The Pride of America stands as a unique testament to maritime ambition and the complexities of modern shipbuilding. As the sole large, active, US-flagged cruise vessel in operation, its history is a fascinating story of perseverance in the face of significant challenges.
The ship’s origins lie in “Project America,” an initiative in 2000 by American Classic Voyages to revive the tradition of US-flagged passenger liners. However, the project encountered insurmountable financial difficulties, culminating in the company’s bankruptcy in October 2001. The United States Maritime Administration’s subsequent withdrawal of funding forced Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, to halt construction, leaving the hull a mere 40% complete.
In a bold move, Norwegian Cruise Line acquired the partially built vessel and its associated materials in August 2002. They envisioned a ship that could uniquely navigate the Hawaiian Islands, adhering to the stringent requirements of the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886. This act mandates that only US-built and flagged vessels may transport passengers between US ports without a foreign port of call. This is why virtually all other cruise itineraries that begin and end at US ports must include at least one foreign port of call as it is the only way to comply with the PVSA without operating a US-flagged ship. The Pride of America‘s unique US-flagged status is the reason she alone can offer a purely Hawaiian itinerary.
The incomplete hull was subsequently towed to Lloyd Werft Shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany, for completion. During this phase, the vessel underwent significant modifications, including a lengthening from 850 feet to 920 feet, resulting in an increase in gross tonnage from 72,000 to over 80,000.
However, in January 2004, while moored at its berth at Lloyd Werft, the Pride of America became a victim of a powerful winter storm that swept across the North Sea region. The storm brought with it exceptionally high winds and heavy rainfall, creating challenging conditions within the shipyard. The combination of these factors led to a significant accumulation of water within the vessel, which was still undergoing internal fit-out. The weight of the accumulated water, coupled with the ship’s incomplete state, compromised its stability. As the vessel listed, water continued to flood into open compartments, exacerbating the situation. Eventually, the Pride of America settled onto the seabed at its berth, partially submerged up to Deck 3. The event caused extensive damage to the ship’s interior, particularly to electrical systems, HVAC equipment, and unfinished passenger cabins. The salvage operation was a complex and time-consuming undertaking. The ship had to be refloated, pumped dry, and inspected for damage. The interior had to be gutted and rebuilt, resulting in further delays and cost overruns.
This incident compelled NCL to deploy the Norwegian Sky, rebranded as the Pride of Aloha, to fulfil the Pride of America‘s scheduled itineraries. The vessel underwent refurbishment at a shipyard in San Francisco, but the Pride of Aloha faced its own operational challenges, primarily related to the PVSA’s requirement for an all-American crew. The scarcity of qualified American maritime personnel necessitated a substantial recruitment effort, resulting in operational complexities.
Despite these setbacks, Lloyd Werft proceeded with the completion of the Pride of America. The vessel’s interior was meticulously designed to reflect American cultural motifs, with public spaces showcasing elements of American heritage. Following approximately two years of intensive work, the Pride of America was delivered to NCL in June 2005, albeit with significant delays and cost overruns.
The Pride of America has since established itself as a prominent fixture in the Hawaiian cruise market. Its unique status, coupled with its all-American crew and patriotic ambiance, has resonated with passengers. The vessel offers a distinctive inter-island cruise experience, enabling guests to explore the Hawaiian archipelago with enhanced convenience.
The Pride of America‘s story is a testament to perseverance and resilience. It’s a reminder that even the most challenging projects can be overcome with determination and ingenuity. The sinking at the shipyard could have been a fatal blow, but it ultimately became a defining moment in its history, a symbol of its ability to rise above adversity.
While the story of the Pride of America is certainly one of engineering and financial challenges, it’s also a story of the human spirit, the determination to see a vision through, even when faced with overwhelming obstacles. Today, as the Pride of America sails among the Hawaiian Islands, it stands as a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring appeal of the American dream. The ship that sank in Germany, but is still sailing, and the only US-flagged large cruise ship currently sailing.