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Tag: Norwegian Cruise Lines

  • Cruise Lines Move to Cancel Russian Itineraries and Assist Ukraine

    Cruise Lines Move to Cancel Russian Itineraries and Assist Ukraine

    The Russian invasion of Ukraine is impacting the entire world right now. The cruise industry is even beginning to feel the effects. Multiple cruise lines have started to take actions that are a direct result of the conflict. Some of them have moved to cancel itineraries in Russia while others are trying to use their ships to offer more direct assistance to Ukrainian people. One thing is certain: the longer this conflict goes on for, the more cruise lines we are going to see making moves as a response to it.

    Multiple cruise lines thus far have been confirmed to have cancelled Russian itineraries: Norwegian Cruise Line and all companies under the Carnival umbrella have dropped their Russian port calls. For Norwegian, this affects three of their ships that were set to visit St. Petersburg this year. Norwegian Dawn had to remove Russian calls from seven of its itineraries between June and August 2022. Norwegian Getaway had a whopping 17 Russian calls cancelled between May and September 2022. Finally, Norwegian Prima’s one stop in Russia on September 3rd, 2022 will no longer happen.

    As for the Carnival brand cruise lines, the exact cancelled port calls have not yet been specified. They did make a statement on February 26th, however, saying, “In light of the recent attacks by Russia in Ukraine, Carnival Corporation brands will be modifying our itineraries in the coming week once alternative ports can be confirmed. We stand for peace.” Eight of their nine cruise lines had calls in Russia in their schedules for 2022, so it may take some time for them to secure new ports to visit.

    These cancelled calls may not be entirely politically motivated. While making a statement to Russia was likely part of the decision, it also just makes sense on a practical level to pull out of the country. Visiting the nation may not be entirely safe right now due to the political and military instability. Additionally, shareholders have been calling for cruise lines to make a statement on the conflict; Carnival’s Twitter replies show investors praising the decision.

    On the other hand, Royal Caribbean is trying to help out their Ukrainian crew members by helping them contact their families and return home if they want to. They are also moving to help Ukrainian team members get onto their ships sooner rather than later. Michael Bayley, the CEO of Royal, said, “We are trying to expedite any Ukrainian crew who wishes to join any of our ships earlier than scheduled. Counseling has been made available to them and ships captains and management are obviously in daily communication with them to offer assistance as needed.”

    It’s always good to see cruise lines making the right decisions in times of global uncertainty. It is likely that even more companies will make moves similar to these in the coming weeks.

  • No More Towel Animals On Some Norwegian Ships

    No More Towel Animals On Some Norwegian Ships

    There are no known cases of injuries to the animals or to any passengers but Norwegian has announced that it will be eliminating the towel animals which welcomed passengers into their cabins. When asked about this unusual policy change, Norwegian representatives were quick to say that this is only one part of a greater plan to be “a responsible corporate citizen”.

    In the case of the terrycloth tigers and other critters, the corporation is choosing to reduce the number of natural resources being consumed to launder the towels used for the creations. The cruise lines stated that they are committed to fostering a culture of respect for natural resources. In addition, they will continue to seek additional ways to improve the sustainability culture around the world through innovation, education, and collaboration.

    In an effort to balance environmental responsibility with the wishes of their passengers, Norwegian also stated that guest can request the towel animals, which are very popular with some guests. This solution, however, received a great many negative comments as guests saw it as just another way for the cruise line to cut a feature from their normal routine and make a slightly larger profit per passenger. But a few loyal animal lovers did chime in and note that their request for the towel animals was fulfilled with no issues from the crew.

    Regardless of what some passengers might think of this new policy, there are many other policy changes going into effect in an effort for cruise ships to become more environmentally friendly. Several cruise lines have eliminated plastic drinking straws and single-use plastics from all ships. In addition to these changes that all passengers notice, there are several other eco-friendly advances being made in the huge engines used to power the cruise ships and major advances being made in the water filtration systems.

    While new propulsion systems and water treatment plants will have a huge impact on the environment, it is important for passengers to understand that even something as simple as a plastic cup, drinking straw or two towels used to make a towel animal, does add up. With thousands of passengers on a ship, all of the tiny items add up to mountains of trash and hundreds of extra loads of towels that must be washed. And while every person is on the ship to enjoy the ocean in all its natural beauty, each person should agree to do his or her part to preserve the ocean and sea life.

  • A Holiday Cruise – Give the Gift of Memories

    A Holiday Cruise – Give the Gift of Memories

    It is always challenging to find the perfect holiday gifts for family members and friends. There are only so many monthly fruit or book subscriptions that can be gifted without appearing to be less than motivated or creative. But giving a gift that will allow your loved one to create memories to last a lifetime is certainly a thoughtful gift and sure to be treasured. And with all of the holiday cruise options available, you are certain to find a cruise for everyone on your list.

