Cruise Blog, by American Discount Cruises

Our cruise blog provides its readers with a constantly updated source for all of the latest news, updates, and happenings in the cruise and travel industries. Feel free to comment on any of the articles, as we'd love to hear from our readers. Our editorial staff will reply as soon as possible.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Royal Caribbean Announces Oasis Of The Seas Itineraries

MIAMI, June 20, 2008 - With the astounding array of choices and amenities being introduced on Royal Caribbean International's next generation of cruise ships, vacationers will be hard-pressed to find another experience as spectacular as what they will enjoy on Oasis of the Seas. Today, the cruise line renowned for its innovations announced seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries for the new ship's inaugural year, with the inaugural voyage planned for December 12, 2009. Bookings for Oasis of the Seas will open September 3, 2008. The ship's homeport is Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Oasis of the Seas will begin her inaugural season with 19 consecutive seven-night sailings to the Eastern Caribbean, with ports of call at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas. Starting May 1, 2010, Oasis of the Seas will alternate its Eastern Caribbean itinerary with the Western Caribbean itinerary, which will call at Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach destination in Haiti; the new port of Falmouth, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico.

"Royal Caribbean is fortunate to have taken millions of satisfied guests over 40 years to these highly regarded destinations," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "We thank the government of Haiti, Port Authority of Jamaica, State Government of Quintana Roo, Island of Cozumel, SSA Mexico, Ministry of Public Works and Port Authority of the Bahamas, Virgin Islands Port Authority, West Indian Company, and Port of St. Maarten for their support and cooperation in working with us to provide such compelling itineraries for our guests."

Royal Caribbean has been working closely with the ports on the Oasis of the Seas itineraries to ensure the guest experience is seamless when the ship visits. The cruise line and St. Maarten will enhance the guest welcome facilities, while Cozumel's pier will be widened. Approaches to the docks at St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau also will be dredged.

Royal Caribbean is working in partnership with the Port Authority of Jamaica to complete the new Falmouth Cruise Pier by March 2010, as well as establish the associated infrastructure necessary to welcome cruise ship guests. A historically important 18th-century settlement, Falmouth was a colonial center of Jamaica's sugar and fine rums industry. The town's rich history and Georgian architecture has most recently drawn the attention of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who has been a long time supporter of restoring historic buildings of Great Britain.
Royal Caribbean also is working with the government of Haiti to construct a pier at Labadee, the cruise line's private beach destination. Additional plans are underway to expand guest offerings with an alpine coaster and fast-boat tours, among others, to complement Labadee's stunning Dragon's Breath Flight Line, which has proven to be one of the destination's most popular attractions.

Oasis of the Seas will be the world's largest and most revolutionary ship introducing the cruise line's new neighborhood concept, which will provide vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences in seven themed areas based on their personal styles, preferences or moods. Boardwalk will be a breathtaking space for families. Inspired by the nostalgic seaside piers of yesteryear, Boardwalk will dynamically engage the entire family in classic fun - whether young or just young at heart - with eateries, retail outlets, and carnival games. An original, handcrafted carousel - the first at sea - will be the centerpiece of this vibrant neighborhood. Off the Boardwalk, the first amphitheater at sea, AquaTheater, will celebrate water with the largest freshwater pool found on a ship offering a full spectrum of activities and performances for guests. Created to offer two unique experiences, AquaTheater will allow guests to swim in the theater's magnificent kidney-shaped pool, relax on sun loungers located on tiered platforms surrounding the pool, and even take SCUBA lessons in the afternoon. At night, it will deliver a complete sensory experience playing on the element of surprise as audience members witness the venue come alive with heart-pounding theatrical performances featuring dramatic acrobatics, synchronized swimming, water ballet, and professional high-diving, as well as elaborate fountain shows synchronized to music and lights. Other surprises include two 43-foot rock-climbing walls on either side of the AquaTheater and the first zip-line at sea suspended nine decks above Boardwalk.

