norwegian-gem.jpgNorwegian Cruise Line, the cruise company that charted its own course with the innovative “Freestyle Cruising” program, announced a fleetwide upgrade of its cuisine, the addition of onboard classes and vast improvements in bedding. 

le-bistro-restaurant.jpg“Freestyle Cruising”, introduced in 2001,  put decision-making squarely in the hands of passengers.  NCL’s passengers no longer have to have a Pavlovian response to the dinner bell for an early seating at 6:30 p.m. or the late dinner at 8:15.  You aren’t assigned a table with dinner partners.  In fact, you can dine almost anytime at any one of 12 restaurants including an outstanding French bistro, an Asian garden serving Sushi or Teppanyaki, and Cagney’s, a steakhouse.  Even if you want Italian, or Latin flavors, you’ve got a place to go. 
 
But Norwegian’s done more than simply shatter the barriers on “having it your way.”  It’s also chartered a new course in suites by creating a private yacht-like environment inside a big ship setting.  So you can live like a millionaire in posh digs separate from other passengers, but still enjoy the ship’s entertainment, casino, extensive sports and fitness facilities and a row of plentiful restaurants to indulge your tastes.  
 
Norwegian Gem, which debuted in December, is the third ship offer Garden Villas, a passel of upscale accommodations clustered around a private courtyard and sundeck with stunning teak and rattan furniture and its own pool, exercise room, butler services, and saunas for both men and women, you get pampered like a celebrity.
 
cagneys-steakhouse.jpgThat was Freestyle v.1.  In 2007, Apollo Investment Group purchased half of NCL for $1 billion and wisely invested in software improvements.  Now NCL’s fleet will get a much-needed $53 million upgrade in the quality of food, stateroom creature comforts and new onboard classes.   Lobster won’t only be served on Captain’s night, but every night in one of the ships restaurants during a voyage. A signature specialty dish in every restaurant (i.e. 48oz Porterhouse in the steak house, a chocolate fondue tower in the action station restaurant).  

Additional enhancements will include a new and expanded room service menu; ala minute dishes at all buffets plus upgraded bedding and sheets, pillows, duvets, towels and bathrobes in all cabins.  An “at your service” hotline service will be available for all passengers and a range of new classes such as organic cooking lessons and demonstrations, bartending, and sommelier tips, as well as Improv techniques will be offered.
 
Suite and villa passengers will find enhancements that mirror Holland America’s popular program for passengers sailing in the pricier staterooms.  

* Private breakfast/lunch in Cagney’s Restaurant or in the Courtyard
* An exclusive concierge lounge
* Priority disembarkation

Are you a fan of “Freestyle Cruising”?   If not, do these enhancements entice you to take an NCL ship?