Frank Del Rio To Retire from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Sommer Named Next CEO

Frank Del Rio To Retire from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Sommer Named Next CEO

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings today announced that Frank J. Del Rio has decided to retire and step down from his position as the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and from its Board of Directors, effective June 30, 2023, according to a press release.

Del Rio will serve in a consultant capacity as a Senior Advisor to the Board through 2025. Harry J. Sommer, who has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of NCL since 2020, has been appointed to succeed Del Rio and will also join the company’s Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2023.

David J. Herrera, who has served as Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer of NCL since 2021, will succeed Sommer as President of NCL, effective April 1, 2023.

According to a company statement, Del Rio’s well-deserved retirement is the culmination of a remarkable career spanning three decades in the cruise industry.

Del Rio has led the company since 2015 and prior to that led Prestige Cruise International, Inc., or its predecessor, which operated and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, from 2002 until its acquisition by Norwegian. Del Rio founded Oceania Cruises in 2002, creating a new “upper premium” market space in the cruise industry. During his tenure, Del Rio successfully led the company in welcoming eight new and innovative ships since 2015, introducing the company’s second private island destination, Harvest Caye, and achieving industry-leading yields and financial results. Del Rio also led the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, the most tumultuous time in its 56-year history, and was a vocal leader and advocate for the entire cruise industry through unprecedented times as it worked to resume cruise operations globally.

Sommer, 55, has more than 30 years of cruise industry experience across sales, marketing, revenue management, passenger services, itinerary development and international business development and operations. In addition to his role as President and Chief Executive Officer, NCL, Sommer expanded his responsibilities in recent months to include oversight for all of the company’s other revenue-generating functional areas, including Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and the tri-branded Onboard Revenue department. Previously, he served as President, International and throughout his career also held executive roles at various cruise operators.

“On behalf of the Board and the entire organization, I thank Frank for his invaluable contributions to this company and the cruise industry throughout the last 30 years,” said Russell W. Galbut, chairman of the Board of Directors of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “He has delivered superior financial results, expanded our fleet with luxurious and innovative ships, strengthened our global footprint and delivered unparalleled experiences for our guests. His passion and dedication will have a lasting impact on both our business and the industry at large.”

Galbut continued: “The Board is thrilled to appoint Harry to succeed Frank as the company’s next CEO, – the culmination of a thoughtful succession planning process. A highly experienced leader and operator, Harry has worked alongside Frank for many years and helped drive the success of our largest, award-winning brand during a critical time. He successfully relaunched the NCL fleet following a more than 500-day pause, delivered the game-changing Norwegian Prima, the first of six ships in the brand’s new class, and led the team to a record-breaking booking year in 2022. Harry is undoubtedly the right leader to lead our company forward into the next chapter of growth.”

“Leading Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “My heartfelt gratitude goes out to our 39,000 team members around the globe whose innovation, tenacity and collaboration have strengthened this company and built the industry’s most passionate and loyal base of cruisers. With the company solidly positioned for 2023 and beyond, I am confident that now is the right time to pass the baton to Harry. Having worked closely with Harry for decades, I know firsthand that his talent and skills are ideally suited to take this company into its next era. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Harry, the Board and our management team during the coming months to ensure a seamless transition. I am delighted to continue to serve as a Senior Advisor to the Board after the transition.”

“I am incredibly humbled to succeed Frank as this iconic company’s next President and CEO, and I’m grateful to have the unwavering support of him and the Board to lead the company as we embark on the next chapter for our storied brands,” Sommer said. “I am proud to have been a part of the company’s successes during the last 15 years, and I look forward to the bright future ahead, including the transformational growth we have in the pipeline. I am honoured and excited to lead and work alongside what is unquestionably the best team in the industry to deliver on our business and financial goals.”

Sommer added: “I’m particularly happy that David will be leading Norwegian Cruise Line as he has been a key contributor to NCL’s success in recent years. With his strong financial, sales, marketing and business development background, David will be further empowered to guide the NCL brand on an accelerated path forward. I am confident that he is the right person, at the right time, to lead this amazing brand into a bright future ahead.”

“I look forward to continuing to work alongside Harry and our leadership team to build on our strong momentum and continue to provide NCL guests with industry-leading experiences,” Herrera said. “I am honoured and grateful for this incredible opportunity to lead this premier cruise line and our world-class team.”

A Look at the 13 Charter Cruises on Norwegian Pearl

A Look at the 13 Charter Cruises on Norwegian Pearl

With Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings rolling out its “Experiences at Sea” division, the company also announced the Norwegian Pearl will sail 13 back-to-back theme/charter cruises starting later this month.

