NCL aims to boost Freestyle cruise concept
Norwegian Cruise Line has signalled further growth plans beyond its next generation of 5,000-passenger mega ships designed for ‘Freestyle Cruising’.
The line recently attracted $1 billion in investment from US private equity firm Apollo Management – which has also acquired Oceania Cruises – and is to take delivery of the two vessels code-named F3 in 2010.
They come on top of NCL unveiling the fourth and last in a series of 2,400-passenger Jewel-class ships – three of which will operated in Europe next summer including departures from Southampton and Dover.
Speaking at the UK launch of Norwegian Gem in Dover attended by 1,000 agents, marketing, sales and passenger services executive vice president Andy Stuart said: “The two ships on order will blow your mind and will change the face of cruising.
“We have strong plans beyond F3. We have taken a leadership position [with freestyle cruising] and will continue to innovate our product.”
Stuart said that more details of the F3 ships would emerge by next summer, although one would be based in the Caribbean, the deployment of the second has yet to be determined.
He declined to be pressed on future ship sizes other than to say nothing could be ruled in or ruled out.
However, Stuart did indicate a further increase in capacity for Europe in 2009.
“The intent is definitely not to decrease in ’09, we would hope to have more capacity in ’09,” he said.
Stuart also explained that by next month NCL will have the youngest fleet of any major cruise line when Norwegian Crown in retired. The vessel is to join the Fred Olsen fleet as Balmoral.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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