Tax goes, Norweigian returns
In the wake of a tax reform, Norwegian Cruise Line is planning three new ships in Alaska in 2013 for the first time since 2009.
The line announced the 1,936-passenger Norwegian Sun will join the 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel and 2,394-passenger Norwegian Pearl in Alaska for the 2013 summer season. They will sail seven-night, one-way itineraries between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska.
As part of the expansion, the line also is introducing land packages that can be combined with Norwegian Sun's itinerary to create a longer Alaska vacation.
"There is a lot of demand for increased capacity (in Alaska) and more varied and unique cruises," Norwegian CEO Kevin Sheehan said in a statement.
Sheehan had previously cut back on Alaska cruises, citing a new tax during the 2009 season. But "with the strides made by the state government, we felt the time was right," he said.
The Norwegian Sun will sail two different itineraries in Alaska.
A northbound itinerary from Vancouver to Whittier will include a visit to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, with stops in Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau.
A southbound itinerary from Whittier to Vancouver will include a visit to Sawyer Glacier and Hubbard Glacier, with stops in Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Icy Strait Point.
Both the Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl will sail seven-night itineraries out of Seattle that include stops in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan as well as Victoria, British Columbia.
By David Wilkening
David
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