Back to towns in A Guide to Travel Advice and Tips
"Pride of America" - America's First Cruise Ship in Almost
50 Years
by Roy Witman (c) 2005
http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com
My jaw dropped. I've seen countless cruise ships during my
career, but boarding "Pride of America" instilled a true sense of
distinction in me. As a Norwegian Cruise Lines' President's Club
Member (one of only 25 in the world!), I was privileged to accept
an invitation to visit the shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany,
recently to tour "Pride of America" before her unveiling to the
general public. I can say - without hesitation - that she is
living up to her name!
"Pride of America" was built by Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) and
is the first US-flagged cruise ship in almost 50 years, so I'll
admit I was expecting something spectacular. What I didn't
expect was the feeling "Pride of America" evoked. As tired as I
was from my travels, within just a few minutes onboard the ship,
I experienced a renewed burst of energy.
NCL adorned "Pride of America" with a regal, white stone
staircase reminiscent of those seen in the movies "Titanic" and
"Gone With the Wind." Dressed in what could easily be mistaken
for red velvet, this centerpiece of the ship sets the tone for
the rest of the vessel. As you move throughout the ship, you
discover reflections of all 50 of the United States. Large
photos in stairwells and murals on walls tend to spark
conversations with complete strangers of past travels across
America. And while the symbolic colors of red, white and blue
appear practically everywhere, there is never a feeling of the
theme being carried too far. My hat's off to Norwegian Cruise
Lines for a remarkable job with interior design.
"Pride of America" has eight restaurants, three pools, extensive
children's facilities, an abundance of spacious public rooms and
the largest dedicated meeting facilities at sea. However, to
make this vessel truly unique, NCL added several exciting, new
extras including a conservatory, a new category of family suites,
a tennis court and an art gallery!
Onboard, you'll find themed bars and restaurants from tropical to
western to elegant. Dining experiences include traditional and
classic décor and cuisine along with some new delights.
Norwegian Cruise Lines has outfitted "Pride of America" with a
steakhouse restaurant serving Black Angus beef, pork and chicken;
an Asian Fusion sushi bar; a Japanese Teppanyaki room where chefs
entertain guests as they prepare their meals; a '50s rock & roll
diner; an Aloha kids café and more.
NCL has gone all out with the staterooms onboard "Pride of
America," equipping her with 660 balcony staterooms and the
broadest range of family-friendly interconnecting cabins
available at sea. All cabins have a TV, refrigerator, safe,
duvet and bathroom with shower. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a
range of staterooms on "Pride of America" from the traditional
interior to the Grande Suite. Peering out to sea from high on
Deck 12, the Grande Suite boasts a living room, dining room,
private balcony with king-sized bed, walk-in closet, baby grand
piano, CD/DVD library, two RVs, luxury bath with whirlpool, guest
bath and butler/concierge service.
The highly trained crew is eager to get underway. "Pride of
America" is currently in New York City, which is the first stop
on her maiden voyage. Her service in Hawaii begins in July 2005,
and she'll provide cruises to the Atlantic Coast, the Panama
Canal and - of course - the Hawaiian Islands.
It's a rare event to have a US-flagged ship christened. "Pride
of America" is the first in almost 50 years. If you're a fan of
cruises, you'll certainly want to book your passage on this
vessel for a spectacular vacation experience. Never been on a
cruise before? Now is definitely the time to start and Norwegian
Cruise Lines' "Pride of America" is the vessel to take you off to
exciting and tropical destinations!
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center based in
Yonkers, New York. Visit them online at
http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com today for the best deals to
the most exciting destinations on the most popular cruise lines
in the world. You'll find their service exceptional and their
attention to detail second to none.
|