    Norwegian Cruise Line

    The Norwegian Cruise Line is offering a wide array of cruises for the 2018 holiday season. The festivities begin with a Thanksgiving Cruise followed by a Hanukkah Cruise, Christmas Cruise, and even a New Year’s Cruise. And all of these holiday adventures currently include a free $600 onboard credit. Destinations range from the Western Caribbean to the Mexican Riviera and even Australia if you are looking to cross off a bucket list item.

    Royal Caribbean

    Royal Caribbean wants everyone to deck the holidays and begin a new family holiday tradition by booking one of their holiday-themed cruises. The special holiday activities include Elves On Deck, Tree Lighting, Walk For Polar Bears, Christmas Eve Caroling, an Ugly Sweater Contest and even a gingerbread cookie decorating class. Holiday adventures could take your loved ones to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Europe or even Alaska. And current specials include up to 50% off for a second guest and a $1,000 onboard credit. And if traveling over Christmas is not an option, then consider spending New Years at sea with RC.

    Carnival

    Carnival is promising a holiday to remember with ships adorned from bow to stern with wreaths, lights and holiday trees. There is even a bit of mistletoe thrown in for good measure. In addition to the traditional Christmas service and nightly menorah lighting at sunset, there will be a few special guests that children of all ages will enjoy. The Grinch himself will join guests in celebrating a fantastic holiday and more Dr. Seuss friends will make appearances throughout the voyage. Four-day trips to the Bahamas start at under $250 per person so this is a great gift for the entire family.

    Don’t resign yourself to giving gift cards or other gifts that will soon find their way to a closet or drawer and be forgotten. Make this the year that you create memories with loved ones and share in quality time while enjoying the experience of a cruise.

  • Sailing with Norwegian Bliss in 2018

    Sailing with Norwegian Bliss in 2018

    Discover fantastic vistas in the wilds of Alaska and paradise in the Caribbean on Norwegian Bliss. The custom Breakaway Plus class ship from Norwegian Cruise Line is an 2018 debut built exclusively for the Chinese market.

    It’s a sister vessel to Norwegian Escape, weighing in at 167,890 tons with the ability to transport 4,000 passengers. Some of these cruisers will have the chance to enjoy Norwegian’s premier offering of solo cabins, priced for singles and providing ocean views.

    All Bliss passengers can enjoy a revolutionary Observation lounge that affords glimpses of gorgeous scenery from a 180° vantage point. The innovative vessel embodies Norwegian’s evolving spirit, with fresh features like The Haven, a ship-within-a-ship concept highlighted by private lounges and restaurant access.

    Sailing on Norwegian Bliss gives cruisers the opportunity to enjoy week-long itineraries from Seattle to Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway in Alaska as well as Eastern Caribbean locals.

    Dining

    Norwegian Cruise Line rolls out an a la carte specialty dining concept on Bliss, with several signature restaurants joining in the plan to give passengers more freedom with their meals. Gourmet dishes and various flavors abound, as cruises choose the number of courses they want and the types of options they prefer. Bliss features 11 complimentary culinary venues, including favorites from Norwegian like Le Bistro, La Cucina and Bayamo by James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Garces. Sit down to private gatherings at Taste, relax with classics at the main Savor dining room and discover Japanese hibachi at Teppanyaki.

    Bars and Clubs

    Enjoy socializing and nightlife on Norwegian Bliss at several bars and clubs. Mixx Bar presents live piano music and a perfect location for pre-dinner cocktails. At Bar 21, 5 O’Clock Somewhere and Tobacco Road liquor bar, a variety of spirits delight for daytime or evening soirees. The Cellars Wine Bar is ideal for times spent with friends and for intimate encounters. Sugarcane Mojito bar and Studio Lounge are equally enjoyable while sailing Norwegian Bliss to some of the most special places in the world.

    Entertainment

    Set aside some time to catch a show or 2 on Norwegian Bliss. The ship’s entertainment offerings include a production of the Tony Award-winning musical, The Four Seasons as well as presentations of cabaret music and celebrations of the Beatles. The 800-seat Broadway-style Bliss Theatre is the place to be for nightly grand musical ensembles. The Supper Club features theatrical entertainment showcasing impressive acrobatics.

    Fun in the Sun

    Passengers in The Haven staterooms have exclusive access to fun in the sun on a private outdoor terrace and spacious sundeck. All passengers can play in the Aqua Park on Bliss, which features 2 pools, 2 racing water slides and 5 multi-story waterslides. You’ll also find a Ferrari-themed racetrack outdoors, which is the first-ever branded Formula 1 race car track on a cruise ship.

    Fitness & Spa Services

    Visit Mandara Spa & Fitness to rejuvenate in a thermal suite, salt room, snow room and Medi Spa. This tranquil area on Norwegian Bliss also provides fitness classes, a Barber Shop and a Beauty Salon.

