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NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE TO BUILD TWO NEW NEXT GENERATION FREESTYLE CRUISING SHIPS

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010 - 8:30 am by admin

Following the successful launch of Norwegian Epic, the Company’s largest and most innovative ship to date, Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it has reached an agreement with MEYER WERFT GMBH of Germany to build two new next generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in spring 2013 and spring 2014, respectively.

Each of the 143,500 gross ton vessels – the largest passenger cruise ships to be built in Germany – will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths and a rich cabin mix. Additional details about each ship’s new and exciting features will be released as construction progresses. The contract price for the two vessels is approximately €1.2 billion. The Company has committed financing in place from a syndicate of banks for export credit financing in connection with this project.

“We have always been focused on a disciplined approach to capacity growth. Our decision to add two new ships reflects the significant progress we have made in improving our operating performance and repositioning the Company over the last several years, as well as the strong market demand we are seeing for Norwegian Epic and our other ships,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.

“Building on the incredible success and popularity of Norwegian Epic, we are taking the best of what our newest ship has to offer, as well as drawing on our legacy of innovation in the cruise industry, in creating a new class of Freestyle Cruising vessel that is sure to provide our guests with the unparalleled freedom and flexibility they have come to expect with Norwegian Cruise Line.”

“We are excited to be returning to MEYER WERFT and are confident that their rich ship building history and expertise will bring our vision to fruition,” added Sheehan.

MEYER WERFT, based in Papenburg, Germany, most recently built Norwegian Cruise Line’s four Jewel-class ships – Norwegian Gem delivered in 2007, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Jade delivered in 2006, and Norwegian Jewel delivered in 2005. These new vessels are the eighth and ninth that the Company will build with MEYER WERFT.

“Norwegian Cruise Line and MEYER WERFT have a long history of working together. We are thrilled to continue our partnership. Our teams work very well together and we are looking forward to building this new, exciting and innovative class of vessels,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of MEYER WERFT.

“In addition, the 21,000 employees of the yard and its supplier companies* involved in the construction of the ships appreciate the new project from one of our longstanding customers.”

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of Freestyle Cruising and currently offers guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their cruise on their own terms, including multiple dining venues, relaxed attire, a variety of accommodations and world-class entertainment. The Company took Freestyle Cruising to the next level with the introduction of Norwegian Epic in June 2010. The 4,100 passenger vessel has been called the “entertainment ship” with a variety of shows and venues that trump land-based resorts like those found in Las Vegas. Headliners include Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner, Legends in Concert, The Second City® Comedy Troupe, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos and Slam Allen Blues Band.

In addition, the ship features Nickelodeon™ at Sea as part of its wide-range of family offerings. Further innovations include the largest spa at sea, the first true ice bar at sea and The Studios, which are staterooms designed and priced for solo travellers, along with The Villas, the largest suite complex at sea.

“We are bringing this spirit of innovation to these two new build ships, as Norwegian continues to offer our guests new and exciting ways to enjoy their Freestyle Cruising vacation,” said Sheehan.

A live breaking news webinar will take place at 7pm UK time this evening hosted by Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Passenger Services. To pre-register for this webinar which will allow you to join tonight please visit: http://video.webcasts.com/events/ncll001/36541/.

ABOUT NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 44-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionised the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line has 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea. Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids.

ABOUT MEYER WERFT GMBH
Founded in 1795, Papenburg-based MEYER WERFT has been owned by the sixth generation of the Meyer family. This well-established company has approximately 2,500 employees. MEYER WERFT’s extensive production programme covers a wide range of ship types, from cruise ships, gas tankers, livestock carriers to car and passenger ferries. In order to stay successful in worldwide competition, production technology has been continuously improved and extended. Today, MEYER WERFT has the most modern production premises in the shipbuilding industry. For more information, go to www.meyerwerft.com.

Posted in NCL, New Ships | No Comments »

Norwegian Epic 22nd -24th July 2010

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010 - 4:33 pm by admin

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Sailing at last…….

Saturday, June 26th, 2010 - 4:59 pm by admin

Our second day onboard Norwegian Epic begin for me in a very relaxing way. As I was up early I decided to go check out the spa and decided to book a manicure as I have finally given up biting my nails. I was able to be seen immediately and had the most wonderful experience of a Fire and Ice manicure which cost $50 for 1 hour and 20 minutes. The manicurist was a lovely lady from Jamaica and I can honestly say it was the best manicure ever.

Janet came up to meet me and we headed to the Garden Cafe for breakfast where there was a wide variety of cereals , fresh fruit, pancakes, pastries and cooked breakfasts to name but a few. After this we decided to go and lie in the wonderful sun. We decided to lay near where one of the water flumes came out-bad mistake as we kept getting the spray from the ride although very cooling in the heat.

We sailed out of Southampton at 1pm and headed out round the Isle of Wight!! The deck area has three water slides and a childrens area as well as two small pools which I personally thought were a little inadequate for the size of the ship. At lunchtime we had the joy pf listening to a Caribbean style band whilst relaxing. At three o clock most people heade to the aft end to H2O where there was a large screen showing the England match. I am surprised the ship did not tip with the amount of people trying to see the screen. At least Engkland won – roll on Sunday!!!

