London, 20th May 2003 – Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the names for its first two Project America ships, which will begin sailing the Hawaiian islands next year. Project America 1 will be named “Pride of America”, reflecting the “Best of America” theme on board. The second Project America ship, currently sailing as Norwegian Sky, will be reflagged into the US registry, and will be renamed, “Pride of Aloha” reflecting the strong Hawaiian theme to be incorporated during a complete refurbishment in September 2004. The ships will sail under the company’s new U.S. Flag brand – NCL America – with 100 percent US officers and crew.

Pride of America
Pride of America will be the first new ocean-going Guest ship in nearly 50 years to sail under the American flag. She will begin service in Hawaii in July 2004, offering seven-night inter-island cruises starting in Honolulu. UK Guests will be offered seven-night holiday extensions, with stopovers in Las Vegas.

The ship will feature the innovative attributes of NCL’s newest Freestyle Cruising fleet. There will be a selection of eight restaurants offering everything from traditional dining experiences in two main restaurants to a wide range of alternative choices including French, Italian and Asian.

Pride of America has over 660 balcony staterooms, the broadest range of family-friendly interconnecting cabins available at sea, state-of-the-art entertainment venues, three pools, extensive children’s facilities, an abundance of spacious public rooms, and the largest dedicated meeting facilities at sea. The ship will also include several firsts for NCL including a Conservatory, a new category of Family Suites, a Tennis Court and an Art Gallery. All areas of the ship will be inspired by the diverse regions of the United States, reflecting the Pride of America name.

Pride of Aloha
Currently Norwegian Sky, Pride of Aloha is a modern 2,002-Guest ship that was the first NCL ship to offer Freestyle Cruising when NCL first introduced the concept in 2002. Reflagged under the US flag, she will be 100 percent US crewed and will start her Hawaii service in October 2004, offering three and four night cruises starting from Honolulu. UK Guests will be able to take advantage of a ‘cruise and stay’ itinerary, adding to their four-night cruise, with a seven-night land based holiday. NCL will be announcing detailed plans for the redesign of the ship in the next few months.

“As the first new ocean-going ship to hoist the Stars and Stripes in nearly 50 years, Pride of America has been designed to reflect many diverse parts of the country,” said Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL. “From an Alaskan Gold Rush Pub to a New Orleans’ Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge to a Hawaii-themed Aloha Café and Waikiki Bar, Guests will be able to experience the flavour of the US while enjoying the Aloha Spirit of the Hawaii crew on board.

“Pride of Aloha will be a great addition to the NCL American brand and also our Hawaii fleet. As Norwegian Sky, this wonderful vessel pioneered Freestyle Cruising for NCL, and she is set to continue this tradition, complete with her new Hawaiian themed interior.

“We are confident that the addition of these new ships to our fleet will continue to ensure our Hawaii offer is unbeaten by any cruise line on the sea.”

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May 20, 2003