The 13 back-to-back cruises from Jan. 20, 2023 – Mar. 27, 2023, include:

• Cruise Perfect (Jan. 20 –23) Miami to Nassau, Bahamas – The five dudes from Dude Perfect host an action-packed three-day cruise full of trick shots, challenges and fun for the whole family.
• The Rock Boat XXII (Jan 23. – 28) Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Nassau, Bahamas – Guests will enjoy a five-day cruise hosted by Sister Hazel and featuring over 30 acts from Need to Breathe, Neon Trees, American Authors, Lit and so much more.
• On the Blue (Jan. 28 – Feb. 2) Miami to Harvest Caye, Belize to Costa Maya, Mexico – Hosted by Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, guests will enjoy a five-day classic rock cruise featuring an array of musical performances.
• Chris Jericho’s Rock N Wrestling Rager at Sea (Feb. 2 – 6) Miami to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas – Chris Jericho hosts a four-day cruise featuring the perfect blend of rock and world-class wrestling.
• Nursecon at Sea (Feb. 6 – 10) Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – The Ultimate Nursing Conference created by Nurse Blake will provide attendees with the perfect balance of vacation, entertainment, fun with professional learning (including accredited CNE courses) and networking.
• Cayamo 15 (Feb. 10 – 17) Miami to Philipsburg, St. Maarten and Tortola, British Virgin Islands – Guests will celebrate the 15th anniversary of this Americana journey through song with over 40 artists, featuring Jeff Tweedy, Andrew Bird, Trampled by Turtles, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Patty Griffin, Neko Case, Shovels & Rope and many more.
• Sail Across the Sun (Feb. 17 – 21) Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – Guests will embark on a four-day cruise hosted by Train with performances from over 20 artists including Fitz and the Tantrums, G. Love & Special, plus comedy from Nick Swardson, wine tastings and more.
• Outlaw Country Cruise 7 (Feb. 21 – 27) Miami to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas to Cozumel, Mexico – Celebrating the seventh edition, guests will enjoy performances from over 40 artists including once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, featuring The Mavericks, John Anderson, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle & The Dukes and more.
• The Friendship (Feb. 27- March 3) Miami to Nassau, Bahamas to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas – Hosted by All My Friends and Gary Richards, DESTRUCTO, the music festival returns for its third year hosting a soon-to-be-announced line-up of artists and schedule of events for electric dance music (EDM) aficionados.
• The Beach Boys Cruise (March 3 – 8) Miami to Harvest Caye, Belize to Costa Maya, Mexico – The Beach Boys are not only bringing their good vibrations, but also performances by The Isley Brothers, The Temptations, The Righteous Brothers, Mark McGrath and so many more on this five-day cruise.
• 311 Caribbean Cruise 7 (March 8 – 13) Miami to Harvest Caye, Belize to Roatan, Honduras – 311 host 3/11 Day at Sea with featured performances by Arrested Development, G. Love & Special Sauce, Less Than Jake, and more, plus shows from comedians still to be announced.
• Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea VIII (March 13 – 17) Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – Joe Bonamassa hosts a celebration of blues with over 20 artists, featuring Little Feat, Dion, Bobby Rush, Robert Randolph Band and more.
• Atlantis (March 17 – 27) Miami to Key West to Cozumel, Mexico to Harvest Caye, Belize to Colon, Panama to Cartagena, Colombia to Georgetown, Grand Cayman – Each Atlantis cruise offers a carefree experience for the gay community based around friendship, camaraderie, relaxation, indulgence, adventure and pure uninhibited fun.
• Plus: The Broadway Cruise (March 31 – April 5) New York City to Bermuda on Norwegian Gem – Guests can immerse themselves in the world of Broadway with special performances from Tony-Award winners Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming and more, plus panels and activities from the best creators in the business.

Norwegian Cruise Line eliminating plastic straws

Norwegian Bliss in Southampton, photo credit Dave R Jones.

Norwegian Cruise Line said it is getting rid of single-use plastic straws on its 26 ships.

The ban also applies to its two private islands, Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye.

With the changes, Norwegian said it expects to eliminate over 50 million plastic straws from use annually.

In announcing the ban, Norwegian did not specify when the ban would be implemented or what it would use as a substitute for plastic straws.

Various cruise lines have announced initiatives to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics onboard as a contribution to marine conservation. Norwegian initiated its plastics-reduction approach by banning plastic straws in the inauguration of its latest ship, the Norwegian Bliss.

Norwegian Sun to Offer Cuba Cruises from PortMiami

Norwegian Cruise Line put new cruises on sale to Cuba and the Caribbean aboard the Norwegian Sun round-trip from Miami, Florida.

“We are thrilled to reveal Norwegian Sun’s new fall 2018 itineraries, which will be the first time our brand has featured a call in Havana, Cuba on seven-day and longer cruises,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer for Norwegian Cruise Line. “These new itineraries offer a remarkable breadth of experiences for guests with a culturally immersive full day and evening in Havana, complemented by several visits to world-class destinations across the Caribbean and beyond.”

The Norwegian Sun will sail six new seven-day cruises from Miami departing on Sundays from September 9 through October 14.

Port calls include Havana, Cuba, Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas; Costa Maya, Mexico and Harvest Caye, Belize. The ship’s nine-day Cuba and the Caribbean cruises will expand upon her seven-day sailings and also include additional visits to Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras and Cozumel, Mexico.

