NCL returns to New Orleans
Norwegian Cruise Line is to resume sailings from New Orleans in October – 14 months after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city.
The ship Norwegian Sun is to operate seven-day western Caribbean cruises from October 15.
The vessel was relocated to Houston due to the closure of the Port of New Orleans after the damage caused by the hurricane.
NCL’s UK general manager Francis Riley said: “We are very pleased to return Norwegian Sun to New Orleans and so assist in the recovery process of the city. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Port of New Orleans and welcoming guests back on board to explore the Western Caribbean from this historic city”.
Jody Hanson, sales director, New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau & Louisiana Office of Tourism, UK, added: “We are delighted to welcome NCL back as the first cruise line to be home ported in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina.
“New Orleans will welcome NCL guests back to the city to enjoy the music, food, history, tax free shopping and great southern hospitality.
“Since the hurricane devastated some of the suburban areas of the city where the locals live, it has been working hard to rebuild. The historic areas were virtually untouched by the hurricane, so visitors to the city can be sure to receive a warm southern welcome and an amazing variety of experiences which have always made New Orleans such a remarkable, mystical and popular destination.”
Norwegian Sun’s seven-day itinerary from New Orleans includes calls at Costa Maya (Mexico), Santo Tomas de Castilla (Guatemala), Belize City (Belize) and Cozumel (Mexico).
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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