Norwegian Cruise Line announce new ship for Alaska sailings

2016-10-14

Norwegian Cruise Line has just announced that its next new build will be the ultimate ship for Alaska cruises. Norwegian Bliss will homeport in Seattle and set sail on her maiden season in summer 2018. Custom built with features for the ultimate Alaska cruise, the new ship will be the first of its kind to visit Alaska.

Norwegian Bliss will be the third cruise ship to join Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway-Plus Class, alongside Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Joy, and will have special features and amenities to compliment the Alaska cruising experience.

In true Norwegian Cruise Line style, the hull of the new addition will feature a new design by commissioned marine life artist Wyland. Passionate about marine conservation, Wyland is known for his whale murals, art galleries and major non-profit community service contributions.

Guests sailing on Norwegian Bliss will be able to enjoy seven day Alaska cruises calling at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and more alongside scenic glacier cruising. Life onboard will feature entertainment, activities and signature dining experiences from Norwegian Cruise Line. The new ship will be constructed at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, scheduled for delivery in 2018.

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Norwegian Cruise Line reveal The Norwegian Edge

2016-01-22

Norwegian Cruise Line have just announced plans to further enhance their guests cruising experience with a $400 million dollar programme titled – The Norwegian Edge

The Norwegian Edge will see extensive ship enhancements take place fleet wide, introduce a brand new culinary programme and unveil TWO private island destinations.

The $400 million dollar programme will take place over two years and see an exciting and innovative overhaul of the Norwegian Cruise Line experience.

"The new standards of The Norwegian Edge program will entice our guests to return again and again to ships that will look and feel as if they were just delivered, with all new menus and new dining experiences, visiting incredible exclusive destinations that reflect the quality finishes, amenities and outstanding service found across the Norwegian fleet” – said Andy Stuart, NCL CEO and President.

Fleet enhancements will improve many spaces onboard 9 of Norwegian’s cruise ships, bringing them all up to the same high standard of the cruise line’s newest and most impressive ships. New venues seen on Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Gem, plus décor refreshments and improvements to public spaces will soon be seen on Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Jade.

New culinary experiences under The Norwegian Edge and available from 2016 include upgraded dining room menus plus optional a la carte items. Guests can enjoy more seafood selections and delicious contemporary dishes such as shrimp ceviche and braised beef short ribs.

The Norwegian Edge will also see the development of NCL’s privately-owned island destinations. Harvest Caye in Belize is being transformed into a spectacular resort-style port of call with beautiful beaches, private luxury cabanas, shallow lagoons for snorkelling and much more. Whilst Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Lines private Bahamian Island is also receiving a makeover in order to reflect experiences that compliment those of life onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships.

We're on Norwegian Escape

2015-10-28

Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Cruise Line's biggest ship to date has visited Southampton this week before she sets sail on her maiden voyage to Miami. We're onboard! Check out our insider photos from life onboard like a Norwegian

More to follow!

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Norwegian Escape prepares for maiden voyage

2015-10-26

This Thursday Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest ship to date, Norwegian Escape will set sail on her highly anticipated maiden voyage. Sailing to her homeport of Miami from Southampton on an 11 night transatlantic cruise. She will be christened in Miami by named godfather and international music sensation Armando Christian Perez, aka Pitbull.

After just 17 months of construction, Norwegian Escape was received by Norwegian Cruise Line from the German based Meyer Werft shipyard last week. Inaugural festivities include time in Hamburg and a two night stopover in Southampton before sailing home to Miami.

Norwegian Escape is the first ship introducing Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus Class. This new class of ships are around 10% bigger than NCL’s Breakaway Class and feature ground breaking technologies, highly creative facilities and a backdrop of cool, contemporary designs.

Norwegian Cruise Line President and COO Andy Stuart said “Norwegian Escape’s arrival marks a true evolution for our brand—we’ve capitalized on the best of our Breakaway Class ships and taken freedom and flexibility to the next level with this incredible new ship”

Guests sailing onboard Norwegian Escape will enjoy top class entertainment, from the Broadway shows After Midnight and Million Dollar Quartet to the outstanding onboard venues keeping the party pumping. Other notable facilities and onboard activities include an impressive three storey ropes course, innovative Aqua Park with slides; and the luxurious private Haven for a calm escape.

Norwegian Escape sails to Miami from Southampton on October 29th 2015
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Norwegian Escape To Debut Snow Room

2015-01-07

Norwegian Cruise Line have revealed details of 'The Snow Room' to feature on new ship Norwegian Escape.

Set to debut in October 2015, Norwegian Escape will be the first ship to feature a snow room in the thermal suite of The Mandara Spa. The onboard spa will be one of the largest in the fleet and span two decks with panoramic views of the ocean.

The Snow Room will be a small room kept between 21 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit and shower snow flurries throughout the day. The idea of the room is to stimulate blood circulation and strengthen the immune system. Entering this room for a chilly respite from the heat has a multitude of health benefits.

Norwegian Escape is set to have a host of new amenities including the Vibe Beach Club, an extensive kid’s club and a new 'Grotto' which will be an area for guest to cool off after sunbathing.

Debuting in November, her maiden taster voyage will sail from Southampton on 27th October 2015.

By Sally Grimes

Norwegian Escape To Feature Giant Water Park

2014-12-17

Norwegian Cruise Line have announced its newest ship will feature the largest aquar park in the fleet as well as a three story ropes course.

Norwegian Escape will have an expansive water park and include the popular Free Fall water slide plus an array of other thrilling water rides. There will be a new ride called Aqua racer where guests can race side by side down adjacent tubes. Within the water park will also be two pools and four hot tubs.

Other new outdoor activities on Norwegian Escape will be mini golf and a bocce ball court.