Enhancements to the cruise line's signature Royal Promenade, the heart of the ship, will include a mezzanine level that overlooks the main promenade below. The Crystal Canopy sculptured-glass domes will allow natural light to cascade down from the sky. There will be a vast array of shopping, dining and entertainment options including, the Rising Tide bar, the first moving bar at sea, which will traverse three decks and allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly ascend into Central Park, the neighborhood above. Central Park, a revolutionary design in which the center of the ship opens to the sky, features lush, tropical grounds spanning the length of a football field. With its serene pathways, seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees, Central Park will evolve from a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere during the day to a gathering space for alfresco dining and entertainment in the evening, where guests will enjoy concerts and street performances.
With the introduction of the neighborhood concept, Oasis of the Seas will debut a new portfolio of 37 categories of accommodation options, many with views unique to the ship. Park View and Boardwalk View balcony staterooms offer inward facing accommodations overlooking the two open-air neighborhoods. Another industry-first, the introduction of 28 contemporary two-level loft suites will redefine cruise ship accommodations with vibrant, ocean-inspired colors in a sophisticated and spacious setting. The lofts will be the highest accommodations at sea, offering spectacular views of the ocean, and floor-to-ceiling, double-height windows to ensure the view will be enjoyed from every vantage point. Other features among these coveted 28 lofts will be a unique modern design dotted with abstract, modern art pieces; spacious living areas on the lower level with contemporary detailing; and a private balcony with sun chairs and stunning views to help guests unwind. Each loft, which will measure 545 square feet (51 square meters) or larger when combined, and will be fitted in contemporary décor with a Caribbean influence. The impressive design will include an upper-level bedroom that overlooks the living area and extended ocean views. Beds will be outfitted with white, luxurious duvets complemented by tropical blue and green accents that tie into the loft's natural surroundings. The lofts will feature LCD televisions, separate vanity areas, a guest bathroom downstairs and an upstairs master bathroom featuring his and hers shower heads, fog-free mirrors, and limestone mosaic tile accents.

When she launches in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at American Discount Cruises & Travel's website by clicking here.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska and Canada, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, and South America.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Royal Caribbean Selects Oasis Of The Seas And Allure Of The Seas As The Names For Its Project Genesis Ships

MIAMI, May 23, 2008 - An oasis is commonly defined as a fertile area in an arid region or a place of refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast. Today, Royal Caribbean International adds another use of the term, defining it as the official name for the cruise line's newest and most awe-inspiring class of cruise ships, until now referred to by the code name "Project Genesis."

The name Oasis of the Seas was selected from more than 91,000 entries in Royal Caribbean's "Name that Ship" contest, which the cruise line launched on January 18 in partnership with USA TODAY. Entrants were invited to submit two names ending in "of the Seas" that best encapsulate the universe of experiences a Royal Caribbean cruise provides guests. The contest marks the first time members of the general public, outside of the cruise industry, have been given the opportunity to name a cruise ship.

The winning combination of names, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, was submitted by George Weiser, of Livonia, Michigan. Weiser's well-chosen names scored the highest among all contest entries considered by a panel of judges, and earned him the honor of naming not only the world's next largest and most innovative cruise ships, but the entire class of the new ships, the Oasis-class. Weiser is joined by Jennifer Conley, of Robertsville, Missouri, who suggested Mystique of the Seas and also Allure of the Seas. Conley is also a winner in the naming contest for earning the second-highest score.

"Our customers are remarkably passionate about Royal Caribbean," said Adam Goldstein, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "This naming contest has been a fantastic expression of their interest and commitment. We are thrilled to announce these two names and grateful to USA Today for partnering with us."

The "Name that Ship" contest was judged by a panel of industry experts including Lauren Teton, founding partner of Name One!, which specializes in finding unique names for products and business entities; John Maxtone-Graham, maritime historian, lecturer and author of numerous books, including the latest, "Normandie: France's Legendary Art Deco Ocean Liner"; and Albert Mehrabian, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Psychology at UCLA and author of more than 14 books, including "Baby Name Report Card: Beneficial and Harmful Baby Names."

"Taking into account the remarkable sea-going destination Oasis of the Seas will be, the name selection evokes an appropriate feeling of verdant comfort and luxury," said John Maxtone-Graham, maritime historian. "I was very pleased with the final selection and for being invited to take part in the contest."

