Legally BLonde the Musical and Burn the Floor on board Norwegian Getaway's Illusionarium and Grammy Experience

Just announced: The seven-time Tony Award nominated musical LEGALLY BLONDE will headline entertainment on Norwegian Getaway, along with BURN THE FLOOR, and an all-new stand-up comedy program in partnership with Levity Entertainment Group, the largest producer of comedians in the world! We also introduced all of the varied and exciting entertainment acts and venues that will debut on the ship, including Howl at the Moon at Headliners Comedy Club. These exciting entertainment experiences are in addition to Norwegian Getaway’s Illusionarium and Grammy Experience!

Source:    facebook.com/norwegiancruiselinegroup

Passenger Rescued from Norweigan Gem, Returns to New York

NEW YORK -- New York City police officers linked up with a cruise ship that was already underway in the waters near the Verrazano Bridge to get to a 60-year-old man who needed medical attention.

Police said the passenger on the Norwegian Gem had become disoriented Saturday evening after falling and hitting his head.

NYPD officers in a boat patrolling the area were notified. They decided to do a transfer - while the vessels were still moving. The police boat came up alongside the cruise ship, and the man was transferred.

Authorities said he was taken to a hospital on Staten Island, where he is in stable condition.

Directly and fully quoted from, Source: abclocal.go.com

Cruise ship employee agrees to plead guilty

The Tampa Tribune reporter, Elaine Silverstrini, reports on the Norwegian Star trail involving Asst. Cruise Director's plea of guilty:

"TAMPA A former assistant cruise director for the Norwegian Star has agreed to plead guilty to a federal child pornography charge after he had sex with and exchanged explicit photos with a 16-year-old passenger.

Senad Djedovic, 29, a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina, faces up to ten years in federal prison after he pleads guilty to a federal charge of possession of child pornography, according to a plea agreement filed in U.S. District Court on Monday..."

Continue reading at:  2.tbo.com

Norwegian Offers Guests Tricks And Treats For Halloween

Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet of 11 ships will offer guests a "spooktacular" cruise experience for Halloween. Festive decorations will be adorned throughout the ship and guests can participate in special activities* to celebrate the light-hearted holiday, from masquerade balls and costume contests to spooky scavenger hunts and scary movie trivia.

Those looking to experience the mystery and thrills of the season can attend Murder Mystery lunches performed by The Second City Comedy Troupe on board Norwegian Dawn; Epic; Gem; Pearl; Spirit; Star and Pride of America.

As guests set sail to the Bahamas & Florida, Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe and Hawaii, the celebration continues with themed desserts in the ship’s action-station restaurants.

Decadent treats may include Pecan Caramel Spiders made with dark chocolate, caramel and pecans or Halloween cupcakes decorated with bewitching confections and made with chocolate, cream cheese and topped with a peanut butter frosting. To add to the festivities of the evening, adults can enjoy themed cocktail specialties such as a Blackbeard’s Ghost.

Source: cruiseindustry.com

Norwegian Cruise Line launches new brand platform

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that it is unveiling a new brand platform and integrated national advertising campaign, "Cruise Like a Norwegian," that embraces and celebrates the community of diverse vacationers who embody the passion, freedom and flexibility inherent in a Norwegian Cruise Line Freestyle Cruising vacation. Cruising like a "Norwegian" is for those who live life to the fullest, embrace new adventures and are passionate about their experiences.

The campaign marks Norwegian's first return to network television advertising since 2008 and also integrates social media, digital and onboard elements, providing a complete immersion in the Norwegian community. This is also the first work from the line's new agency partner, The Martin Agency, which the company engaged in March.

"We've spent the last four years working a variety of initiatives across our organization to improve and enhance our company and our brand," said Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "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."

