Mar 26

ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S QUANTUM-CLASS SHIPS HOME TO FIRST JAMIE OLIVER VENTURE AT SEA

Jamie’s Italian Restaurant to debut aboard Quantum of the Seas

NEW YORK, March 26, 2014 – Royal Caribbean International announced today that the inaugural of Quantum of the Seas in November 2014 will include the opening of renowned chef Jamie Oliver’s first restaurant at sea. The addition of Jamie’s Italian to the restaurant portfolio aboard the Royal Caribbean ship followed by sister ship – Anthem of the Seas in April 2015 – reflects the company’s plan to unveil a new vision of dining at sea. The Quantum-class ships will introduce expanded restaurant concepts to exceed the expectations of today’s food-conscious traveler. Modern, distinct eateries, such as Jamie’s Italian will be a focal point of the smaller, more diverse and more personalized dining options giving guests flexibility and control to shape their own culinary journey.

“I’m thrilled to partner with Royal Caribbean, a brand that continually pushes the limits of what’s possible, to debut my very first restaurants at sea onboard the new Quantum-class ships,” said Oliver. “Royal Caribbean shares my approach to food and dining, which is to serve simple, fresh ingredients in a warm, inviting ambience. I couldn’t be more excited to bring my love of Italian cooking to their guests with Jamie’s Italian. It’s going to be brilliant!”

Since its debut in May 2008, Jamie’s Italian has become one of the chef’s most successful restaurant concepts. It is known for high quality food and service at a very affordable price which has earned a loyal audience of repeat diners. The menu is based on tasty, simple Italian food, made from only the best fresh ingredients and the casual dining experience is welcoming to everyone. The restaurants aboard the Royal Caribbean ships will be no different.

Royal Caribbean’s Dynamic Dining on Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas will give guests choices as varied as the world’s most cosmopolitan cities as well as the freedom and flexibility to decide when, where and with whom they dine each evening. A new smart reservation system will empower them to create a dining itinerary to complement their vacation experience whether that is romance, adventure or family travel.

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Executive Vice President, Operations, Royal Caribbean International, explains, “Jamie Oliver is known for pushing the boundaries within the world of food, and Royal Caribbean has a history of pioneering many firsts within the cruise industry. With Jamie’s Italiancreating unique, but approachable dining, with food that is at its freshest and ethically sourced, we are able to guarantee that guests will only be served the freshest Italian dishes possible while on vacation with Royal Caribbean. This is just one element of a reimagined dining concept to ensure the options we have on board reflect what today’s modern family expects from their vacation.”

 

Mar 26

Disney Cruise 2015 Itineraries

New Itineraries and Ports for 2015

Explore lands of beauty and timeless wonder in 2015 with Disney Cruise Line! Choose from itineraries in dazzling destinations—from the historic charm of Europe to the tropical splendor of the Bahamas and Caribbean to the rugged allure of Alaska.

2015 Itineraries

Choose from an array of dazzling destinations in 2015:

  • Norwegian Fjord sailings —a first for Disney Cruise Line—with stops in Norway’s fjord region, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. This is an exciting opportunity to experience the part of the world that inspired the Disney animated film Frozen
  • Northern Europe cruises, including Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden and Helsinki, Finland—as well as Russia’s cultural capital, St. Petersburg
  • Mediterranean sailings that visit popular ports of call, like Naples
  • Alaskan cruises that take you deep into the native cultures and rugged grandeur of America’s Last Frontier
  • Eastern Caribbean destinations, featuring stops at tropical islands like St. Maarten, St Thomas, and Castaway Cay—Disney’s private island paradise
  • Western Caribbean cruises to sunny Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and Castaway Cay
  • Bahamian itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Florida and Miami, Florida
  • A Panama Canal crossing—experience an engineering marvel as the locks open up to welcome the Disney Wonder
  • A transatlantic sailing that echoes the golden age of sea travel

Whether you’re seeking a fun-filled extended weekend or a leisurely week (or longer) at sea, Disney Cruise Line has an itinerary to suit your style in 2015.

