28 February 2008

NCL to run winter cruises in Europe

Norwegian Cruise Line is to deploy a ship in Europe year-round for the first time in its 41-year history.

The 2,400-passenger Norwegian Jade is to remain in the region through to the spring of 2010 instead of returning to the US in November 2008 as originally planned.

Three new itineraries have been created from Barcelona for the ship Ã¢â¬' 12-day eastern Mediterranean sailings, nine-day Canary Islands and Morocco voyages and a 14-day Med cruise.

The winter 2008-09 sailings go on sale on March 3 with the remainder of the cruises through to spring 2010 available at a later stage.

Norwegian Jade passengers booked on its original itineraries, including a transatlantic sailing and a range of departures from New York from mid-December to April 2009 are being offered the opportunity to switch to Norwegian Gem, the newest ship in the fleet, and will receive $100 on board credit. Those wanted to cancel will be given a full refund, the company said.

NCL president and CEO Colin Veitch said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœWeÃ¢â¬â¢ve seen strong growth in Europe and Freestyle Cruising has been a big success with our European guests.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœNorwegian Jade has been very well received in her first season, and our full three-ship fleet in Europe is doing so well that we are now confident in committing a ship year-round to this strongly growing market.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWith one of our newest and largest Freestyle Cruising ships in Europe sailing a year-round variety of port-intensive itineraries, we can now offer an exceptional cruise experience any time of the year.Ã¢â¬~

by Phil Davies