The visual embodiment of the campaign is a brand essence video that illustrates the passion and enthusiasm of Norwegian cruisers who can "Dine like a Parisian," "Surf like a Hawaiian," "Party like a Brazilian," and "Love like a Venetian," among other things. An original score "Let's Go!" was created to accompany the video. Television advertising, beginning tonight, includes one 30-second and two 15-second spots running during prime time on the ABC and CBS television networks, as well as on seven national cable channels, including Travel Channel, HGTV, MSNBC and Discovery Channel.

"Our goal with this new platform is to elevate our profile and put Norwegian Cruise Line front and center by expressing what it means to vacation with us and inviting people to join the community of Norwegians," said Maria Miller, Norwegian Cruise Line's senior vice president of marketing. "We are confident that this integrated campaign - from TV to social media and digital - will engage our community in fun and memorable ways."

Social media plays a large role in this new platform. Leading up to the launch, Norwegian's Facebook page featured a six-day countdown that asked fans to post their favorite photos to illustrate how Norwegians dine, shop, party, etc. Beginning today, Norwegian's Facebook page highlights the brand essence video which can be shared with friends. There is also an opportunity for fans to "Mix it Up" and make their own "Cruise Like a Norwegian" personalized video using their photos and setting it to one of three custom music remixes of the "Let's Go" song. Finally, an interactive personality quiz asks "How Norwegian Are You?" The results show how closely respondents align with a "Norwegian" lifestyle and then groups like-minded "Norwegians" together by personalities. Upon completing the quiz, fans are rewarded with a special 'badge' that is posted to their Facebook page.

These social media elements are combined with digital media efforts including custom page takeovers, rich media banners that invite consumers to watch the brand video and a re-skinned Norwegian web site that all work together to raise awareness about how to "Cruise Like a Norwegian" and to engage consumers with the brand.

As part of the company's continued commitment to its Partners First philosophy, travel partners will also be provided with the tools and resources they need to help them feel part of the "Norwegian" community and to help them spread the word to their clients. The company is rolling out a new course at NCL University, providing partners with inside tips on "How to Market Norwegian;" new marketing materials on its Marketing Headquarters platform; and a video message introducing the new brand to travel partners.

The brand platform comes to life onboard Norwegian's ships when guests are officially welcomed into the Norwegian community and can experience the "Cruise Like a Norwegian" themed Sail-Away Party and drink menu; all new White Hot Party with "Norwegian" elements; special "Cruise Like a Norwegian" photo and video opportunities; and a revised farewell show, so guests will continue to feel a part of the Norwegian community until their next cruise.

Source:http://cruisebusiness.com

Legendary Iconic Artist Peter Max To Paint Norwegian Breakaway Hull Artwork New York

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that pop icon and America's most popular living artist, Peter Max, has been commissioned to paint the signature hull artwork for the line's newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, scheduled for delivery in April 2013. This is the first time Norwegian has asked a well-known artist to paint the hull artwork on one of its ships. The company also announced today that the ship will homeport year-round in Max's hometown, New York City.

"Since Norwegian Breakaway will be making her home in New York, we felt it was fitting to ask the artist best associated with New York, Mr. Peter Max, to paint the ship's hull," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "I am a huge fan of his work and know that the art he creates for Norwegian Breakaway will make the ship instantly recognizable."

With paintings on exhibition in hundreds of museums and galleries worldwide, Peter Max and his vibrant colors have become part of the fabric of contemporary culture. Max has been successively called a Pop Icon, Neo Fauvist, Abstract Expressionist and the United States' "Painter Laureate."

"I am so excited to be painting the hull of Norwegian Breakaway for Norwegian Cruise Line," said Peter Max. "I love painting large canvases. I've painted a plane and a stage for Woodstock, but never a ship. I love ships and have travelled on them many times in my life. To see my artwork floating on Norwegian Breakaway out at sea will be a dream come true."

Max has achieved his place in history having painted for various Heads of State, including six U.S. Presidents. From art that appeared on the first U.S. 10-cent stamp bearing the title "Preserve the Environment," to 235 U.S. Border murals greeting millions of people entering America each year, Peter Max seeks to capture themes of America at its finest in his art.

