Ship Comparison
Pride of America vs Norwegian Luna
For a deep dive into Hawaii's beauty, choose Pride of America; for a cutting-edge, thrill-filled Caribbean escape, Norwegian Luna is your next adventure.
The verdict
The Pride of America delivers an intimate, destination-rich Hawaiian experience with daily port calls and a focus on local culture, ideal for those prioritizing immersive exploration and stellar service in a comfortable setting. Norwegian Luna, a larger and newer Prima Plus vessel, caters to thrill-seekers and luxury aficionados with groundbreaking attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster, expansive Haven suites, and a vibrant array of dining and entertainment, perfect for an energetic Caribbean getaway.
Choose Pride of America if…
Travelers seeking an immersive, destination-focused Hawaiian cruise with a relaxed atmosphere and personalized service, particularly families and couples.
Best for
- Families seeking cultural immersion in Hawaii with dedicated kids' clubs and daily port calls.
- Couples over 30 looking for a comfortable, relaxed, and spacious cruise with attentive service.
- Travelers prioritizing deep cultural engagement and extensive exploration of Hawaiian islands.
- Foodies who appreciate diverse dining options, especially at specialty restaurants, and are willing to pay extra for premium experiences.
Avoid if
- Travelers on a strict budget for dining, as the best food often comes with an additional cost.
- Those who prefer high-energy nightlife and a bustling casino scene, as evenings are generally tame and there is no casino.
- Guests who dislike pre-planning, as popular shore excursions fill up quickly and require advance booking.
- Cruisers seeking cutting-edge, high-tech thrills like rollercoasters or extensive VR experiences.
Choose Norwegian Luna if…
Guests looking for a high-energy, innovative cruise experience with a strong emphasis on thrilling activities, diverse dining, and luxurious suite accommodations.
Best for
- Luxury travelers seeking exclusive, opulent experiences with personalized butler and concierge service in The Haven.
- Adrenaline junkies and tech enthusiasts looking for innovative thrills like the Aqua Slidecoaster and VR gaming.
- Guests who desire vibrant entertainment, from Broadway-style shows to themed parties and live music.
- Culinary explorers eager for diverse, innovative dining, including new Thai and Mediterranean specialty restaurants, and unique food hall concepts.
- Wellness advocates who prioritize extensive spa facilities, advanced treatments, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with scenic views.
Avoid if
- Budget-conscious travelers, as many premium experiences and specialty dining options incur extra costs.
- Those seeking a quiet, intimate cruise experience, as the ship is large and designed for high energy and crowds.
- Guests who dislike booking popular attractions in advance, as wait times can be significant for thrilling activities.
- Travelers who prefer a traditional, understated cruise atmosphere over modern, innovation-focused design.
Overall Vibe
Pride of America
Built in 2005 and significantly enhanced in 2016, the Pride of America offers a distinctively American and Hawaii-focused experience. This mainstream ship, with its 2,186 passenger capacity across 14 decks, leans into a comfortable, island-hopping adventure. The vibe is one of relaxed exploration, prioritizing destination immersion with its unique itinerary that features no sea days. Onboard, you'll find a blend of classic cruise amenities and touches reflecting its patriotic theme, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like a floating resort specifically designed for appreciating the Hawaiian islands.
Norwegian Luna
As a brand-new Prima Plus class vessel launching in 2026, Norwegian Luna promises a cutting-edge and energetic atmosphere. Designed to be 10% larger than previous Prima ships, it will host 3,550 guests across at least 20 decks, offering expansive outdoor spaces and a vibrant, modern feel. The ship's hull art, 'La Luna' by Elle, sets a whimsical tone, while features like the Aqua Slidecoaster and Infinity Beach suggest a focus on thrilling activities and luxurious relaxation. It's poised to deliver a sophisticated yet lively experience, pushing boundaries in cruise ship design and entertainment.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Pride of America
With a guest capacity of 2,186 and a dedicated crew of 950, the Pride of America maintains a comfortable guest-to-crew ratio, contributing to its "stellar customer service" vibe. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and family-friendly, appealing to those who prioritize active, cultural exploration of Hawaii. Evenings are typically calm, with diverse lounge options like the Gold Rush Saloon for live music or Pink's Champagne Bar for a quieter drink. The lack of a casino, due to its U.S. registration, also contributes to a more subdued, destination-focused ambiance, especially appealing to those less inclined towards gambling.
Norwegian Luna
Norwegian Luna, a larger vessel with a capacity for 3,550 passengers and a crew of 1,388, is designed for a more energetic and diverse crowd. Its innovative attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster and the Glow Court suggest a lively, interactive environment appealing to families and thrill-seekers. The emphasis on expansive outdoor spaces and a multitude of bars, including the sustainable Metropolitan Bar and the interactive Bull's Eye Bar, indicates a vibrant social scene. The ship aims for a modern, energetic atmosphere that balances high-octane fun with sophisticated relaxation zones like the Vibe Beach Club.
Dining
Pride of America
Dining on Pride of America offers a mix of complimentary and specialty experiences. Included options range from the traditional American fare at Skyline Restaurant and Liberty Restaurant, to the 24/7 Cadillac Diner and the sprawling Aloha Café buffet with its dedicated Kid's Cafe. For those seeking elevated flavors, additional-cost venues like Jefferson's Bistro for French cuisine, Cagney's Steakhouse, and La Cucina for Italian provide a more refined setting. Teppanyaki and Moderno Churrascaria add international flair, ensuring a diverse culinary journey, though the best gastronomic experiences often come with a fee.
