StylishCruising

Norwegian Sky is Back!

NCL Corporation (NCL) announced today that it will reflag and rename Pride of Aloha and launch the ship as Norwegian Sky, offering three and four-day Bahamas cruises from Miami commencing this summer. The 2,002-passenger ship, built in 1999, will return to the NCL international fleet, and will be outfitted with NCL’s Freestyle 2.0 enhancements. It will be the youngest and highest quality ship sailing three and four-day cruises to the Bahamas from Miami beginning July 14, 2008. The new itineraries go on sale today with fares from $229 per person for an inside stateroom and from $329 per person for a balcony stateroom.

To welcome the ship to Miami, NCL is offering a “Kids Sail Free Summer Vacation” promotion for reservations on Norwegian Sky made from May 6, 2008 to May 31, 2008 for sailings taking place July 14, 2008 to September 26, 2008. Children ages six months to 17 are eligible to sail free (government taxes and fees and fuel supplement apply).

“NCL pioneered the first Bahamas cruise from Miami more than 41 years ago and last had a ship in the three and four-day cruise market from Miami in 2003. By reintroducing Norwegian Sky and positioning the ship in Miami sailing short cruises to the Bahamas, we are returning to our roots. At the same time, we are raising the bar by offering a modern Freestyle Cruising ship that features a variety of accommodations, including balconies and suites, a multitude of on-board amenities and a choice of six restaurants,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO. “In addition, we will outfit Norwegian Sky with the Freestyle 2.0 enhancements currently being introduced across our fleet. This, coupled with the port-intensive itineraries, offers guests seeking a quick getaway an unmatched cruise experience. There is no doubt that NCL’s three and four-day Freestyle product on the industry’s newest ship offers the highest quality and best value for money in the market.”

Norwegian Sky will depart Miami on Mondays sailing four-day Bahamas cruises with full-day stops in Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. On Fridays, the ship will sail a weekend getaway three-day Bahamas itinerary, departing Miami at 5 p.m. with all-day stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, returning to Miami at 7 a.m. on Monday mornings. These sailings are scheduled through April 17, 2009.

Norwegian Sky will enter a wet dock in Miami during which a casino will be added. In addition, the ship will receive the significant product and hardware upgrades that are part of the company’s major fleetwide initiative, Freestyle 2.0. These enhancements include: a major investment in the total dining experience such as all new menus and Lobster Galore; upgrading the stateroom experience; new wide ranging on-board activities for all guests; and additional recognition, service and amenities for balcony and suite guests.

Originally launched in 1999, Norwegian Sky has more than 240 balcony staterooms, a choice of six different restaurants, 10 bars and lounges, multiple entertainment venues, two pools, extensive children’s facilities, a sports deck and a variety of spacious public rooms. Norwegian Sky had been reflagged and renamed Pride of Aloha in 2004 and sailed Hawai’i inter-island cruises until May 2008.

New F3 Information

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE THROWS CRUISING A CURVE,

INTRODUCES NEW WAVE STATEROOMS BY NCL

    

F3 ships to feature the most innovative living space at sea

http://www.f3.ncl.com/main.html

            MIAMI - April 24, 2008 - Today at Aker Yards in France, NCL Corporation revealed the cruise industry’s most innovative living space at sea - New Wave Staterooms by NCL. Designed for its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ships, F3, the New Wave standard, New Wave balcony and New Wave deluxe staterooms represent a giant leap forward in cruise ship accommodations with a completely fresh take on bathroom design, contemporary curved architecture and open living space. 

“From the introduction of the first Caribbean cruise more than 41 years ago to the launch of Freestyle Cruising in 2000 and beyond, NCL has always blazed a trail of innovation,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO.  “We have thrown away the rule book with the design of F3 and today are revealing the very first element with our New Wave staterooms. Gone are the regimented typical designs and in place are sleek staterooms that are totally outside the box, designed for the needs of tomorrow’s guests.”

The New Wave staterooms most distinctive design element is its curved walls and lines creating a modern and chic experience. NCL has maximized the living space with a bathroom that is completely unique with a separate shower stall, separate water closet and a modern vanity top sink. The staterooms feature a sophisticated earth-tone palette accented with a splash of color and rich, dark wood. Concealed contour LED lighting and back-lit domed ceilings set a relaxing vibe.

            All the amenities and comforts of NCL’s Freestyle 2.0 enhancements are included with upgraded bedding, linens and towels, Euro pillows, Elemis bathroom products and MP3 connectivity upon request. Balcony and deluxe staterooms have bathrobes, a customized fruit menu, a fresh-baked cookie at turn down on the last night of cruise, an escort to the stateroom on embarkation day, priority restaurant reservation and reception hotlines and special color keycard for ship-wide recognition.        

“Today’s announcement is just the first chapter in a series of innovations we will be revealing about our new F3 ships leading up to their launch in 2010,” Veitch said. “These ships will further deconstruct the traditional cruise ship experience with innovations in design, accommodations, luxury and entertainment to create a cutting-edge resort vacation experience unlike any other at sea.”