He has a long-standing career as the preeminent Pop artist in America. His art appears on a Boeing 777 jumbo jet currently flying the skies for Continental; a 600-foot stage for the Woodstock Music Festival; the covers of Verizon's New York City yellow and white pages; and a giant mural unveiled at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Max has also been designated Official Artist of five Super Bowls, six Grammy Awards, World Cup USA, The World Series, the United Nations Earth Summit, and numerous other events. Max was honored at the Jefferson Awards with an award for his lifetime dedication to America, and its charitable causes.

Currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Breakaway will be 144,017 gross tons and have 4,000 passenger berths. The ship represents an opportunity for the Norwegian guest to "break away" from the routine of work, school, and daily stress, and find a true respite at sea. Norwegian Breakaway, and sister ship Norwegian Getaway (scheduled for delivery in April 2014), will take the best of the best from all of Norwegian's existing ships, drawing on the line's experience of having launched 10 ships in the past 10 years ? starting with Norwegian Star and Sun in 2001 and culminating with the launch of Norwegian Epic in 2010.

To date, the company has revealed details on all of the ships' staterooms which combine the form and function of the line's Jewel class ships' staterooms with the modern and contemporary design touches of Norwegian Epic. A rich mix of stateroom options will be available including the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers, the re-introduction of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites, along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa. The ship also features The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 suites at the top of the ship and 18 additional suites located throughout the ship.

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. Information on Norwegian Breakaway's accommodations and itinerary 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.

Source:ncl.com

Start Spreading the News: Norwegian Cruise Line to Homeport Next Ship in New York City

It was a celebration of all things New York today at Manhattan's Pier 88, as Mayor Michael Bloomberg, NYC-based pop art icon Peter Max and top brass from Norwegian Cruise Line gathered for the next reveal on Norwegian Breakaway, the 144,017-ton, 4,000-passenger ship debuting in May 2013.

The ship, the first of two Project Breakaway vessels, will homeport year-round in the Big Apple, sailing weeklong cruises to Bermuda. (Itineraries for sister ship Norwegian Getaway, which will launch in spring 2014, will be revealed at a later date.)

Pop artist Peter Max, whose omnipresent work has appeared on everything from postage stamps to Grammy Award posters, will design the ship's hull. He called the assignment his "largest canvas ever." 

Max is creating four designs, from which NCL will make the final selection. "I'm on pins and needles to see what Norwegian will pick," he added. The line's distinctive hull designs -- jewels, flowers, a radiating sun -- have become one of its signature elements.

The event was punctuated by a visit from Bloomberg, who touted the $35 million jolt to the local economy that Breakaway -- which will bring 140,000 cruisers to the city over two years -- will create. "It boils down to one word," said Bloomberg. "Jobs."

Breakaway will become the largest ever year-round New Yorker. Cunard's 151,400-ton Queen Mary 2, which sails frequently from Brooklyn and Manhattan, is larger by volume, but carries only 2,620 passengers at double occupancy.

 Despite being slightly smaller than QM2, the city will need to adjust the pier and extend the embarkation tunnels to accommodate Breakaway's overhanging lifeboats.

Norwegian has long been a stalwart NYC resident, featuring two ships in the city for a number of years. In 2013, Breakaway will join Norwegian Gem in residency. (Norwegian Pearl, which will be stationed in Manhattan beginning in fall 2012, will move out of New York when Breakaway moves in.)

Though we know little about the ship beyond its accommodations, the line is opening bookings next week. Past passengers can secure a spot on October 14, after which the general public will be allowed to book, beginning October 17.

Norwegian has been revealing a steady stream of information on the Breakaway duo. Last week, the line announced plans for its solo cabin-and-lounge complex. Earlier this summer, it showcased the ships' exclusive suite complex, The Haven, indicating its newly designed bathrooms would eschew the controversial bowl sinks and revealing frosted-glass shower doors that were introduced on Norwegian Epic.

Cruise Critic will be covering every step of the process, from steel cutting to launch. Follow along on our Project Breakaway page.

