Norwegian Cruise Line to introduce Starbucks, other enhancements aboard Pride of America

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a significant refurbishment for Pride of America, the only U.S.-flagged cruise ship offering year-round inter-island sailings in Hawaii. 

From May 3rd to 31st, 2025, the ship will undergo a nearly three-week dry dock period, introducing a suite of enhancements designed to give guests more choice, comfort, and onboard activities.

Among the most visible updates is the addition of a Starbucks café, which will be situated in The Capitol Atrium on Deck 5. The inclusion of the globally recognised coffee brand is part of Norwegian’s broader effort to expand culinary and lifestyle offerings across its fleet. 

For guests seeking more active pursuits, the existing sports court will soon accommodate pickleball—one of the fastest-growing recreational sports in North America—offering a new way for passengers to engage in friendly competition at sea.

In terms of accommodations, Pride of America will feature 12 newly added Club Balcony Suites and three additional Inside Staterooms, all located on Deck 12. The new staterooms aim to offer more options for guests seeking upgraded amenities and flexible price points.

Families cruising with children will also see improvements. Splash Academy, Norwegian’s youth programme for children aged 3 to 12, and Entourage, its dedicated teen club, will be relocated to Deck 6. 

This area formerly housed the S/S America Library, Internet Café, and Chapel. These facilities will be reconfigured to accommodate a new Library and Card Room, reviving the spirit of the former Shuffles Card Room while better aligning with evolving guest preferences.

“Delivering the best vacation experience for our guests, where they have the freedom and flexibility to do more of what they love, is and will always continue to be our goal,” said David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. 

“By listening to guests’ feedback, we are excited to provide them with more to do on board as Pride of America continues to offer the world’s only seven-day inter-island Hawaii voyages departing from Honolulu 52 weeks out of the year,” he added.

Following her dry dock and refurbishment, Pride of America will return to service on May 31st, 2025, resuming her unique seven-day itinerary that visits four Hawaiian islands: Oahu, Maui, the Island of Hawaii, and Kauai. 

With nearly 100 hours of port time—including overnight stays in Maui and Kauai—the itinerary remains a sought-after option for travellers seeking an immersive Hawaiian cruise experience.