PRIDE OF AMERICA
The only US-flagged cruise ship in the world. Designed for maximum time ashore, featuring 100 hours of port time and no sea days.
- Guests
- 2,186
- Tonnage
- 80,439
- Launch
- 2005
- Crew
- 927
The Prodigy Verdict
The Utility Player.
Pride of America is a unique anomaly in the cruise world. As a US-flagged vessel, it avoids the legal requirement to stop at a foreign port, allowing it to sail 7-day roundtrips from Honolulu with zero sea days and overnights in Maui and Kauai. It is essentially a highly efficient mechanism for seeing four Hawaiian islands in one week without repacking. The decor is unapologetically American (statues of Lincoln, Cadillac-themed diners), and the crew is primarily US citizens, creating a service culture distinct from the international fleet.
- First-time visitors to Hawaii who want to maximize sightseeing time.
- Travelers who dislike sea days; you are in port every single day.
- Those who want the convenience of American labor laws and healthcare standards onboard.
- No Casino: Due to Hawaiian state law and US flag status, there is no gambling onboard.
- Cost: Fares are higher than typical NCL ships due to US wage requirements and taxes.
- Tax: You will pay state tax on drinks while in port (which is most of the time).
The Zones
The ship is heavily themed around American history and geography.
Capitol Atrium
The central hub of the ship, modeled after the US Capitol building with a glass dome and stone columns.
South Beach Pool
The main pool deck on Deck 11. Styled with Art Deco influences reminiscent of Miami. It gets busy during the Napali Coast viewing.
Kumu Center
A cultural center dedicated to Hawaiian history and artifacts. Local ambassadors often hold classes on lei making and hula here.
Hollywood Theatre
The main show lounge. Features Broadway-style productions and magic shows. The decor is Art Nouveau with gold leaf accents.
Mardi Gras Lounge
Modeled after New Orleans, this is the ship's nightclub and cabaret spot. Often hosts karaoke and late-night parties.
Napa Wine Bar
A dedicated wine bar on Deck 6. A quiet spot for pre-dinner drinks, featuring a wide selection of Californian wines.
Dining & Provisions
A mix of complimentary American staples and NCL's signature specialty venues. The theming here is distinct from the rest of the fleet.
Cadillac Diner
24/7 Comfort Food
A retro 1950s diner complete with checkerboard floors and vinyl seats. Serves burgers, wings, and shakes around the clock.
Cagney's
Steakhouse
The NCL classic. Features Certified Angus Beef and truffle fries. The decor on this ship is styled like a 1930s Chicago chophouse.
Skyline Restaurant
Main Dining
One of two main dining rooms. Decor is inspired by the Art Deco architecture of 1930s Manhattan skyscrapers.
Jefferson's Bistro
French Cuisine
Modeled after Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Serves French classics like escargot and onion soup in a very colonial American setting.
Aloha Cafe
Buffet
The main buffet. Features floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor seating at the aft "Lanai" bar. Good for quick breakfasts before excursions.
Teppanyaki
Japanese Grill
A crowd favorite. Chefs cook steak, shrimp, and chicken on a hibachi grill right in front of you. Highly recommended to book early.
Liberty Restaurant
Main Dining
The second main dining room. The theme here is colonial America, featuring statues of the Founding Fathers and stars-and-stripes motifs.
Moderno
Churrascaria
Brazilian steakhouse with a massive salad bar and passadores serving slow-roasted meats tableside. Bring an appetite.
Where It Sails
Pride of America sails the same route 52 weeks a year. It is a highly optimized circuit designed to hit the major islands efficiently.
- Kahului, Maui (Overnight)
- Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island)
- Kona, Hawaii (Big Island)
- Nawiliwili, Kauai (Overnight)
Friday afternoon features the "Napali Coast Sail-by." This is the scenic highlight of the cruise. The captain sails past the massive sea cliffs of Kauai—views you cannot get from land.
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Cost Reality
Expect to pay more than a Caribbean cruise. The "Free at Sea" perks apply, but you will see additional taxes on beverages while in port.
- Skyline & Liberty Dining
- Aloha Cafe & Cadillac Diner
- Broadway-style Shows
- Cultural Classes (Lei Making)
- Hawaii State Tax on Drinks
- Specialty Dining (Cagney's etc)
- Shore Excursions (Expensive)
- WiFi Packages
Don't overbook dining for Maui or Kauai nights. You are overnighting in port, meaning you can eat dinner at a local luau or restaurant on the island instead of on the ship.
The Vibe Check
Is this ship for you? It is an older vessel focused on the destination, not the hardware.
Relaxed and distinctly American. The ship is quiet during the day because everyone is ashore. Nightlife is more subdued compared to the Caribbean mega-ships.
Older skew than typical NCL. Lots of retirees ticking Hawaii off their bucket list, plus multi-generational families.
Ready to explore? Check pricing below.
Cabin Recon
Cabins are smaller than modern industry standards. Balconies are highly prized for the Napali Coast viewing.
Studio
Added during refurbishment, these are perfect for solo travelers. Compact, inside rooms that require no single supplement fee.
Large Balcony
Specifically the "Large Balcony" category. The standard balconies on this ship are quite tight; the extra depth here makes a difference for scenic cruising.
Owner's Suite
Located at the bow or stern. These massive suites offer wraparound decks which are unbeatable for the Napali Coast and volcano viewing.