With a significant focus on family cruising, there will be a new childcare service for children aged six months to three years, as well as an area for parents and babies to play together. The Splash Academy will allow children to learn circus skills and participate in a show.

Nickelodeon branded entertainment and activities will also be available on Norwegian Escape and include the popular Pajama Jam Party.

Norwegian Escape will debut in October 2015 and will arrive in Southampton before taking the transatlantic to her home port of Miami.

Norwegian Cruise Line Buy Two Prestigious Lines

2014-09-03

Norwegian Cruise Line have agreed a multi-billion deal to acquire Prestige Cruises, parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

During an excitement announcement from Norwegian Cruise Line officials, the definitive agreement was revealed. The $3.025 billion deal with see one of the world’s largest lines join with two upscale lines.

Norwegian operate a fleet of 13 large ships, whereas Regent Seven Seas and Oceania have smaller, intimate ships.

The cruise industry is currently dominated by two big companies; Carnival who own Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Cunard and Costs and Royal Caribbean Cruises who own Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. Norwegian will be the third largest, although they are expanding rapidly.

Kevin Sheehan, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Lines said "The acquisition of Prestige represents an extraordinary opportunity for Norwegian Cruise Line to expand our market presence by adding two established, award-winning brands in the upscale cruise segment with loyal followings."

Norwegian Epic Coming To Southampton

2014-04-25

Norwegian Cruise Line have revealed exciting plans for Norwegian Epic to take two sailings to/from Southampton in 2015.

When Norwegian Epic launched in 2010 she visited Southampton before making her maiden crossing to America. During September 2015 she will return to the popular UK port for British cruisers to experience her extensive range of onboard delights.

Following a two week dry-dock in France, she will sail a seven and eight night Iberian Peninsula cruise. A six night cruise leaving Barcelona on 20th September will call at ports including Cartagena and Lisbon before arriving in Southampton on 26th September. A seven night sailing back to Barcelona will depart on 11th October.

Norwegian Epic is one of the most innovate ships afloat with an ice bar, water park and an array of restaurants.

After her time in Southampton, beginning April 2015 she will call Barcelona her home for the foreseeable future.

By Sally Grimes

Norwegian Cruise Line Uncover Cabin Designs For New Ship

2014-02-20

It has been revealed Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship, Norwegian Escape will feature the line’s largest variety of rooms.

Currently under construction in Germany, the 4200 passenger ship debuting in 2015 will showcase a wide variety of rooms, inspired by what has become popular on the line's newest ships. The 163,000 ton ship and her sister Norwegian Bliss will be about 10% larger than Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway.

Boasting an expanded 'Haven' she will offer an array of exclusive facilities for people staying in suites. An area only accessible by a 'suite key' it will have an outdoor terrace, private restaurant, courtyard, private pool, spa treatment rooms and exclusive sundeck.

The Haven area on Norwegian Escape will have 55 suites, a slight increase from the 42 on Norwegian Getaway. The most luxurious room, The Owners Suite will be 100 feet larger than the one on Norwegian Getaway. This area will also feature 25 two-bedroom family villas and 22 penthouses.

At the other end of the ship, 26 Haven-style penthouses will feature 14 Haven Spa Suites that will be close to the ship’s spa and fitness centre.

Norwegian Escape is set to cater more for solo travellers. The Studio area will be home to 82 single cabins.

Like on the newest fleet members, families will be able to choose from an array of suitable accommodation with 40 mini-suites close to the Splash Academy, 172 family balconies and 48 oveanview staterooms that can accommodate up to 5 guests.

Norwegian Cruise Line have said they will announce Norwegian Escape’s homeport and itineraries in March.

By Sally Grimes

Norwegian Breakaway To Launch With Celebrity Chef & Rock Of Ages Onboard

2012-06-29

Norwegian Cruise Line are pulling out all the stops for the launch of their latest ship, by introducing a celebrity chef to the fleet along with a Broadway show.

Celebrity chefs, and their signature ocean-going venues, have become increasingly popular in recent years — with cruise lines such as P&O Cruises boasting the like of Marco Pierre White and Atul Kochhar. NCL have decided to get in on the act with Geoffrey Zakarian introducing three fish restaurants onboard the soon to arrive, Norwegian Breakaway.

Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, will be the chef's flagship and the most upmarket of his offerings — NCL described Ocean Blue as a "luxury seafood dining experience". The Raw Bar, which is adjacent to Ocean Blue, will offer ocean fare paired with wines by the glass, for a more relaxed feel, with Ocean Blue on the Waterfront the final venue that will offer a casual venue with alfresco dining.

Geoffrey Zakarian, in case you were wondering, is a celebrity chef in the U.S. He has appeared in a variety of TV shows in the U.S. including an appearance as a judge in the Food Network's Chopped. Zakarian's cuisine is often described as modern French, so that Mediterranean influence should come in handy.

NCL are also bringing Broadway's Rock of Ages to the Breakaway, following the success of Epic's Blue Man Group and Royal Caribbean's adaption of Chicago: The Musical among others. The Tony-Award-nominated musical will headline Norwegian Cruise Line's flagship while she sails from New York.

Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian's president and CEO said: "As a lifelong New Yorker, it's critically important to me that Norwegian Breakaway becomes New York's ship. Our goal is to bring elements of New York on board so that guests will feel a real connection to the ship as New York's true flagship."

Norwegian Cruise Line are definitely turning up the heat onboard and are making huge strides forward in an attempt to take on the likes of Royal Caribbean and Carnival. The Norwegian Breakaway is looking set to be a fantastic ship offering great food and entertainment and will no doubt ruffle a few feathers on her arrival.

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