This evening we had pre booked the Blue Man Group for 7pm and as a headline act and the fact that they have played Vegas we were really excited about seeing them. All I can say is WEIRD!!!!! I think I liked them but really not sure. Their act was a variety of drumming, spitting food and paint out of their mouts and covering the whole audience in toilet roll!

After this we experienced Morenos (Speciality Restaurnat) which is a Churrascaria. This means that you help yourself to the salad bar then when you are ready to receive the meats you turn over a ticket on your table from red to green to alert the Pasadores (waiting staff) to start serving you. They then come around with skewers of meat which they slice on to your plate at the table and when you have had enough to eat you turn the card over to red.

We certainly enjoyed the experience of the ship and are sorry we cannot cover it in more detail however if you need any advice then please do not hesitate to call either myself, Julie McIntyre or my partner in crime, Janet Baren.

Posted in Entertainment, Family Cruising, NCL, New Ships, Norwegian Epic | No Comments »

Dining, bar and entertainment venues!

Saturday, June 26th, 2010 - 4:31 pm by admin

Well have finally managed to get a few minutes to tell you all about the Epic.

Epic is certainly a great name for this magnificent ship with its 21 dining venues and 20 bars there is certainly something for everyone.

Janet Baren and I (Julie McIntyre) were only on for 2 nights and although we tried to get round every bar and dining venue I am afraid we failed miserably.

Embarkation for us should have been at 1pm but due to propulsion problems with the ship coming from Rotterdam we did not get onboard until 6pm. Note to anyone considering an inaugural or shakedown cruise – BE AWARE THAT THERE STILL MAYBE TEETHING PROBLEMS ONBOARD. Fore warned is fore armed.

As I have discussed the cabins on a previous blog I will concentrate more on the public rooms. As I said earlier the choice is staggering but if you do want to eat in a speciality restaurant, see the show in the Spiegel Tent or Blue Man Group or go in the Ice Bar. ENSURE THAT THESE ARE PRE BOOKED BEFORE YOU EMBARK TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

First evening we dined in one of the main dining rooms, Taste, the other being the Manhattan Room with the Legends show. The food and service was excellent.

A must do is the Ice Bar which has a cost of $25 per person which does include a drink. Unfortunately we were unable to do this as it was fully booked and we were unable to just take a peek as the air temperature inside is very carefully monitored.

Shaker’s Martini Bar was our favourite bar with lots of different Martinis on offer with our favourite being Chocolate Raspberry. I do have to say that we saw a couple of our competitors of the male sex having very pink girly drinks in the bar. We have promised not to tell their colleagues!!!! You know who you are!!

Entertainment after dinner is varied and the first night we went to Fat Cats Jazz Club followed by Headliners Comedy Club. Later on janet, the party animal, persuaded me to go to Bliss which was the nightclub which was amazing. You entered via asmoky curtain with a projected image of the DJ on it. As you entered you were greeted with a DJ on stage with passengers dancing around him, over sized seats and in fact two seats that resembled double beds along with a dancing cage at each side of the bar. We did not stay too long and managed to get back to our cabins at a very respectable 1.15am.

Posted in Family Cruising, NCL, New Ships, Norwegian Epic | No Comments »

Curved cabins.

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 - 1:07 am by admin

My cabin, 10296, has curved walls which is a fascinating new design in ship building. Not sure whether I think it works or not yet. As you come into the cabin there is a shower on the right and a toilet on the left with white opaque doors leading directly into the cabin.

Then on the right is a sink and on the left a sofa with wardrobes opposite. Tea/coffee facilties ae standard in the room. Other facilities include a mini bar and hair dryer.

The balcony has a chilld lock therefore giving you peace of mind. Hanging and cupboard space is plentiful although the hanging space is split in two which means if you have a long dress it hangs over the second rail.

All in all the cabins are great just not sure about the bathrooms yet!!!!

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Norwegian Epic!!!!

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 - 12:59 am by admin

Well after leaving Lancaster at 7am Janet Baren and I (Julie McIntyre) eventually boarded the ship at 6pm having watched her sail in up the Solent earlier in the afternoon.

At 153000 tons and 4200 passengers she is one of the biggest ships to come into Southampton.First impressions were good and although the ship looks slightly clumsy in shape she still looked majestic as she sailed towards city cruise terminal.

NCL looked after us well and once onboard Janet and I went to investigate our cabins.Janet was located in 14014 which was a 4 berth family balcony stateroom whilst I was in 10296 again a balcony stateroom.

The ship certainly has the wow factor as you step onboard into the atrium where a huge screen confronts you with some of the latest music videos showing. Cabins were a slightly different story and the first thing you notice once you step inside is the modular concept in the design with the sink beng in the cabin an although there is a separate shower and toilet you step out of these direct into your cbin. Shower gel and shampoo is included in the shower.

Posted in NCL, New Ships, Norwegian Epic | No Comments »