Kid’s Sail Free Promo

NCL is offering a Kid’s Sail Free promotion for cruises booked by March 23. 

Kids age 17 and under sail free when sharing a state room with two adults on select departures. In addition to this offer, free balcony upgrades are being offered. 

Another new program for children six months to three years old has also been launched. 
The “Guppies” program lets parents play sensory-based activities with their children, including art, “Rhyme Time,” and a mini-workout.

The best cabins are going fast on this limited time offer - visit the site for additional info

http://www.ncl.com/promo/wave-kids

RCI Launches New All-Inclusive Beverage Packages

Royal Caribbean International has introduced two new beverage packages, joining other lines that offer similar inclusive deals. 

The Classic Beverage Package costs $45 per guest, per day, for beer, house wines by the glass, non-alcoholic cocktails, fountain soda and juices.

The Premium Beverage Package costs $55 per guest, per day, and includes beverages in Classic Package - as well as frozen drinks and all cocktails including premium brands. Both package prices include service charges.

Beverage packages are available for purchase on all seven-night or longer sailings and must be purchased on the first day. Guests choosing either package also must purchase the package for guests 21 years old or older sailing in the same stateroom. Packages are currently available on 13 ships and will be available on the remaining ships with seven-night or longer itineraries by early 2013.

The move follows similar programs offered by Carnival Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Line. Carnival launched the program as a test but has rapidly expanded it to eight ships. The “Cheers!” all-inclusive beverage package is now available on Carnival Splendor, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, Carnival Victory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Legend.

The Cheers Package costs $42.95 per person, per day, plus a 15% gratuity, includes a variety of wine, beer and spirits, along with sodas and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails throughout the voyage. All wines by the glass, beer and individual cocktails priced $10 and lower are available within the program.

Norwegian is testing an all-inclusive drink package on Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jade. The package costs $49 per person per day, plus gratuity.

SOURCE: TravelPulse

Cruise Lines Access Private Island Hurricane Damage

Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean and Holland America have reported damage to their private islands in the Bahamas. 

Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay will reopen next week after accessing damage to structures, landscasping as well as beach erosion. Visits to Great Stirrup Cay by cruise ships Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Pearl were cancelled this week.

Princess Cruises private beach report Princess Cays on Eleuthera, Bahamas experienced beach erosion, roof damage to structures and landscaping, and also the observation pier was lost in the storm. Princess Cays is expected to be open for visits by November 11th.

Holland America's Half Moon Cay located off the Southeast coast of Nassau sustained minor damage to structures, beach erosion and landscaping.

Royal Caribbean's CocoCay suffered minor damage to facilities and the beach area. RCL reports the island will be open for cruise guests.

Disney Cruise Line is still assessing damage on its island, Castaway Cay. The big story this past week was the damage on the Disney Fantasy cruise ship.

Cruise passengers reported being terrified aboard the Disney Fantasy as it sailed back to Port Canaveral last week during Hurricane Sandy. Other cruise lines managed to stay out of harms way during Hurricane Sandy, and one Norwegian cruise was extended due to not being able to get into port.

I personally cannot imagine why the cruise line decided to return to Florida in dangerous high seas. The video taken by one passenger has over 600,000 views - and it's pretty scary. Disney is known for being family friendly, and this particular cruise was a really bad PR nightmare.

New York Cruises On Hold In Wake Of Sandy

The closure of the Port of New York this week in the wake of Super Storm Sandy is wreaking havoc with cruises scheduled to begin and end in the city.

Norwegian Cruise Line says the New York-based Norwegian Gem will make an unscheduled stop in Boston today for several hours to take on supplies and fuel before returning to sea to await the New York port's reopening. The 2,394-passenger ship was scheduled to return to New York on Monday after a nine-night cruise to the Caribbean but has been stuck at sea for the past two days.

Princess says the Caribbean Princess sailing scheduled to begin today in New York is being delayed for an indeterminate period.

"The Brooklyn port is closed to all vessels until the weekend," Princess notes in a statement. "We are researching other ports and are hopeful we can secure a berth in Manhattan on Friday if the area is approved for sailing by the U.S. Coast Guard."

The Crystal Symphony sailing to Los Angeles that was scheduled to begin today in New York now will begin on Friday in Charleston.