Each destination has a unique story to tell. From port to port, you’ll enjoy diverse activities, entertainment and more—so you can look forward to thrilling new adventures wherever you go with Disney Cruise Line.ne.

via 2015 Cruise Itineraries | Disney Cruise Destinations | Disney Cruise Line.

Mar 24

New Ship order for MSC

PARIS, 20 March 2014 – Today MSC Cruises signed a letter of intent (LOI) with STX France for the
construction of two new cruise ships, with an option for two more. The two ships will join
MSC Cruises’ fleet, currently counting 12 ships, all built in the Saint-Nazaire yards. The signature
took place at the Hôtel de L’Industrie, in Paris in the presence of Gianluigi Aponte, President of
MSC group, Laurent Castaing, General Manager of STX France and Pierre Moscovici,
French Minister of Economy and Finance. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of
MSC Cruises, and Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises were also in attendance.

“Growth and development have always been the characteristics that have defined MSC since the
very beginning of our journey into the world of cruising. The launch of this prototype and the
building of these two new ships confirm our commitment to further growth and to further
development. MSC Cruises will expand its capacity by 31%: we will incredibly enrich our offer on
board and we will broaden our horizons to ensure we meet the growing global demand in every
region” said MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago. “Once again our
longstanding partnership with the STX yard has proved key for these plans”.

“We are really proud of building this new generation of ships for MSC Cruises, a long-time
appreciated partner. We invested a lot of R&D and design efforts to make sure that MSC Cruises’
new flagship would truly be unmatched. The latest commercial negotiation was particularly
challenging in the light of today’s global competitive landscape in the shipbuilding industry. I
would like to point out that the competitiveness agreement signed with our trade unions has been
decisive to reach this LOI signature” said Laurent Castaing, STX France General Manager.

The two units are due for delivery respectively in 2017 and 2019. 315 metres long and
43 metres wide, with a gross tonnage of about 167,600 tons, boasting 2,250 cabins for
guests, nearly 820 crew cabins, and accommodating 5,700 passengers and 1,536 crew
members.

“The new prototype will be the biggest cruise ship ever built by a European ship owner and the
most versatile and flexible of the world: not only will it be able to call in most of the ports and
destinations on earth, without compromise, but it will have extraordinary features that will make it
the perfect choice at sea, in summer and in winter. The two new ships will reaffirm MSC Cruise’s
dedication to outstanding and genuine dining options and out-of-this-world entertainment with
new panoramic spaces, a bigger theatre and a spectacular amusement park connected to an
outdoor aqua park as well as a two-deck “inside promenade” explained Gianni Onorato, CEO of
MSC Cruises.

Among the new features of the ships there will be specially designed cabins for families and
an “extended” MSC Yacht Club, the entirely self-contained private club on the prestigious
foredecks that will now be completed with a vast solarium, a private lounge and restaurant and
duplex suites.

The new prototype is the result of a long development process, conducted in the framework of
STX’s ECORIZON ® programme, leading to the creation of a new generation of ships that are
cleaner, more efficient and more technological. They will be water emission free, while its
hull and propulsion system will be optimised for better energy efficiency. The installation of
scrubbers will allow for fumes to be neutralised and CO2 emissions to be in accordance with the
latest evolutions of international maritime regulations.MSC New Ship Rendering

Mar 20

FIRST STEEL CUT FOR NORWEGIAN ESCAPE

Marks start of construction on first Breakaway Plus class ship

MIAMI – March 20, 2014 – The first piece of steel was cut at MEYER WERFT in Papenburg, Germany today for the construction of Norwegian Escape, the first of two new Breakaway Plus Class ships for Norwegian Cruise Line, set for delivery in fall of 2015. Norwegian Cruise Line and MEYER WERFT executives watched as the first plate of steel was cut by a plasma torch in the yard’s state of the art facility. This plate will become part of Block 46 that will comprise the new vessel.

“Norwegian Escape will be the largest ship in our fleet and will continue our legacy of innovation,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer. “Cutting the first piece of steel for Norwegian Escape marks the official start of construction for this remarkable ship. We are eagerly anticipating her delivery in October of 2015.”

“Norwegian Escape will be 10th ship that MEYER WERFT has built for Norwegian Cruise Line within the last 15 years and this one is very special, because of the dimensions of approximately 163,000 gross tons and the many new innovations onboard,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft.

