Norwegian Epic Is A One Off

2010-06-29

The Norwegian Epic is yet to be officially named, with the ceremony due to take place in New York on the 2nd July, and Norwegian Cruise Lines have announced the ship will be a one of a kind.

In modern cruising this really is a one off with cruise lines rolling out identikit sister ships. These days cruise lines generally roll out at least two or three identical ships in each class, for example P&O with the Azura and Ventura or Royal Caribbean with Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.. This really does add to the unique charm of the 4,100 capacity Epic.

The 153,000 tonne ship is around 60% larger than NCL's Jewel class ships that sleep around 2,300 passengers. Originally the Epic was planned as one of two ships with an option to build a third ship, but back in 2008 NCL cancelled the order with the STX Europe ship-yard, just as the economic climate fell into free-fall.

Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Lines' CEO, announced; "We will continue to evaluate our business and build when the time is right. Any new ship will not be exactly like this, but will allow us to take on the next generation of Freestyle Cruising."

Written by Troy McGuire

NCL Take Delivery of the Epic

2010-06-21

With Norwegian Cruise Lines' latest ship, the Norwegian Epic, debuting on the 24th June the cruise line has finally taken delivery of 153,000 tonne cruise liner. The 4,100 passenger ship is due to cruise from Southampton to New York on its maiden journey later this week.

The ship is now officially owned by NCL which basically means the ship is completed and paid for, which is a huge milestone after a two-year-plus construction process.

The latest ship in the NCL fleet is one of the most anticipated of 2010 and the highlights include The Blue Man Show performing in the Epic Theatre, 12 restaurants and 128 solo cabins. The ultimate ship in freestyle cruising the NCL Epic cruise deals are surely not to be missed this summer.

Rock Out By The Largest Chandelier At Sea On The NCL Epic

2010-06-07

Norwegian Cruise Lines have announced two new innovations for the Norwegian Epic, the largest chandelier at sea, and a hook up with Gibson guitars.

On board the Norwegian Epic the Epic Casino will play home to the largest LED chandelier at sea. The chandelier, 21ft in length, 11ft in diameter and weighing 2 tonnes, is capable is capable of 255 different colours. British based company SMG Architects and Lighting Design are responsible for the stunning design and Austrian company Kalmar will assemble the item and it's 40,000 crystal glass pieces.

Spanning vertically three decks the chandelier can be seen from the casino, Atrium, Malting's Whiskey Bar, Shaker's Martini Bar, Wasasbi Sushi Bar and the Teppanyaki Restaurant. The design consists of 112 suspended crystal encrusted balls and spiraling oval discs, each 30ft in circumference. The chandelier is the most energy efficient at sea, using over 10,000 diodes.

For the rockstars in waiting NCL have teamed up with Gibson guitars to provide a guitar hire service. The Check-Inn-Rock-Out service is available for $10 a day and include a Gibson guitar, companion pod and a private amp with headphones.

"We are so excited about this program," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "We've brought world class performers to our guests on Norwegian Epic. Now, we're letting our guests be the superstars and play on world class Gibson guitar".

"Our partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line will offer fans from around the world the opportunity to experience music like never before on the high seas," said Henry Juszkiewicz Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. "We are delighted to be part of the global excitement surrounding the launch of Norwegian Epic and share in our mutual goals for world class entertainment."

The pods, form Line 6, come with a whole host of special effects you can choose the type of music you want to are play, whether this be ZZ Top, Metallica or Johnny Cash. The Check-In-Rock-Out program had been designed so you can 'discover your inner rockstar' in the privacy of your own cabin.

Written by Stephen Adam

Occupancy numbers up at Norwegian Cruise Lines

2010-04-30

It has been a strong start to 2010 for Norwegian Cruise Lines as passenger numbers have been bursting during the opening three months of the year.

The liner has just released its earnings for the opening quarter of the year and highlighted that occupancy rates have been running at 107.9 per cent.

This overtakes the all-time high for the period achieved during 2009, when rates were calculated at 106.9 per cent.

Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: "I am very pleased that after the year of suppressed pricing we experienced in 2009, we were able to start the new year strong and demonstrate solid top-line growth.

"The combination of top-line growth and the continuing benefit from the cost containment initiatives implemented over the last two years will continue to be the catalyst for improved results."

Among the vessels from Norwegian Cruise Lines that can be enjoyed is the Norwegian Gem, which provides 11 bars and lounges and an additional 12 restaurants.

Furthermore, six hot tubs may help passengers to relax, while there is a climbing wall and video arcade for those who find it difficult to sit still.

Written by Chris Smith

Norwegian Cruise Line revamping private island

2010-03-19

A 250-acre land mass in the Berry Island chain of the Bahamas owned by Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) is undergoing a multi-million dollar two-phase renovation to improve its features.

NCL revealed at Cruise Shipping Miami that the privately-owned Great Stirrup Cay is being revamped with new amenities, including dining and bar facilities, several comfort stations and a band stand.

Making the announcement, Norwegian chief executive officer Kevin Sheehan explained that the company has one of the best private islands that is particularly suited for swimming and snorkeling.