Read full article - Cruises from New York on hold in wake of Sandy

Hurricane Sandy Strands Cruise Passengers at Sea

Passengers on a cruise ship headed for New York City will have to remain at sea for at least another day and possibly more.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Gem was on a nine-day eastern Caribbean cruise sailing round-trip from New York. The ship departed New York Oct. 20 and was scheduled to return today, but can't because all area ports are closed.

"All passengers on the ship are comfortable and we have opened up phone lines and Internet so passengers can make complimentary calls and emails as needed," Vanessa Lane, a spokeswoman for the cruise line, told ABC News.


"What makes this situation unusual," she said, "is the size of the storm. Usually a ship would just head to another port -- but that's not possible."

She added that while some passengers might see the extra sea days as an inconvenience, others would see it as an extended vacation.


Read full article
Hurricane Sandy Strands Cruise Passengers at Sea - ABC News

Island Hop Hawaii This Winter

Why not island hop Hawaii aboard NCL's Pride of America?

The only itinerary of its kind, enjoy seven full days cruising Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island on a Hawaii Cruise.

With Freestyle Cruising with NCL's unique 7-day Hawaii cruise itineraries, you get the option of overnights in both Maui and Kauai as well as visits to Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii.

Enjoy 18 restaurants, 9 bars and lounges, excellent family accommodations, spacious suites and lots of balconies for whale watching or taking in the dramatic views of the Napali Coast.

See Hawaii the Norwegian way™ with their new e-brochure

New York's Ship - Norwegian Breakaway

"Norwegian Breakaway is New York's ship, and this colorful artwork by Peter Max will make the ship an instant icon," Norwegian CEO Kevin Sheehan says in a statement.

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has released the first image of Peter Max hull art on its next ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, which debuts in April 2013.

Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest ship to be based year-round in New York. The New York themed ship will carry 4,000-passengers, and will sail year-round out of  New York to Bermuda and the Bahamas.

NCL's New Stingray Encounter, Snorkel Trail at Private Island

Norwegian Cruise Line has opened a new stingray encounter and a snorkel trail as part of its $30 million enhancement project on its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas. In addition, a new theme bar sponsored by Patrón Spirits is expected to open in September.

Located inside Bertram’s Cove, on the right hand side of the main beach, the Stingray Encounter lets guests interact with 18 specially trained stingrays in an enclosed area.

Each stingray has a name and its own personality, and guests can feed, watch and hold them, and even take photos.

Use of a mask, snorkel and snorkel vest is included so guests can peer at the rays below the water’s surface. The hour-long excursion includes 45 minutes of interaction with the rays and costs $29 per adult and $19 per child.

The new snorkel trail, located near the Stingray Encounter in Bertram’s Cove, portrays the tale of a shipwreck. As the legend goes, “The Fancy,” sailing from Nassau, Bahamas, in 1696, encountered a mythical creature named Lusca that was half-shark, half-octopus. It is believed the creature was responsible for the ship disappearing near the Berry Islands, the location of Great Stirrup Cay. Guests can look for clues underwater that lead to the treasure that the Fancy was carrying, highlighted by 17 underwater scenes that depict the shipwreck and Lusca’s legend, including cannons, a sunken piano, treasure chests, swords and more.

Developed in conjunction with IDEA Inc., an Orlando-based company that develops theme park experiences, the “Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure” features some authentic artifacts that are more than 300 years old. In addition, the artifacts are eco-friendly and are expected to stimulate additional marine life.

Guests can explore the snorkel trail by renting snorkel equipment for $29 per adult or $15 per child for the day. Or, they can purchase both the “Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure” and the stingray encounter at a discounted price of $49 per adult, a $9 savings, and $29 per child, a $5 savings.

Norwegian has also partnered with the spirits brand, Patrón, on a new bar called Lighthouse Beach Bar presented by Patrón. It will feature Patrón products, including its popular tequila, along with a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The bar will be outfitted with beach-inspired décor, including bar stools, umbrellas and menu boards, as well as two large flat-screen TVs that will show entertainment from music videos to sporting events. The new bar is set to open in September.

Earlier this year, Norwegian opened private cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay. Located to the west of the island’s main beach, the cabanas are available for $249 per day for up to six guests. Each cabana is furnished with lounge chairs, tables, a cooler, beach towels and a shower. Cabana rental also includes a $50 food and beverage credit, up to six all-day passes to the Hippo Waterslide and one large float to use.