     

  • Looking Forward to Norwegian Joy

    Looking Forward to Norwegian Joy

    Norwegian Joy is Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2017 debut, the second ship in the line’s Breakaway Plus class. The vessel primarily serves the Chinese market, sailing from its home ports of Shanghai and Tianjin (Beijing) to destinations in China and Japan.

    Joy is the most innovative ship from Norwegian to date, offering resort-style accommodations and activities for an unparalleled vacation. Renowned Chinese artist Tan Ping created the hull design, which emphasizes Norwegian’s commitment to its Asian clientele.

    The ship is sister to Norwegian Escape, and it weighs in at 163,000 gross tons with the capacity to serve 3,900 passengers. Mandarin is the official language spoken onboard, setting the tone for an immersive cruising experience that celebrates Chinese culture.

    Guests sailing Norwegian Joy will be able enjoy the best of Asia with adventures to Tianjin, Nagasaki (Japan), Kitakyshu (Japan) and other exotic ports.

    Dining

    Norwegian Joy offers 29 restaurants, giving travelers a comprehensive range of culinary delights. The ship’s main dining rooms, Savor and Taste, serve traditional and fusion Chinese fare with hints of Korean and Japanese flavors. The Garden Café is a buffet featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner options with Western and Chinese classic selections. Like all Norwegian Breakaway-class vessels, Joy has a Manhattan Room, but its version of this eatery focuses heavily on Chinese entrees. Other places to enjoy a meal on Norwegian Joy include Food Republic, the Japanese hibachi restaurant Teppanyaki, La Cucina and Sakura & Hibiscus.

    Bars and Clubs

    While sailing Norwegian Joy, cruisers can slip into informal and high-end bars and clubs for drinks and dancing. In the ship’s 678 Ocean Place, a dining and entertainment venue that spans 3 decks, there are several bars and spaces for grabbing a cocktail or 2. Joy also offers O’Sheehan’s Neighbourhood Bar & Grill (a sports bar), Mixx Bar (live piano music), Bar 21 and 5 O’Clock Somewhere, in addition to Tobacco Road Liquor Bar, The Cellars Wine Bar, Sugarcane Mojito Bar and The District Brew House (featuring a keg room and 24 beers on tap).

    Entertainment

    The 678 Ocean Place multi-use venue on Norwegian Joy is bursting with entertainment in the evenings, offering live music shows. Joy also features a 800-seat Broadway-style theatre that turns out musical productions and shows every night. The ship’s Headliner’s Comedy Club & Lounge, as well as its Casino, offers good times while on an Asian excursion.

    Activities 

    Step into the Galaxy Pavilion on Joy to experience a virtual world like you’ve never seen. Immersive VR, interactive video walls, and thrilling simulator rides are the highlight here. Shopping on Norwegian Joy is a treat, with couture brands available to choose from in the largest shopping district on the open ocean.

  • New Ships from Norwegian Cruise Line

    New Ships from Norwegian Cruise Line

    We have a sneak peak for you today into some new ships from Norwegian Cruise Line that will hit the water beginning in Spring of 2017 and offer new ocean thrills into the year 2022. These vessels are near complete or on order, and we’re happy to share them with you even if it might be a while until we can get more details and see them in person.

    Cruise ships typically take about 2 to 3 years to get from the design process to launch, which isn’t surprising for the behemoths and we’re impressed things get done that quickly. But even the smaller vessels take time to become more than a great idea and to blossom into a water-ready vehicle for journeying the world.

    We’ve seen reports indicating Norwegian Cruise Line has at least a half dozen new, big, semi-big, and beautiful ships in the works. Here are a few of them.

    Norwegian Joy

    In Spring 2017, NCL will usher a second ship into its Breakaway-Plus Class. The same size as first-in-class Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy will be able to carry 4,300 passengers and will be custom-built for the Asian market. She will deploy full time to Asian ports, catering to Chinese travelers.

    Tonnage: 163,000

    Norwegian Bliss

    Spring of 2018 will reveal Norwegian Bliss, the third ship in the Breakaway-Plus Class from NCL. This vessel will also be the same size as Escape, and she will be able to hold 4,000 passengers.

    Tonnage: 163,000

    NCL Unnamed Ship

    Coming in winter of 2019, keep on the lookout for cruises on the 4th ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway-Plus Class. This yet-to-be-named vessel will escort 3,900 passengers and will also focus on the Asian market.

    Tonnage: 163,000

    Along with these new ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, plans have been revealed for another unnamed Breakaway-Plus Class vessel in 2022 that will carry 3,300 passengers and be smaller than other classmates. She will come in at 140,000 tons and cost about $800 million to build. We’ll keep you updated on these ships as more information is released and hopefully we’ll have some itineraries to report to you soon.

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