Pride of America

    Norwegian Cruise Line

    Pride of America

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Cruise Line

    Norwegian Jade

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Pride of America vs Norwegian Jade

    Pride of America offers an immersive Hawaiian journey with stellar service, while Norwegian Jade delivers a globally-focused, vibrant experience with diverse dining and entertainment.

    The verdict

    Choosing between Pride of America and Norwegian Jade really comes down to your cruising priorities. If an in-depth exploration of Hawaii, with daily port calls and a distinctly American-flavored onboard experience, is at the top of your list, then Pride of America is your ship. Its 2016 refurbishment ensures a comfortable setting, and the crew's dedication to service is consistently praised. However, if you crave a more international vibe, diverse global itineraries, and a lively social scene with a casino and broader entertainment options, Norwegian Jade, with its recent modern updates, presents a compelling alternative. Both ships offer NCL's Freestyle Cruising, but their core offerings diverge significantly based on their primary operating regions and target audiences.

    Choose Pride of America if…

    Families seeking an immersive Hawaiian adventure with daily port calls and dedicated kids' programs. Couples desiring a relaxed, destination-focused cruise with quality service and cultural enrichment. Solo travelers looking for specific cabin options designed for them.

    Best for

    • In-depth Hawaiian island exploration
    • Families with younger children
    • Cultural immersion and enrichment
    • Guests who prefer no casino onboard
    • Relaxed, destination-focused cruising

    Avoid if

    • You prefer extensive sea days over daily port calls
    • You seek a lively, late-night party scene with a casino
    • You're looking for global itineraries beyond Hawaii
    • You find limited storage in standard cabins problematic
    • You dislike the idea of shore excursions filling up quickly

    Choose Norwegian Jade if…

    Families with children and teens who appreciate diverse activities and dedicated clubs. Couples and social explorers seeking a vibrant, international atmosphere with varied dining, entertainment, and a casino. Global wanderers keen on exploring multiple regions with a flexible, modern cruise experience.

    Best for

    • Diverse global itineraries (Caribbean, Alaska, Asia, etc.)
    • Guests who enjoy a lively social scene and casino
    • Families with teens seeking varied activities
    • Those who appreciate a modern, recently refurbished ship
    • Culinary adventurers seeking extensive specialty dining

    Avoid if

    • You prefer a quieter, more subdued onboard atmosphere
    • You are strictly budget-conscious for all activities, as many incur extra fees
    • You prefer a smaller, more intimate ship experience
    • You dislike potential noise from lively venues affecting quiet areas
    • You are looking for larger standard cabins

    Overall Vibe

    Pride of America

    The Pride of America, built in 2005 and significantly refreshed in a 2016 dry dock, offers a distinct, American-flagged experience focused entirely on the Hawaiian islands. Across its 14 decks, it provides a comfortable and spacious mainstream cruise environment. The ship embraces a destination-intensive ethos, with daily port calls that allow for deep cultural immersion. Its style is geared towards a relaxed, island-hopping journey, appealing to guests who prioritize exploration and a strong connection to the local culture. The ship's unique registration means no casino onboard, contributing to its family-friendly, culturally rich atmosphere.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade, launched in 2006 and recently refurbished prior to 2026, presents a modern, vibrant atmosphere catering to a global audience across its 15 decks. While slightly larger with a capacity for 2,402 passengers, it maintains an intimate feel. The ship's recent updates have instilled a fresh look, blending modern décor with diverse entertainment and dining options. Its design supports a free-flowing, engaging environment suitable for various travel styles, from active families to social explorers. Norwegian Jade is built for those who enjoy a lively ship experience alongside a wide array of international itineraries.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Pride of America

    With a capacity for 2,186 passengers and a dedicated crew of 950, Pride of America fosters a relaxed and attentive atmosphere, reflecting a crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:2.3. The ship attracts a significant number of families and couples, particularly those seeking a destination-focused Hawaiian experience. Evenings tend to be calmer, without the boisterous crowds often found on other ships. The overall ambiance is one of comfortable exploration, where guests can enjoy the scenic beauty of the islands by day and unwind in a more subdued setting by night, supported by stellar customer service.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade, accommodating 2,402 passengers and served by 1,100 crew members, maintains a lively yet friendly atmosphere, with a crew-to-guest ratio of about 1:2.1. Its diverse itineraries draw an international crowd, creating a cosmopolitan vibe. The ship's recent refurbishments contribute to a refreshed and engaging environment, balancing bustling public spaces with quieter corners. Passengers can expect a dynamic social scene, from lively bars to a bustling casino, making it suitable for those who enjoy varied activities and interacting with a diverse group of fellow travelers.