There's also a 13-day Cuba, Caribbean and Panama Canal sailing on Oct. 30, with calls in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Cartagena and Santa Marta, Colombia and Oranjestad, Aruba, among others.

Norwegian Cruise Line has also added a new five-day cruise to Cuba and the Bahamas from Port Canaveral on September 3. The new cruise will round out the ship’s season sailing from the Space Coast with an afternoon visit to Key West, Florida then heads to Havana for an overnight visit, followed a call in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

Welcome to Harvest Caye

What makes the perfect holiday destination? NCL reckon they know the answer – and they’ve just built it in the Caribbean.

So the Caribbean is a place of tradition? Where the rustic, ramshackle towns have stood for several hundred years and where the islands only change at the whim of the weather?

Wrong. Harvest Caye is a product of the 21st century, a paradise isle that man has raised from a patch of mud off the coast of Central America.

Emerald Waterways

I’m on Norwegian Getaway, a very modern giant of the seas, and we’re docked at what is a bustling American resort beach that also happens to be an island. Just a little one, mind: there are no towns or villages here, and the only wildlife is behind bars. As are a lot of the punters, drinking at the LandShark (part of singer Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville empire) or the swim-up (wallow-up) bar in the palm-fringed pool outside.

The creation of Norwegian Cruise Line, Harvest Caye opened its gates at the end of last year. Taking 4,000-plus holidaymakers at a time, it’s a day-long stopover on Western Caribbean cruises – which in our case means a week’s round trip from Miami, taking in Roatan in Honduras and Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico.

Harvest Caye - Main pool

A 15,000sq ft pool dominates the man-made landscape.

Harvest Caye is, notionally, part of Belize, a Central American nation dotted with Mayan ruins. But despite being only a mile off the mainland, with its dense jungle and distant peaks, this is an international playground.

Norwegian Getaway towers over the mangroves at the tip of the island but, despite being moored at the jetty (no need for tenders here), she is all but abandoned as passengers forego their free lunch on board for the pleasure of pay-as-you-go burgers.

If you want a jolly holiday rather than a cruise that visits a series of historic spots with cathedrals and the like, this is it. The sun loungers lie many deep around the curve of the fine, pale, man-made beach, and it’s as busy as a theme park. But – again like a theme park – there’s plenty going on. The lagoon where you can rent pedalos and stand-up paddleboards meanders past the Flighthouse, a 130ft mock lighthouse that stands at the heart of a zipwire circuit. Here I get kitted out and enjoy whizzing above the lagoon with views across the mainland. But it’s the final, longest run that gets the palms sweaty. This is taken horizontally, Superman-style, with straps from the back. As the team ease me, face down, over the sheer drop I’m regretting my decision, until I soar away and fly across beach and bay into the trees.

As pop music echoes across the island I wander around the shops: there’s jade jewellery, chocolate from free-trade organic Moho, T-shirts and duty-free. Nearby there are children splashing in the play area and parents lining up for the walk-through butterfly house, and the toucans and macaws in their little aviaries.

Harvest Caye - Beach Villa Interior

A beach villa for six offers day-long comfort

A stroll along the beach brings you to a private area of 11 wooden villas. If the free sun-loungers don’t do it for you, nor the for-hire cabanas, here you’ve got a retreat for six, price $499. There are no beds but you won’t be staying overnight (although your butler will take care of lunch). Like any theme park, this place closes its gates at the end of the day, so it can be ready for a new influx tomorrow.

But back aboard Norwegian Getaway, there’s plenty more sun and fun to come on her seven-night itinerary. Coxen Hole on the island of Roatan has a more traditional Caribbean feel (though it’s still purpose-built), the ship looming over a colourful cluster of shops and restaurants. A band plays and passengers amble about, buying uncut diamonds (a bargain, so I’m told). There are tours that visit beaches on the far side of the island and stop at viewpoints in the hills, but I find it’s nicer simply to wander along the coast road and stop at one or two of the tiny coves, swimming in the warm waters with views back to the ship.

Costa Maya, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is just as unreal. Walking down the long pier from the ship into a “village” of shops, restaurants, pools and bars, I was reminded of the Mexican pavilion at the Epcot Center in Disney World.

Beach Villa Porch - Harvest Caye

Beach villa

For a couple of dollars, a taxi will take you to the beach town of Mahahual a mile or so away. Instead, I wander through quiet, tree-lined lanes and find it myself (the beach walk seems walled off, presumably to stop anyone enjoying themselves for free).

Mahahual is as close as you’ll get on this trip to the real world. Pelicans sit on crumbling breakwaters as I swim in the gorgeous water and laze on the sand; shack bars serve me beer and tacos for a couple of dollars apiece, and a lengthy massage under a softly billowing shade costs me $20. Other passengers are doing the Mayan ruins but I think I’ve found the true spirit of Mexico right here, and it’s not tequila.

