Norwegian Epic and Pride of America Get Major Upgrades for 2025 Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is accelerating preparations for the 2025 travel season, focusing on extensive drydock renovations and refreshed amenities across multiple vessels, including the 150,000-ton Norwegian Epic and the 2,100-guest Pride of America. These efforts underscore the company's dedication to delivering modernized onboard offerings in Europe, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Caribbean.

Norwegian Epic Overhaul for Summer 2025

The Norwegian Epic, built in 2010 and capable of accommodating up to 4,200 guests, entered drydock at the Chantier Naval de Marseille in France on April 16, 2025. Scheduled for substantial enhancements and class work, the ship will receive a refurbished Kids Aqua Park, a larger adults-only Vibe Beach Club, a new hot tub, and eight new cabins. After completing these upgrades by May 8, the Norwegian Epic will launch six- to ten-night Mediterranean itineraries that visit cultural and scenic ports such as Santorini, Ibiza, Messina, Valletta, and Barcelona.

Come winter 2025–2026, the vessel is slated to reposition to San Juan, Puerto Rico, offering seven-night Southern Caribbean cruises. Planned stops include popular destinations like St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Bridgetown in Barbados. This seasonal adjustment aims to provide guests with warm weather escapes during cooler months.

In a statement, David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line, emphasized the company's goal of ensuring top-tier vacations, stating, “Whether you are dreaming of an adventure in Alaska, a cultural discovery in Europe, or a beach retreat in the Caribbean, NCL offers a superb vacation for every traveler.”

Pride of America Improvements

Meanwhile, Pride of America is undergoing an extensive overhaul at the Vigor Shipyard in Portland, Oregon, with completion anticipated by late May 2025. Known for its year-round seven-night Hawaii cruises, the ship is receiving added amenities such as a Starbucks in the Capitol Atrium, a pickleball court, upgraded youth facilities, and renovated public spaces. Plans also include the installation of 12 new balcony suites and three interior staterooms, providing additional accommodation options for passengers exploring islands like Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

Fleet-Wide Innovations and Deployments

These targeted refurbishments are part of a broader NCL drydock program focused on elevating guest comfort and entertainment. Recent additions to other ships include Spice H2O, an adults-only lounge space featured on Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore. Norwegian Breakaway and the newly introduced Norwegian Prima will head to Europe for summer 2025, offering updated public areas and diverse itineraries.

Also making a splash is the recently launched Norwegian Aqua, homeporting from Port Canaveral for Caribbean voyages. Highlights include calls at Tortola, St. Thomas, and Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s private island. With these continuous enhancements, NCL aims to cater to a broad range of travel preferences, from scenic Alaska sailings to relaxed Caribbean island-hopping.

The company’s commitment to freedom, flexibility, and innovative upgrades continues to guide future plans, as evidenced by these large-scale drydock projects and strategic ship deployments. Whether sailing Mediterranean waters on a revitalized Norwegian Epic or exploring Hawaiis lush coastlines aboard a refreshed Pride of America, travelers can anticipate a modern cruising experience designed to align with evolving guest expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What upgrades have been made to Norwegian Epic?

Norwegian Epic is receiving an expanded Kids Aqua Park, a larger Vibe Beach Club for adults, a new hot tub, and eight additional cabins. These enhancements follow comprehensive technical and maintenance work conducted at Chantier Naval de Marseille.

When will the Norwegian Epic resume service?

The ship is scheduled to return to service on May 8, 2025, launching its summer season with six- to ten-night Mediterranean itineraries that include stops in Santorini, Ibiza, and Messina.

What renovations are underway for Pride of America?

Pride of America is adding a Starbucks, a pickleball court, newly revamped youth spaces, and more staterooms, including balcony suites and interior cabins. The ship is expected to complete its renovations in late May 2025 at the Vigor Shipyard in Portland, Oregon.

What is the newly launched Norwegian Aqua?

The Norwegian Aqua welcomes 3,500 guests and offers Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral. Its itineraries feature calls at Tortola, St. Thomas, and Great Stirrup Cay, showcasing modern amenities and varied island excursions.

How is NCL enhancing its Alaska cruise offerings?

Among NCL’s Alaska-centered enhancements are expanded itineraries out of Seattle on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Joy, along with sailings from Vancouver on Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Sun. Additionally, cruisetours feature land-based excursions to Denali National Park and Fairbanks.