Guests who reserve one of the 10 cabanas will get priority tender service to the island and, upon arrival, will receive six complimentary bottles of water and a fruit basket. The cabanas are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be pre-booked as a shore excursion.

The 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay was the first private island operated by a cruise line. Additional activities on the island include a Waverunner tour, a large Hippo Waterslide, an eco-boat tour, kayaking, parasailing, shopping at the straw market and more.

Norwegian Sky makes year-round stops at Great Stirrup Cay on three- and four-day cruises from Miami. Norwegian Gem visits during seven-day “Bahamas & Florida” itinerary from New York.

Beginning in October, Norwegian Jewel will also stop at Great Stirrup Cay on seven-day “Bahamas & Florida” cruises from New York.

Norwegian Pearl will also visit the private island this winter on its seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary from Miami.

Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian’s new ship launching next spring, will visit Great Stirrup Cay on seven-day cruises from New York to the Bahamas and Florida beginning in mid-October 2013.

By Theresa Norton Masek - TravelPulse

Norwegian Cruise Line Also Cracking Down on Deck Chair Saving

Leaving towels and other items to reserve chairs, and then going off to do other activities for hours is a behavior that has become customary on cruise ships. It's an attitude that deck chairs in a particular location on the ship belong to YOU only, and no one else has a right to occupy them. Travelers taking land vacations experience this same problem at hotels and resorts. It's simply a matter of having respect for fellow travelers. 

Enjoy your time lounging in the sun, and when it's time to leave to do other activities, take your belongings with you, and let others have the same experience - Linda  

Carnival Cruise Line implemented a new desk chair policing program on the Carnival Breeze - read this post if you are unfamiliar with this new policy.

Now Norwegian Cruise Line has begun a deck chair policing program similar to Carnival's new program on the Norwegian Star last month, and will evaluate whether it goes fleetwide in the next few weeks.

Norwegian states their current fleetwide policy is that we ask guests to please not reserve deck chairs for more than 45 minutes.

Norwegian Cruise Line Charging for Passengers Under 2

Norwegian Cruise Line no longer gives kids under two years of age a "free" ride. As of last week, the line now charges the same cruise fare for all children, no matter how young.

"All children now pay the same rate, which is typically the reduced 3rd or 4th  fare when traveling with two adults in the same stateroom," a Norwegian spokesperson told Cruise Critic in an e-mail.

Previously, the line, which doesn't allow babies under six months of age on its ships, only charged a small portion of the fare plus government taxes and fees for kids under two. Norwegian would only say the under-two fare, before the new policy, varied by ship, destination and date.

Norwegian's new policy brings it in line with most other cruise lines that cater to children. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean maintain fare policies that require the first two passengers in all cabins to pay full price, with reduced fares for 3rd and 4th passengers in the same cabin - regardless of age.

Disney Cruise Line offers a larger price break for kids under three with the fare for all children under three years of age costing 50% less than the cruise fare for kids ages three to 12, but their average price points on its cruises are typically significantly higher than those for Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

Kid Rock's Chillin' the Most Cruise 2013

Kid Rock is bringing you the 4th Annual Chillin' the Most Cruise setting sail via the Norwegian Pearl, March 6th-10th, 2013.

Kid Rock will be playing two shows and spending a much needed vacation alongside his favorite fans.







CRUISE ITINERARY - (Subject to change)

Tuesday, March 5, 2013 - Pre-Party on Ship (additional purchase; departs 9PM ET) http://www.kidrockcruise.com/event/preparty/

Wednesday, March 6 - Depart Miami, FL (approx 4:00 PM ET)

Thursday, March 7 - Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Friday, March 8 - Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday, March 9 - Day At Sea

Sunday, March 10 - Arrive Miami, FL (approx 8:00 AM ET)

In addition to admission to all cruise concerts, the price of your room also includes:

• All meals (there's gourmet fare in the formal dining rooms, casual indoor and outdoor grills open for meals throughout the day and 24-hour room service).
• Non-carbonated beverages (i.e. tea, juices, coffee).
• Free entrance to hot spots like the ship's disco and casino.
• Use of the ship's beautiful pools and giant waterslide (all with plenty of deck space to enjoy a cocktail and some great music).
• Use of the Norwegian Pearl's health and fitness center.
• Norwegian Splash Academy and Entourage facilities and activities if you're bringing children.
• Taxes, port charges and ticketing are added at check-out and pre-paid by you ($200.00 per person).

