Palm fringe rippling in the ocean breeze along white sand beaches; molten lava flowing red hot over cooled volcanic rock; waterfalls plunging over verdant cliffs to calm pools below. Hawaii is the tropical destination of dreams! Each island has its own character and treasures to explore, so it’s hard to choose which of the islands to visit. Norwegian Cruise Lines has just the answer for that dilemma – their Pride of America is the only US-flagged large cruise ship sailing a seven-day Hawaii itinerary departing from Honolulu every Saturday. Ports of call include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawai`i; Kona, Hawai`i; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; and an afternoon cruise past the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.

Pride of America Revitalization

Norwegian Cruise Line has just completed a $30 million renovation on Pride of America. New carpeting and updated Americana décor was added throughout the 2,186-passenger ship. The public areas, including the gift shop, art gallery and photo gallery were remodeled, and the fitness center got equipment upgrades. The ship now boasts ship wide internet connectivity – an important feature to today’s connected traveler – as well as flat screen televisions in all staterooms.

Dining options on Pride of America received major upgrades with the addition of two alternative dining venues. Norwegian Cruise Line’s signature Brazilian style steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria, and Cagney’s, the traditional steakhouse, were added to the existing 16 restaurants. It merits mentioning that Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered Freestyle Dining, meaning that all complimentary dining rooms and alternative restaurants have open seating during dining hours with no set table companions or dining times. It proved to be extremely popular with guests and most other major cruise lines have followed suit and at least offer an open dining option.

Pride of America Stateroom Enhancements

24 luxurious suites were added to Pride of America – two amazing Owner’s Suites, two Deluxe Penthouse Suites, and 20 Penthouse Suites. The Owner’s Suites are a spacious 566 square feet and sleep four in a large bedroom and separate living area. They have connecting doors to Penthouse Suites, most of which sleep six, so families and groups of up to 10 can travel in luxury together. Pride of America’s suites have the largest balconies in the fleet, ranging from 150 square feet to an expansive 1,200 square feet. Imagine whale watching right from your own balcony! Suites have dedicated butlers, Tranquility mattresses, Elemis bath amenities and private dining for breakfast and lunch. Who wouldn’t enjoy those luxuries?

Norwegian Cruise Line also paid attention to an often overlooked market – the solo traveler. Pride of America added four Studio staterooms that were designed and priced specifically for those traveling alone. Studios have a full-sized bed, not a twin, and a separate bathroom. The real consideration to solo travelers is in the pricing – there’s no single supplement. Now individuals can cruise alone in Hawaii without paying a penalty for not having a companion.

Pride of America has been handsomely renovated to give guests a fabulous way to experience a unique inter-island Hawaiian itinerary. If your tropical dreams include Hawaii, contact the cruise experts at Covington Travel for specials that can make that dream a reality.

Source: Norwegian Cruise Line