When launched in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests, and feature 2,700 staterooms. The ship will homeport in Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 2010, she will be joined by a sister ship, Allure of the Seas. Additional information is available at American Discount Cruises & Travel's website by clicking here.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Princess Cruises Adds Trademark Sanctuary to All Ships

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 7, 2008) - Prompted by enthusiastic response from its passengers, Princess Cruises' ground-breaking "pocket of tranquility" - The Sanctuary - has become such a popular haven for passengers looking to escape to a serene hideaway, that it will be added to the entire fleet of Princess ships.

Beginning this summer, the line's trademark retreat will be added to Island Princess, followed by Grand Princess and Star Princess by the end of the year. Additional ships will have The Sanctuary added through 2010.

The Sanctuary, which debuted in 2006 aboard Crown Princess, was an instant success as it gave passengers the perfect place to take a break and indulge in a private getaway with a plush, outdoor spa-inspired setting, complete with massage cabanas, signature beverages, light meals, attentive service and relaxing personal entertainment. The exclusive adults-only retreat enjoyed continued popularity on sister ship Emerald Princess, and will also be available on Ruby Princess, debuting in November.

"The Sanctuary has come to personify Princess' essential philosophy of escape coupled with personal service," said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. "Passengers have told us they love this opportunity to completely relax in such a peaceful and pampering environment, so we're delighted to introduce this special Princess feature on all our vessels."

Depending on the ship, The Sanctuaries will be created in different areas onboard, such as the sports courts atop the "Grand-class" vessels, which will be relocated.

Sanctuary guests lounge amidst lush greenery, with the presence of gentle breezes, ocean waves, and softly piped-in spa music combining to further insulate the area with relaxation sounds. Guests can relax on plush outdoor furniture including double loungers for couples, as well as deluxe chaise lounges and chairs. Passengers also enjoy the personal attention of Serenity Stewards in The Sanctuary, who are on hand to provide everything from a chilled face towel and Evian water atomizers, to a menu of healthy beverages and fare. Serenity Stewards also have personal MP3 players with noise canceling headphones available loaded with themed playlists focused on relaxation for those who want to escape with music.

In addition, The Sanctuary features two outdoor private cabanas where guests can also take advantage of the exclusive Lotus Spa Services at The Sanctuary, including sybaritic favorites such as a Deep Tissue Muscle Massage, a relaxing Swedish Massage or a Full Body Lotus Massage especially for couples.

Guests can also refresh with a variety of special drinks and snacks created exclusively for The Sanctuary. Each day Serenity Stewards will be on hand to offer guests an array of drinks and snacks. Signature Sanctuary beverages include healthy smoothies, energy drinks, iced flavored waters and freshly made lemonade. A menu featuring a selection of light bites such as refreshing fruit skewers, lettuce wrapped spring rolls, and spicy tuna pate with baked pita wedges will also be available through the Serenity Stewards.

Half-day passes for The Sanctuary are available for $10 per person, for 8 am to 12:30 pm or 1 pm to 5 pm. Passengers choosing to indulge with an outdoor massage may also enjoy an hour's use of The Sanctuary area after their treatment.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through American Discount Cruises & Travel by clicking here or by calling them (toll free) at 1-866-214-7447.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Norwegian Cruise Line Announces 2009 Alaska, Bermuda, and Europe Deployment

Miami - Mar 12, 2008 ---

Today at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami, NCL Corporation (NCL) unveiled its 2009 Alaska, Bermuda and Europe deployment and itineraries. Nine Freestyle Cruising ships will give guests the opportunity to explore exotic destinations, from the wilderness of Skagway, to the pink sand of St. George's, to the pyramids of Giza. These cruises go on sale March 20, 2008.

"With the introduction of Freestyle 2.0, which will be firmly in place by the summer of 2008, we made a promise to enhance our guests' total experience," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "NCL's 2009 Alaska, Bermuda and Europe itineraries further that commitment by offering a diverse set of itineraries to some of the most popular cruising destinations in the world."