Source:cruisecritic.com

Norwegian Cruise Line Rolls Out New Sushi & Sashimi Menu

Norwegian Cruise Line announced it will now offer its popular sushi a la carte menu, currently available on Norwegian Epic, throughout most of its fleet starting today, September 16, 2011. The rollout does not include the Norwegian Sky.

The extensive menu, which features sushi, sashimi, light appetizers and desserts, will now also be offered as a lunch option on embarkation and sea days.

The new menu gives guests the freedom and flexibility to customize their dining experience by providing pricing per item with dishes averaging four dollars. Guests can select from a number of different appetizers such as edamame, miso soup or sesame seaweed salad. Sushi selections include such favorites as the Godzilla Roll, a tasty roll with sweet shrimp, mango, avocado, caramelized cashews and coconut; and the Dynamite Roll with yellowtail, salmon, green onion, and maki tempura style. Different variations of sushi and sashimi like yellow fin tuna, octopus and salmon are also offered. Guests can complete their meal with a dessert like green tea cake or fruit sashimi.

The sushi a la carte menu is rolling out to the fleet this weekend, starting with Norwegian Dawn today; Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Star and Pride of America on September 17; Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl, and Norwegian Spirit on September 18 and Norwegian Sun on October 5.

Source: cruisereviews.com

Norwegian Continues Partners First Program, Reports Progress

 

In the four months since the launch of the Partners First philosophy, Norwegian Cruise Line says it has made “significant progress” in continuing its commitment to travel agents.

Epic Starts Season in Barcelona

With a maximum capacity of 5,186 passengers, Norwegian Epic, with the highest cruise passenger capacity in the Mediterranean, made its first call today at the Port of Barcelona, arriving at 5.00 a.m. this morning, according to the port. Disembarkation and embarkation operations were conducted simultaneously at two terminals: Terminal A and Terminal B (both run by Creuers del Port de Barcelona), at the Adossat Quay.
Barcelona is the Epic’s homeport for the 2011 season. The vessel departed from Miami and reached Barcelona after a 12-day crossing, and will sail seven-day Mediterranean cruises until October.
Cruise activity at the Port of Barcelona will be especially intense Aug. 20 when eight vessels with more than 31.000 passengers will call on the same day, setting a new record. A week later, Aug. 26, nine vessels will call with more than 26.000 passengers.


Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Norweigan Cruise Line profits down

After an expensive year that saw the launch of its biggest ship, Norwegian Cruise Line posted lower profits in 2010 compared to the previous year but broke other company records.

The key measure of EBITDA, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, increased to $400.4 million, a jump of 23.6 percent over 2009.

Net yield, the revenue generated per berth per day, jumped nearly 8 percent in 2010, thanks to higher ticket prices and onboard spending.

But net income for the year was $22.6 million, down from $67.2 million in 2009. The privately held company attributed that drop in large part to costs associated with the addition of the 4,100-passenger ship Norwegian Epic.

For the fourth quarter of 2010, EBITDA increased to $63.4 million, a jump of nearly 70 percent from the same period in 2009. Net yield increased 7 percent, but the company posted a net loss of $39.3 million due to higher interest expenses, compared to a $39 million loss in 2009.

Despite the hit to the bottom line, NCL chief executive Kevin Sheehan said he was pleased with the year's results, especially consistent improvement in EBITDA.

``We're all very excited abut our prospects,'' Sheehan said in an interview Monday. ``I think we're positioned well for the future.''

In October, Norwegian Cruise Line's parent NCL Corp. filed paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to sell up to $250 million in stocks to the public.

That month, the company also announced that it had ordered two new 4,000-passenger ships for delivery in 2013 and 2014.

Norwegian Cruise Line is held in a partnership of New York private equity giant Apollo Management; TPG, another private equity firm; and Genting Hong Kong.

