Construction began in June 2000 but the bankruptcy of American Classic Voyages in October 2001 halted the project and left only the partially completed hull of the first ship, and parts and supplies for the second.

[3] Each vessel was to feature a four-deck-high atrium, a 1,060-seat dining room, an 840-seat theater, a 590-seat cabaret lounge, and a "uniquely Hawaiian" outdoor performance stage.

In addition, the upper three decks of the ships were to be designed to "maximize the sense of spaciousness on board, and provide passengers with panoramic views of the Hawaiian Islands and the surrounding Pacific Ocean".

[4] In late 2002, Norwegian Cruise Line contracted Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, the owner of Ingalls, to buy all of the materials, equipment and work performed on the two Project America vessels.

[6] The materials for the second Project America ship were utilised in the construction of the Pride of Hawaii (now named Norwegian Jade), at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg.