Norwegian Jewel is set to make her inaugural debut in Alaska on May 19, 2012. This season marks the first time that Norwegian Cruise Line will have two Jewel-class ships sailing in Alaska. Norwegian Pearl, sister ship to Norwegian Jewel, will also be cruising in Alaska, giving guests the options to sail on one of two Jewel-class Freestyle Cruising ships enjoying all the amenities of these large, modern vessels while enjoying the beauty and wilderness of Alaska.

New Alaska reservations made through February 19, 2012, will receive a mini-suite for the price of a balcony; balcony staterooms for the price of an oceanview, and oceanview staterooms for the price of inside staterooms. Cruise deposits during this time for Alaska sailings are reduced by 50 percent. In addition, the line is offering same category upgrades and e-coupons worth up to $400 in on-board savings (for sailings taking place before December 31, 2012).

Norwegian Jewel’s weekly Sawyer Glacier cruises will depart on Saturdays from May 26, 2012 to September 8, 2012 with ports of call including: Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. Norwegian Jewel will also sail a seven-day Sawyer Glacier cruise from Vancouver to Seattle on May 19, 2012 and a seven-day Sawyer Glacier from Seattle to Vancouver on September 15, 2012.

Aboard Norwegian Jewel, one of the most popular family activities is Nickelodeon programming. Activities include breakfast with the characters, where kids – and adults – can eat, sing and play with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Patrick, Diego and more; Dora’s Dance Party, where kids can join Dora and the Nickelodeon cast to dance and sing along; meet and greets with popular Nickelodeon characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and many more. There are also other family activities offered, including Nick Jr. story time, family trivia and special arts and crafts sessions.

Also offered in Alaska in 2012 is a new youth program that includes enhanced curriculum and creative themes, such as circus day, theater/technology/sports and port of call day. The new youth program will be offered on Norwegian Jewel for the Alaska season and on Norwegian Pearl beginning June 18, 2012.

The 2,394-passenger Norwegian Pearl will return to Seattle sailing weekly seven-day Glacier Bay cruises departing on Sundays from May 13, 2012 to September 9, 2012 with ports of call including: Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. Norwegian Pearl will also sail a seven-day Glacier Bay cruise from Vancouver to Seattle on May 6, 2012 and a Seattle to Vancouver cruise on September 16, 2012.

To take advantage of “Norwegian’s Take it to the Next Level” upgrade promotion in Alaska now through February 19, 2012, contact a travel professional. Additional information may be found at NCL’s website.

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Norwegian Cruise Line’s new  4,000 passenger ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will sail from her year-round homeport of New York City to the Bahamas & Florida and the Caribbean during her inaugural winter season.  The 144,037-ton ship will enter service in April, 2013.

Following a summer inaugural season sailing seven-day cruises from New York to Bermuda, Norwegian Breakaway will embark on a series of 25 seven-day cruises to the Bahamas & Florida beginning on Sunday, October 13, 2013. The ship will also sail two 12-day Southern Caribbean itineraries on January 5 and 19, 2014, along with two Weekend Escape cruises on January 17 and 31, 2014.

These cruises go on sale to Norwegian’s top travel partners and Latitudes Rewards members (past guests) today and to the general public on Friday, January 6.

Norwegian Breakaway’s Bahamas & Florida cruises depart on Sundays and include stops in Nassau, Bahamas; Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay; and Orlando & the Beaches (Port Canaveral), Florida; along with three relaxing days at sea. These sailings run through April 27, 2014.  The ship’s 12-day Southern Caribbean cruises include the following ports of call: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Castries, St. Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; and Basseterre, St. Kitts; along with five relaxing days at sea.

In October of 2011, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Norwegian Cruise Line announced that beginning in May 2013, Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest ship to homeport year-round in New York City, bringing 140,000 additional embarking passengers into New York City over two years, resulting in an estimated $35 million in additional direct spending.

Information on Norwegian Breakaway’s accommodations and itineraries can be found on Norwegian’s website.

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Norwegian Cruise Line’s  Norwegian Gem responded to a call from the US Coast Guard who had received a distress notification from Sanctuary, a 39-foot sailboat, stating that they had large breaking waves over the bow, had lost power and its life raft, and were taking on water.  Sanctuary was located approximately 350 nautical miles from New York in the North Atlantic Ocean, two hours away from Norwegian Gem, the closest vessel in the area.  Norwegian Gem’s Captain Hakan Svedung immediately diverted course to rescue the four men and one woman aboard.

Upon reaching the Sanctuary, Norwegian Gem encountered extreme weather conditions with wind force up to 40 knots and large swells, making it challenging to launch the ship’s rescue boat. Once in the water, the rescue boat made contact with the sailboat and quickly transferred the five occupants who were Canadians.

At approximately 2 pm, the sailboat passengers and rescue team were all safely aboard Norwegian Gem.  The ship which was returning from Bermuda continued on its route back to New York and will arrive Sunday morning, October 30 at approximately 8:30 am, 30 minutes later than the scheduled arrival.  The five Sanctuary passengers will be disembarked in New York.

“This rescue operation was conducted under extremely difficult circumstances,” said Captain Svedung. “I am proud of our crew who braved their lives to rescue the five people in distress.”

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Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan today announced that Norwegian Cruise Line’s new state-of-the-art 4,000 passenger ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will make New York City her year-round home port. Beginning in May 2013, Norwegian Breakaway—which will be the largest ship ever to home port in the City—will replace Norwegian Star, and embark on a minimum of 88 cruises from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal through March 31, 2015.

The ship calls will bring an estimated 140,000 additional embarking passengers into New York City over two years, resulting in an estimated $35 million in additional direct spending. Mayor Bloomberg and Norwegian Cruise Line were joined at the announcement in the Manhattan Cruise Terminal by New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky and NYC & Co CEO George Fertitta.

“Out-of-town visitors spent $31 billion last year, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in our restaurants, shops, hotels, and cultural institutions,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “By making New York City home to its newest and largest ship, Norwegian Cruise Line is further confirming our standing as a top cruise destination and a place that tourists from around the world want to visit.”

“Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest ship ever to homeport in New York City, bringing more passengers, generating more spending, and creating more jobs in our City,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky.

Norwegian Cruise Line was the first cruise line to home port year-round in New York City beginning in 2003. Since then, the company has been committed to bringing its newest and largest ships to the Big Apple, with two ships calling in New York City since 2005. In 2013 alone, Norwegian Breakaway is expected to make 34 calls at Manhattan Cruise Terminal (MCT). In addition, Norwegian Gem will continue to call year-round at MCT, with an expected 47 calls, and Norwegian Star will make 15 calls in 2013 before being replaced. In total, Norwegian Cruise Line ships will bring approximately 285,000 embarking passengers into New York City in 2013, generating approximately $70 million in direct spending in the City – a $13.5 million increase due to the additional passengers on Norwegian Breakaway.

Currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Breakaway will be 144,017 gross tons and is scheduled for delivery in April 2013. Following inaugural events, the ship will sail a series of 22 seven-day cruises from New York to Bermuda beginning May 12, 2013 through Oct 6, 2013. Departing on Sundays, the ship will spend three full days in Bermuda, along with three days at sea.

Norwegian Breakaway’s New York to Bermuda cruises are scheduled to go on sale to Latitudes members, Norwegian’s frequent guests, on Friday, October 14, 2011 and to the public on Monday, October 17, 2011. Also, as part of its Partners First commitment, Norwegian will open Norwegian Breakaway’s sailings for group block bookings exclusively for travel partners on Monday, October 10, 2011. Travel partners wishing to block a group should call Norwegian at 800-327-7030.

Information on Norwegian Breakaway’s accommodations and itineraries can be found at www.ncl.com/breakaway. To book a cruise on Norwegian Breakaway, contact a travel professional or visit www.ncl.com.

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Norwegian Cruise Line today announced adjustments to its smoking policy for each of the line’s 11 Freestyle Cruising ships in response to changing guest preferences.  Effective January 2012, guests setting sail on a Norwegian cruise vacation are no longer permitted to smoke cigarettes in their staterooms.  Guests who are in a balcony stateroom will be permitted to smoke on the outside balcony; however, cigar and pipe smoking in staterooms and on balconies is prohibited.  Ashtrays will be available for use upon request through housekeeping staff.

In an effort to diminish the presence of smoke indoors, cigarette smoking is only permitted in the casino, where ashtrays and appropriate signage will be displayed. Smoking is prohibited in all other public interior venues including all bars, restaurants, conference rooms, corridors, restrooms, staircases and landings.  Guests may utilize the enclosed cigar bars on board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Spirit for cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking.

In addition, the policy allows guests to smoke cigarettes, cigars and pipes in outdoor public guest spaces and open decks, where designated by the appropriate signage.  Smoking is not permitted near outdoor venues which serve food, in open spaces such as the jogging track, sport complex, children’s pool and in The Haven outdoor areas.

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Norwegian Cruise Line invites kids (17 and younger) to sail free when their parents book a cruise from May 1 to 7, 2011.  Parents can become their family’s “Vacation Hero” when booking their kids as third or fourth guests on select sailings fleet-wide for new reservations made by May 7, 2011.  Families can have fun in the sun on a cruise getaway to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Hawai’i and the Caribbean or explore the rich history of Europe.

Norwegian’s array of Freestyle Cruising options gives families the flexibility to experience the vacation they’ve always wanted including family-friendly accommodations, a variety of entertainment and an array of dining options.  On a Norwegian cruise, there are activities the whole family can enjoy including plunging waterslides, a two-story Wii wall and supervised kids and teens programs, so parents can enjoy time at the spa, gaming in the casino or even a romantic dinner for two.  With so many dining choices even the most finicky eater will find plenty of options to satisfy their taste buds at the Kid’s Café on Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, Pride of America, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl.

Guests of all ages can enjoy Nickelodeon activities and shows on board Norwegian Jewel’s sailings from New York to the Bahamas & Florida or Norwegian Epic’s voyages to the Western Mediterranean from Barcelona or to the Caribbean from Miami.  On these ships, there are signature Nickelodeon activities, popular characters and interactive game shows, such as Slime Time Live!, which the entire family can enjoy together.  There is no shortage of family fun on board Norwegian Epic with its expansive Aqua Park featuring the three-story Epic Plunge; two-deck sports complex; and interactive children’s area, Recess.

For reservations and additional information contact your travel agent.

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Norwegian Cruise Line has come up with an innovative way to get you to book early:    The company says it will increase fares April 1 by “at least ten percent”.

The company also announced it will extend its “Free Upgrades For All” Sales Event through March 31, 2011.  The promotion provides up to a four-category upgrade on select sailings, along with e-coupons in on-board savings of up to $400.

This extension will give those planning to book a cruise extra time to take advantage of this offer prior to price increases which will take effect on April 1, 2011.

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While we all love to receive flowers and chocolate on Valentine’s Day, much bigger gestures are certainly welcome.   Running away to sea on a romantic cruise is the ultimate way to spend Valentine’s Day.   And, if you haven’t booked a cruise yet Norwegian Cruise Line offers not only tempting prices but also sublime packages to guarantee this will be the most romantic cruise of your life.

• The Romance Package: sparkling wine and strawberries in stateroom upon embarkation, a traditional spa pedicure and manicure for one, two 25-minute half-body Seven Seas Massages and tea service in stateroom.  $249 per stateroom.
• The Deluxe Romance Package: sparkling wine and strawberries in stateroom upon embarkation, choice of Exotic Frangipani Body Nourishing Wrap or Exotic Coconut and Milk Ritual Wrap for one, two 25-minute half-body Seven Seas Massages, tea service in stateroom, breakfast in bed, a keepsake portrait, and a romantic dinner for two with a complimentary bottle of wine in Norwegian’s signature restaurant, Le Bistro. $329 per stateroom.

Terrific deals are found on NCL’s ships sailing during the second week in February.  For example, the new Norwegian Epic departs on a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise February 12; per person, double occupancy fares start at $749.   Similar low fares are available fleet-wide,

For specific itineraries, visit NCL

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NCL Corporation Ltd. announced today that it has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) relating to a proposed initial public offering (“IPO”) of its ordinary shares.

The registration statement relating to these securities has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus, when available. The registration statement on Form S-1 may be accessed through the SEC�s website at edgar.sec.gov.

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Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it is building two 143,500-ton cruise ships for delivery in spring, 2013 and spring, 2014, respectively.    With a contract price of 1.2 billion euros, the ships will have 4,000 lower passenger berths.

While few other specifics were available, NCL says the unnamed new ships will continue its tradition of Freestyle Cruising offering multiple dining choices and a large array of entertainment choices.   When the 153,000-ton Norwegian Epic entered service this year she set a new standard in cruise ship entertainment by offering shows like Blue Man Group, Second City comedy and a supper club.

In an interview, an NCL executive hinted that the new ships will have separate bathrooms.  Norwegian Epic’s cabins have been strongly criticized for the lack of privacy since individual areas for both shower and toilet are inside the staterooms.

While the two new ships on order are smaller by 10,000 tons than Norwegian Epic, they will carry the same capacity of passengers.

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