Tuesday, June 10, 2025
The Pride of America returns to Hawaiian waters after a drydock overhaul, offering enhanced amenities and new features for its seven-night inter-island cruises.
The Pride of America has made its long-awaited return to the Hawaiian cruise circuit following a drydock renovation on the West Coast.After a brief pause in late April 2025, the 2,100-passenger ship began sailing again on June 7, 2025, marking the return of its sought-after seven-night inter-island cruises.
This makes it a symbol of American cruise travel, offering exclusive inter-island voyages that visit the tropical destinations of Kahului, Hilo, Kailua Kona, and Nawiliwili. The ship’s itinerary provides nearly 100 hours of port time, ensuring passengers can fully experience the charm and beauty of Hawaii’s islands. The itinerary also includes overnight port calls, providing guests with extended time to explore and enjoy their destinations.
Prior to resuming service, Pride of America underwent a series of updates, focusing on enhancing the onboard experience. Norwegian Cruise Line took the opportunity to refresh both the public spaces and accommodations, ensuring the vessel continues to offer a modern and comfortable setting for guests.
Among the highlights of the renovation is the introduction of a Starbucks located within the Capitol Atrium on Deck 5. This addition allows guests to enjoy their favorite coffee beverages while taking in stunning views of the Hawaiian coast. For cruise-goers, the availability of a Starbucks onboard means a familiar, high-quality coffee experience, elevating the overall guest experience.
The vessel also added a new pickleball court to its sports complex, responding to the rising demand for this fast-paced sport. Pickleball has become increasingly popular across all age groups, and the addition of a dedicated court provides passengers with an enjoyable way to stay active and socialize during their cruise. It’s an excellent option for both casual players and competitive guests looking to challenge each other while enjoying the scenic ocean views.
For younger passengers, Pride of America unveiled newly designed youth areas on Deck 6. These spaces now occupy the area formerly used by the S/S America Library, Internet Café, and Chapel. The revamped areas offer a range of interactive activities for children and teens, providing an exciting and dynamic environment for younger cruisers. The updated areas are sure to appeal to families traveling with children, offering an enjoyable onboard experience for all ages.
In addition to these new youth areas, Pride of America made further changes to Deck 6, including the creation of a smaller, intimate library and a new card room, replacing the former Shuffles Card Room. This quieter space offers guests a peaceful retreat to read, relax, or play cards in a comfortable, serene environment.
The ship’s accommodations were also upgraded with the addition of 12 new club balcony cabins and three interior staterooms on Deck 12. These new rooms are designed to meet the diverse needs of travelers, whether they are seeking a luxurious balcony experience or a more affordable interior cabin. These changes help expand the variety of accommodation options available, making the Pride of America an even more appealing option for guests looking for a tailored cruise experience.
Norwegian Cruise Line also announced the addition of upgraded amenities and more flexible room choices, making the Pride of America better suited to different types of travelers. Whether guests are looking for family-friendly spaces, couples retreats, or solo accommodations, the ship’s renovations provide more choices to cater to individual preferences and needs.
Along with the Pride of America, several other ships in the fleet, including the Norwegian Epic, underwent significant refurbishments this year. This ongoing investment in ship upgrades demonstrates Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to providing exceptional vacation experiences across its fleet.
With these recent upgrades and a refreshed onboard experience, the Pride of America is primed to continue its reputation as one of the most unique and exciting cruise options for travelers seeking to explore Hawaii. Whether guests are indulging in an onboard game of pickleball, enjoying a cup of coffee from Starbucks, or relaxing in a newly updated stateroom, the ship promises a memorable and luxurious Hawaiian cruise experience.
With its U.S. flag status and exclusive itineraries, the Pride of America remains an iconic choice for those seeking to experience the islands in style. The combination of state-of-the-art amenities and the natural beauty of Hawaii makes it an unmatched option for cruise travelers.
