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
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025