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Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its summer deployment for 2013/2014, with a four ship deployment in Europe – continuing with two ships based in the region year-round. New to the European fleet is Norwegian Star which replaces Norwegian Sun in the Baltics, further increasing the capacity in this popular cruise destination. Further highlights include the addition of a third ship in Alaska, sailing seven-night ‘open jaw’ itineraries between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska.
Francis Riley, Vice President & General Manager, International says, “2013 is going to be the first full year with having two ships in Europe year-round. This combined with the increased capacity in the Baltic with the Norwegian Star and the return of the popular Norwegian Epic in the Mediterranean sets the basis for further growth in Europe.”
European deployment
In Europe, Norwegian Epic returns for her third season sailing seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona from May 5, 2013 to October 13, 2013. The new Western Mediterranean itinerary features five ports of call in three countries – Spain, Italy and France – and a call to Palma, Majorca, Spain. Guests have the opportunity to sail round-trip from three embarkation points; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy or Marseille, France (during peak summer months) giving them the flexibility to choose the departure port that is most desirable. There is also a four-night Western Mediterranean sailing on May 1, 2013.
Norwegian Star makes her debut in the Baltic with a series of 15 nine-night Baltic Capital cruises from Copenhagen, Denmark. Highlights of this itinerary include two full days in St. Petersburg, Russia and an afternoon cruise of the Stockholm Archipelago upon the ship’s departure from Stockholm, Sweden. Rounding out the season, Norwegian Star will offer a unique 14-night Norway, Iceland and Faroe Island cruise from Copenhagen on September 19, 2013.
Norwegian Jade returns to Venice on May 4, 2013 for the summer season and will offer alternating seven-night Greek Isles and seven-night Adriatic, Greece and Turkey itineraries. In the Autumn/Winter, Norwegian Jade repositions to Rome (Civitavecchia) for a series of eight 10-night Eastern Mediterranean and nine 11-night Mediterranean & the Holy Land itineraries from October 26, 2013 to April 12, 2014.
From April 17, 2013, Norwegian Spirit will once again sail the waters of the Mediterranean offering 12-night Grand Mediterranean open jaw itineraries from Barcelona, Spain and Venice, Italy through October 14, 2013. The comprehensive itinerary highlights the best of the Mediterranean with nine ports of call in five different countries including an overnight in Venice. On October 26, 2013, Norwegian Spirit begins a series of 20 nine-night Canary Island cruises. Guests will have the option to sail round-trip from Malaga, Spain giving them the flexibility to choose the homeport that is more convenient for them.
Alaska Deployment
In Alaska, beginning May 20, 2013, Norwegian Sun’s northbound itinerary to Whittier departs Vancouver, British Columbia on Mondays, and will cruise the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier and make stops in the Alaskan favourites of Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau. On her southbound itineraries from Whittier, Alaska, to Vancouver the ship will cruise the Inside Passage, Sawyer Glacier and Hubbard Glacier as well as making stops in the Alaskan favourites of Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Icy Strait Point.
Beginning May 18, 2013, Norwegian Jewel will sail a series of 18 seven-night Sawyer Glacier itineraries from Seattle, Washington every Saturday with stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska; along with Victoria, British Columbia. Norwegian Jewel not only offers a fantastic itinerary, but also brings extra fun for the kids with Nickelodeon family programming. The 2,394 passenger Norwegian Pearl begins a series of 18 seven-night Glacier Bay itineraries from Seattle, Washington every Sunday with stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska; along with Victoria, British Columbia.
New for the 2013 summer season in Alaska are four Cruisetour options which provide the opportunity to combine a pre or post-cruise land package with Norwegian Sun’s cruises from Whittier, Alaska. Ranging in length from four to six days, the Cruisetours feature two nights in Denali National Park and are fully escorted by a local Alaskan tour guide for the most authentic experience possible. Highlights of the cruise tours also include a stop at an Iditarod sled dog musher’s house (on four and five-night tours), along with a ride on the Alaskan railroad.
“Alaska, with its extraordinary beauty and wildlife, continues to be an extremely popular summer destination for cruisers and therefore there is a lot of demand for increased capacity and more varied and unique cruises,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer. “With the strides made by the state government, we felt the time was right to add a third ship in Alaska, and give our guests the once in a lifetime opportunity to see more of this incredible destination. We’ve also added the option of extending their stay with a Cruisetour that will enhance their overall experience.”
Hawaii Deployment
Pride of America will continue as the only US-flagged vessel sailing among all four of Hawai`i’s main islands sailing seven-night Hawai`i inter-island cruises which depart Honolulu, Hawaii every Saturday. Ports of call include: an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawai`i; an overnight in Nawiliwili, Kaua`i; and an afternoon cruise of the breathtaking Napali Coast.
Bahamas “Getaway” Cruises
For a shorter cruise option, Norwegian Sky will continue sailing three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas year-round from Miami through April 25, 2014. The three-night Bahamas cruise departs on Fridays and includes stops in Nassau, Bahamas and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, which has recently received $20 million in enhancements, including a new dining facility, marina and expanded beachfront. On Mondays, the ship departs Miami on a four-night Bahamas cruise with stops in Grand Bahama Island, Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island; and Nassau, Bahamas.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