Source: miamiherald.com

NCL to Broadcast Super Bowl Game on Most Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line will broadcast the Super Bowl game on most of its ships on Sunday, Feb. 6. The game will not be shown on the Norwegian Jade in Europe. The game will be shown on the two-story screens on Norwegian Pearl, Gem and Epic. Guests can also enter for a chance to win a jersey provided by MillerCoors Brewing Company when purchasing any Coors Light, Miller Light or Miller Genuine Draft beer during the Super Bowl sailing.

Source: travelpulse.com 

NCL forecast double digit growth in Asia Pacific region

Francis Riley, newly appointed Director of Sales for Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean on his recent visit to Sydney, discussed with e-Travel Blackboard his responsibilities as a resource for trade partners and developing new markets across the Asia Pacific and Latin America regions. “Australia accounts for nearly 70% of the Asia Pacific business for NCL with 2011 forecast to see double digit growth. With no plans to move ships into the region we are building the infrastructure to expand into developing markets like Australia and South America” said Riley To work more closely with Australasian partners a new call centre is opening this January in Manila. “The move will give agents and wholesalers the ability to speak to us directly, during local business hours, rather than having to email the Miami office” Riley said A new locally based “Wave Promotion” was introduced this week including an early booking offer for the Australian market starting immediately through 31 January 2011 offering up to USD$550 on board credit per stateroom for new reservations on Alaska, Europe and Mexican/Riviera sailings. Building on the incredible success and popularity of Norwegian Epic, launched June 2010, Riley announced two new ship builds, as yet unnamed, at a cost of €1.2 billion for delivery in the spring of 2013 and 2014. NCL have the youngest fleet of any North American shipping company with 11 ships. Both of the two new ships will be 143,500 tons carrying 4000 passengers and will be the next generation Freestyle cruise ships for NCL. Riley said “I am committed to help our trade partners better understand our Freestyle Cruising product and the tremendous value that we offer to our guests”. Explaining that Freestyle cruising offers guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their cruise on their terms, including no fixed dining times across multiple dining venues, relaxed attire, a rich mix of cabins, and on the Epic “The Villas”, the largest suite complex with its own pool, bar and restaurant and “The Studios”, staterooms designed for solo travellers, plus an surpassed variety of activities and entertainment options. Headliners on the Epic include Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams & Dinner, Legends in Concert and Nickelodeon at Sea. Hawaii is popular with Australians accounting for 50% of NCL’s Australian business. NCL cruise year round in Canada/New England, Hawaii and Europe with seasonal positioning in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico/Riviera and Europe. Norwegian Epic will move to the Mediterranean for the first time next year sailing ex Barcelona. Source:etravelblackboard.com

Norwegian Epic Christened in New York

Neither shipyard fires nor controversial semi-transparent cabin bathrooms could stop the Champagne from smashing against Norwegian Epic's hull today in Manhattan, as NCL officially welcomed its largest and most ambitious ship into the fleet.

The ceremony was a multi-act affair, broadcast live from around the ship at several of the the 4,100-passenger, 153,000-ton Epic's many entertainment venues. Dueling pianists from "Howl at the Moon" performed a mini-medley of "rock hits on request" in Headliners, the comedy and nightclub; Nickelodeon stars Dora the Explorer, Sponge Bob and Jimmy Neutron danced with younger cruisers in the atrium (two of said youngsters were pied in the face); and a trio of confused mutes from Blue Man Group created an impromptu Epic poster in the Epic Theater by using drumsticks to send green and red paint splattering around a stencil of "Norwegian Epic." Attendees in each venue watched performances from other locations on giant movie screens.

Comedian and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" star Jeff Garlin served as host, adding a touch of boisterous humor to the highly choreographed event, and poking fun at his teleprompter ("Jeff adlibs for 10 seconds," he read to the audience). "I didn't have a big interest in a ship so big," said the comedian as he opened the ceremony. "I feel teeny ... I feel like a pretty little girl." Of Epic's first-at-sea 17-degree Ice Bar, Garlin joked, "because often you're on land and you think, could they do this at sea?" Brother Robert Connely, the principal from NCL CEO Kevin Sheehan's Catholic high school, provided the traditional invocation, blessing the ship and wishing it smooth sailing through peaceful waters. Garlin, retaking the stage, said he found the sincere and reverent invocation "lighthearted and bouncy."