At Cruise Shipping Miami earlier this month, Norwegian announced that Norwegian Escape will homeport year-round in Miami following her delivery in late 2015 and sail a seven-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary starting November 14, 2015; visiting Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. Norwegian also announced that famed marine wildlife artist and champion of ocean conservation Guy Harvey has designed the ship’s signature hull artwork which features an underwater scene of marine wildlife.

Norwegian’s two Breakaway Plus class ships, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss, will be approximately 163,000 gross tons and offer 4,200 passenger berths. The ships were named by Norwegian’s Facebook fans around the globe. Norwegian Escape will boast all of exciting and innovative features found on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, plus a number of new spaces and interactive experiences that are yet to be announced.

Additional information about Norwegian Escape can be found at www.escape.ncl.com or on our Facebook page at www.ncl.com/facebook . Norwegian Escape’s itineraries are open for Travel Partners to book groups, and will go on sale for Latitudes Rewards Members on March 25 and to the general public on March 26.

via Press Release | FIRST STEEL CUT FOR NORWEGIAN ESCAPE.

Mar 19

The Nuts and Bolts of Quantum of the Seas

Mar 13

Celebrity Cruises Reveals A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience With New African Safari Adventure

MARCH 13, 2014

 

An exotic “Journey to Three Continents – African Safari, Turkey and the Black Sea”
Celebrity Cruises today unveiled a new vacation experience for guests, which combines the exhilaration of an African safari with the relaxation of a modernluxury cruise. Vacationers can indulge in the wonders of a wildlife safari and then set sail onboard Celebrity Constellation to discover the beauty, history and culture of the Black Sea and Turkey.

Beginning in the Republic of Kenya, Celebrity’s new 2014 escorted journey visits the three continents of Africa, Europe and Asia. Guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of Nairobi, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara, observe the breathtaking wildlife of two game reserves by day, and indulge in luxurious hotels and game lodges by night. Following the Kenyan adventure, vacationers will continue onto Istanbul, Turkey for an exciting and awe-inspiring cruise. While at sea, guests can indulge in the luxuries that one can expect from Celebrity – fine dining, top-tier service and culture-rich destinations.

The vacation package includes:

• Air travel to and from JFK: Upon arrival in Nairobi, Kenya, guests will be greeted by Celebrity’s Destination Concierge, who will escort guests throughout their trip

• Five nights in Africa at four- and five-star hotels and game reserve lodges

• Three African safari expeditions

• Immersive 11- to 12-night cruise roundtrip from Istanbul to the Black Sea: The 12-night sailings will also visit the Greek Isles, and the 11-night itinerary sails to Sochi, Russia

• Classic Beverage Package, including wine and spirits

• All transfers during the trip in Kenya and Istanbul

“Our new ‘Journey to Three Continents – African Safari, Turkey and the Black Sea’ is unique and unlike anything we’ve offered before. We continuously strive to offer our guests one-of-a-kind immersive experiences, and with this new escorted journey we are combining the very best on land and at sea,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “From the thrills of East Africa to the charms of the Black Sea, this trip offers the perfect mix of exhilaration and relaxation. We will be revealing more enticing land and cruise vacations this year, giving our guests more opportunities to discover all seven continents in modern luxury style.”

Kenya has some of the best game viewing in the world, with an opportunity to see Africa’s Big Five (elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo) up close and personal. This fall on the Kenyan pre-cruise stay guests will experience the Karen Blixen Museum & Giraffe Center – featured in the Academy Award-winning movie “Out of Africa” – world-class game drives in the Masai Mara, and delicious yet adventurous local cuisine.

The Journey to Three Continents – African Safari, Turkey and the Black Sea vacation will be offered with select 11- or 12-night sailings onboard Celebrity Constellation, with journey departures from JFK on September 13, September 28 and October 7, 2014. Guests can call 888-776-1155 or contact a travel agent to book this once-in-a-lifetime, customized African safari experience. More information is available at www.celebritycruises.com/safari.

