Guests will also have the opportunity to sail round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy or Marseille, France giving them the flexibility to choose the homeport that is more convenient for them.

I’ve always wondered when lines would start doing this. I always thought of it to be an interesting idea to explore. The Med is the ideal place to try that, but imagine island hopping around the Caribbean. Wouldn’t that be something? Lets expand on this idea. Imagine boarding the ship in Miami, 3 days later getting off in St. Tomas. Spend 2 days in a resort there, then hop a sistership down to Barbados. Spend the night there and fly back home.

If there was a cruise line to try it, it would be the non-conformist, rebel child of the industry: NCL.

Presser after the break.

From NCL via CIN

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced its summer  deployment for the 2013/2014 season with the addition of a third ship in Alaska.  Norwegian Sun, sailing seven-day open jaw itineraries between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska, will join Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl in Alaska for the summer of 2013, marking the first time the company has offered three ships in Alaska since 2009.  For a more in-depth Alaskan experience, the company is also introducing land packages that can be combined with Norwegian Sun’s itinerary.  The line’s summer deployment also features four ships sailing in Europe, including the continuation of two year-round, along with two ships cruising to Bermuda.

These cruises* go on sale to Norwegian’s top travel partners and Latitudes Rewards members (past guests) today, December 6, 2011, and to the general public on Thursday, December 8.

“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.”

Alaska Deployment

In Alaska, beginning May 20, 2013, Norwegian Sun’s northbound itinerary departs Vancouver, British Columbia on Mondays, and will cruise the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier and make stops in the Alaskan favorites of Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau. On her southbound itineraries from Whittier, Alaska, the ship will cruise the Inside Passage, Sawyer Glacier and Hubbard Glacier, as well as making stops in Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Icy Strait Point.

Beginning May 18, 2013, Norwegian Jewel will sail a series of 18 seven-day 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-day 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 Cruisetours 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. More details on the Alaska Cruisetours will be available in early 2012.

Europe Deployment

In Europe, Norwegian Epic will return for her third season, sailing seven-day Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona beginning May 5, 2013 through October 14, 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 will also have the opportunity to sail round-trip from Rome(Civitavecchia), Italy or Marseille, France giving them the flexibility to choose the homeport that is more convenient for them. There is also a four-day Western Mediterranean sailing on May 1, 2013.

Norwegian Star will make her debut in the Baltic replacing Norwegian Sun and will offer a series of 15 nine-day Baltic Capital cruises from Copenhagen, Denmark. Some highlights of this popular 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-day 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-day Greek Isles and seven-day Adriatic, Greece and Turkey itineraries. In the fall/winter, Norwegian Jade will reposition to Rome (Civitavecchia) and offer a series of eight 10-day Eastern Mediterranean and nine 11-day Mediterranean & the Holy Land beginning on October 26, 2013 through April 12, 2014.

Beginning on April 17, 2013, Norwegian Spirit will once again sail the waters of the Mediterranean offering 12-day Grand Mediterranean open jaw itineraries from Barcelona, Spain and Venice, Italythrough 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-day 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.

Bermuda Deployment

In the summer of 2013, Norwegian Cruise Line will significantly increase its capacity in Bermuda with the arrival of its newest ship, the 4,000-pasenger Norwegian Breakaway, sailing a series of 22 seven-day cruises from New York, New York, beginning May 12, 2013. Departing on Sundays, the ship will spend three full days in Bermuda, along with three days at sea.

The newly refurbished Norwegian Dawn will return to Boston, Massachusetts for the summer on May 3, 2013 and will sail a series of 22 seven-day Bermuda cruises departing every Friday.

Hawaii Deployment

Pride of America will continue as the only US-flagged vessel sailing among all four of Hawai`i’s main islands.  Because of popular demand for this itinerary, the company is opening Pride of America’s seven-day Hawai`i inter-island cruises departing Honolulu, Hawaii every Saturday through April 18, 2015**.  Ports of call include: an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawai`i; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; and an afternoon cruise of the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.

Bahamas “Getaway” Cruises

For a shorter cruise option, Norwegian Sky will continue sailing three- and four-day cruises to theBahamas year-round from Miami through April 25, 2014.  The three-day 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 $25 million in enhancements, including a new dining facility, marina and expanded beachfront.  On Mondays, the ship departs Miami on a four-day Bahamascruise with stops in Grand Bahama Island, Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island; and Nassau,Bahamas.

Some Highlights with the full results below:

• Income for the quarter improved 18.3% to $162.7 million
• Net Revenue grew 4.6% to $491.6 million
• Expenses from the 2010  launch of Norwegian Epic increase Q3 2010
• 17.9% increase in the price of fuel
• Net Cruise Cost per Capacity Day decreased 5.3%, or 6.2% on a Constant Currency basis ( Great to see form NCL! Mr. Sheehan is doing a great job doing what he set out to do)

Full release after the break:

Norwegian Cruise Line  today reported results for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.