Norwegian Luna
Norwegian Luna boasts an impressive and innovative culinary landscape, featuring several new and returning specialty restaurants. Guests can explore Mediterranean seafood at Palomar, authentic Thai dishes at Sukhothai, or traditional Mexican flavors at Los Lobos. Included options include Hudson's with its scenic 270-degree views, The Local Bar & Grill for pub favorites, and the expansive Indulge Food Hall offering 10 mini-restaurants, including the plant-based Planterie. This ship emphasizes diverse, high-quality, and often experiential dining, with a strong lean towards unique, additional-cost venues to truly explore its global offerings.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Pride of America
Entertainment on Pride of America centers around a blend of classic cruise activities and Hawaiian cultural immersion. The Hollywood Theatre hosts productions like 'Aloha Polynesia' and various shows, while venues like the Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge and Gold Rush Saloon offer live music and karaoke. Daytime activities include Hawaiian enrichment classes, trivia, and deck games like shuffleboard and giant chess. While there's a Video Arcade for younger guests, the ship notably lacks a casino. Nightlife is generally more relaxed, with bars such as Pink's Champagne Bar providing a quieter ambiance.
Norwegian Luna
Norwegian Luna is designed for high-energy entertainment and a dynamic nightlife. Thrill-seekers will gravitate towards the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world's first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, and the 10-story free-fall slide, The Drop. The Aqua and Luna Game Zone offers VR experiences and retro arcade games. Evening entertainment includes major production shows like 'Rocket Man: A Celebration of Elton John' and 'HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder,' alongside themed deck parties, a retro disco, and live-band karaoke. The Vibe Beach Club provides an adult-only oasis that transforms into a party spot after dark.
Cabins & Suites
Pride of America
Pride of America offers a wide array of accommodations to suit various travel styles. Standard rooms, from Inside (132 sq ft) to Oceanview (144 sq ft) and Balcony (179-233 sq ft), feature modern cherry wood finishes and amenities like flat-screen TVs. Unique options include Solo Studios (107 sq ft) with access to a Studio Lounge, and Family Balconies. For luxury, suites range from Penthouse (363-650 sq ft) to the expansive Owner's Suites (570-1382 sq ft), offering king beds, walk-in closets, whirlpool tubs, large balconies (some with private hot tubs), and exclusive butler and concierge services.
Norwegian Luna
Norwegian Luna emphasizes spacious and luxurious accommodations, particularly within its "Largest Haven" complex, which boasts 123 suites. This includes opulent three-bedroom Duplex Haven Suites with multiple bathrooms, large balconies, and panoramic windows, complemented by 24-hour butler and concierge service. Beyond The Haven, the ship offers a variety of spacious standard staterooms across inside, oceanview, and balcony categories. Notably, it features NCL's latest solo stateroom categories (solo inside, solo oceanview, solo balcony), catering to single travelers with thoughtful design and dedicated amenities.
Service & Onboard Style
Pride of America
The Pride of America prides itself on "stellar customer service," a consistent highlight from guest feedback, thanks in part to its 950-person crew. The onboard style is a blend of mainstream comfort with a distinctive American and Hawaiian theme, evident in venues like the Liberty Restaurant and Waikiki Bar. Suite guests benefit from enhanced service, including butler and concierge assistance, priority check-in, and exclusive dining access. The ship's overall ambiance is designed to feel welcoming and patriotic, reflecting its U.S. flag and exclusive Hawaii itinerary.
Norwegian Luna
As a new Prima Plus class vessel, Norwegian Luna is designed with a modern, sophisticated style, from its "breathtaking hull art" to its wide-open outdoor spaces. Service in The Haven is elevated with 24-hour butler and concierge service, private dining, and exclusive sun decks, setting a high standard for luxury. Across the rest of the ship, the focus is on Personalized service within its larger, energetic environment. The ship's design aims for a contemporary elegance, blending innovative features with comfortable guest experiences, supported by its 1,388 crew members.
Best Itineraries
Pride of America
The Pride of America offers a singular, highly sought-after itinerary: year-round cruises from Honolulu, exploring four Hawaiian islands and five ports in seven days, crucially with "no sea days." This allows for unparalleled destination immersion, appealing to guests who want to maximize their time ashore and experience the diverse culture and natural beauty of Hawaii without the need for international travel documents often associated with foreign-flagged ships. It is perfectly suited for those desiring an in-depth, convenient Hawaiian adventure.
Norwegian Luna
Norwegian Luna is set to sail Caribbean itineraries from Miami, offering guests a vibrant and sun-drenched experience. Its newness and array of innovative attractions, from the Aqua Slidecoaster to Infinity Beach and the Great Stirrup Cay private island experience, are perfectly matched for a fun-filled Caribbean cruise. These itineraries appeal to travelers looking for a dynamic mix of relaxation, adventure, and diverse port calls, with the added benefit of NCL's enhanced private island offerings.
What reviewers say
Pride of America
4.5/5The Pride of America, significantly enhanced in 2016, offers a stylish and comfortable journey through Hawaii with daily port calls and exceptional service. It caters to diverse interests with a variety of venues, though some of the best dining options come with an additional fee and entertainment could be more robust.
Norwegian Luna
Norwegian Luna is poised to be a next-generation Prima Plus class vessel, mirroring its sister ship Norwegian Aqua with innovative features and expanded spaces. It promises a blend of luxury, thrill, and diverse entertainment, catering to a wide array of travelers.
Itineraries to compare
Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.
Pride of America
Norwegian Luna
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

Ship Guide
Pride of America: Your Hawaiian Islands Cruise
Discover a stylish and comfortable journey through Hawaii with exceptional service and diverse venues on Pride of America.

Ship Guide
Norwegian Luna: Next-Generation Prima Plus Class Ship
Discover Norwegian Luna, a Prima Plus vessel mirroring Aqua's innovative features and expanded spaces for every traveler.
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