The Last Frontier

NCL will offer the following Alaska itineraries in 2009:

  • Norwegian Pearl
    • Seven-day Glacier Bay, roundtrip from Seattle
      • Ports of call include Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska and Victoria, British Columbia
      • Norwegian Pearl sails May 10, 17, 24 and 31; June 7, 14, 21 and 28; July 5, 12, 19 and 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; and September 6 and 13
  • Norwegian Star
    • Seven-day Sawyer Glacier itinerary, roundtrip from Seattle
      • Ports of call include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska and Prince Rupert, British Columbia
      • Norwegian Star sails May 9, 16, 23 and 30; June 6, 13, 20 and 27; July 4, 11, 18 and 25; August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; and September 5 and 12
  • Norwegian Sun
    • Seven-day Sawyer Glacier itinerary, roundtrip from Vancouver
      • Ports of call include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska
      • Norwegian Sun sails May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; June 7, 14, 21 and 28; July 5, 12, 19 and 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; and September 6

See You In Bermuda

In 2007, NCL and the Bermuda Government reached a comprehensive, long-term agreement that calls for two of NCL's newest and largest ships to be deployed to Bermuda for the next 10 years, commencing 2009 and running through 2018. The agreement also calls for NCL to continue its tradition of being the exclusive line to sail from Boston to Bermuda.

NCL will offer the following Bermuda itineraries in 2009:

  • Norwegian Dawn
    • Seven-day itinerary, roundtrip from New York
      • Three days in King's Wharf, Bermuda
      • Norwegian Dawn sails May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; June 7, 14, 21 and 28; July 5, 12, 19 and 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; and October 4, 11, 18 and 25
  • Norwegian Majesty
    • Five- and seven-day itineraries, roundtrip from Baltimore
      • Calls in St. George's, Bermuda
      • Norwegian Majesty sails a five-day itinerary August 23 and a seven-day itinerary May 24 and 31; June 7, 14, 21 and 28; July 5, 12, 19 and 26; and August 2, 9 and 16
    • Six- and seven-day itineraries, roundtrip from Charleston
      • Calls in St. George's, Bermuda
      • Norwegian Majesty sails a six-day itinerary May 16 and a seven-day itinerary May 2 and 9
    • Seven-day itinerary, roundtrip from Philadelphia
      • Calls in St. George's, Bermuda
      • Norwegian Majesty sails September 26 and October 3, 10, 17 and 24
  • Norwegian Spirit
    • Seven-day itinerary, roundtrip from Boston
      • Three days in King's Wharf, Bermuda
      • Norwegian Spirit sails May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; June 5, 12, 19 and 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; August 7, 14, 21 and 28; and September 4, 11 and 18

All Oceans Lead To Europe

Beginning March 30, 2008, NCL will deploy a ship year-round in Europe, a first in the company's 41-year history. The 2,400-passenger Norwegian Jade will remain in Europe through spring of 2010.

NCL will offer the following Europe itineraries in 2009 and 2010:

  • Norwegian Gem
    • Seven-day Western Mediterranean itinerary, roundtrip from Barcelona
      • Ports of call include Valletta, Malta; Naples, Rome ( Civitavecchia) and Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; and Cannes or Nice (Villefranche), France*
      • In 2009, Norwegian Gem sails May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; June 7, 14, 21 and 28; July 5, 12, 19 and 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; September 6, 13, 20 and 27; October 4, 11, 18 and 25; and November 1, 8, 15 and 22

* May 10 and August 30 sailings call in Nice (Villefranche), France.

  • Norwegian Jewel
    • 12-day Baltic Capitals, roundtrip from London ( Dover)
      • Ports of call include Copenhagen, Denmark; Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; and Stockholm, Sweden
      • In 2009, Norwegian Jewel sails April 28; May 10 and 22; June 3, 15 and 27; July 9 and 21; August 2, 14 and 26; and September 7
  • Norwegian Jade
    • Nine-day Canary Islands and Morocco, roundtrip from Barcelona
      • Ports of call include Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco; Las Palmas, Canary Islands; Funchal, Madeira; and Granada ( Malaga), Spain
      • In 2009, Norwegian Jade sails January 16; February 6 and 27; and March 20
      • In 2010, Norwegian Jade sails January 15; February 5 and 26; and March 19
    • 12-day Eastern Mediterranean roundtrip from Barcelona
      • Ports of call include Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Izmir), Turkey; Alexandria, Egypt; and Valletta, Malta
      • In 2009, Norwegian Jade sails January 4 and 25; February 15; March 8 and 29; and April 10
      • In 2010, Norwegian Jade sails January 3 and 24; February 14; and March 7 and 28
    • 21-day Eastern Mediterranean, Canaries and Morocco, roundtrip from Barcelona
      • Ports of call include Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Athens, Greece; Ephesus (Izmir), Turkey; Alexandria, Egypt; Valletta, Malta; Barcelona and Granada (Malaga) Spain; Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco; Las Palmas, Canary Islands; and Funchal, Madeira
      • In 2009, Norwegian Jade sails January 4, 16 and 25; February 6, 15 and 27; and March 8 and 20
      • In 2010, Norwegian Jade sails January 3, 15 and 24; February 5, 14 and 26; and March 7 and 19

NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line.