Operating income for the quarter improved 18.3% to $162.7 million from $137.6 million and Adjusted EBITDA increased 13.4% to $210.0 million from $185.2 million primarily driven by strong revenue performance across the fleet.  Net Revenue grew 4.6% to $491.6 million from $469.8 million in 2010 mainly as a result of an increase in Net Yield of 3.8%, or 2.3% on a Constant Currency basis.  The increase in Net Yield was driven by higher ticket pricing.

Benefits realized from ongoing business improvement initiatives coupled with non-recurring expenses in the third quarter of 2010 related to the launch of Norwegian Epic resulted in a decrease in Net Cruise Cost per Capacity Day of 2.0%, or 2.8% on a Constant Currency basis, after considering a 17.9% increase in the price of fuel to $598 per metric ton from $507 in 2010.  Excluding fuel expense, Net Cruise Cost per Capacity Day decreased 5.3%, or 6.2% on a Constant Currency basis.

“A strong summer season resulted in solid top-line growth in the quarter,” said Kevin Sheehan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Pricing was up across the fleet despite several voyages being impacted due to tropical weather conditions in the Northeast and Caribbean,” continued Sheehan.

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, increased to $49.9 million in the quarter compared to $46.2 million in 2010 due to higher average interest rates in the period resulting from the issuance of $250 million in senior notes in November of 2010.  Net income for the quarter improved to $110.2 million on revenue of $666.6 million compared to $93.0 million on revenue of $634.1 million in 2010.

Quarter Highlights and Updates

As a result of a successful naming contest, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway were selected from the more than 230,000 entries that were submitted. Norwegian Breakaway will be delivered in April 2013 followed by her sister ship, Norwegian Getaway, in April 2014. Sheehan commented on the naming of the vessels, “Both ‘Breakaway’ and ‘Getaway’ capture the essence of a Freestyle Cruising vacation on a Norwegian ship, one that allows our guests to escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy an experience that is tailored to their wishes.”

Soon after the announcement of the ship names, the first steel was cut for Norwegian Breakaway at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, marking the ceremonial beginning of construction.  Plans and renderings for all stateroom categories, from the popular Studio single cabins to the luxury suites in The Haven by Norwegian, have been revealed and are receiving rave reviews.

In early October, at an event in New York City hosted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Company announced the homeport, inaugural summer itinerary and hull artist for Norwegian Breakaway.  Hailed by Mayor Bloomberg as a major coup for the city, Norwegian Breakaway will homeport year-round in New York City beginning in May 2013, initially sailing seven-day voyages to Bermuda.  And furthering her ties to New York, the Company announced that famed pop artist and New York resident Peter Max will be designing the signature hull art for Norwegian Breakaway.

“Norwegian Breakaway will bring an incredible cruising experience to the doorstep of one of the world’s largest and most vibrant metropolitan areas.  Guests on board Norwegian Breakaway, whether local New Yorkers or visitors from out of town, will be amazed by her incredible offerings and luxurious accommodations,” said Sheehan.

On the heels of the Norwegian Breakaway announcement in New York, the Company launched its newest and most ambitious brand platform and national advertising campaign to date, inviting the public to “Cruise Like a Norwegian.”  The multi-faceted rollout expands the Company’s presence on television, digital and social media.

Commented Sheehan, “The introduction of our exciting new brand platform is a significant milestone.  After four years of hard work improving our product and cultivating our brand, we felt this is the right time to issue this bold invitation to cruise with us by piquing interest and creating excitement around our brand.  We believe this new brand platform will differentiate us and help clearly define a Norwegian cruise as one of the best vacations. I’m incredibly excited about the launch of our new campaign which not only expresses the various ways to enjoy a vacation on a Norwegian cruise, from dining like a Parisian to surfing like a Hawaiian, but also expands the way we engage and interact with our guests.”

On the below press shot, you can see an odd white area just above the life boats. I saw that and just thought “oh perhaps its just the angle or NCL doesn’t plan on having windows there. Perhaps there are lounges or a galley there or something.” But then I looked at the photo more.

I enlarged the photo even more. Then something caught my eye.

The whited out area is just plain awkward.The way it sticks out is just irregular. Could there be something NCL is purposely hiding?

My thoughts were only provoked even more yesterday when NCL released limited deckplans yesterday.

On Deck 08, we see balcony cabins towards the bow then they go recessed as we head aft (left in the photo). Then it whites out. BUT the whited out part sticks out further then the bow does (Gray line). Could this be a lanai style promenade to be found on Breakaway and Getaway?

For those not familiar, see the below photo of the Carnival Dream’s Lanai Promenade as an example.

Looks like I Jumped the gun here:

Breakaway voyages can now be browsed on their site. Here’s how its shaping out:

Maiden voyage will be a 7-Night Transatlantic Southampton to New York on April 30, 2013

Then a series of 22 seven-night Bermuda cruises

                                          Arrive          Depart
Sun     New York                                    4:00 PM      
Mon      At Sea                
Tue      At Sea                
Wed     King’s Wharf          8:00 AM       Overnight      
Thu     King’s Wharf          Overnight      
Fri       King’s Wharf                              5:00 PM      
Sat      At Sea                
Sun     New York                8:00 AM     

Dates: (2013)

May  12  19   26  

Jun  2   9   16   23   30  

Jul  7   14   21   28  

Aug  4   11   18   25 

Sep  1   8   15   22   29  

Oct  6

As the banner above says, today she goes on sale to all non-latitudes [past guests].

