Articles

“Pride of America”
America's First Cruise Ship in Almost 50 Years
by Roy Witman © 2008

My jaw dropped. I've seen countless cruise ships during my career, but boarding “Pride of America” instilled a true sense of distinction in me. As a Norwegian Cruise Lines' President's Club Member (one of only 25 in the world!), I was privileged to accept an invitation to visit the shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany, recently to tour “Pride of America” before her unveiling to the general public. I can say - without hesitation - that she is living up to her name!

“Pride of America” was built by Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) and is the first US-flagged cruise ship in almost 50 years, so I'll admit I was expecting something spectacular. What I didn't expect was the feeling “Pride of America” evoked. As tired as I was from my travels, within just a few minutes onboard the ship, I experienced a renewed burst of energy.

NCL adorned “Pride of America” with a regal, white stone staircase reminiscent of those seen in the movies “Titanic” and “Gone With the Wind.” Dressed in what could easily be mistaken for red velvet, this centerpiece of the ship sets the tone for the rest of the vessel. As you move throughout the ship, you discover reflections of all 50 of the United States. Large photos in stairwells and murals on walls tend to spark conversations with complete strangers of past travels across America. And while the symbolic colors of red, white and blue appear practically everywhere, there is never a feeling of the theme being carried too far. My hat's off to Norwegian Cruise Lines for a remarkable job with interior design.

“Pride of America” has eight restaurants, three pools, extensive children's facilities, an abundance of spacious public rooms and the largest dedicated meeting facilities at sea. However, to make this vessel truly unique, NCL added several exciting, new extras including a conservatory, a new category of family suites, a tennis court and an art gallery!

Onboard, you'll find themed bars and restaurants from tropical to western to elegant. Dining experiences include traditional and classic décor and cuisine along with some new delights. Norwegian Cruise Lines has outfitted “Pride of America” with a steakhouse restaurant serving Black Angus beef, pork and chicken; an Asian Fusion sushi bar; a Japanese Teppanyaki room where chefs entertain guests as they prepare their meals; a '50s rock & roll diner; an Aloha kids café and more.

NCL has gone all out with the staterooms onboard “Pride of America,” equipping her with 660 balcony staterooms and the broadest range of family- friendly interconnecting cabins available at sea. All cabins have a TV, refrigerator, safe, duvet and bathroom with shower. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a range of staterooms on “Pride of America” from the traditional interior to the Grande Suite. Peering out to sea from high on Deck 12, the Grande Suite boasts a living room, dining room, private balcony with king-sized bed, walk-in closet, baby grand piano, CD/DVD library, two RVs, luxury bath with whirlpool, guest bath and butler/concierge service.

The highly trained crew is eager to get underway. “Pride of America” is currently in New York City, which is the first stop on her maiden voyage. Her service in Hawaii begins in July 2005, and she'll provide cruises to the Atlantic Coast, the Panama Canal and - of course - the Hawaiian Islands.

It's a rare event to have a US-flagged ship christened. “Pride of America” is the first in almost 50 years. If you're a fan of cruises, you'll certainly want to book your passage on this vessel for a spectacular vacation experience. Never been on a cruise before? Now is definitely the time to start and Norwegian Cruise Lines' “Pride of America” is the vessel to take you off to exciting and tropical destinations!

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