    Dining

    Pride of America

    Pride of America offers a wide selection of 13 dining options, with six complimentary choices including the Skyline and Liberty main dining rooms, the casual 24/7 Cadillac Diner, and the sprawling Aloha Cafe buffet. East Meets West Asian Fusion is also complimentary. For those seeking elevated experiences, specialty venues like Jefferson's Bistro (French), Cagney's Steakhouse, La Cucina (Italian), Teppanyaki, and Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian) are available for an additional charge. While complimentary options are varied, the ship's most refined culinary experiences are often found in these for-fee specialty restaurants, providing a satisfying gastronomic journey.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade presents an impressive array of 12 dining venues, featuring seven complimentary options such as the Grand Pacific and Alizar main dining rooms, the extensive Garden Cafe buffet, and the 24-hour O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill. The Jasmine Garden offers complimentary Asian fare. For a surcharge, guests can indulge in specialty restaurants like Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (French), La Cucina (Italian), Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian), and Teppanyaki. The ship’s Freestyle dining approach allows guests to explore these diverse cuisines at their leisure, with the for-fee options offering truly memorable culinary adventures.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Pride of America

    Entertainment on Pride of America leans towards cultural enrichment and relaxed social gatherings. The Hollywood Theatre hosts twice-daily shows, including the vibrant 'Aloha Polynesia' and various magic or comedy acts. Nightlife is centered around bars like the Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge & Nightclub, Waikiki Bar, Napa Wine Bar, and Gold Rush Saloon, often featuring live music or karaoke. As a U.S.-flagged vessel, there's no onboard casino. Activities also include Hawaiian enrichment classes, trivia, and outdoor games, creating a convivial but generally tame evening atmosphere.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade offers a more expansive and energetic entertainment scene. The Stardust Theatre showcases production shows like 'FUSIÓN' and 'Blazing Boots,' along with Broadway cabarets. Nightlife thrives in venues such as the Bliss Ultra Lounge for dancing, Mixers Martini & Cocktail Bar, and the Jade Casino & Bar for gaming. The Spinnaker Lounge serves as a secondary theater and hosts lively parties like the White Hot Party, game shows, and live music. The ship provides a dynamic mix of options, from high-energy events to more intimate lounge settings, ensuring diverse evening amusement.

    Cabins & Suites

    Pride of America

    Pride of America offers a range of 19 cabin categories, all featuring modern cherry wood finishes and amenities like flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. Solo travelers can opt for 100 sq ft Solo Studios with access to a private Studio Lounge, though this lounge lacks windows. Standard accommodations include 132 sq ft Interior cabins and 144 sq ft Oceanview staterooms, some with obstructed views. For more space, Balcony staterooms range from 179-233 sq ft. Luxury is found in the Penthouses (363-650 sq ft) and Owner's Suites (570-1382 sq ft), many with king beds, walk-in closets, and spacious balconies, complemented by butler and concierge service.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade features 18 cabin categories, with standard inside, oceanview, and balcony rooms generally smaller than average but recently updated with modern decor, flat-screen TVs, and bedside USB outlets. Bathrooms offer good water pressure and partitioned designs. The ship excels in its suite offerings, particularly within The Haven, which includes exclusive access to a private courtyard, pool, and hot tub. The Haven options range from 2-Bedroom Family Villas and Courtyard Penthouses to expansive 3-Bedroom Garden Villas, some with private sun decks, providing unparalleled luxury and privacy for discerning guests.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Pride of America

    Pride of America's onboard style reflects a comfortable and well-maintained environment, significantly benefiting from a multimillion-dollar enhancement in its 2016 dry dock, which introduced high-end furnishings and refreshed decor. The service is consistently stellar, with a dedicated crew of 950 ensuring a personalized guest experience. The U.S.-flagged status means the staff is entirely American, contributing to a distinct onboard culture. Suite guests enjoy elevated service with 24-hour butler and concierge support, adding to the ship's commitment to attentive and welcoming hospitality across all levels of accommodation.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade boasts a refreshed and modern onboard style, thanks to its recent refurbishments that have updated its atrium with contemporary furniture and a color-changing chandelier, among other areas. The service is consistently highlighted as exceptional, delivered by genuinely happy crew members who contribute to the ship’s friendly atmosphere. The Freestyle dining concept underpins the ship's flexible and relaxed approach to cruising. For guests in The Haven, exclusive concierge and butler services provide a heightened level of personalized care and attention, enhancing the overall comfort and luxury experience.

    Best Itineraries

    Pride of America

    Pride of America specializes exclusively in Hawaiian itineraries, offering year-round 7-day cruises departing from Honolulu. This unique routing visits four islands and five ports with no sea days, maximizing time ashore for exploration. Guests can delve into extensive shore excursions, from Go Local Tours to Adventure Rush activities, focused on the natural wonders and rich culture of Hawaii. The ship's itinerary is perfectly suited for travelers desiring an immersive, destination-intensive experience across the beautiful Hawaiian archipelago, making it a prime choice for those looking to explore the islands in depth.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade offers a remarkably diverse range of global itineraries, setting sail for destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, Asia, the Mexican Riviera, the Pacific Coast, the Panama Canal, and South America. This extensive choice caters to world travelers seeking varied experiences, from historical explorations to laid-back leisure. The ship's ability to reposition across continents means guests can embark on truly distinct journeys, attracting an international demographic keen on discovering multiple regions. Norwegian Jade is ideal for those who value flexibility in their cruise destinations and a ship that serves as a gateway to numerous corners of the world.

    What reviewers say

    Pride of America

    4.5/5

    The 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 Jade

    4/5

    Despite its age, Norwegian Jade holds its own among newer, flashier ships, thanks to recent refurbishments that make it look and feel like new. The ship offers excellent service and a good balance of complimentary and for-fee options.

    Itineraries to compare

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