mardi Gras until 11 p.m., at which time it is 18 and older only. Entertainment options also include the NCL's FIREWORKS show (on each voyage), "Rock of Ages", "Cirque Dreams", "Illusionarium" (magicians show).
Additional amenities include: Complimentary 24-hour Room-Service, Supervised Kids Program ("NCL Kids"), Internet/WiFi Access, Laundry/Self-Serve Laundromats. Norwegian Pride tipping/gratuities (US$12 pp per day). For your Pride of America cruise ship weddings there's a small chapel on board.
Follows the complete list of Pride of America lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.
On the ship there are organized children's clubs (participation in which is free) with special programs for children and teenagers in accordance with age:
Guppies (6 months - 3 years) - children's room for children only when accompanied by adults.
Turtles (3 - 5 years) - educational games, drawing, thematic game "Treasure Hunters".
Seals (6 - 9 years old) - thematic game "Treasure Hunters", pizza cooking lessons, games and activities, drawing, movies.
Dolfins (10 - 12 years old) - sports events, arts and crafts lessons, parties, team competitions and games.
Entourage (13 - 17 years old) - video games, sports events, cinema, parties, dinner with a peer, team competitions and games, aero hockey.
On the ship you can order a group babysitting service for children aged 3 to 12 years for a small additional fee. Working hours from 22:30 to 01:30 every evening. Unfortunately, there is no individual babysitter service.
The program of events for everyday, is published in a special mini brochure, which is delivered to the cabin on the evening before the next day. Entertainment programs on the ship are varied depending on the route of the ship and seasonality: karaoke, dance classes with coaches, special lectures on various educational topics, sales of jewelry and goods, and much more.
Pride of America has 9 restaurants, including 2 main dining rooms, the no-charge Cadillac Diner and the casual buffet Aloha Cafe. The 5 specialty restaurants levy a surcharge. Better make a reservation if you prefer dining at a specific time, at a certain venue. Wednesdays and Fridays are the busiest nights in all extra-fee restaurants; Sundays are the slowest. Have in mind that not all specialty restaurants are open on embarkation day. The two MDRs, Skyline and Liberty, are one above the other, both located at the aft. These carry through Americana themes, with Liberty paying homage to American patriotism and Skyline serving as a Deco-version of NYC. There are pianos in both main dining rooms, and occasionally a musician provides background music for dinner.
Follows the complete list of Pride of America restaurants and food bars.
The cruise company recommends to have three types of clothing during the trip:
for recreation and sports (casual);
clothes and shoes for excursions, depending on the season and route features (sport and casual);
elegant clothes for evening visits to restaurants and evening events: shows, casinos, clubs, bars (smart casual "more strict" and formal "strict").
During the evening events, the cruise company does not welcome a beach clothes.