It’s a hazy, sunny vibe that’s cleverly recreated on Norwegian Getaway. At the sun deck bar there are nightly parties for those who like loud music and dancing. Then there’s The Waterfront, a walkway that circles the ship with various spots for alfresco diners, and the Sugarcane mojito bar for cocktail lovers.

There are all manner of other attractions, from the high ropes course to waterslides and mini-golf, and the evening entertainment is top-notch too. The Million Dollar Quartet is a rock ’n’ roll musical about the night when Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis all shared a recording studio. It’s a good choice because our cruise is a big slice of the American dream itself, sailing into the sun from high-rise, palm-fringed Miami.

Our final call is the Mexican island of Cozumel, and this time I do the Mayan thing, taking a fascinating trip to the 3,000-year-old walled city of Tulum. The country’s most visited archaeological site, it has Mexico’s only coastal pyramids – two of them, set in vast, lush grounds on a 40ft cliff with steps down to a small, idyllic beach. It’s the perfect mix – pale sands, warm waters, and an awe-inspiring monument to ancient man’s ingenuity.

Will Harvest Caye still be pulling in the punters in 3,000 years? Probably not. But, like the rest of this cruise, it’s a lot of fun while it lasts.

Belizean bliss at Norwegian's Harvest Caye

Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island, Harvest Caye, just off the coast of Belize, contains 11 mahogany-trimmed villas that can be rented for the day for $499. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst

Harvest Caye, a 78-acre island a mile offshore from southern Belize, might be the best in class in the cruise industry's growing portfolio of privately built destinations in the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Completed by Norwegian Cruise Line over the course of 31 months, the island has a combination of standout features. 

To start with, it has a dock big enough to accommodate a megaship such as the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Getaway, the result of dredging more than a million cubic meters of sea bottom to make a channel.

Not having to tender to a private port makes everything safer, faster and more convenient for guests. 

Also, while it feels like an island experience, Harvest Caye is only a 15-minute boat ride from mainland Belize, where available tours include the Mayan archaeological ruins, a tropical spice farm, a savannah ecotour by boat and a rainforest river tubing and rafting excursion. Prices for these experiences top out at $109.

On the island, a nature center displays boa constrictors, scarlet macaws and toucans, the national bird of Belize. Run by Tony Garel, an award-winning naturalist recruited from the Belize Zoo, it is the only such center in a port owned by a cruise line.

One popular zoo feature is a screened butterfly house filled with bobbing, iridescent blue morphos.

A branded restaurant adds another dimension to Harvest Caye. The tropically themed, two-story LandShark Bar & Grill was designed by Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Holdings and is operated by local food purveyor Provisions Belize. The restaurant overlooks a 15,000-square-foot pool that, unlike those on most cruise ships, comes with lifeguard supervision.

Harvest Caye's most visible feature is a 136-foot-tall lighthouse-like structure called the Flighthouse, an anchor for two ziplines, including the 1,300-foot Superman, in which riders fly prone, swooping low over the beach like a jet coming in for a landing at the airport. When both ziplines are running, guest services director Dan Drahozal said they can serve up to 192 people a day.

When a ship arrives around 8 a.m., guests will be greeted by a band playing drums and singing songs from the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna subculture in Belize. On the beach, 2,500 blue-cushioned loungers await.

To beat the brutal summer heat in Belize, Harvest Caye is outfitted with an abundance of fans, misters and shade umbrellas. A low canopy also protects the pier walk from the ship to the entrance. 

Several free-standing locker towers provide storage around the island for $5 a day. Harvest Caye's shopping village is lushly landscaped with a variety of tropical plants and mostly local vendors, rather than the chains that crowd other ports of call.

Finally, it's worth noting that many of the Harvest Caye buildings, including the 11 villas that rent out for $499 a day, are trimmed in tropical hardwood milled by a Mennonite community in Belize. It gives a richer-than-expected look to the beach architecture.

"Mahogany is widely used in this country because it's so abundant," said Dustin Bowen, CEO of Provisions Belize, "whereas in the [U.S.] it's scarce and expensive."

Norwegian Cruise Line taking the wraps off Harvest Caye

The Landshark Bar & Grill at Harvest Caye. 

Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line's destination island in Belize, is set to open on Nov. 17, with the first call being made by the Norwegian Dawn.

The project has been at least three years in the making and will be the most elaborate island destination Norwegian Cruise Line has developed to date.

About seven acres have been groomed for guests who can choose between a long white-sand beach, a water sports lagoon or a 300,000 gallon tropical pool to start their recreation ashore.

The venue serves as the first landside outpost of Norwegian's partnership with Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville franchise, with the debut a Landshark Bar & Grill in Belize. (There are Margaritaville restaurants on three Norwegian Cruise Line ships.)

The "Flighthouse" will serve as the anchor for a pair of ziplines and a freefall jump. 

There is a shopping village with Belizean products, art, food and drinks. Guests wanting to explore more of Belize can board two 275-person catamarans or 60-seat motorboats for the short ride to the mainland.

