NCL looking to Breakaway with two new ships
By Jackie Roseboom On Sept. 21, the first piece of steel was cut at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany for the construction of Norwegian Breakaway, the first of two new ships for Norwegian Cruise Line. The Breakaway is set for delivery in April 2013. “Today’s steel cutting marks the start of construction for Norwegian...
Norwegian Jewel to play host to Blake Shelton and Friends cruise
By Jackie Roseboom Country music fans may want to make plans now for the inaugural Blake Shelton and Friends cruise. In just about a year, on Oct. 14, 2012, the Norwegian Jewel will sail from Miami to the Caribbean on a seven day country music cruise. Fans of Shelton’s will be able to enjoy a …...
Jade’s varied culinary mix a hit with passengers
By Michael Coleman VENICE, ITALY, August 6, 2011 — World class dining venues abound on Norwegian Jade. That might seem surprising to some — great dining is traditionally the domain of the luxury cruise sector and not necessarily what one expects to find on a 2,402-passenger mass market vessel. Jade, however, delivers. There are some...
Norwegian Jade epitomizes “Freestyle Cruising’’ concept
By Michael Coleman EN ROUTE TO SPLIT, CROATIA, August 4, 2011 – The “Freestyle Cruising’’ concept is playing out brilliantly aboard Norwegian Jade here in the Mediterranean this summer. NCL pioneered the model over a decade ago — regimented onboard routines and set dining times would not be thrust on their passengers....
YouTube launches new travel channel with Norwegian Cruise Line
By Jackie Roseboom Norwegian Cruise Line and YouTube have just launched the first-ever YouTube Vacationer. It’s a travel-specific channel within YouTube designed to provide inspiring ideas and advice from well-traveled, nationally known experts. You can interact within the “Vacation You” section: a selection of short clips created...
NCL Epic’s studio staterooms designed for the solo traveler
Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced a new concept to make cruising more attractive to solo travelers on the company’s upcoming largest ship to date, Norwegian Epic, launching this July. Epic’s Studios are the first staterooms designed and priced for single occupancy, starting from $799 on the ship’s seven-day alternating...
Ship Review: Polished Pearl pleases passengers
Above the dive-friendly, turquoise waters of the Caribbean, a playground of another kind beckons. The 2,394-passenger Norwegian Pearl is a world unto itself, epitomizing Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) “Freestyle Cruising’’ concept where passengers enjoy a myriad of onboard entertainment and dining choices yet with no set...
Pearl offers stunning array of restaurant venues
By Michael Coleman The biggest culinary fan aboard Norwegian Pearl may also be the most disappointed passenger on disembarkation day. With 12 restaurants and 11 bars and lounges to choose from, it’s next to impossible to sample all of the ship’s culinary venues on a typical, seven-day Caribbean voyage. The 2,394-passenger ship...
Cruise Guide: Caribbean voyages in vogue
By Michael Coleman The cruise industry is just a few weeks away from ushering in the 2010 Caribbean season. If picture-perfect tropical islands, sun-drenched beaches and boundless shopping opportunities float your boat, a Caribbean cruise on one of the following mass-market lines may be for you. Carnival – The largest Carnival ship...
NCL shows off Epic’s hull artwork
Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled the contemporary hull design which will adorn Norwegian Epic, scheduled for delivery in May 2010. Epic’s hull artwork, designed by the company’s internal marketing team, is painted on both sides with free form rolling waves of varying sizes that run through a modern color spectrum of lime, aqua,...