"With these improvements, we can provide an even more enjoyable island experience for the more than 9,000 guests who visit Great Stirrup Cay weekly during the height of the season," he said.

"Highlights of the enhancements include an expanded beach front, exciting island excursions, additional dining facilities, private beachside cabanas and a new kid's area."

NCL also revealed this week that its state-of-the-art ship Norwegian Epic will feature the largest spa at sea and a wide choice of free dining venues.

Written by Chris Smith.

Norwegian Epic completes sea trials

2010-02-15

Cruise lovers can look forward to sampling Norwegian Cruise Lines' (NCL) largest vessel following news that the 4,200-passenger ship is set to be unveiled during the summer.

According to USA Today, Norwegian Epic completed its first sailing trials at sea last weekend and "passed with flying colours", paving the way for its launch later in the year.

President and chief operating officer Roberto Martinoli revealed to the website after the tests at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, that the ship's performance was faultless.

"Everybody is smiling, and everybody is very happy, as the trials went very, very well," he told the news provider after the event.

"We did well at speed, [and] did very well in terms of sea-keeping, although the sea was very calm. Also the way the ship manoeuvres is incredible."

More than 60 per cent bigger than NCL's existing ships, the 153,000-tonne vessel will feature single occupancy cabins, which are not common in the sector.

Written by Chris Smith.

Norwegian Cruise Lines surprises studio audience with free cruise

2009-12-18

Christmas has come early for hundreds of fans of the Ellen DeGeneres show thanks to Norwegian Cruise Lines, which presented them with a complimentary cruise holiday.

More than 300 in-studio audience members of the US comedian were given a surprise seven-day Freestyle Cruising vacation for two as part of the cruise line's contribution to the show's 12 Days of Giveaways.

Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising is designed to offer holidaymakers a more flexible cruising experience to enable them to have the freedom to enjoy their cruise with a variety of choices.

Expressing his "pleasure" with the contribution, Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer, explained that Ms DeGeneres is "one of the funniest, most engaging personalities on television today".

He said: "We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate 2010 as the year to take a Freestyle vacation than by giving away cruises to Ellen's entire audience so that they can experience Norwegian's signature Freestyle Cruising for themselves."

The company recently said that it will kick off the next phase of freestyle cruising with the launch of Norwegian Epic in summer 2010.

Written by Chris Smith.

2010 'the year of the freestyle vacation'

2009-12-15

Norwegian Cruise Lines has declared 2010 the 'the year of the freestyle vacation' with a host of new bargains designed to encourage more cruise lovers to opt for the voyages.

A six-category upgrade and on-board savings certificates worth hundreds of dollars are now being offered on any of the company's ten freestyle cruising ships on all bookings made before March 14th 2010.

According to Norwegian's chief executive officer Kevin Sheehan, the company is set to introduce the next phase of freestyle cruising with the launch of Norwegian Epic in summer 2010.

"It has been ten years since Norwegian first introduced its innovative freestyle cruising, so it is fitting that we celebrate 2010 as 'the year of the freestyle vacation'," he explained.

He said that travel partners should make sure cruise lovers are aware of the "value-oriented offers" so that more people can enjoy a freestyle vacation.

The Passenger Shipping Association recently stated 16 new ship launches are expected to kick off the next decade of cruising in 2010.

Written by Chris Smith.

More families opting for cruise holidays

2009-12-10

Norwegian Cruises has revealed that an increasing number of families are shunning traditional resort-based breaks in favour of a cruise holiday as the sector attracts new people.

A younger generation of cruise lovers is being lured into taking a holiday at sea thanks to "freestyle cruising", which has helped boost demand, according to the company.

Norwegian UK general manager Stephen Park explained that the flexibility has attracted families and young couples, bringing a much more diverse range of people onboard.

"There had been pent up demand for freestyle cruising and cruising did have this perception of being for an older generation; very traditional and dressed in black tie every night," he said.

Mr Park stated that some cruise ships are still catering for that market diligently, adding that "the key about cruising, especially this year, is value for money".

According to projections from the Passenger Shipping Association, 1.65 million Brits will opt to go on a cruise in 2010.

Written by Chris Smith.

Norwegian offers new links to Mediterranean cruises

2009-10-22

Travellers taking Mediterranean cruises are set to benefit from improved international connections now that Norwegian Cruise Line has entered into a service partnership with the low-cost airline Jet2.com.

Under the new initiative, passengers will be able to fly from either Manchester or Edinburgh to the Italian port city of Venice, from where they will be able to embark on a Mediterranean cruise.

The Norwegian cruise liner operates two separate cruise packages out of the historic city, alternating between its 'Venice and the Greek Isles' and its 'Venice and the Aegean Sea' itineraries.

At the same time, Jet2 flights into Barcelona will also be timed to coincide with the departure of the Norwegian Jade as it embarks on its weekly 'Mediterranean Treasures' cruise between May and September, it has been confirmed.

News of this travel agreement comes as Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that its 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic liner will enter service next June, with fleet veteran Captain Trygve Vorren to take the helm.

Written by Chris Smith

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