Towering above the action is the 130-foot tall "Flighthouse" that serves as the anchor for a pair of ziplines and an apparatus that drops guest from heights of 40, 60 or 100 feet before easing them gently to the sand at the end of the drop.

Unlike some private cruise destinations, Harvest Caye has a built-in dock so tenders aren't needed. Guests walk through a ceremonial set of gates with the Harvest Caye name displayed in a wrought-iron arch.

The island's buildings are made of rustic stone trimmed with mahogany and other native hardwoods. Landscaping includes 15,000 newly planted mangroves.

Eleven air-conditioned beach villas are available for rent, at $475 per villa. They accommodate six adults and feature a bathroom with a shower, a deck and Bluetooth connections for concierge services and music.

Also, there are 15 pool cabanas for rent at $199 for the day. The cabanas accommodate two adults. A beach clamshell with a pair of loungers is priced at $29.

Norwegian will offer a variety of watersports and toys. Mini speedboats are available for $69 for adults, $49 for children, and eco-friendly electric boats rent for $40. Kayaks rent for $25 and stand-up paddleboards for $20. The zipline attraction has packages starting at $59 for adults and $49 for children. There is a river float feature for $79/$59.

Air-conditioned beach villas will rent for $475 per day. 

In the lagoon, Norwegian runs a wildlife boat tour for spotting manatees that costs $49/$39.  Tours to see Mayan ruins run $89/69, or $109/$79 with an add-on visit to a spice plantation.

While the name Harvest Caye doesn't sound particularly indigenous, Norwegian said it was the name used by Belize for the island before Norwegian arrived. "We choose not to change it," a spokeswoman said.

After the initial call by the Norwegian Dawn sailing from New Orleans, Harvest Caye is scheduled to host the Norwegian Jade on Nov. 18, and then the Norwegian Getaway on Nov. 23.  A call by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a cruise line owned by Norwegian Cruise Line's parent company, is slated for January.

THE NORWEGIAN EDGE™

THE NORWEGIAN EDGE™

The Cavern Club

The Norwegian Edge introduces a new standard of excellence that encompasses the entire guest experience, from culinary program enhancements to exclusive destination developments. The program starts with a focus on the heart of Norwegian, our ships. 

Extensive revitalizations have already begun to elevate them with the premium look and feel of the line’s newest and most spectacular ships. When the renovations are complete, our ships will look even better than when they first left the shipyard. We’re investing $400 million to make sure a Norwegian vacation is up to the high standards we’ve set for ourselves – and those that our guests expect from us.

So when you board one of our ships for the fifth time, but she looks as good as the first time you saw her, that’s The Norwegian Edge. When you savor an array of international tastes and gourmet dishes from our new enhanced menus, you’ve tasted The Norwegian Edge. 

If you find yourself surrounded by natural beauty in Harvest Caye, our premier resort-style island in Belize, you’ve found The Norwegian Edge. And finally, when you’re sharing stories (and selfies) from your incredible vacation weeks after your cruise, you know you experienced The Norwegian Edge.

• • Exciting new entertainment venue, The Cavern Club, inspired by the famous Liverpool nightclub of the same name where The Beatles got their big break
• • A complete makeover of La Cucina to create a more authentic Italian atmosphere
• • Upgraded The Haven Courtyard, Lounge and Restaurant to introduce a more modern and clean design
• • Upgraded spaces for the whole family including Entourage, Splash Academy and the new SplashGolf in the Kids’ Aqua Park
• • New library and card room for guests to enjoy while on board
• • Refreshed décor, including new furniture and flooring in several restaurants, bars and lounges to elevate the ambiance as you sip, savor and cheers

HARVEST CAYE

In November, our newest cruise destination in southern Belize will be transformed into a 75-acre resort-style experience featuring an expansive pool, lagoon for water sports, private luxury cabanas and exclusive beach for our guests to discover.

GREAT STIRRUP CAY

We're enhancing our eco-fun paradise in the Bahamas with more of what our guests love: more beaches, more activities, and more places to relax and indulge.

Norwegian Gem, Refurbished November 2015

• • Renovated Bliss Ultra Lounge and introduced a new area for Casino games
  

• • Brand new photo gallery set up with new computer displays, furniture and a more open layout
  

• • Renovated The Haven Courtyard, Lounge and Restaurant to introduce a more modern and clean design
  

• • Refreshed décor, including new furniture and flooring in several restaurants, bars and lounges to elevate the ambiance as you sip, savor and cheers
  

• • Revamped The Haven Courtyard and Sundeck to include more shaded areas, cabanas and loungers

NCL~Dry Dock Schedule

Norwegian Ships	Dry Dock Schedule
Pride of America	Q1 2016
Norwegian Sun	Q2 2016
Norwegian Dawn	Q2 2016
Norwegian Spirit	Q1 2017
Norwegian Sky	Q1 2017
Norwegian Pearl	Q1 2017
Norwegian Jade	Q1 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed it’s itineraries for 2016 and 2017 including some new routes.

