NCL Pride of America Christened in New York on June 17

The largest U.S.-flagged cruise ship ever built, the NCL Pride of America, was christened in New York City yesterday. Since the ship is registered as a U.S. ship, the Pride of America can sail between U.S. ports of call without the need to include foreign ports. U.S. law requires cruise ships that are registered elsewhere to include at least one non-U.S. port in their itineraries, and most ships are not registered in the U.S.


The Pride of America will also provide guests with the unique experience of a U.S.-based crew. You will certainly be able to identify the Pride of America from afar. Her hull has vibrant stars and stripes artwork! The decor of the ship is a mixture of Americana--a New Orleans-style Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge, Alaskan Gold Rush Saloon, Napa Wine Bar, Capitol Atrium, Santa Fe Spa and Fitness Center, Newbury Street Shopping area, Washington Library and the ship's Hollywood Theatre.

In addition to offering NCL’s signature Freestyle Cruising, which primarily means open seating for dinner in one of several restaurants, the vessel also features several firsts for NCL including an onboard tennis court, a new category of Family Suites, the Soho Art Gallery and a Conservatory touting a tropical landscaped garden.

After a series of coastal sailings, Pride of America will arrive in her homeport of Honolulu on July 23, 2005 where she will begin offering a unique itinerary no other cruise line can deliver. As the first new ocean-going passenger ship in nearly half a century to sail under the U.S. flag, Pride of America will visit all four main islands in one week-long itinerary and offer passengers up to 100 hours in port, more than any other cruise line sailing the islands. The seven-day cruises from Honolulu will feature a day in Hilo, Hawaii; two days in Kahului, Maui; a day in Kona, Hawaii; and two days in Nawiliwili, Kauai.
NCL Pride of America Christened in New York on June 17