PRIDE OF AMERICA
NCL AMERICA TO CHRISTEN LARGEST EVER & FIRST NEWLY BUILT US-FLAG SHIP IN NEARLY 50 YEARS
View This Historic Event Via Live Webcast!
MIAMI On June 17, 2005, NCL America will inaugurate the largest U.S.-flagged ship ever built and the first newly constructed cruise ship to join the U.S. register in nearly 50 years, Pride of America. Travel agents and the American public will have the opportunity to have a front row seat at this historic nautical event during a live webcast as the Honorable Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, christens the all-American vessel at an official onboard ceremony.
Pride of America is a spectacular salute to the diversity of the United States and is designed to represent the best of America. As a U.S.-flagged ship, Pride of America also has the freedom to sail between U.S. ports of call without the need to include foreign ports, and will provide guests with the unique experience of a U.S.-based crew. In July, Pride of America will join Pride of Aloha in sailing the islands of Hawai`i.
NCL has long been deemed an industry leader, breaking the conventional model for cruising. This week, NCL America is proud to introduce a whole new cruise experience -- one that represents all that America and Hawai`i have to offer, said Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL America. The presentation of this new U.S.-flagged, U.S.-crewed ship is truly a milestone for NCL and the cruise industry.
Representing some of the United States proudest assets, Pride of America is a tapestry of Americana, including vibrant stars and stripes hull artwork, a New Orleans-style Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge, Alaskan Gold Rush Saloon, Napa Wine Bar, Capitol Atrium, Santa Fe Spa and Fitness Center, Newbury Street Shopping area, Washington Library and the ship's Hollywood Theatre.
In addition to offering NCLs signature Freestyle Cruising and superior customer service, the vessel also features several firsts for NCL including an onboard tennis court, a new category of Family Suites, the Soho Art Gallery and a Conservatory touting a tropical landscaped garden.
After a series of coastal sailings, Pride of America will arrive in her homeport of Honolulu on July 23, 2005 where she will begin offering a unique itinerary no other cruise line can deliver. As the first new ocean-going passenger ship in nearly half a century to sail under the U.S. flag, Pride of America will visit all four main islands in one week-long itinerary and offer passengers up to 100 hours in port, more than any other cruise line sailing the islands. The seven-day cruises from Honolulu will feature a day in Hilo, Hawaii; two days in Kahului, Maui; a day in Kona, Hawaii; and two days in Nawiliwili, Kauai.
To view the celebratory events, visit NCLs Web site at www.ncl.com and click on the www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=29212 link at 3:30 p.m. EDT to see the stars and stripes of Pride of America and witness her glorious debut. Additional festivities at the ceremony will include traditional Hawai`i island entertainment featuring hula dancers, singers and presentations from the United States Coast Guard, the Seafarers International Union and the Maritime Trades Department of the AFL-CIO.
Web users will need to have access to the latest version of RealPlayer or Windows Media on their computer in order to link to the ceremony. RealPlayer may be downloaded free in advance through RealNetworks at www.real.com/player and Windows Media can be downloaded for free www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia.
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