You would be forgiven for thinking a tropical destination such as Hawaii would be crawling with cruise ships of all sizes in ports across the four major islands. While several ships visit the destination from the US West Coast at different times of the year, only a single ship is based in the destination year-round.
Norwegian Cruise Line launched the brand new ship Pride of America in 2005, sending it straight to Hawaii where it remains to this day. Now well-established, the ship is extremely popular with Australians who love its sampler-style itinerary, which showcases each of the US state’s four major islands over a week-long holiday, departing from the Honolulu Cruise Port.
Fresh from a bow-to-stern renovation in March 2016, Pride of America received updates to every one of more than 1,000 staterooms and suites, including new flooring, a bright and fresh colour scheme, furnishings and fittings. Technology was enhanced, most notably by the addition of an enormous new flat-screen television which adorns one wall.
Staterooms across the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet are being improved and standardised as part of a fleet-wide US$400 million (AU$519 million) refurbishment program. This means travellers on any Norwegian ship will benefit from a similar standard of accommodations once the entire refurb program has been completed.
For those interested in cruising Hawaii in luxury, the Deluxe Owner’s Suite (below) is one of the uppermost categories on the ship and features a Master Bedroom with King Bed and walk-in closet, with separate bath and shower in the main bathroom. Up to four guests can be accommodated in this category, with another two guests sleeping on a double-sofa in the living room. Extra features include a CD/DVD library, private balcony with hot tub, dining table and even a Baby Grand Piano. Full butler service is also provided to guests in this suite.
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