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Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, the sole large cruise ship operating under the U.S. flag, is undergoing a significant drydock refurbishment on the West Coast. The vessel, launched in 2005, temporarily halted its regular cruises in late April and arrived at the shipyard on May ninth, 2025, to receive comprehensive enhancements aimed at elevating the onboard guest experience.
A standout enhancement includes adding a Starbucks café in the Capital Atrium on Deck five. This addition brings the globally recognized coffee brand onboard, offering travelers an accessible and familiar spot to enjoy high-quality coffee and snacks throughout their journey.
The refurbishment also includes new activity spaces designed to enrich passenger entertainment. A fresh pickleball court is being installed to meet growing demand for this lively sport, giving guests an engaging way to stay active at sea. In addition, a dedicated cards room will be created, providing a cozy and inviting environment for passengers who enjoy card games and social gatherings.
Families cruising aboard will appreciate upgraded youth clubs featuring expanded facilities and interactive programs for children and teenagers. These changes aim to foster a fun and stimulating atmosphere, ensuring young guests have plenty of engaging options while onboard.
Accommodations are expanding with the addition of twelve club balcony cabins and three interior staterooms on Deck twelve. These new rooms will increase the variety of lodging available to suit diverse guest preferences and budgets. The club balcony cabins offer enhanced features and greater comfort, catering to travelers seeking a more premium cruise experience.
Once refurbishment concludes, the Pride of America is scheduled to return to service from Honolulu on May thirty-first, 2025, perfectly timed for Hawaii’s peak cruise season. As the only major cruise ship flying the U.S. flag, it specializes in week-long inter-island itineraries that showcase Hawaii’s stunning natural beauty and unique culture.
Departing from Honolulu, the itinerary features visits to Kahului on Maui, Hilo and Kailua Kona on the Big Island, as well as Nawiliwili on Kauai. A standout feature of these voyages is the generous port time — nearly one hundred hours in total — including overnight stays that allow passengers to explore each island more deeply and at a relaxed pace.
This upgrade is the fourth significant refurbishment Norwegian Cruise Line has undertaken across its fleet in 2025. Earlier, sister ships Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, and Epic also completed enhancements, introducing new staterooms, refreshed public spaces, and updated amenities.
The Norwegian Epic recently returned to European waters with improvements that include eight new balcony and ocean-view cabins, a redesigned kids’ Aqua Park, and an expanded Vibe Beach Club, illustrating the cruise company’s continuous dedication to upgrading its ships.
With the Pride of America’s upgrades, Norwegian Cruise Line continues to cement its leadership in the Hawaiian cruise market. The vessel’s unique U.S. registry, combined with its modernized facilities and carefully crafted island itineraries, makes it an appealing choice for travelers seeking an authentic Hawaiian cruise experience.
Guests sailing aboard the refreshed Pride of America can look forward to a harmonious blend of relaxation, entertainment, and cultural immersion. The expanded accommodations, enhanced amenities, and upgraded recreational areas ensure the ship caters to families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
As travel rebounds globally and demand for immersive, destination-rich vacations grows, Norwegian Cruise Line’s investment in the Pride of America reflects confidence in Hawaii’s lasting appeal. The upcoming season promises travelers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the islands’ breathtaking landscapes and vibrant traditions while enjoying the comforts of a thoroughly modernized cruise ship.
Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/norwegian-cruise-line-advances-fleet-with-major-upgrades-to-pride-of-america-on-west-coast-what-you-need-to-know/