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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.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Her Royal Highness The Duchess Of Cornwall Names Cunard's New Queen Victoria

Cunard Line released the following information today concerning the exciting naming of their newest ocean liner, the Queen Victoria:

Southampton, England - December 10, 2007 - Continuing a grand royal tradition, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall officially named Cunard Line's newest ocean liner, Queen Victoria, this afternoon during a colorful and regal ceremony in front of a VIP audience of more than 2,000 guests, celebrities and dignitaries.

A milestone in Cunard and British maritime history, this historic occasion marks the continuation of a long tradition of senior Royals naming Cunard liners. "Every one of our Cunard Queens has been named by a member of the Royal Family and we are delighted that Queen Victoria follows in this regal tradition," said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line.

Queen Victoria is not only a classic Cunard ocean liner, offering the very best of Cunard heritage and traditions, but is also the second largest Cunarder the company has ever built. She departs on her Maiden Voyage on Tuesday December 11, 2007.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Fuel Supplement for most Cruise Lines

Because of sharp increases in fuel prices, most cruise lines have initiated a charge known as a fuel supplement or fuel surcharge. In most cases, this fee affects all cruises that are departing from February 1, 2008 and on.

Most cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, The Yachts of Seabourn, Azamara Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises have made this fee retroactive. This means that even people that have paid their cruise in full will have to pay this fee. Other cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) only made this fee a factor for new reservations. For example, NCL has implemented this fee for anyone that booked from December 1, 2007 and on.

The cost of this fuel fee is being charged per person per day and depends on the cruise line. For example, Royal Caribbean is charging $5 per person per day, only for the 1st & 2nd passenger in each cabin. NCL is charging $7 per person per day, for the 1st & 2nd passengers...plus $3 per person per day for 3rd, 4th & 5th passengers in a cabin. Many cruise lines have a $70 cap, per person for this fee. For more information contact the cruise lines directly.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Cunard Announces New Ship, Queen Elizabeth coming in 2010

New liner to enter service in 2010

Valencia, CA - October 10, 2007 - Cunard Line announces that it has ordered a new 92,000-ton liner, to be named "Queen Elizabeth," scheduled to enter service in the autumn of 2010. Cunard, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE CUK) signed an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of the new 2092-passenger ocean liner, which will be built at Fincantieri's Monfalcone yard at an all-in cost of approximately $700 million. The vessel will be the second largest Cunarder the company has ever built.

"Cunard already owns and operates the two most famous ocean liners in the world, Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2, and a third - Queen Victoria - is due to be named by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales, in December of this year," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "The decision to order another ship for Cunard Line has been taken as a result of the strong booking response to the new Queen Victoria, and we are extremely pleased that Cunard will once again become a three-ship fleet so soon after the departure of the much-celebrated Queen Elizabeth 2 in November next year. Furthermore, we are delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has given her blessing to our calling this new Cunarder 'Queen Elizabeth', after our first vessel of that name."

The new ship follows a long line of famous Cunard liners stretching back to the company's inception as the first operator of a timetabled transatlantic service 167 years ago.

"It is a particularly special moment for Fincantieri to have secured a second order from Cunard at a time when we are nearing the completion of Queen Victoria," said Mr. Giuseppe Bono, Fincantieri's Chief Executive Officer. "Cunard is the most famous name in passenger shipping and we are honoured to have been chosen to build Queen Elizabeth and to continue the tradition and heritage of that great company."

Queen Elizabeth will offer the very best of Cunard's values and traditions, blended with every conceivable modern luxury that today's discerning travellers expect. Through her opulent public rooms and impeccable service, the new ship will reflect the grandeur which has been associated with Cunard ships since the introduction of the Mauretania in 1907; and from the outside, her black hull, gleaming white superstructure and distinctive red funnel will echo the classic characteristics of the company's distinctive liner heritage.

Queen Elizabeth will fly the Red Ensign with her home-port Southampton, as is the case with the other ships in the Cunard fleet.

The agreement is subject to approval by the board of directors of Carnival Corporation & plc. Design details and initial itineraries will be announced in due course.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

NCL Named Official Cruise Line of The PGA TOUR

Marketing partnership to drive awareness of Norwegian Cruise Line's exclusive golf programs in Hawai'i and Bermuda

Miami and Ponte Vedra Beach, FL - Aug 20, 2007 ---

NCL Corporation and the PGA TOUR today announced an official marketing partnership naming Norwegian Cruise Line as the "Official Cruise Line of the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour."

The three-year agreement also provides NCL the right to use the TOUR marks in advertising, as well as promotional and tournament hospitality opportunities built around both Tours. The PGA TOUR and NCL will work together on promoting the line's current Golf Hawai`i and Golf Bermuda programs, as well as on expanding the golf experience, exploring executions that include tournaments and TOUR members.

"The PGA TOUR is a very well respected organization with more than 105 million fans and the demographic of these fans aligns well with NCL's target audience," said Scott Rogers, NCL's senior vice president of sales and marketing. "In our continuing effort to embrace new and innovative marketing programs, we expect that this partnership with the PGA TOUR will let golfers around the world know that you can combine a great cruise vacation with top golf experiences at the best courses in the world on NCL."

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line as an official marketing partner of the PGA TOUR," said Tom Wade, the TOUR's chief marketing officer. "NCL is a dynamic company that continues to build its reputation as a true innovator in the cruise industry. We look forward to working with NCL on developing unique platforms to drive awareness among our fans for their exceptional golf vacation experiences at the top courses around the world, especially in Hawai`i and Bermuda."

In 2007, the PGA TOUR kicked off the FedExCup, a compelling new season-long points competition, culminating this fall with the first-ever PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup, during which the champion will be determined. The Champions Tour, for professionals 50 and over, showcases the most accomplished and revered players in golf.

About the PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to provide competitive earnings opportunities for past, current and future members of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour; to protect the integrity of the game; and to help grow the reach of the game in the U.S. and around the world.

In 2007, the three Tours will compete in approximately 110 events for approximately $340 million in prize money. Tournaments are being held in six countries outside the U.S. and in 36 states.

In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. The PGA TOUR is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

About NCL Corporation
NCL Corporation Ltd. is an innovative cruise company headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a fleet of 14 ships in service and under construction. The corporation oversees the operations of Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America, and Orient Lines. The company recently took delivery of its newest ship, Norwegian Pearl, and is currently building Norwegian Gem for delivery in October of 2007. In addition, NCL plans to build up to three new third generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery between 2009 and 2011.

NCL is on target to have the youngest fleet in the industry by the end of 2007 with the introduction of Norwegian Gem, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

For further information on purchasing an NCL cruise contact American Discount Cruises, toll free, at 1-866-214-7447 or online at www.americandiscountcruises.com.

Cruise Blog, by American Discount Cruises