Mar 13

Training for Safe Navigation

Mar 13

Diamond Princess to Undergo Extensive Drydock Transformation

 

Refurbishment to Add New Features to Princess Cruises Ship, Including Largest Japanese Bath at Sea and Sushi Restaurant

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 12, 2014) – To get ready for Princess Cruises’ second season of Japan cruising, Diamond Princess is undergoing an extensive drydock to add enticing new features designed to appeal to Japanese cruisers. During the $30 million-dollar refurbishment, the ship will receive an extensive new Japanese bath area – making it the largest such bath experience at sea – as well as a new sushi restaurant, enhanced shopping areas, a revitalized Horizon Court, additional staterooms, new interior furnishings and finishes, fresh hull paint and exterior refurbishment, and contemporary and Asian-style touches.

The drydock, which begins today, will take place through April 2, 2014 at Sembawang shipyard in Singapore. Interested viewers can follow the drydock progress with regular photo updatesoffering a behind-the-scenes glimpse each day.

The most dramatic new feature, the 8,800-square-foot bath and garden complex will include indoor and outdoor bathing areas to provide a choice of bath styles. Highlighting the serenity and relaxation of a classic Japanese bath experience, the area will feature stone and other natural materials and a setting similar to the popular-onsen experience for which Japan is well-known.

“Because bathing is an important part of the Japanese culture, we want to offer passengers an authentic experience onboard, complete with unparalleled ocean views.” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “This is just one of several additions we’re making to the ship to give passengers an appealing Japanese experience.”

Passengers will step into the new bath area through a peaceful entrance beckoning them toward an elegant, open-air Japanese unisex hydro-therapy pool, which is surrounded by refreshing ocean breezes. Outdoors, passengers will be able to relax in plush shaded lounge chairs or soak in a footbath while enjoying fresh salt air. Indoors, passengers can enjoy two separate, gender-segregated bath experiences with spectacular sea views. The ocean-view sauna and bath will feature an open air skylight to help bathers connect with nature, as well as a dry sauna with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, plus a refreshing gentle mist sauna. The Stone Bath will feature an Utaseyu, an invigorating cascade of hot water that is ideal for relieving tension in the back and shoulders.

In addition to the new bath area, Diamond Princess passengers will enjoy a new sushi restaurant. Because of the popularity of the Kai Sushi restaurant introduced on Sun Princess, a bigger version of this restaurant will be added to Diamond Princess, and will feature both table seating and a sushi bar serving fresh seafood. The 66-person capacity restaurant will serve miso shiro, nigiri sushi, maki sushi, sashimi, seafood cocktails and, for dessert, matcha ice cream with red bean paste. Sake lovers will be able to try a variety of regional sakes for a taste of many of the ports featured during the cruise.

The duty-free boutiques aboard Diamond Princess will be remodeled to offer a new luxury shopping experience to appeal to customers in Japan. Among the distinctive new spaces is a luxury watch boutique — anchored by a special OMEGA shop. The Essence boutique will introduce the first fragrance bar at sea where passengers can sample and learn about new scents. The Meridian Bay boutique includes a full crystal Swarovski installation as well as Jacqueline Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn collections. A new Limelight luxury boutique will offer designer leather and accessories including fashionable international and American designer brands such as Burberry, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Coach and Ralph Lauren.

The ship’s buffet area, the Horizon Court, will be upgraded to feature contemporary food service areas and action stations for live a la carte cooking, plus a special pastry shop, refreshed décor and expanded seating.

Other changes include 14 new cabins, a sports court on the roof of Skywalker’s Nightclub, a revitalized photo gallery and Platinum Portrait Studio, new art gallery displays, new décor in Sabatini’s Italian specialty restaurant, remodeled casino and relocated Internet café and wedding chapel.

Once out of drydock, Diamond Princess will set sail on a season of Japan-based cruises on April 17.

The ship will homeport in Tokyo (Yokohama) for an extended season of nine-day cruises that include visits to Taiwan, South Korea, Hokkaido, Russia and 15 Japanese ports, including five new itineraries created especially for the ship. During the popular holiday period of Golden Week, Diamond Princess will feature a special 10-day itinerary that includes opportunities to visit several festivals plus enjoy a special call to Nagasaki, home to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries where the ship was built, to celebrate Diamond Princess’ 10-year anniversary.