Further design details of the New Wave staterooms include:
            New Wave Deluxe:

• Ø A bathroom that’s “outside the box,” including:
• o Separate water closet
• o Separate vanity top sink within the room
• o Separate bathtub and shower or luxurious shower
• Ø Unique curved walls
• Ø Concealed contour LED lighting
• Ø Back-lit domed ceiling
• Ø Comfortable seating area
• Ø Flat-screen TV
• Ø Mini-Bar
• Ø Balcony
• Ø Expanded living space

New Wave Balcony:

• Ø A bathroom that’s “outside the box,” including:
• o Separate water closet
• o Separate vanity top sink within the room
• o Separate shower stall
• Ø Unique curved walls
• Ø Concealed contour LED lighting
• Ø Back-lit domed ceiling
• Ø Comfortable seating area
• Ø Flat-screen TV
• Ø Mini-Bar
• Ø Balcony

New Wave Standard:

• Ø A bathroom that’s “outside the box,” including:
• o Separate water closet
• o Separate vanity top sink within the room
• o Separate shower stall
• Ø Concealed contour LED lighting
• Ø Most inside staterooms feature the back-lit domed ceiling
• Ø Flat-screen TV
• Ø Mini-Bar

            The two 150,000-ton F3 ships will each total 4,200 passenger berths, representing the largest ships in NCL’s fleet.  The new ship design will offer 60 percent more guest space than NCL’s largest ships to date, which will be used to provide guests an even wider range of on-board activities, amenities and stateroom options.  The ships’ cabin mix will be the richest of any NCL ship with 100 percent of outside staterooms featuring private balconies. In total, each ship will have 1,415 balcony staterooms. 

            More details about the F3 ships including other innovative accommodations, public spaces, dining, entertainment/nightlife, cutting-edge technology and casino will be announced leading up to the launch of the first F3 ship in 2010.

NCL Raises Fuel Surcharge

NCL TO ADJUST FUEL SUPPLEMENT

            MIAMI - April 17, 2008 - In response to the continued rise in oil prices, NCL Corporation announced today an increase to its current fuel supplement.  The new fuel supplement will be $9 per person per day for the first and second guests in a stateroom and $4 per person per day for any additional guests in the same stateroom, based on the guidelines below. 

            Individual reservations

            The increased fuel supplement applies only to new individual reservations made on or after May 1, 2008.

            Group reservations

            The increased fuel supplement applies to any group reservation booked on or after May 1, 2008.  The increased fuel supplement will also apply to group space held prior to May 1, 2008 without specific names and full confirming deposit by April 30, 2008.

            “With crude oil and refined product prices at record highs, our fuel bill stands at a level that was unimaginable two years ago,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO.  “It is unfortunate, but necessary, that we now have to pass some of the increase in our fuel bill on to our customers, just as many other businesses are being forced to do. We appreciate the understanding of our travel partners and our guests as we make this necessary adjustment.”

Half Price Deposits!

Spring is in full swing and it’s time for more great offers!  This week’s offer (April 14^th- April 20^th ) will be REDUCED DEPOSIT for ALL ships and sailing dates OUTSIDE 75 days prior to sailing (Outside of 90 days prior to sailing for Holiday cruises).

Keep your money in your wallet and book the cruise of your dreams!  Plenty of great itineraries, including some all new 2009 sailings.

Have you been thinking about putting together a family reunion or other type of group?  This promotion is the perfect opportunity to get the ball rolling! 

Terms and Conditions

• The promotion is booked using program code PGQ2.
• Reduced deposit is based on double occupancy and it applies to all guests in a stateroom.
• Reduced Deposit is 50% off the standard deposit.
• Reduced Deposit is applicable for Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Mini-Suite, Penthouse and Romance Suites.
• Garden Villas, Courtyard Villas and Owner’s Suites are excluded from this promotion

Hot Deal of the Week!

Get away for a LOOONG weekend!  Enjoy all of the aspects of a NCL Freestyle cruise on our Pacific Coastal sailing. 

Hurry!  Only a few cabins left!

3-Day Pacific Coastal Los Angeles to Vancouver

Norwegian Star

Embarkation Port: Los Angeles

Ports of call: Los Angeles; Vancouver

2008: Apr 24

Cruise Fares From *:

Inside - $149 Oceanview - $179 Balcony - $229 Suite - Not Available

Terms and Conditions: Fares shown are in U.S. dollars and are per person, based on double occupancy. Government taxes, fees, and fuel supplement are additional. Onboard service charges are additional and will be automatically added to your onboard account, and are subject to your discretion. Other restrictions apply.

NCL Announces 2009 Repositioning and 2009-10 Mexican Riviera Cruises

NCL recently announced most of their 2009 repositioning and Mexican Riviera sailings. 

Repositioning cruises are a great way to see unusual ports, often at bargain prices.  2009’s offerings include Pacific Coastal, Panama Canal, and Trans-Atlantic sailings.

