Inaugural voyage of largest-ever
U.S.-flagged ship and first newly built
U.S. cruise ship in nearly 50 years:
Pride of America           

Lincoln native serves as second mate

[JUNE 23, 2005]  MIAMI -- On June 17, NCL America launched the largest U.S.-flagged ship ever built and the first newly constructed cruise ship to join the U.S. register in nearly 50 years, Pride of America. Travel agents and the American public were given the opportunity to have a front-row seat at this historic nautical event, when Elaine L. Chao, secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, christened the all-American vessel at an official onboard ceremony.

Pride of America is a spectacular salute to the diversity of the United States and is designed to represent the best of America.

As a U.S.-flagged ship, Pride of America has the freedom to sail between U.S. ports of call without the need to include foreign ports and will provide guests with the unique experience of a U.S.-based crew. Included in the navigation crew is Second Mate Preston Carnahan, a Lincoln native.

In July, Pride of America will join Pride of Aloha in sailing the islands of Hawaii.

To view the celebratory christening events, visit www.ncl.com and click on the webcast link to see the stars and stripes of Pride of America and witness her debut. Additional festivities at the ceremony include traditional Hawaiian entertainment, featuring hula dancers, singers and presentations from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Seafarers International Union and the Maritime Trades Department of the AFL-CIO.

Web users will need to have access to the latest version of RealPlayer or Windows Media on their computer in order to link to the ceremony. RealPlayer may be downloaded free through RealNetworks at www.real.com/player, and Windows Media can be downloaded for free at www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia.

"NCL has long been deemed an industry leader, breaking the conventional model for cruising. This week, NCL America is proud to introduce a whole new cruise experience -- one that represents all that America and Hawaii have to offer," said Colin Veitch, president and chief executive officer of NCL America. "The presentation of this new U.S.-flagged, U.S.-crewed ship is truly a milestone for NCL and the cruise industry."

Representing some of the United States' proudest assets, Pride of America is a tapestry of Americana, including vibrant stars and stripes hull artwork, a New Orleans-style Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge, Alaskan Gold Rush Saloon, Napa Wine Bar, Capitol Atrium, Santa Fe Spa and Fitness Center, Newbury Street Shopping area, Washington Library and the ship's Hollywood Theatre.

In addition to offering NCL's signature "freestyle cruising" and superior customer service, the vessel also features several firsts for NCL, including an onboard tennis court, a new category of family suites, the Soho Art Gallery and a conservatory touting a tropical landscaped garden.

After a series of coastal sailings, Pride of America will arrive in her homeport of Honolulu on July 23, where she will begin offering a unique itinerary no other cruise line can deliver. As the first new oceangoing passenger ship in nearly half a century to sail under the U.S. flag, Pride of America will visit all four main islands in one weeklong itinerary and offer passengers up to 100 hours in port, more than any other cruise line sailing the islands. The seven-day cruises from Honolulu will feature a day in Hilo, Hawaii; two days in Kahului, Maui; a day in Kona, Hawaii; and two days in Nawiliwili, Kauai.

For further information on the Graham cruise, NCL or NCL America, agents in the U.S. and Canada may contact NCL at [phone]; visit NCL's website at www.ncl.com or on AOL at keyword NCL; or to download high-resolution photography, visit www.ncl.com/hires.

[LDN and news release]