"The ship should be refloated in the next few days. Until this refloating takes place, Lloyd Werft will not be able to assess the extent of the damage or any potential delay in the delivery schedule," NCL told the press from its operations center in Miami. Norwegian Cruise Line, a subsidiary of Malaysian Star Cruises, is the current owner of the Pride of America.

NCL bought the ship as an uncompleted hull when American Classic Voyages went bankrupt in 2001. NCL transferred the ship from its original shipbuilder in Mississippi to Bremerhaven, Germany in 2002. The Lloyd Werft Shipyard is lengthening the $400 million ship by 82 feet and extending its capacity to over 2,000 passengers.
The ship shifted suddenly just after midnight on the stormy night of January 14, listing about 15 degrees to starboard. The Pride of America took on water and settled on the bottom of the harbor, with three decks submerged.

When the ship listed, it caused a construction crane to crash into a building, injuring three workers on the ship.

The Pride of America will be the first oceangoing ship in 50 years to fly the flag of the United States. Being a U.S.-flagged ship qualifies the Pride of America to cruise itineraries that include only U.S. ports, such as around the Hawaiian islands. The Jones Act, passed many years ago to protect U.S. shipping interests, prohibits foreign carriers from itineraries that do not include a foreign port. For Caribbean cruises or those to Alaska or New England, this is not a problem. However, foreign-flagged ships cruising the Hawaiian islands have to port in Mexico, Canada, or Fanning Island, which is a day's sail from Hawaii.

NCL is playing on the American theme for the ship. The Pride of America hull will feature red and white stripes, blue stars, and a bald eagle. The public rooms will also have a patriotic theme, with names like the Capitol Atrium, Jefferson's Bistro, and the Liberty Restaurant. To be U.S.-flagged, the Pride of America must have an American crew, pay U.S. wages and taxes, and be subject to U.S. environmental laws. Since the ship will primarily sail in Hawaii, NCL has been recruiting most of its crew members from the islands. Over 1000 people have been hired, and many have already been trained.

Norwegian did not comment on what measures would be taken if delivery of the ship is delayed.

By: Cruises