Norwegian Cruise Line is making some practical upgrades to two of its ships — Norwegian Epic and Pride of America — just in time for summer 2025. The changes aren’t flashy overhauls, but thoughtful improvements aimed at making time on board a little easier, a little more relaxing, and more in line with what today’s travelers are looking for.
From more shaded loungers to new places for kids to play and teens to hang out, these updates reflect how people actually use the space during a cruise — especially when sailing with family or trying to find a quiet corner to unwind.
Norwegian Epic: A Few New Comforts for a Summer in the Mediterranean
After a short dry dock, Norwegian Epic will head back to sea on May 8, 2025, with a few changes in place. The ship’s top deck will feature a new hot tub and a redesigned Kids’ Aqua Park to replace the old Splashgolf area. For families traveling with younger kids, it’s a welcome update that gives everyone something to do in the sun.
For adults looking for a quieter spot, the ship’s former Posh Beach Club is being replaced with an expanded Vibe Beach Club. It’s still adults-only but now includes more lounge chairs, a second hot tub, and private cabanas — a small change that might make a big difference on a sea day.
A few new staterooms are also being added — eight in total, with a mix of balcony and oceanview options. Nothing major, but helpful if you’re booking with extended family or looking for more availability.
Once the updates are done, Norwegian Epic will spend the summer sailing from Rome to various ports in the Mediterranean and Greek Isles — including stops in Santorini, Mykonos, and Naples. After summer wraps up, she’ll move to the Caribbean for winter sailings out of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Pride of America: A Few Familiar Touches and Layout Changes
Pride of America, the only ship sailing year-round from Honolulu, is also scheduled for a refresh in May 2025. It’s getting a new Starbucks in the atrium, which will probably be a hit with anyone who prefers a familiar caffeine fix first thing in the morning.
Pickleball courts are being added to the sports deck — something we’re seeing on more ships lately — and 15 new staterooms are being introduced, including 12 Club Balcony Suites and three interior rooms.
One of the bigger layout changes involves the relocation of the kids’ and teen clubs to deck 6. This frees up space for a new Library and Card Room, which might appeal to guests looking for a quieter place to read or play a game without the noise of the pool deck.
Once the work is complete, Pride of America will return to its usual itinerary — a weeklong inter-island cruise that hits four Hawaiian islands with plenty of port time and a couple of overnight stays in Maui and Kauai. It’s a practical option for travelers who want to see more of Hawaii without having to hop between hotels and flights.
Small Changes, Same Ship
These aren’t massive changes, and that’s kind of the point. Instead of reinventing what works, NCL is simply adjusting a few things based on what passengers have asked for — more space to lounge, more options for kids, and little comforts like coffee and games that make time on board feel more relaxed.
For anyone planning a 2025 cruise to Europe or Hawaii, Norwegian Epic and Pride of America might be worth a second look. Not because they’ve been transformed — but because they’re being quietly updated to better match the way people actually travel today.