More info at http://www.kidrockcruise.com/

Norwegian Cruise Line's Second Annual #SeaTweetup

The second annual #SeaTweetup cruise is will sail on October 12- 15, 2012.

The Norwegian Sky will depart from Miami and set sail for a weekend getaway to the Bahamas visiting Nassau, and NCL's private island Great Stirrup Cay.

The interactive cruise was coordinated by members of the South Florida social media community.

Cruisers will take part in special networking events throughout the cruise including  social media marketing panels and discussions, giveaways and cocktail parties.

Also social media experts will share their experiences with followers. Participants will have access to the ship’s Internet Café and Wi-Fi network, as well as invitations to in-port events to post, tweet, and blog throughout the weekend to the twitter hashtag #SeaTweetup.

NCL Cruise Event Features Perks and Savings

Pick Your Room - Get Your Perk + 50% Reduced Deposits

Book any 2012 cruise vacation 5 days or longer before July 21, 2012 and receive 50% reduced deposit fleet-wide, plus free perks worth up to $270 in your stateroom. 

Receive special onboard amenities such as a specialty dinner, $50 spa credit, a bottle of wine plus more.

View what each room type special onboard amenity offers - http://www2.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/cruise-event

Norwegian Cruise Line Buys Ship It Already Operates

Really? Learn something new every day - Sue

Norwegian Cruise Line is purchasing the Norwegian Sky, which it has been operating under a charter, the cruise company said Friday.

Norwegian signed a memorandum of agreement to exercise its option to buy the 2,002-passenger ship from Ample Avenue, a subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong. Genting owns 50% of the Miami-based cruise line.

The price for the ship, which was built in 1999: about $260 million. The deal is expected to close soon, the company said.

Norwegian Sky sails short trips to the Bahamas from Miami year-round. It is the only ship in the cruise operator’s fleet with that arrangement.

Source: Miami Herald

New Orleans Launches New Cruise Booking Site

NewOrleans.com has launched a new cruise booking site connecting cruisers with the major cruise lines at the New Orleans port.  

The new sites blog will feature travel guides for cruise passengers wishing to have pre or post cruise stay in the Big Easy.  

When you take a New Orleans cruise, you sail through the Port of New Orleans - a vital part of the lower Mississippi River port system - which will host more than a million cruise passengers this year.

The New Orleans cruise terminals are within walking distance (less than 10 minutes / 5 blocks) of the French Quarter. Bourbon Street and most downtown New Orleans and French Quarter hotels, landmarks, shopping, and restaurants are less than 15 minutes walking distance from the cruise terminals

Online booking for cruise ships docking in New Orleans - Carnival Cruise's Elation and Conquest, Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Star. These ships sails to exciting ports of call including Cozumel, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Belize and the Bahamas. Summer rates for cruises booked on NewOrleans.com start as low as $389 per person.

For more information visit www.NewOrleans.com/cruises 

New Cruise Trends

Look for a new cruise ship with a dozen outdoor eateries from Norwegian Cruise Line, a chic new chef’s table concept on Princess Cruises’ next ship and a return of wheelers on U.S. rivers. 


Those nuggets were among news revealed at last week’s Cruise Shipping Miami, an annual cruise industry trade show held each year in March.

Read full article: New Cruise Trends: Paddle-Wheelers, Chef Tables, More - Carry On | Travel + Leisure

NCL Cruise Video - Take The Vacation You'll Remember

Norwegian Re-Brands Children and Teens Program

NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) has re-branded it's on-board kids and teen activity program. The details (including new program name) will be released in the coming months.

The new program will be launched next month on the Norwegian Gem - and eventually the entire NCI fleet will feature the new activities.

One of the main features about the new program is new age groups will be defined. The new groups will consist of 3-5 years; 6-8 years; 9-12 years and two groups of teens - 13-14 and 15-17. In addition to the new breakdown of these age groups, there will also be new programs for babies and toddlers 6 months old to 2 years.

The focus of the new program will be sporting activities, arts/crafts, theater and technology. Depending on the age group the activities will change every 30 to 60 minutes, and set within blocks of programming time in the morning, afternoon and evening.