NCL is building two new Third Generation Freestyle Cruising ("F3") ships for delivery in 2010. NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships in the market, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400-passenger Norwegian Gem.

Click here for additional information on NCL ship and cruises, as well as pricing information.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Norwegian Jade To Homeport In Europe Year-Round

Ship extends successful maiden European season through to spring 2010

Miami - Feb 27, 2008 ---

NCL Corporation today announced that for the first time in the company's 41-year history, it will deploy a ship year-round in Europe. The 2,400 passenger Norwegian Jade will sail a variety of itineraries in Europe year-round, extending its inaugural season in Europe that begins on March 30, 2008. The ship will now remain in Europe full time through to the spring of 2010 instead of the current seasonal deployment that was to end in November 2008. As part of this year-round deployment, NCL is introducing three new European itineraries - a series of 12-day Eastern Mediterranean sailings and nine-day Canary Islands and Morocco sailings, along with a 14-day Eastern Mediterranean holiday cruise, all roundtrip from Barcelona.

"We've seen strong growth in Europe and Freestyle Cruising has been a big success with our European guests," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "Norwegian Jade has been very well received in her first season, and our full three-ship fleet in Europe is doing so well that we are now confident in committing a ship year-round to this strongly growing market. With one of our newest and largest Freestyle Cruising ships in Europe sailing a year-round variety of port-intensive itineraries, we can now offer an exceptional cruise experience any time of the year for our guests who want to enjoy all that Europe has to offer."

Norwegian Jade's new European sailings from November 2008 through April 2009 go on sale March 3, 2008. The balance of the new deployment through to spring 2010 will be opened for sale shortly thereafter.

Norwegian Jade's new 12-day Eastern Mediterranean cruise includes stops in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Izmir), Turkey; an overnight in Alexandria, Egypt; and Valletta, Malta. Highlights of the nine-day Canary Islands and Morocco itinerary include five ports of call: Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco; Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands; Funchal, Madeira; and Granada (Málaga), Spain. In addition, Norwegian Jade will sail a special 14-night Eastern Mediterranean holiday sailing on December 21, 2008, that includes Rome (Civitavecchia) and Naples, Italy; an overnight in Alexandria, Egypt; Rhodes, Greece; Ephesus (Izmir), Turkey, Athens (Piraeus), Greece; and Valletta, Malta.

Guests booked on Norwegian Jade's Transatlantic and New York sailings

For guests booked on Norwegian Jade's 12-day transatlantic sailing or seven-, 10- or 11-day sailings from New York from mid-December through April 2009, NCL is offering the opportunity to move their reservations to comparable sailings on Norwegian Gem. Guests who make the change will receive full price protection and a $100 on-board credit per person (maximum $200 per stateroom). Additionally, NCL will pay for air changes fees (up to $100 per person) or hotel cancellations fees (up to $50 per room) for guests who booked air or hotels on their own. Air and hotel booked through NCL will be protected at the original rate. Guests who choose to sail on a different NCL sailing (other than the one offered) will receive a $50 on-board credit per person (maximum $100 per stateroom) on another voyage. Guests who instead wish to cancel will receive a full refund.

Guests booked on the December 12, 2008 two-day weekend getaway will receive a full refund and a $25 per person future cruise credit certificate.

All changes must be made by March 14, 2008. After that time, all existing reservations will be cancelled.

For more detailed information about Norwegian Jade's itineraries, click here

NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line.

NCL plans to build two new third generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in 2010. NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Gem.

Monday, February 11, 2008

NCL Corporation Announces Adjustments to Hawai'i Fleet

Company announces Pride of America's deployment through 2010 Pride of Aloha to leave the fleet in May

Honolulu - Feb 11, 2008 ---

NCL Corporation ("NCL") today announced the withdrawal of Pride of Aloha from the Hawai'i market effective May 11, 2008. The ship is being transferred to Star Cruises and will be reflagged and deployed in Asia in the summer of 2008.

