Pride of America Fares By Norwegian Set To Increase For 2013 Bookings
Norwegian Cruise Line today announced that based on strong demand for its Hawai`i cruise, it will raise fares an average of 10 percent on Pride of America for new bookings beginning January 1, 2013. The only large US-flagged cruise ship, Pride of America sails year-round from Honolulu on a spectacular seven-day inter-island Hawai`i cruise, featuring close to 100 hours in port and overnights in both Maui and Kaua`i. Ports of call include Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawai`i; Kona, Hawai`i; Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; and an afternoon cruise past the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.
This cruise was recently voted the “Best Hawai`i†itinerary by Porthole Cruise Magazine in their 13th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
“Because she is US-flagged and crewed, Pride of America is in the unique position of being the only cruise ship that can sail to the four islands of Hawai`i from Honolulu without visiting a foreign port,†said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “As a result of this unique offering, there is strong, ongoing demand for the ship, propelled by record-breaking guest satisfaction scores. This is a spectacular one-of-a-kind itinerary and the cruise delivers an incredible value for the money compared to the high cost of land-based vacations in Hawai`i.â€
As her name implies, the 2,124-passenger Pride of America, celebrates a ‘Best of America’ theme inspired by favorite places in the United States. From the Capitol Atrium to the Alaska-influenced Gold Rush Pub to a New Orleans’ Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge and Hawai`i-themed Aloha Café and Waikiki Bars, guests experience the flavor of the U.S. while visiting the country’s beautiful 50th state. The ship features 14 restaurants, nine bars and lounges, dynamic public rooms such as the Hollywood Theater, expansive children’s area featuring Norwegian’s Splash Academy children’s programs and the state-of-the-art Santa Fe Spa & Fitness Center.
The heart of the ship, the Capitol Atrium, is inspired by the Capitol Building and White House and features a decorative stone floor and a stunning backlit glass dome.
The company also recently announced that Pride of America will receive major enhancements beginning in March 2013, including the 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.
Bill Cody is an entertainment, technology and luxury travel reporter in Las Vegas. He reports on celebrities, events, tech, food, Las Vegas and luxury travel.