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed it’s itineraries for 2016 and 2017 including some new routes.

Highlights include the addition of San Juan, Puerto Rico as a seasonal homeport for Norwegian Gem, along with new eight-day Eastern Caribbean and six-day Western Caribbean Norwegian Escape sailings from Miami. In addition, all guests sailing a Western Caribbean itinerary in 2016/2017 will have the opportunity to enjoy a visit to Harvest Caye, Norwegian’s new island destination in Belize.

Seasonally, Norwegian also continues to offer three ships in Alaska, four in Europe, two in Bermuda, as well as a variety of exciting South America; Bahamas & Florida; and repositioning cruises. Norwegian will also continue to offer its unique inter-island Hawaii cruises year-round on Pride of America from Honolulu and short Bahamas itineraries from Miami year-round on Norwegian Sky. The new itineraries open today for group bookings, and go on sale on December 16, 2014 for our Latitudes Rewards guests and President’s Club travel partners and on December 18, 2014 for all bookings.

“Once again, Norwegian Cruise Line continues to offer a wide variety of exciting cruises for our guests to choose from in 2016 and early 2017,” said Drew Madsen, Norwegian’s president and chief operating officer. “Guests can cruise to the Caribbean year-round while experiencing the incredible innovations on Norwegian’s newest ships, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Getaway. In addition, we continue to offer the best of Europe on four beautiful ships including Norwegian Epic year-round, and the opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of Alaska on some of the youngest ships in the industry.”

So lets take a look at some of the itineraries that NCL has announced below:

Bermuda

Norwegian will continue its tradition of sailing from both New York City and Boston to the pink sand beaches of Bermuda between April and October, 2016. Norwegian Breakaway will return to Bermuda, sailing from New York City on seven-day cruises every Sunday from April 24, 2016 through October 23, 2016. From Boston, Norwegian Dawn will sail seven-day cruises, departing every Friday, from June 3, 2016 through September 2, 2016 and from October 7, 2016 through October 21, 2016.

Caribbean

Norwegian’s newest and largest ship, Norwegian Escape, will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean sailings from Miami year-round. Ports of call include St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.

Norwegian Escape will sail an eight-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary from Miami on July 23, 2016, August 6, 2016, and August 20, 2016. Ports of call will include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. Norwegian Escape will also sail a six-day Western Caribbean itinerary from Miami on July 31, 2016, August 14, 2016, and August 28, 2016. Ports of call include Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. This six and eight-day itineraries can be combined to create an incredible 14-day Caribbean vacation.

Norwegian Getaway, Miami’s Ultimate Ship, will sail from Miami to the Western Caribbean on seven-day cruises every Saturday from April 24, 2016 to April 23, 2017. Ports of call include Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; Norwegian’s newest destination Harvest Caye, Belize; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Cozumel, Mexico.

Norwegian returns to homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2016 on Norwegian Gem. She will sail a seven-day Southern Caribbean itinerary from San Juan on October 23, November 6 and 20, and December 4, 2016. Ports of call will include Bridgetown, Barbados; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Norwegian Gem will also sail a variation of the seven-day Southern Caribbean itinerary on October 30, November 13, and November 27, 2016. Ports of call include

St. George’s, Grenada; Castries, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; St. John’s, Antigua; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Norwegian Spirit will sail alternating seven-day Western Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean itineraries departing on Saturdays from Port Canaveral. The Western Caribbean itinerary begins December 10, 2016 and continues to April 15, 2017. Ports of call will include Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary stops in Nassau, Bahamas; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands, from December 3, 2016 to April 8, 2017.

Norwegian Jade will sail a seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary every Saturday from Houston from November 19, 2016 to April 15, 2017. Ports of call include Cozumel, Mexico; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras.

Norwegian Dawn will sail a seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary every Sunday from New Orleans from November 20, 2016 to April 16, 2017. Her stops will include Cozumel, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico.

Norwegian Star will sail a seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary every Sunday from Tampa from October 23, 2016 to April 16, 2017. Ports of call will include Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Harvest Caye, Belize.

Alaska

Norwegian will continue to sail three ships in Alaska in the summer of 2016: Norwegian Pearl andNorwegian Jewel from Seattle, Washington and Norwegian Sun from Vancouver, British Columbia and Seward, Alaska.

Norwegian Jewel, departing Saturdays, will sail a series of seven-day Sawyer Glacier cruises from Seattle between May 7, 2016 and September 10, 2016. Departing Sundays, Norwegian Pearl will set sail on seven-day Glacier Bay itineraries from May 15, 2016 through September 18, 2016. Both itineraries feature stops in Ketchikan; Juneau; Skagway, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia.

For those wishing to cruise on a longer Alaska itinerary, Norwegian Jewel will sail one ten-day Glacier Bay itinerary on September 17, 2016, and will visit Ketchikan; Juneau; Skagway; Icy Strait Point; and Sitka, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia.

