Norwegian Adjusts Pride of America’s Itineraries in Hawaii

Norwegian Cruise Line informed booked guests of itinerary changes for the upcoming cruises onboard the Pride of America.

Sailing inter-island cruises in Hawaii, the U.S.-flagged vessel will see its visits to Kahului replaced by overnight stays at Hilo.

The change is related to the wildfires that are currently affecting Maui and impacts all cruises set to depart through August 26, 2023.

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the wildfires currently impacting the town of Lahaina in Maui,” Norwegian Cruise Line said in a prepared statement.

“We have a very special relationship with the people and islands of Hawaii, as we sail to the beautiful state year-round. It is a magical destination and one that is highly sought out by our guests for its natural beauty, culture and unparalleled experiences,” Norwegian continued noting that the “safety and security of guests and crew” remains a top priority.

As a result, the company decided to replace the visit to Maui with an overnight call to Hilo. The decision aims to avoid stressing out local resources in the region, Norwegian added.

With the change, Pride of America’s revised itinerary will also include scenic cruising past the Napali Coast, as well as an additional overnight in Nawiliwili, Kauai.

The adjusted itinerary was created in hopes of “continuing to provide the best opportunity to explore the beauty and natural wonder of the Hawaiian Islands, Norwegian Cruise Line said.

The shore excursions booked through NCL for Kahului will be automatically cancelled, the company added, with a full monetary refund of the fare paid set to be returned to the original form of payment used at the time of the reservation.

Sailing roundtrip from Honolulu, Pride of America’s regular seven-night cruise in Hawaii also includes visits to Kona.

Princess Cruises Expands with Year-Round Sailings from Los Angeles

According to a press release, Princess Cruises has added a series of new summer season cruises sailing roundtrips from Los Angeles in 2023.

Between May and August of next year, Princess Cruises will mark year-round sailings from Los Angeles aboard the Emerald Princess, a MedallionClass ship, to Mexico, Hawaii, and the California Coast, with cruises ranging from five to 16 days.

Guests on the Emerald Princess can use their Medallion wearable device to enable contactless boarding, geolocation, and other services. At the same time, all bookings include onboard dining and entertainment, as well as a variety of shore excursions, according to Princess Cruises.

The company has also launched a deal that offers $1 deposits and $50 onboard spending money per person, for guests that complete their reservations by July 19, 2022.

Summer 2023 Itineraries:

Mexican Riviera with La Paz – 7 days – Stops in Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and Ensenada – Departure dates June 24, 2023, and July 29, 2023

Hawaiian Islands – 16 days – Stops in Hilo, Honolulu, Maui (Lahaina), Kauai (Nawiliwili), and Ensenada – Departure dates: May 4, 2023, June 1, 2023, July 6, 2023, and August 5, 2023

Classic California Coast – 7 days – Overnight in San Francisco – Stops in San Diego and Ensenada – Departure dates: May 20, 2023, June 17, 2023, and July 22, 2023

Cabo San Lucas Getaway – 5 days – Overnight in Cabo San Lucas – Departure date: May 27, 2023

West Coast Getaway with San Francisco – 5 days – Stops in San Francisco and Ensenada – Departure date: July 1, 2023

Refurbished Pride of America ‘essentially a new ship’

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The refurbished East Meets West restaurant.

The Pride of America, Norwegian Cruise Line’s ship in the Hawaiian Islands, has returned from a drydock during which the ship received new venues, redesigned public spaces and refreshed décor.

The cruise line’s president, Andy Stuart, calls the Pride “essentially a new ship.”

“This is much more than just a fresh coat of paint and new drapes,” Stuart said.

Every stateroom received new bedding, new furniture, new flat-screen televisions and updated flooring.

New venues include the Soho Art Gallery, featuring works of art available for purchase; the Perspectives Photo Studio; and Dolce Gelato. The ship’s wedding chapel is in a new location on deck six with new flooring, furniture and wall fixtures.

The new Perspectives Photo Studio.
The new Perspectives Photo Studio.

The ship’s pool deck underwent a refurbishment with a refinished pool, new loungers and Jacuzzis.

The Skyline main dining room got a new entrance, new carpet design, new furniture upholstery, new window drapes and new columns throughout the restaurant. La Cucina, Norwegian’s signature Italian restaurant, is now an “elegant and intimate venue,” Norwegian said.

The ship’s specialty restaurants East Meets West, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Jefferson’s Bistro also received enhancements.

Menus in all dining outlets offer additional choices, Norwegian said.