Norwegian Cruise Line is forging ahead with its major Hawaii
expansion, despite the shipyard accident that damaged the Pride of
America on Jan. 14.
The Pride of America will be replaced by the Pride of Aloha,
currently sailing as the Norwegian Sky. The 1999-built Sky will
undergo a massive renovation in May before launching the NCL
America program in Hawaii on July 4.
Hawaiian designer Mary Philpotts will oversee the new look of
the Aloha. In addition, the hull will be wrapped in a lei, painting
on a design by Hawaii artist Linda Umstead.
One new feature will be the first Bishop Museum Collection at
Sea. NCL said more details will be released in coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian Sky’s 2004 Alaska program out of
Seattle will now be operated by the SuperStar Leo, a 77,000-ton
vessel that is part of NCL parent Star Cruises. Built in 1999, the
Leo was built to Freestyle Cruising standards with seven
restaurants.
Passengers booked on the Sky’s Alaska cruises will be
transferred to the SuperStar Leo. Likewise, those booked on the
Pride of America will be switched to the Pride of Aloha or receive
a refund.
The Pride of America took on water during a severe storm and
listed at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Germany. NCL is still
evaluating the extent of the damage and when the ship might enter
service. The Pride of America is built on the hull that was
constructed in Mississippi as part of the ill-fated Project
American program.
