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Pride of America refurbishment created 'essentially a new ship'

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East Meets West - a new. modern look
'This is much more than just a fresh coat of paint and new drapes. Pride of America is now essentially a new ship,' Norwegian Cruise Line president Andy Stuart said of the Hawaii-based vessel's just-completed refurbishment.

The work was carried out at BAE Systems Ship Repair San Francisco, and it was one of Norwegian's most costly drydocks due to the 21 days out of service (14 days in the dock and five for each way of the crossing).

Many of Pride of America’s public spaces, along with several restaurants, bars and lounges, were refreshed from top to bottom with an updated look with new contemporary décor, furniture, lighting and flooring. Every stateroom received new bedding, new furniture, new flat-screen televisions and updated flooring.

Among the new spaces are Soho Art Gallery, featuring original works of art available for purchase; Perspectives Photo Studio, an area for couples, families and friends to have professional photographs taken; and Dolce Gelato, Norwegian’s signature gelateria. Couples can tie the knot during any port call at the ship’s wedding chapel, now in a new location on Deck 6 with new flooring, furniture and wall fixtures.

The pool deck underwent a complete refurbishment to create an upscale look with a refinished pool, new loungers and Jacuzzis.

For passengers seeking some quiet time, the Conservatory was completely transformed with new furniture, flooring and modern décor, and the library and card rooms were outfitted with new flooring, furniture and six computer stations for Internet access.

The Mandara Spa was expanded and revitalized to provide more treatment rooms for massages and facials. The spa will have a New Mexican décor with soft, neutral colors and natural elements like stone and wood for a tranquil atmosphere.

Pride of America's dining enhancements include extensive renovations to all the complimentary dining venues, most notably the Skyline Main Dining Room, which received a refreshed look with new décor including a new entrance, new carpet design, new furniture upholstery, new drapes and new columns throughout. La Cucina, Norwegian’s signature Italian restaurant, was transformed into an elegant, intimate venue for fine Italian fare.

The specialty restaurants East Meets West, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Jefferson’s Bistro also received enhancements and now sport a modern look with new flooring, reupholstered furniture, new artwork, lighting fixtures and new window treatments.

Building on the success of the enhanced menus aboard the new Norwegian Escape, Pride of America now has new menus in all dining outlets with additional choices and à la carte priced items in complimentary dining rooms and specialty restaurants. There is more variety, and a balance of popular traditional dishes like prime rib, chateaubriand, rack of lamb and escargot with current dining trends.

Pride of America resumed service on Saturday as the only ship that sails year-round, weekly intra-Hawaii cruises that offer nearly 100 hours of port time.