In a sign that Pride of America's approaching debut is, well, more imminent than ever, Norwegian Cruise Line announces this week that the ship has left its dry dock slot at Bremerhaven's Lloyd Werft. Pride of America is now tied up alongside the yard's outfitting pier, the place where final preparations, such as interior installations and decorative tasks, take place.

The company has scheduled sea trials, the last major part of the shipbuilding process, to take place from May 19 through 22. NCL expects to take delivery of Pride of America on June 6. The cruise line will host a series of inaugural events and cruises in the United Kingdom and in the U.S. before Pride of America sails to Hawaii. There, it'll join Pride of America, and begin sailing its normal year-round seven night trips from Honolulu beginning July 23.