The new features aboard Diamond Princess add to the ship’s current impressive array of dining and entertainment options plus signature innovations such as the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside theater and The Sanctuary, an exclusive top-deck retreat. The 2,670-passenger Diamond Princess offers a high number of staterooms with private balconies, multiple dining rooms and entertainment venues, Lotus Spa, boutiques, and an internet café, among other amenities.

Mar 12

Norwegian Escape to Homeport in Miami Year-Round; Norwegian’s Winter 2015/16 Itineraries Announced

 

Winter Deployment includes Norwegian Epic sailing from Barcelona, a return to South America and the addition of Port Canaveral as a seasonal home port

 

Miami   –    Mar 12, 2014   —   

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced that its newest and largest ship to date, Norwegian Escape, will homeport year-round at PortMiami, the cruise capital of the world, sailing an Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Along with the previously announced move of Norwegian Epic sailing year-round from Barcelona, the line’s 2015/16 winter deployment includes its return to South America cruises, a larger Jewel-class ship sailing to the Mexican Riviera, as well as the addition of Port Canaveral, Florida as a seasonal homeport.

“Norwegian Escape’s arrival to Miami coincides with Norwegian Epic’s year-round Europe deployment, demonstrating the balanced approach we used to develop our winter 2015/16 deployment and ensuring that we had a varied offering of premium destinations that would be exciting to our guests,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer. “Much of this deployment was designed based on feedback from our guests and travel partners, and we know they will be happy with the changes and enhancements we have made.”

Norwegian Escape

Norwegian’s newest and largest ship to date, at approximately 163,000 gross tons and 4,200 passenger berths, Norwegian Escape will join the fleet in October 2015. Beginning November 14, 2015, Norwegian Escape will offer seven-day Eastern Caribbean sailings from her year-round home port of Miami cruising to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. The ship will boast all of exciting and innovative features found on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, plus a number of new spaces and interactive experiences that are yet to be announced.

“PortMiami looks forward to welcoming Norwegian Escape in 2015?the ship will be a fabulous addition to our fleet,” said PortMiami Director Bill Johnson. “We are thrilled that this impressive vessel will make her debut at PortMiami– the Cruise Capital of the World?and will be the third Norwegian Cruise Line ship to homeport here year round.”

Europe

As previously announced, the 4,000 passenger Norwegian Epic will offer Europe itineraries from her new year-round homeport of Barcelona, Spain. From November 29, 2015 through April 7, 2016, Norwegian Epic will set sail from Barcelona on 10-day Canary Islands & Morocco itineraries, and 10, 11- or 12-day Western Mediterranean itineraries.

Caribbean

Miami’s Ultimate Ship, Norwegian Getaway, will continue to sail year round from Miami on a new seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary departing every Sunday starting November 15, 2015. Ports of call include Norwegian’s private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.

Guests cruising to the Caribbean from the Big Apple can cruise on board Norwegian Breakaway or Norwegian Gem. Norwegian Breakaway, the ship that brings the best of NYC out to sea, will return to the Southern Caribbean during the fall and winter offering four 12-day Southern Caribbean itineraries: November 29, 2015; and January 3, 17 and 31, 2016. Ports of call on this sun-drenched itinerary include: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Castries, St. Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; and Basseterre, St. Kitts.

Norwegian Gem will offer 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from New York from October 10, 2015 through April 11, 2016, cruising to San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands. This new itinerary provides a full day in San Juan, Puerto Rico, giving guests more time to explore this flavorful island or experience its world famous El Yunque rainforest.

Cruising from Tampa, Norwegian Star will offer one six-day Western Caribbean Sailing on October 19, 2015 followed by a series of seven-day Western Caribbean cruises through April 10, 2016. Norwegian Star will be the first ship in Norwegian’s fleet to visit the line’s new destination in Belize: Harvest Caye. In addition, Norwegian Star will visit ports of call including Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Cozumel, Mexico. Cruisers looking to depart from New Orleans can sail on one of Norwegian Dawn’s seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries. Departing every Sunday from November 15, 2015 through April 24, 2016, Norwegian Dawn will visit tropical ports of call including Cozumel, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Norwegian’s all new destination in Belize, Harvest Caye.