Norwegian Pearl will offer a 10-day Glacier Bay itinerary from Vancouver on May 5, 2016, stopping in Juneau; Skagway; Sitka; Icy Strait Point; and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia.

Norwegian Sun will sail seven-day Glacier Bay one-way cruises between Vancouver, British Columbia and Seward, Alaska every other week from May 30, 2016 through September

5, 2016. Sailing north from Vancouver, guests will enjoy a cruise through the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier and visits to Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau, Alaska. On Norwegian Sun’s Southbound seven-day Sawyer Glacier one-way itineraries from Seward, Alaska, sailing every other week from June 6 to September 12, 2016, guests will cruise the Inside Passage, Sawyer Glacier and Hubbard Glacier and enjoy stops in Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska. Norwegian Sun’s one-way cruises give guests the opportunity to see more of beautiful Alaska and make their cruise an adventure by adding on a pre or post-cruise CruiseTour, giving guests the chance to experience more of Alaska.

Norwegian Sun will also offer three seven-day Glacier Bay roundtrip cruises from Vancouver on May 16, 2016, May 23, 2016, and September 19, 2016. Ports of call will include Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska, and will include cruising the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay.

Europe

Norwegian will offer a four-ship deployment in Europe during the summer of 2016. Norwegian Epic will remain in Europe year-round from her homeport in Barcelona, sailing seven-day Western Mediterranean itineraries from April 17, 2016 to November 20, 2016. Her exciting ports of call include Naples, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Cannes, France; and Palma, Majorca, Spain.

On November 27 and December 28, 2016, and February 19, March 12, and April 13, 2017, Norwegian Epic will sail a 10-Day Canary Islands & Morocco itinerary. Her stops will include Tangier, Morocco; Las Palmas, Canary Islands; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands; Funchal, Madeira; and Granada (Malaga), Spain. Norwegian Epic will also sail an 11-Day Western Mediterranean itinerary on December 7, 2016 and January 7 and 18, February 8, March 1 and 22, and April 2, 2017. Ports of call include Cagliari, Sardinia; Messina, Sicily; Naples, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; and Palma, Majorca, Spain.

Norwegian Star will return to the Baltic, offering nine-day cruises from Copenhagen, Denmark on May 8 and 24, June 2 and 25, and July 4 to September 5, 2016. This exciting itinerary includes an overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia, as well as a scenic sail through the Stockholm Archipelago following the ship’s afternoon departure from Stockholm, Sweden. Other calls include Warnemünde, Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; and Helsinki, Finland.

On June 11, 2016, Norwegian Star will sail a 14-day North Cape itinerary, during the summer solstice. This incredible itinerary will set sail from Copenhagen, Denmark and will visit the best of Norway including Alesund, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Trondheim, Leknes, Tromso, Hammerfest, Honningsvag, Molde, and Bergen, Norway. This itinerary can also be combined with a nine-day Baltic Capitals itinerary for the ultimate northern Europe experience.

Norwegian Star will also sail two seven-day Norwegian Fjords itineraries from Copenhagen, on May 1 and 17, 2016. This breathtaking itinerary will sail through the beautiful fjords of southern Norway featuring stops in Alesund, Geiranger, Flam and Bergen.

Norwegian Star will also sail a 14-Day Norway, Iceland, & Faroe Islands cruise from Copenhagen on September 14, 2016. Port calls will include Bergen and Alesund, Norway; Lerwick, Shetland Islands; Thorshavn, Faroe Islands; Reykjavik, Iceland; Greenock, Scotland; and Dublin, Ireland.

Norwegian Jade will return to Venice and sail alternating seven-day Greek Isles and seven-day Adriatic, Greece & Turkey itineraries from May to October 2016. Guests may also choose to combine these two exciting itineraries to enjoy the ultimate 14-day adventure. The Greek Isles sailings will run from May 7, 2016 to October 1, 2016 with calls in Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, and Olympia (Katakolon), Greece, while the Adriatic, Greece & Turkey itinerary includes Dubrovnik, Croatia; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; and Split, Croatia from May 14, 2016 to September 24, 2016.

For an incredible combination of eastern and western Mediterranean itineraries, guests can embark on Norwegian Spirit’s 12-day Grand Mediterranean from Venice on May 19, June 12, July 6, August 1 and 25, September 18, October 12, and November 5, 2016. This incredible itinerary visits five different countries, with calls in Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi) and Istanbul, Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; and Provence (Toulon), France.

Additionally, Norwegian Spirit will sail a 12-day Grand Mediterranean one-way itinerary from Barcelona to Venice on May 7 and 31, June 24, August 13, September 16 and 30, and October 24, 2016. Her stops include Provence (Toulon), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), and Naples, Italy; Mykonos, Greece; Istanbul and Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; and Venice, Italy.

