2005 Panama Canal Cruise -- Pride of America Interior Images

Updated August 14, 2005

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The NCL America "Pride of America" is a completely new cruise ship, and the first to be built as an American flagged ship in many years. We expect that many of the visitors to this website have come to see the Pride, and not necessarily to see the photos of our wonderful cruise through the Panama Canal. So, by all means take a look at the images we took inside this lovely ship.

To add a "Hawaiian" flavor to the ship, NCL has installed a wonderful collection of small artworks along the hallways of the cabin decks, 7 thru 10. When you are on the Pride, be sure to walk along the hallways on your deck and look at the pictures. They are small jewels, some photographic, others the work of very talented Hawaiian artists. All were carefully selected to highlight aspects of Hawaiian culture.

By the way, there has been a lot of reaction to the decorative tiles present in the public men's restrooms. Our take on them is that they are the ultimate "shipyard worker" joke. The bathroom humor is undoubtedly funny to Europeans, but we're not sure if Americans will find them quite as funny. You will have to decide for yourselves. Bob took photos of as many different tiles as he could find, but the photos are not posted on this website.

These pictures were taken primarily with our (now not so) new Kodak DX6490, which we love. The 10x optical zoom is great, and the electronics do a fine job of automatic adjustment and flash operations.

The new computer screen system was started after a few days. This lists availability of seating at the restaurants.	Full-screen view	The Liberty Restaurant, the upper level of the two main dining areas. The lower level is the Skyline Restaurant. This restaurant is appointed with styles from 1776 and images of the Founding Fathers.	The wall mural at the entrance to the Liberty Restaurant lights up.	Unlighted
One of our Cruisecritic group dinners at the Liberty. They have nice round tables for 6 with window views.	The "Teppanyaki Room" inside the "East Meets West" restaurant. We really enjoyed this (extra cost) restaurant, and the price was worth it.	Another view of the "Teppanyaki Room"	A view of the Aloha Cafe, which is the buffet area. There is a lot of seating, in several separate areas.	More of the Aloha Cafe
The Aloha Cafe in use. Both people and equipment have to pass each other in the walkway (similar to the Star).	Food stations in the Aloha Cafe. These are well designed. The only crush we had was for beverages, but there are other beverage stations.	Yum!	More food stations	More...
The Cadillac Diner. This was our favorite eating place. They had troubles at the start, but it became very efficient, and the food is GOOD.	Happy diners at the Cadillac Diner	More Cadillac Diner...	Oh yes, the Diner has outside seating, too. We enjoyed watching the Panama Canal slip by, while devouring our meat loaf and wings.	The Gold Rush Saloon, our favorite bar. They had a great selection of microbrews (Anchor Libery Ale, Sierra Nevada, etc), at about the same price as the usual brands at the rest of the bars.
The theme of the Gold Rush is Alaska's gold rush, including this stuffed bear on the wall.	Balcony area of Grand Suite, 12006. One of our Cruisecritic groups bought this suite, and invited us up for a drink and view of our departure from Miami. There is a jacuzzi on this balcony.	Inside the Grand Suite. You can see the bedroom area from the living/dining room.	Also inside the Grand Suite. Looking across the living room. The Cruisecritic folks are watching the big-screen TV.	The Lana'i Bar is foward at 13, part of the "conference center", and used only for official events like the Cruisecritic get-together.
Another view of the Lana'i Bar, this time it is formal night, and there is a Captain's reception.	Our balcony cabin, 7168, looking at the bed. You can see the corner storage area in the reflection. The bathroom is behind the white bulkhead.	Looking back at the door, Bob barring the way. Bathroom on the left, closet on the right	Peeking into bathroom, you can see the vacuum toilet and the shower. The room and bathroom were very small, compared with those we've had on the NCL Star and RCCL Legend of the Seas.	Looking toward the balcony, you see the bed, and "the world's hardest couch" (same construction as on the NCL Star). The balcony was actually roomy enough for two people.
Foot of bed, television/storage area (safe was located here). As you can see, the cabin decorations are actually quite nice.	Taken at Panama, this photo shows that our room and balcony are set back from the edge of the ship.	Looking up toward our cabin, note the inset. The folks nearest the stern would have their view greatly blocked.	Closer view of our cabin balcony	The "atrium" is just over 2 stories high, with the lower floor having a beautiful Great Seal of the United States.
Closeup of the Seal. This area is just in front of the purser's desk.	Grand staircase from level 5 to 6. Level 6 here has the cigar bar (Bob's favorite) and Pink's Champagne Bar.	Looking across the atrium. Yes, that is a glass sculpture of the Washington Monument.	Looking down the grand staircase. Pink's Champagne Bar is in the background of the upper level.	Entrance to the cigar area. They have two large air cleaners near the comfy chairs. (It took some coaxing, however, to get the staff to put our ash trays.)
Bob in Cigar Bar	Looking from Cigar Bar	Pink's Champagne Bar	More of Pink's Champagne Bar	Entrance to the Hollywood Theatre, where the evening shows take place.
Inside the Hollywood Theatre. You can see that there is pretty good leg room. "Oscar" statues line the walls.	More theatre...	Musician on stage at Hollywood Theatre	Passengers waiting to debark. The stairs are crammed full, as people try to get down to level 3.	The Library
More Library...	More Library...	More Library...	The stairways are decorated with stunning panoramic photos. The rear stairs are all Hawai'ian themes, such as these beautiful hula dancers.	Closeup of the "kumu hula" (hula teacher/master). Other stairways on the ship have photos of famous American sights.
Looking into the Atrium, which is at the same level as the pool. This is a relatively quiet and well-lit place to read.

2005 Panama Canal Cruise -- Pride of America Interior Images

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