The remaining year-round ship in Hawai'i will be the larger and newer Pride of America, introduced in 2005, a vessel specifically designed and built for Hawai'i cruising. The company announced, and put on sale, Pride of America's sailings through 2010 offering its popular inter-island cruises departing every Saturday from Honolulu.

Since the announcement a year ago of Pride of Hawai'i's temporary transfer to NCL's European deployment, renamed as Norwegian Jade, the company has embarked on a major fleet-wide initiative called Freestyle 2.0 featuring significant product and hardware upgrades to its modern fleet, including Pride of America. The Freestyle 2.0 program will further enhance the on-board experience taking Freestyle Cruising to the next level. Enhancements include a major investment in the total dining experience; upgrading the stateroom experience; new wide ranging on-board activities for all guests; additional recognition, service and amenities for balcony, suite and villa guests; and the establishment of casual action-station restaurants taking the place of the "traditional" buffet experience. Freestyle 2.0 will be in place on Pride of America and across NCL's fleet, now the youngest fleet in the cruise industry, by the middle of May 2008.

"Pride of Aloha pioneered the new inter-island market but, as we move forward with Freestyle 2.0 to take our product to the next level across what is already the youngest fleet in the industry, we cannot justify further investment in this ship," said Andy Stuart, NCL's executive vice president of marketing, sales and passenger services. "Withdrawing Pride of Aloha was an extremely difficult but necessary commercial decision; however we see a strong future for the long-term flagship in Hawai'i, Pride of America. In Pride of America, we have created a commercially successful modern U.S. Flag cruise ship home ported in Hawai'i - the first time that has ever been achieved. With Pride of America, we are offering a high quality product, on a world class ship sailing one of the most exciting itineraries available in the industry.

"With today's announcement of Pride of America's itinerary through 2010, our guests and travel partners can choose a Freestyle Cruising vacation on a big, modern ship visiting all four main islands and featuring more time to explore ashore than any other cruise line sailing in Hawai'i. In the longer term, as demand continues to grow for this premium experience, we hope to bring back our other modern purpose-built U.S.-flag ship, Pride of Hawai'i."

Guests booked on Pride of Aloha
For guests booked on Pride of Aloha from May 11, 2008 and beyond, NCL is holding space and will offer the same cruise fare as they currently have paid on their Pride of Aloha cruise if they would like to transfer to the same week on Pride of America, departing one day earlier. In addition:
-Guests will receive a $100 per person on-board credit (up to $200 per stateroom).
-For guests who made their air and/or hotel arrangements through NCL, NCL will protect the rates they currently have paid and cover any air or hotel change fees.
-For guests who purchased their own air, NCL will protect up to the first $100 per person of any increase in air costs and cover up to $75 per person in air change fees.
-For guests who made independent hotel arrangements, NCL will cover any hotel change fees up to $25 per person.

Guests may book any other NCL cruise and receive a $100 per person on-board credit (up to $200 per stateroom) if they rebook by March 7, 2008. In addition, NCL will cover up to $75 per person in air change fees and up to $25 per person in hotel change fees. Guests may cancel their cruise and receive a full refund if NCL is notified by March 7, 2008. In addition, NCL will cover up to $75 per person in air change fees and up to $25 per person in hotel change fees. After March 7, 2008 cancellation fees will apply in accordance with NCL's cancellation policy.

Pride of America's deployment announced through 2010
Following a 14-day scheduled dry dock in Hawai'i from April 26, 2008 to May 10, 2008, Pride of America will sail its four main island itinerary with a change in order of ports including an overnight in Nawiliwili, Kaua'i; an afternoon cruise of the breathtaking Napali Coast; Hilo, Hawai'i; an evening sail by Mount K+lauea; Kona, Hawai'i; and an overnight in Kahului, Maui.

All of the Freestyle 2.0 enhancements will be rolled out on Pride of America during the ship's dry-dock.

Launched in 2005, Pride of America has over 660 balcony staterooms, the broadest range of family-friendly interconnecting cabins available at sea, a choice of nine different restaurants and 12 dining options, multiple entertainment venues, three pools, extensive children's facilities, an abundance of spacious public rooms, and the largest dedicated meeting facilities at sea. All inspired by the diverse regions of America.