New creative themes include circus day, theater/technology/sports and port of call day. NCI is teaming up with Cirque Du Jour is a company that specializes in teaching children real circus skills such as scarf juggling, ball juggling, plate spinning, clowning and acrobatics has also been hired. It will create circus workshops and shows. Family friendly events will include parades and scavenger hunts.

And the new programs expand beyond the dedicated children's facilities into other areas of the ships.Kids and teens will have new activity options at the on-board sports courts, rock walls, theaters and lounges.

In order to successfully implement these programs, NCI will increase the ratio of staff to children, as well as establish new criteria for hiring of counselors. Counselors will have to have a college degree in recreation or child care (or the equivalent experience).

 All the new programs will supplement the exclusive Nickelodeon family events, shows and activities that Norwegian already has on several ships: Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Jewel and, starting in mid-February, Norwegian Gem.

Nickelodeon activities include pool games, breakfast with the characters, where kids – and adults – can eat, sing and play with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Patrick, Diego and more; Dora’s Dance Party, where kids can join Dora and the Nickelodeon cast to dance and sing along; meet and greets with Nickelodeon characters including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and many more.

In addition, there are also other family activities offered, including Nick Jr. story time, family trivia and special arts and crafts sessions.

Visit www.bookncl.com

Norwegian Gem Nickelodeon Programming in 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line and Nickelodeon have expanded their partnership by extending the family entertainment and programming from two to three ships with the addition of Norwegian Gem, beginning in Feb. 2012.

Nickelodeon-themed family events, shows and activities were first introduced in April 2010 on Norwegian Jewel and in July 2010 on Norwegian Epic.

Each Norwegian Gem cruise will feature a live Nickelodeon-themed interactive show in the main theater; Nick Live Poolside!, where families can take part in interactive games and activities by the pool.

Other features include:

Breakfast with the Characters, where kids and adults can eat, sing and play with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Patrick, Diego and more

Dora’s Dance Party, where kids can join Dora and the Nickelodeon cast to dance and sing along; and a meet and greets with popular Nickelodeon characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and many more.

In addition, there are also other family activities offered, including Nick Jr. Story Time, family trivia and special arts and crafts sessions.

Norwegian Gem will begin offering Nickelodeon programming year-round beginning on the Feb. 19, 2012 cruise, sailing from New York City to the Bahamas and Florida.

The ship is sailing a series of seven-day Bahamas and Florida voyages from New York City through Sept. 1, 2012. Ports of call include Orlando and the Beaches (Port Canaveral), Florida; Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian’s private island) and Nassau, Bahamas, as well as three relaxing days at sea.

Visit www.ncl.com

Source: TravelAgentCentral

Norwegian Cruise Line "Freestyle Dash" Offer on Caribbean Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line is launching the “Freestyle Dash” limited time offer on Tuesday, September 27 on all sailings to the Caribbean.

Deal Dates: September 26, 2011 - April 18, 2013

Guests can choose from a variety of itineraries, from quick three-day Bahamas getaways to 11-day voyages to the southern Caribbean -

AND travelers can book from five convenient embarkation ports; Miami, Orlando & the Beaches (Port Canaveral), Tampa, New Orleans and New York City.

Guests have the opportunity to escape the cold of winter and go snorkeling in St. Thomas or cave tubing in Belize by taking advantage of special cruise savings through September 30, 2011.

The four-day offer provides up to $250 per stateroom (based on cruise length and category) to spend on board, reduced cruise deposits and upgrades on select sailings.

From Miami, guests can enjoy three or four-day day cruise to the Bahamas on board Norwegian Sky. For a longer retreat, guests can set sail on a 10 or 11-day cruise to the southern Caribbean on board the newly enhanced Norwegian Dawn.

Departures from Orlando & the Beaches (Port Canaveral) on Norwegian Sun allow guests to combine the thrills and theme parks of Orlando with a seven-day cruise to the Eastern or Western Caribbean beginning on October 16, 2011.

Guests looking to explore the ancient ruins of Costa Maya, Mexico can enjoy more time in the port on the Norwegian Spirit though April 8, 2012.

Beginning on October 14, 2012, Norwegian Pearl offers guests an opportunity to experience another Freestyle Cruising ship in New York.

And for guests seeking a longer cruise retreat, Norwegian Gem will offer nine-day eastern Caribbean cruises from October 20, 2012 through April 18, 2013, departing from New York.

Visit www.ncl.com

Source: Travel Agent Central