The culmination of the event came when the ship's godmother, country music icon Reba McEntire, appeared on stage to push a digital Champagne bottle on the big movie screen in the Epic Theater, triggering a seconds-long video of a Champagne bottle smashing against the ship's hull, and signifying the official debut of Norwegian Epic. During her brief speech, McEntire revealed that she's a legitimate NCL fan, and that her latest voyage with the line was a Norwegian Gem sailing to the Mediterranean.

Also on hand were NCL executives, including CEO Kevin Sheehan, top brass from NCL part-owner Apollo Management, and upper management from STX Europe, the company responsible for building the ship at a shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.

While the ceremony was overwhelmingly upbeat -- basically a highlight reel of Epic's innovative entertainment -- Sheehan took a moment to reflect on the difficult road Norwegian Epic had navigated from initial concept to launch."We faced lots of challenges," he said, "but we rose to the occasion." It has indeed been a hard slog for NCL. Contractual disputes between the line and the shipyard resulted in the cancellation of the originally planned second Epic-class new-build, as well as some heavy fines for NCL to pay (€100 million for the cancellation; €55 million for design changes). A trio of suspicious fires broke out on the under-construction ship in May and June of this year, and the yard suspected arson. A malfunctioning propeller shaft, which limited Epic's top speed, was fixed in Southampton only 10 days ago.

There may still be some kinks to work out. The ship's controversial New Wave cabins have semi-transparent doors for the separate toilet and shower areas (a curtain divides these areas from the rest of the cabin), and a shallow sink that tends to splash water in all directions. Initial response has been mixed, with many passengers complaining about sink water ending up on the cabin floor (and uncomfortable with seeing their partner's shadowy outline in the loo).

Norwegian Epic will set sail this afternoon for a two-day preview cruise, before returning to the pier the morning of July fourth to host the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. After that, the ship will head to its Miami homeport for another two-night mini-cruise before beginning in earnest its maiden Caribbean season. The ship will sail alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.


Source: cruisecritic.com


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Is this the end for karaoke on cruise ships?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s much-discussed new mega-ship, the Norwegian Epic, is chock full of just about every type of amusement ever conceived for an ocean-going vessel, from a spa to a rock climbing wall. It offers 20 eateries, 20 bars, multiple showrooms and three of the biggest water slides at sea.


But there’s at least one traditional element of big, mass-market cruise ships that the largest Norwegian vessel ever built is missing: A karaoke bar.


A mainstay of the 10 other Norwegian ships sailing from the Caribbean to Europe, karaoke won’t have a big presence — if any — on the line’s new, 4,100-passenger flagship, say Norwegian staffers (unlike on the line’s Jewel Class ships, where passengers’ karaoke crooning wafts into a main thoroughfare almost nightly from a prominently-placed lounge). Karaoke is, they hint, no longer the hot commodity it used to be.


A Norwegian spokeswoman tells USA TODAY passengers looking for an impromptu, karaoke-bar-type musical vibe on Epic have Headliners, a lively club on Norwegian Epic that is home to a Howl at the Moon dueling piano show (for more details on the venue and others on the ship, see the Cruise Log’s just-completed live report from Norwegian Epic).


Bigger than all but a handful of Royal Caribbean ships, Epic is scheduled to be christened Friday in New York City by country music’s Reba McEntire before heading to Miami to operate seven-night Caribbean cruises.