Norwegian Jade repositions from Europe to Houston, Texas and will sail seven-day Western Caribbean cruises. From November 14, 2015 through April 9, 2016, guests will have the opportunity to visit Cozumel, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Norwegian’s brand new destination, Harvest Caye, Belize.

Also returning to the Caribbean from Europe, Norwegian Spirit will offer alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral every Saturday from November 21, 2015 through April 16, 2016. Norwegian Spirit’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary visits Nassau, Bahamas; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The ship’s Western Caribbean itinerary will include stops in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

South America

Norwegian Sun will return to South America for the first time since 2010, sailing 14-day South American voyages between Santiago (Valparaiso), Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina from November 2015 to April 2016. Ports of call include Puerto Montt, Chile; Puerto Chacabuco, Chile; Punta Arenas, Chile; Ushuaia, Argentina; Stanley, Falkland Islands; Puerto Madryn, Argentina; and Montevideo, Uruguay. Guests on board will also enjoy a scenic cruise through the Chilean Fjords, Strait of Magellan and around Cape Horn.

Panama Canal

Guests who would like to experience the Panama Canal without disembarking in a different port will have the opportunity to embark on a round-trip Panama Canal voyage from Miami on board Norwegian Pearl. Offering alternating 10- and 11-day Panama Canal cruises from November 9, 2015 through January 1, 2016 and March 18, 2016 through April 8, 2016, guests will visit Oranjestad, Aruba; Cartagena, Colombia; Colón, Panama; and Puerto Limón, Costa Rica.

Norwegian Pearl will also offer a 17-day Panama Canal voyage from San Francisco to Miami on October 1, 2015. Ports of call include Los Angeles, California; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Huatulco, Mexico; Puerto Chiapas, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Cartagena, Colombia.

Norwegian Jewel will offer two 15-day Panama Canal voyages from Los Angeles to Miami on January 3 and January 31, 2016 and two 13-day Panama Canal voyages from Miami to Los Angeles on January 18 and February 16, 2016. Ports of call on the 15-day itinerary include Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Huatulco, Mexico; Puerto Chiapas, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; daylight transit of the Panama Canal; Cartagena, Colombia and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Guests cruising on the 13-day itinerary will visit Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; daylight transit of the Panama Canal; Huatulco, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Mexican Riviera

For the first time, Norwegian will base a Jewel-class ship in Los Angeles for the winter season. Norwegian Jewel will sail 22 seven-day Mexican Riviera itineraries from October 4, 2015 through April 24, 2016, visiting ports of call including Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Norwegian Sun will also offer three 11-Day Mexican Riviera sailings in October 2015 from San Diego, California. Ports of call include Manzanillo, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Mazatlan, Mexico; La Paz (Pichilingue), Mexico; an overnight in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; and Ensenada, Mexico.

Bahamas and Florida

Norwegian Breakaway will offer seven-day Bahamas & Florida itineraries from New York City from October 25 through November 22, 2015, from December 13 through 27, 2015 and from February 14 through April 17, 2015. Ports of call include Orlando & The Beaches (Port Canaveral); Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay; and Nassau, Bahamas.

 

Repositioning Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line will also offer a host of repositioning cruises during the 2015/2016 fall and winter seasons.

Norwegian Escape will offer a 10-Day Transatlantic from London (Southampton) to Miami, Florida, on October 29, 2015 giving guests 10 days to explore and discover all of the exciting dining and entertainment that will be found on board the line’s beautiful new vessel.

Norwegian Spirit will offer a 16-day Transatlantic voyage from Barcelona to Orlando and the Beaches (Port Canaveral) on November 5, 2015. Ports of call include Funchal, Madeira; St. John’s, Antigua; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Norwegian Star will sail a 13-Day Transatlantic voyage from London (Dover), England, to Tampa, Florida, on October 6, 2015 visiting Ponta Delgada, Azores and Miami, Florida. Norwegian Jade’s 16-Day Transatlantic from Barcelona, Spain to Houston will set sail on October 29, 2015 and ports of call include Funchal, Madeira; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Miami, Florida.

