Pride of America Gets Make-Over

Pride of America

Enhancements in 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that its U.S.-flagged cruise ship, Pride of America, which sails the Hawaiian Islands, will undergo a $30M refurbishment in Spring 2013.

The ship will enter a 14 day dry-dock in Honolulu, HI, March 23, 2013, at which time it will receive major renovations including the addition of 24 ultra-luxurious suites, four Studio staterooms and four inside staterooms; Moderno Churrascaria, the line's signature Brazilian-style steakhouse; ship wide wireless internet connectivity; new carpeting throughout; flat screen televisions in all staterooms; updated décor; upgrades to the fitness center; new directional signage; renovations to the gift shop, photo gallery and art gallery; and much more.

Deck 13 Transformation

• Four Studio cabins will be added for solo travelers
• Twenty-four suites will be added
• Four inside cabins

Deluxe Owners Suites

•  Two  566 square foot suites
•  sleeping up to four guests
•  large bedroom, separate living area 
• 410 square foot balcony
•  premium custom furnishings, fabrics, carpets
•  state of the art bathroom featuring custom mosaic tiles
•  connecting doors to the adjacent Family Suites
•  sleeping up to 10 guests when combined
•  perfect option for families or groups who wish to travel in luxury together

Family Suites

•  ranging from 363 to 416 square feet
•  most sleeping up to six guests
•  two ADA compliant for guests with disabilities
•  245 square foot balcony

All of the new suites and staterooms will go on sale October 1, 2012 for sailings beginning September 7, 2013.

 

Additional Enhancements 

 

Green means "go" for food

Moderno Churrascaria

• Norwegian's signature Brazilian-style steakhouse
• cost is $20 per person  

Cagney's Steakhouse

•  Lazy J's Steakhouse will be converted

If you aren't familiar with these signature restaurants, see our past blog posts for more details - these are big favorites of passengers on other ships.    Dine like a Norwegian !!

 
Additional Renovations

•  new carpeting throughout the ship
•  flat-screen TVs in all cabins
•  upgrades to the fitness center
•  new directional signage
•  renovated gift shop, photo gallery and art gallery
•  updated decor in the Aloha Cafe, the ship's buffet restaurant

Pride of America will return to her seven-day Hawaii itinerary departing from Honolulu every Saturday when she returns to service in early April 2013. Ports of call include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawai`i; Kona, Hawai`i; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; and an afternoon cruise past the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.  This ship is the only one in the entire industry that sails a seven-day itinerary in the islands.

Moderno Churrascaria

Norwegian Epic Moderno Churrascaria

Tableside Carving on Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Epic dining has a wide array of tastes to satisfy the most serious foodies' palate.  There are 20 dining options, each offering a unique atmosphere so you can have upscale and elegant one night, laid-back and casual the next.

Green Means Go ... Your Plate will Fill up Fast

Norwegian Epic's Churrascaria

A churrascaria is a Brazilian steakhouse.
Churrasco is the cooking style, which translates roughly from the Portuguese for 'barbecue'.

Save Room for Picanha

Passadores (meat waiters) come to your table with knives and a skewer, on which are speared various kinds of meat, be it beef, pork, filet mignon, lamb, chicken, sausage, fish, or any other sort of local cut of meat. A common cut of beef top sirloin cap is known as Picanha.   This prized cut of   sirloin is know for it's rich flavor.

Moderno's Meat Selections

Advice: Pace Yourself

If you've never been to a Churrascaria before, you could quickly find too much food on your plate.    In Moderno, just like in other traditional Churrascarias, there is a sumptuous salad bar which is typically where you start.    

Your table setting will include knife, fork, spoon, and two important items unique to a Brazilian steakhouse:   tongs to grab the meat selections and a card with red on one side and green on the other.    Turn your card to green and you'll be swarmed by servers displaying various cuts of meat.   Chose as many as you like to fill your plate.

Red = Stop

Tip #1:   Don't fill up on the salad, there's too much other food to savor coming up next.  You will be tempted because there are many of the great selections.
 
Tip #2:  Take a break and savor your meal.   The waiters aren't going to chase you out of the restaurant.   You want to enjoy your meal, and experience all the different meat selections.  

Tip #3: Communicate your likes and dislikes to your servers.   When the passadores bring a meat selection, they will usually have more than one meat doneness.  If you like your meats a particular way, let them know and they'll be happy to bring your choice to you. 

Tip #4: Leave room for dessert.   We couldn't decide what to have, so we chose them all.

Moderno Churrascaria is the best kept secret on Norwegian Epic.   It is well worth the extra service charge.   A restaurant like this on land would cost you around $50 or more per person not including beverages or dessert.

More Pictures on our FB Fan Page: Moderno Churrascaria Album