Norwegian Spirit will also sail a spectacular 14-day Grand Mediterranean open-jaw itinerary from Barcelona to Venice on July 18, 2016. Port of call include Provence (Toulon), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), and Naples, Italy; Mykonos, Greece; Istanbul and Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Bahamas and Florida

Norwegian Gem will sail seven-day Bahamas & Florida cruises from New York in 2016 from April 30, 2016 to May 14, 2016 and from June 18, 2016 to August 27, 2016. This popular family-friendly itinerary includes visits to Orlando and the Beaches (Port Canaveral), Norwegian’s private island Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas. Along with recent enhancements to add brand favorites Sugarcane Mojito Bar and O’Sheehans Neighborhood Bar & Grill, Norwegian Gem also features exclusive Nickelodeon? programming on board.

On May 21, 2016 and June 4, 2016, Norwegian Gem will sail eight-day Bahamas and Florida sailings that feature an additional sea day, as well as a full day in Orlando and the Beaches (Port Canaveral).

For a shorter cruise option, Norwegian Sky will continue sailing three and four-day cruises to the Bahamas year-round from Miami departing Fridays and Mondays. Ports of call include: Nassau, Grand Bahama Island, and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island.

Norwegian Getaway will also sail a one-time two-day Bahamas itinerary from Miami on September 2, 2016, stopping in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

Canada & New England

Norwegian Gem will again offer two summer Canada & New England roundtrip cruises from New York City in 2016. These six-day sailings on May 29 and June 12, 2016 call in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Portland, Maine.

Norwegian Gem will also offer seven-day cruises roundtrip from New York City from September 3 to October 8, 2016, visiting four beautiful ports of call: Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; Portland, Maine; and Newport, Rhode Island.

Norwegian Dawn will offer one-way seven-day cruises between Boston, Massachusetts and Quebec City, Quebec from September 9 to 30, 2016. The northbound itinerary features visit to Portland, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Gaspésie, Quebec; and Saguenay (La Baie), Quebec, while the southbound route begins with an overnight in Quebec City, Quebec and then visits Sydney, Nova Scotia; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Bar Harbor, Maine. These sailings can be combined for an ultimate 14-day Canada & New England experience.

Hawaii

The recently-enhanced Pride of America will continue to sail her very popular seven-day Hawaii itinerary departing from Honolulu every Saturday through April 2018. Offering more than 100 hours of sight-seeing time, ports of call include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawai`i; Kona, Hawai`i; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; and an afternoon cruise past the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.

Panama Canal

Back by popular demand, Norwegian Pearl will sail 11- and 10-day Panama Canal itineraries from Miami beginning fall 2016. The 10-day Panama Canal sails November 28 and December 19, 2016, and March 13 and April 3, 2017, with calls in Oranjestad, Aruba; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. The 11-day Panama Canal on December 29, 2016 will include port calls in Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico.

An alternate 11-day Panama Canal round-trip itinerary on November 17 and December 8, 2016, and March 23, 2017 will include calls in Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico.

South America

Norwegian Sun returns to South America to sail 14-day South American one-way Westbound itineraries from Buenos Aires to Santiago (Valparaiso) and Eastbound from Santiago (Valparaiso) to Buenos Aires. The 14-day South America from Buenos Aires (Westbound) sails on December 3 and 31, 2016 and January 28, February 25, and March 25, 2017, with calls including Montevideo, Uruguay; Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Stanley, Falkland Islands; Ushuaia, Argentina; Punta Arenas, Chile; Puerto Chacabuco, Chile; and Puerto Montt, Chile. During the cruise, guests will sail Cape Horn, across the Beagle Channel offering breathtaking glacier views, the Strait of Magellan, the majestic Chilean Fjords, the Patagonic Channels, and Canal Moraleda.

The 14-day South America cruise from Santiago (Valparaiso) sails on November 19 and December 17, 2016 and January 14, February 11, and March 11, 2017 with calls in Puerto Montt, Chile; Puerto Chacabuco, Chile; Punta Arenas, Chile; Ushuaia, Argentina; Stanley, Falkland Islands; Puerto Madryn, Argentina; and Montevideo, Uruguay. During the Eastbound cruises, guests will also cruise the Patagonic Channels, Chilean Fjords, Strait of Magellan; Beagle Channel, and Cape Horn. Guests can also choose to extend their South American exploration with a CruiseTour, providing an unparalleled opportunity to explore this region’s culture and spectacular destinations such as Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls and Easter Island.

Mexican Riviera

Norwegian returns to the Mexican Riviera, offerings cruises from two different homeports.Norwegian Jewel will sail a seven-day itinerary from Los Angeles from October 2, 2016 to April 23, 2017, with calls in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Norwegian Sun will sail an 11-day Mexican Rivera itinerary from San Diego on September 30, 2016 and October 11 and 22, 2016. Ports of call will include Acapulco; Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa; an overnight call in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Repositioning Cruises

In spring of 2015, Norwegian will offer a variety of once-in-a-lifetime repositioning cruises including Caribbean repositioning, Transatlantic cruises and Pacific Coastal itineraries.