Cabotage Issues
Commenting on the Pride of Aloha withdrawal, NCL's President and CEO Colin Veitch said: "Our Hawai'i business has been extraordinarily difficult, and although we have progressively established a stable operation, delivering a good product in a great destination, the overall price level in the market has been driven down, to a significant degree, by an unprecedented expansion of capacity from low-cost foreign flag ships based on the west coast operating domestic Hawai'i itineraries that the Customs Service has indicated are legally the preserve of U.S. flag ships.

"We have invested heavily in U.S. flag cruising in reliance on our nation's cabotage laws providing a level playing field in Hawai'i. Our remaining ship, Pride of America, is generating an encouraging profit now, and we project a continued improvement in this one-ship operation as the unique nature of Hawai'i, from a cabotage standpoint, is clarified and restored. In due course, we would then expect, and hope, to be able to grow our U.S. flag business back to two profitable ships by reintroducing Pride of Hawai'i."

About NCL Corporation
NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line. NCL is building two new Third Generation Freestyle Cruising ("F3") ships for delivery in 2010.

NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships in the market, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Gem.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Voyager Of The Seas Arrives In Galveston For It's 1st Winter Season in Texas

The following information was recently released by Royal Caribbean:

Royal Caribbean Introduces Gulf Coast's Largest and Most Innovative Cruise Ship


MIAMI, January 14, 2008 - Everything is bigger in Texas and the next biggest thing in the Lone Star State is Royal Caribbean International's Voyager of the Seas. The largest cruise ship ever to be based in the Gulf Coast and to sail from the Port of Galveston, Voyager will sail seven-night itineraries visiting the Caribbean, South America and Mexico calling on Cozumel, Costa Maya and Yucatan, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and George Town, Grand Cayman through April 2008.

"Voyager's arrival also marks the first time a Voyager-class ship has been deployed in Texas," said Alice Norsworthy, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "We are excited to offer more Texans the opportunity to experience our signature style of cruising right from their backyard."

At a ceremony held onboard Voyager of the Seas yesterday, special guests, including local dignitaries, travel agents and media gathered to celebrate the arrival of the ship which was adorned with gigantic longhorns, 140 feet long and weighing 600 pounds. Following the ceremony, Royal Caribbean kicked off a week-long charity auction on eBay with proceeds benefiting the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, which helps seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. The highest bidder will win the longhorns and a seven-night cruise for two.

"In 2006, we welcomed 617,000 cruise travelers, making Galveston the Gulf Coast's most popular cruise port. With the arrival of Voyager of the Seas, the port will undergo a $3.3 million upgrade to accommodate a 50 percent increase in Royal Caribbean guests," said Steven M. Cernak, port director, Port of Galveston. "Hosting the most innovative ship in the Gulf will have a significant economic impact, adding to the success of 2006 when we saw $1.1 billion in direct spending, resulting in 19,341 jobs created and $907 million generated in new income in the state of Texas as a result of the cruise industry."*

When she debuted in 1999, Voyager of the Seas introduced cruise-industry innovations such as an ice-skating rink, rock-climbing wall and the 308-feet-long Royal Promenade, a shopping, dining and entertainment boulevard. Offering a vacation experience that can be tailored to suit all energy levels, Voyager also features a basketball court, miniature golf course, interactive golf simulator, three swimming pools, six whirlpools, the full-service Voyager Day Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

In the evenings, guests can enjoy a myriad of activities from top-rated Broadway-style productions in the theatre to gaming in the Casino Royale and a variety of dining and entertainment experiences in 16 bars and lounges and seven restaurants, including a 1950s-style Johnny Rockets Diner and Royal Caribbean's signature specialty restaurant, Portofino Italian Ristorante.

For the younger set, Voyager of the Seas also offers the line's award-winning Adventure Ocean children's program. Teens have dedicated onboard areas such as the Optix teen disco giving them their own space to meet, build friendships and relax with their peers. They, along with other cruisers will experience the line's hallmark Gold Anchor Service, which helps make each guest vacation a unique and unforgettable experience with friendly and engaging service from the staff and crew.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and three under construction. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America and New Zealand through its cruisetour division.