Jewel crowns NCL’s Europe relaunch
Norwegian Cruise Line has returned to European waters with two taster cruises from the UK onboard a newly-launched vessel.
The 2,376-capacity Norwegian Jewel is sailing a Mediterranean Treasures itinerary from Dover, which includes stops in Lisbon, Livorno, Cannes and Barcelona. The ship will then depart from Dover on August 23 for a Baltic cruise taking in Scandinavian capitals, St Petersburg and Berlin.
Jewel will then sail to New York to offer US and Canadian itineraries, before heading south to Miami for a Caribbean winter season.
The ship returns to Europe for a full summer 2006 season to offer eastern and western Mediterranean itineraries.
Francis Riley, NCL UK general manager, said: “The launch of Norwegian Jewel reaffirms the commitment made by NCL to have the most state-of-the-art ships sailing today.
“The mini-cruises from Dover offer us the ideal opportunity to showcase the facilities of this ship to both the consumer and trade markets.”
Hundreds of trade guests were onboard the Jewel as it made two two-day trips from Dover last weekend to give agents, operators and suppliers the chance to see its offering for themselves.
NCL dropped Europe from its main programme this year due to it repositioning ships in North America to boost bookings for its Caribbean, Alaskan and Hawaii cruises.
The new vessel offers five cruises next summer with 12-night and seven-night itineraries. Jewel has eight speciality restaurants, two main dining areas, 13 bars and lounges, two pools, spa and children’s clubs.
Sister vessel Norwegian Dream, which was in Europe in 2004, will offer Baltic cruises from Dover between May and September 2006.
A second edition 2006/07 Cruise and Stay Holidays brochure has been launched to agents including the new itineraries. NCL brought out the original brochure three months early in June to double forward bookings for next season.
Phil Davies
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