Below is a listing of recently added itineraries:

15-Day Transatlantic New York to Barcelona

13-Day Transatlantic Barcelona to New York

11-Day Transatlantic Miami to London

11-Day Transatlantic London to New York

14-Day Panama Canal Miami to Los Angeles

5-Day Pacific Coastal Los Angeles to Vancouver

5-Day Pacific Coastal Vancouver to Los Angeles

14-Day Panama Canal Los Angeles to Miami

12-Day Caribbean Escape New Orleans to Boston

16-Day Caribbean Escape Boston to New Orleans

7-Day Alaska Los Angeles to Vancouver

6-Day British Columbia & U.S. West Coast Vancouver to Los Angeles

14-Day Panama Canal Los Angeles To Miami

14-Day Panama Canal Miami to Los Angeles

7-Day Mexican Riviera Round-trip Los Angeles

18-Day Exotic Americas Santiago to Los Angeles

3-Day Pacific Coastal Los Angeles to Vancouver

11-Day Mexican Riviera & Sea of Cortez Round-trip San Francisco

Online Feedback Initiative Announced

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE LAUNCHES

NEW ONLINE GUEST FEEDBACK INITIATIVE

            MIAMI - April 9, 2008 - Furthering its commitment to the guest experience as part of its fleet-wide Freestyle 2.0 initiative, NCL Corporation (NCL) is implementing a new comprehensive guest feedback process.  The NCL Guest Experience & Loyalty Scorecard is the new online system to collect, analyze and report guest feedback about the entire cruise experience. 

            “We are committed to exceeding our guests’ expectations while delivering a superior cruise experience, so having this new guest feedback tool in place is of the utmost importance to our success,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO.  “Guest feedback helped NCL shape the new Freestyle 2.0 cruise experience and we will continue to listen to our guests to measure the delivery and impact of those enhancements, as well as guide future product innovations within Freestyle Cruising.”

Once guests return home from their NCL cruise, they receive an email invitation allowing them to conveniently provide feedback on their entire cruise experience via a post-cruise online survey.  The web-based format, which takes the place of the on-board guest comment card, allows NCL to continuously listen to the voice of the guest and integrate that insight into further development of the NCL product and customer strategy.

The scorecard, which will be in place fleet-wide by mid-April, will help measure the impact of the new Freestyle 2.0 enhancements which include a major investment in the total dining experience; upgrading the stateroom experience; new wide ranging on-board activities for guests of all ages; and additional recognition, service and amenities for balcony, suite and villa guests.  Norwegian Jade is the first ship to feature Freestyle 2.0. Additional ships will launch Freestyle 2.0 within the following weeks, with fleet-wide roll out implemented by June 1, 2008.

Restaurant Information

Freestyle cruising has brought options to today’s traveller.  Want Mexican tonight?  Go to the Tapas/Latin restaurant.  Asian?  You’ve got three choices on many of NCL’s ships (traditional, sushi or teppanyaki.)  Some of these choices are included in your cruise fare, while others require an additional surcharge.  The main dining rooms (two on each ship) do not cost any more, and the specialty restaurants can cost anywhere from no more to $25 per person.  Reservations are not required in any restaurant, but are recommended in the specialty restaurants, and only accepted for parties of eight or more in the main dining rooms.

 Below is a list of all NCL restaurants, broken down by ship, listing the meals they’re available for and additional cost, if any.  Please keep in mind these prices are accurate as of 4/12/08, and are subject to change without notice. 

Norwegian Dawn restaurants are currently in the process of being repriced, but new rates have not been released yet.

Recently updated:

Dawn

Jewel

Pearl

Star

Sun

Pride of America

 Nic C. Lounger

norwegian-dawn-restaurants.xls

norwegian-dream-restaurant-list.rtf

norwegian-gem-restaurant-list.rtf

norwegian-jade-restaurant-list.rtf

norwegian-jewel-restaurant-list.rtf

norwegian-majesty-restaurant-list.rtf

norwegian-pearl-restaurants.xls

norwegian-spirit-restaurants.xls

norwegian-star-restaurants.xls

norwegian-sun-restaurants.xls

pride-of-aloha-restaurant-list.rtf

pride-of-america-restaurants.xls

Bar Set-Up Contact Info Change

The Ship Coordinators department has changed its name, and therefore, the contact info to set up a bar has changed.  The new e-mail address for setting up your bar for your cabin is groupeventxxx@ncl.com, with xxx being replaced by the name of the ship (without “Norwegian”)  For instance, for your sailing on the Norwegian Star, you’d e-mail groupeventstar@ncl.com to set up your bar.

 For further details on setting up your bar, please see http://www.stylishcruising.com/cruise/?p=22.

 Nic C. Lounger

Lisbon, Portugal Port Information

Pier:  In the commercial port (Doca de Alcantara), about two miles from downtown.

Shuttle service is provided to Praco do Comercio, the pedestrian thoroughfare.  Most major tourist attractions are within walking distance of downtown.  Taxis are readily available, and there is a bus and trolley service to get around town.  Trains are available for out of town destinations.

Useful Links:

http://www.atl-turismolisboa.pt/home.asp?lng=uk

http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/newport.cfm?ID=80