Seafarers already have reported aboard the Pride of America to begin training on the ship, which currently is undergoing finishing touches in a German shipyard. The NCL America vessel is the first new U.S.-flagged cruise ship in almost 50 years. (The Pride of Aloha, which began its maiden voyage last summer, was the former Bahamian-flagged Norwegian Sky, which reflagged U.S. on June 7, 2004). Sea trials are scheduled this month, and NCL America will take delivery of the Pride of America on June 6. Christening ceremonies will take place in New York later in the month and then in July the vessel will cruise out of San Francisco to begin year-round, seven-night cruises around the Hawaiian Islands.
The new ship will carry a “Best of America” theme inside and out. From bow to stern, the SIU-crewed Pride of America salutes the many regions of the United States. Vibrant artwork of stars and stripes adorns the hull, and every inch of the vessel’s décor is dedicated to the places America loves. An Alaskan Gold Rush Saloon, a New Orleans-style Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge, a French restaurant inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and a Waikiki Bar are just a few of the great choices that include eight restaurants and 10 bars and lounges.
The Pride of America is a truly modern ship, offering state-of-the-art digital technology in each stateroom to allow guests to customize their cruise experience in the comfort and privacy of their own cabins. NCL’s new ship also has the line’s first family suites, each with balcony, living room and a private bedroom.
The vessel is 921 feet long with a beam of 106 feet. It features 15 decks and will have a passenger capacity of more than 2,100.
Next year, NCL America plans to launch a third SIU-crewed cruise ship—the Pride of Hawaii. Once this third vessel has been added to the fleet, NCL America’s U.S.-flag ships are expected to generate more than $828 million in U.S. economic activity and 20,400 jobs, according to a study by one of the nation’s leading economic consultancies.
Seafarers who are filling the unlicensed positions aboard the NCL America vessels are being trained at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. and at its affiliated Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii. These facilities offer a number of curriculums, including fire fighting and safety training. In addition to the on-the-job shipboard training now taking place in Germany, mock passenger cabins have been reproduced in their entirety at the Paul Hall Center. The replica cabins are identical in shape and size—and with the same furniture and amenities—as the ones aboard the cruise liner and are helping train housekeepers on specific job aspects of efficient cleaning.
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