Norwegian Dawn will sail a 14-Day Caribbean Adventure from Boston, Massachusetts, to New Orleans on October 30, 2015. Ports of call include San Juan, Puerto Rico; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Willemstad, Curacao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.

For a shorter repositioning cruise option, Norwegian Jewel will offer a five-day Pacific Coastal cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia to Los Angeles, California on September 29, 2015 visiting Victoria, British Columbia and Astoria, Oregon.

Norwegian Pearl will also offer a Pacific Coastal cruise, a three-day itinerary from Vancouver, British Columbia to San Francisco, California on September 28, 2015, visiting Astoria, Oregon.

Open for Sale

Norwegian Escape’s itineraries will open for Travel Partners to book groups on March 19, for Latitudes Rewards Members on March 25 and to the general public on March 26, 2014. The remaining winter itineraries will be open for Travel Partners to book groups starting April 8, for Latitudes Rewards Members on April 15 and to the general public on April 16, 2014.

Mar 12

Famed Artist Guy Harvey Unveils His Signature Hull Artwork for Norwegian Escape

 

 Miami   –    Mar 12, 2014   —   

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Guy Harvey, widely recognized as the world’s finest marine wildlife artist and champion of ocean conservation, has been named to design the signature hull artwork of the line’s largest ship to date, Norwegian Escape, scheduled to debut in October 2015. At an event this morning at Cruise Shipping Miami, the artist revealed his custom design for Norwegian Escape’s hull, which features an underwater scene of marine wildlife. Norwegian’s newest ship is Harvey’s largest canvas to date, at 1065 feet in length, with his artwork spanning from the hull to the aft featuring two undersea scenes that blend seamlessly.

“Guy Harvey is the perfect artist to design Norwegian Escape’s hull artwork because he is so passionate about the sea and his marine artwork is so life-like and well recognized,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We also appreciate how Guy is focused on ocean conservation and keeping the marine environment pristine, we plan to work with him to help support the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation as that goes hand-in-hand with our company’s strong commitment to the environment.”

Harvey combines his unique artistic talents with his background as a marine biologist, diver, photographer and angler, to create marine wildlife art with an unmatched authenticity and visual appeal.

“I am deeply honored to be asked by Norwegian to paint the hull of the newest and largest ship in their fleet,” said Harvey. “The larger than life paintings of popular but endangered marine creatures in the Caribbean will heighten public awareness about marine life. The large scale mural demonstrates the concern and respect that Norwegian and I have for the marine environment through which this ship will travel over the years.”

Though recognized most recently for his floor-to-ceiling murals at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport and at Nova Southeastern University in Florida, Harvey is best known for his dynamic gamefish T-shirt designs. His original paintings have sold for tens of thousands of dollars and today, reproductions of his art, often seen on magazine and catalog covers, are offered as limited edition prints and can be found on a wide variety of clothing and gift items. Harvey maintains his art studio in Grand Cayman, where he lives with his wife and two children.

The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation funds inspired scientific research and innovative educational programs to encourage conservation and best management practices for sustainable marine environments. The Foundations ensures that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a naturally balanced marine ecosystem where fish and other wildlife flourish. Onboard Norwegian Escape, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation-produced documentaries about endangered marine wildlife will be shown on the guest stateroom televisions so that guests can be more educated on how they can help with ocean conservation.

Also at Cruise Shipping Miami today, Norwegian announced that Norwegian Escape will homeport year-round in Miami and sail a seven-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary starting November 14, 2015; visiting Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. At approximately 163,000 gross tons and 4,200 passenger berths, Norwegian Escape will join the fleet in October 2015. The ship’s Eastern Caribbean itineraries will go on sale March 19, 2014. Norwegian Escape will boast all of exciting and innovative features found on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, plus a number of new spaces and interactive experiences that are yet to be announced.

Norwegian Escape’s itineraries will open for Travel Partners to book groups on March 19, for Latitudes Rewards Members on March 25 and to the general public on March 26, 2014. Additional information about Norwegian Escape can be found at www.escape.ncl.com or on our Facebook page at www.ncl.com/facebook. To book a cruise on Norwegian Escape contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.