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The Pride of America, Norwegian Cruise line’s new patriotic-themed cruise ship called Boston on a select port inaugural tour that began this week. The Pride of America marked a historic event as the first new US flagged cruise vessel in nearly 50 years.

“This is an exciting time for the cruise business and for Cruiseport Boston,” said Craig Coy, Massport CEO. “The Port of Boston is the oldest seaport in North America. The Pride of America’s visit here marks a momentous occasion of the old welcoming the new and Massport is proud to be part of this history.”

The Pride of America was escorted into the harbor by two replicas of 17th century Tall Ships, Formidable and Poincaire. The Tall ships saluted the vessel with a two gun salute as she entered Boston Harbor. Massport’s fireboat, with its impressive water displays also greeted the new vessel and accompanied her into the inner harbor.

Recognizable by her signature red and white stripes, the Pride of America is a luxury class cruise vessel measuring 926 feet long and 172 feet high. The Pride of America was designed with a patriotic flair and features public rooms reflective of American cities. The ship boasts eight restaurants, ten bars and lounges, three swimming pools, four hot tubs, a spa, fitness center, basketball court, library and more including a shopping gallery named Newbury Street Shops.

The Pride of America was christened in New York on June 17th before sailing for Boston on June 19th. She departed Boston for stops in Philadelphia, Norfolk and Miami. As a US flagged vessel, this Pride of America will offer itineraries exclusively within the US with no obligatory foreign port stop-overs. She will serve a permanent itinerary that includes the Hawaiian Islands after her inaugural tour.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has been calling the Port of Boston for 12 years, offering weekly service from Boston to Bermuda from April through November. NCL also offers North Atlantic cruising from Boston throughout the summer and fall, calling on ports along the New England and Canada coastline.

Cruiseport Boston at Massport’s Black Falcon Cruise Terminal will handle 100 cruise ships carrying approximately 225,000 passengers this season.

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