Unfortunately from the below pic, you cant browse the prices. I’ll be curious to see how much her Bermuda trips go for. Traditionally, Bermuda cruises have higher fees, plus add in the New ship premium, and you have some potentially expensive cruises. But we shall see. 

…they will be homeporting  the Norwegian Breakaway in New York City.

Full presser after the break:

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan today announced that Norwegian Cruise Line’s new state-of-the-art 4,000 passenger ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will make New York City its year-round home port. Beginning in May 2013, Norwegian Breakaway – which will be the largest ship ever to home port in the City – will replace Norwegian Star, and embark on a minimum of 88 cruises from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal through March 31, 2015. The ship calls will bring an estimated 140,000 additional embarking passengers into New York City over two years, resulting in an estimated $35 million in additional direct spending. Mayor Bloomberg and Norwegian Cruise Line were joined at the announcement in the Manhattan Cruise Terminal by New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky and NYC & Co CEO George Fertitta.

Out-of-town visitors spent $31 billion last year, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in our restaurants, shops, hotels, and cultural institutions," said Mayor Bloomberg. "By making New York City home to its newest and largest ship, Norwegian Cruise Line is further confirming our standing as a top cruise destination and a place that tourists from around the world want to visit."

"New York is not only one of our top markets, but also my hometown," said Norwegian Cruise Line Chief Executive Officer Kevin Sheehan. "Therefore, I am thrilled to announce that New York will be the year-round home for our next generation Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Breakaway. In addition, we are offering an exciting inaugural summer itinerary cruising to the beautiful island of Bermuda, a much sought-after summer destination."

"Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest ship ever to homeport in New York City, bringing more passengers, generating more spending, and creating more jobs in our City," said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky. "Thank you to Norwegian Cruise Line for their commitment to New York City, and for making Manhattan Cruise Terminal the homeport for this amazing new state-of-the-art ship."

"New York City remains one of the top ten cruise ports in the United States, and we thank Norwegian Cruise Line for making Manhattan Cruise Terminal Norwegian Breakaway’s year-round home port," said George Fertitta CEO of NYC & Company, New York City’s marketing and tourism arm. "Approximately 583,000 cruise passengers embarked in New York City in 2010 and that number continues to grow helping the City to report record breaking tourism numbers year after year. We hope Norwegian Breakaway and all of the Norwegian Cruise Line passengers will have an opportunity to visit New York City pre- or post-cruise and discover the energy and vibrancy of all five boroughs."

Norwegian Cruise Line was the first cruise line to homeport year-round in New York City beginning in 2003. Since then, the company has been committed to bringing its newest and largest ships to the Big Apple, with two ships calling in New York City since 2005. In 2013 alone, Norwegian Breakaway is expected to make 34 calls at Manhattan Cruise Terminal (MCT). In addition, Norwegian Gem will continue to call year-round at MCT, with an expected 47 calls, and Norwegian Star will make 15 calls in 2013 before being replaced. In total, Norwegian Cruise Line ships will bring approximately 285,000 embarking passengers into New York City in 2013, generating approximately $70 million in direct spending in the City – a $13.5 million increase due to the additional passengers on Norwegian Breakaway.

Currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Breakaway will be 144,017 gross tons and is scheduled for delivery in April 2013. Following inaugural events, the ship will sail a series of 22 seven-day cruises from New York to Bermuda beginning May 12, 2013 through Oct 6, 2013. Departing on Sundays, the ship will spend three full days in Bermuda, along with three days at sea.

"The Government of Bermuda is honored to be the destination of choice for the inaugural sailings of Norwegian Breakaway for 2013. As a long-standing partner with Norwegian Cruise Line, we look forward to the launch of this new and innovative cruise product," said the Hon. Terry Lister, Minister of Transport. "We know their passengers will enjoy the cruise itinerary and the hospitality of the Bermudian people."

Norwegian Breakaway’s New York to Bermuda cruises are scheduled to go on sale to Latitudes members, Norwegian’s frequent guests, on Friday, October 14, 2011 and to the public on Monday, October 17, 2011. Also, as part of its Partners First commitment, Norwegian will open Norwegian Breakaway’s sailings for group block bookings exclusively for travel partners on Monday, October 10, 2011. Travel partners wishing to block a group should call Norwegian at 800-327-7030.

Information on Norwegian Breakaway’s accommodations and itineraries can be found at www.ncl.com/breakaway. To book a cruise on Norwegian Breakaway, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 800-327-7030 or visit www.ncl.com.

Via @NCLFreestyle:

Just announced: Norwegian Breakaway will home-port in New York City & Peter Max has been commissioned to paint signature hull artwork!