Source: Travel.usatoday.com


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Largest chandelier at sea installed on Norwegian Epic

        

In another "first" for Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Epic, the largest LED chandelier at sea is now installed in the ship's Epic Casino, which is also the largest at sea. The chandelier, which will change colors to all in the spectrum – up to 255 possible variations – has a height of 21 feet, diameter of nearly 11 feet and weighs two metric tons. Built in Vienna, Austria by Kalmar, a leading glass crystal maker who has designed some of the largest chandeliers for hotels and palaces around the world, and designed by UK-based SMC Architects and Lighting Design, it is fitted with approximately 40,000 crystal glass pieces of various shapes and sizes – and spans vertically to three decks, with vantage points from the casino, Teppanyanki restaurant, Wasabi Sushi Bar, Malting's Whiskey Bar, Shaker's Martini Bar, and the Atrium. The design is of spiraling oval discs, each up to 30 feet in circumference, and 112 suspended crystal encrusted balls of up to one foot in diameter, which orbit the main structure at varying heights.

The chandelier is the most energy efficient at sea. It is completely illuminated by LED technology, using over 10,000 diodes. It is fully dimmable to most effectively enhance the lead crystals and is currently being programmed by UK-based Project International. The impressive structure, which will be the focal point of the ship's Atrium, took a team of people three weeks to install it.

Source: cruisebusiness.com

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Norwegian Cruise Line Institutes Life Jacket-Free Muster Drills

Norwegian Cruise Line is introducing a new muster drill procedure that no longer requires passengers to go to their staterooms to pick up life jackets. Guests now proceed directly to the muster station. The change was made because of the danger of dangling straps as well as convenience. The program is rolling out fleetwide except for Pride of America, NCL executives announced during a webcast June 2. “This absolutely maintains our complete focus on safety, but it makes the procedure significantly more convenient for our guests,” said Andy Stuart, executive vice president of global sales and passenger services.

In other news from the webcast, the company said bookings are doing very well on the Norwegian Epic with its June 24 trans-Atlantic voyage sold out. The new 153,000-ton Epic is scheduled for a July 2 christening. Crane Gladding, senior vice president-revenue management and passenger services, said prices are going up due to demand. He noted that the 128 Studios -- 100-square-foot staterooms aimed at solo travelers -- have been well received. “The Studios are sold out on quite a few dates, and pricing are going up,” he said. “It’s been overwhelming demand, much more than we were expecting.”

Still, Gladding said there are attractive fares and specials, including lead-in prices of $699 and $799 on Bermuda and Bahamas/Florida cruises out of New York City and Boston this summer. Those cruises are on the Norwegian Jewel, which boasts the new Nickelodeon children’s program. Upgrade offers are in place for the fall, he said, particularly in the Caribbean. “Pricing for the fall is a really, really, really great value, particularly if you book early,” he said.

NCL also announced a new partnership with Gibson’s, the guitar company, that will allow a Norwegian Epic passenger to rent a guitar, companion pod and private amplifier with headphones that will allow the guest to perform in private without disturbing others. The pods allow guests to control the music and special effects for classic rock, heavy metal, blues, classic and country music. The rental cost is $10 per day and is not available on embarkation and disembarkation days.

The company also launched a sweepstakes to reward 1 million points on its NCL WorldPoints MasterCard. Entries are made automatically when someone signs up for the card or books a cruise with the card through July 31. The 1 million points can be redeemed for up to seven seven-day Caribbean or Mexican Riviera cruises for two. For more information on this promotion, visit www.ncl.com/worldpoints.

The company, which also has been releasing details about the Norwegian Epic via social media, announced the menu for the Cirque Dreams and Dinner after asking Facebook friends which specialty menu they’d most like to see. The Cirque menu starts with a hearts of butter lettuce salad with shrimp, egg, tomato and Thousand Island dressing; a petit filet mignon and breast of chicken Florentine with cheesy gratin potatoes, grilled tomato and mushroom sauce; and chocolate decadence with mixed berry sauce. Vegetarian options will be available. Cirque Dreams does carry a cover charge of $15 per person for regular seating and $20 for preferred seating.

The Norwegian Epic also will boast what it’s calling the largest LED chandelier at sea, made by an Austrian glassmaker. It weighs three metric tons and took three weeks to install in the casino.

Source: www.travelpulse.com

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