June 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL Corporation Ltd., "Norwegian" or "the Company") today announced the signing of a memorandum of agreement to exercise its option to purchase Norwegian Sky. The transaction is expected to close shortly.

The Company currently operates Norwegian Sky under a Bareboat Charter with a purchase option from Ample Avenue, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong Limited, a 50% owner of the Company. The purchase price is approximately $260 million pursuant to the option under the Bareboat Charter. Financing is being provided by the seller.

The 2,002-berth Norwegian Sky currently operates three and four-night voyages year-round from Miami, Florida.

About Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 45-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

Today, Norwegian invites consumers to "Cruise Like a Norwegian" on one of its 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea. The Company has two 4,000-passenger vessels, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, on order for delivery in April 2013 and April 2014.

Norwegian's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010 and was recently named "Best Overall Cruise Ship" by the readers of Travel Weekly. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, appearing for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert, Second City® Comedy Troupe, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids. Cirque Dreams? & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top.

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Norwegian Cruise Line is launching its "Cruise Event" limited time offer on Sunday, June 3, 2012. Available fleet-wide, for sailings five-days or longer, this offer provides guests the opportunity to earn additional on-board amenities when they book a new cruise vacation to popular destinations around the world, including Europe, Alaska, Bermuda, Hawaii, Bahamas & Florida, the Caribbean, and Canada & New England. Guests who book a Norwegian Cruise vacation by Sunday, June 9, 2012, will receive a variety of exciting on-board amenities based on stateroom category booked.

As part of this limited time offer, solo travelers who book a studio stateroom on board Norwegian Epic, or those who book an inside stateroom, fleet-wide, will receive a bottle of wine in their stateroom to toast to the start of their cruise vacation. Guests who sail in an oceanview stateroom will receive a bottle of wine, plus a plate of delicious chocolate covered strawberries. Balcony guests will also receive a bottle of wine and chocolate covered strawberries, but they will also enjoy a complimentary dinner for two in Norwegian's signature Italian Restaurant. Mini-suite guests will enjoy all of the amenities received by guests sailing in a balcony stateroom, plus an additional dinner for two at Cagney's Steakhouse, a guest-favorite specialty restaurant, located on all Norwegian ships. Suite guests will receive all of the amenities entitled to guests sailing in a mini-suite, plus an additional $50 spa credit to use towards any pampering treatment in the Mandara Spas on board. Guests who set sail in Norwegian's luxurious suite complex, The Haven, available on board Norwegian Epic, Gem, Pearl, Jewel or Jade, will enjoy all of the amenities received by suite guests, plus dinner for two in Norwegian's signature French restaurant, Le Bistro, and an additional $75 dollar on board credit to use towards another relaxing spa treatment, exciting shore excursions, dinner in another specialty restaurant or towards beverages in one of the many bars and lounges on board.

The offer, available until June 9, 2012, also provides reduced deposits on all of Norwegian's sailings of five days or longer.

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Includes a 3-Night Stay at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, 7-Night Cruise on The Gauguin, Roundtrip Airfare from Los Angeles, and Transfers

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Cruise Line Takes the Stage at the 66th Annual Tony Awards as an Official Partner

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Local overnights in port are included with most of the new itineraries, while Crystal’s existing Pre- and Post-cruise Hotel Programs expand vacation options in many coveted European cities.  Itinerary options include:

5-day: from $1,310
Aug. 1: Cannes-Monte Carlo (overnight)-Florence/Livorno-Porto Venere-Rome
Aug. 25: Barcelona (overnight)-Cannes-Bonifacio/Corsica-Rome

6-day: from $1,575
Oct. 30: Athens-Navplion-Mykonos-Kusadasi-Istanbul (overnight)
Nov. 22: Casablanca-Gran Canaria/Las Palmas-Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands-Madeira/Funchal-Lisbon

7-day: from $1,835
Aug. 18: Rome-Florence/Livorno-Monte Carlo (overnight)-Palamós-Barcelona (overnight)
Oct. 17: Haifa, Israel-Bodrum, Turkey-Corfu-Dubrovnik-Venice (overnight)

8-day: from 2,095
July 5: Athens-Navplion-Sicily/Taormina-Sorrento (overnight)-Rome-Monte Carlo (overnight)
July 17: Barcelona-Valencia-Málaga-Gibraltar-Cádiz/Seville-Lisbon (overnight)
Sept. 22: Athens-Navplion-Corfu-Kotor, Montenegro-Zadar, Croatia-Venice (overnight)
Sept. 30: Venice (overnight)-Ravenna-Kotor, Montenegro-Corfu-Mykonos-Istanbul
Nov. 5: Istanbul (overnight)-Kusadasi-Mykonos-Sicily/Catania-Naples-Rome
Dec. 1: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands-Arrecife, Lanzarote-Agadir, Morocco- Cádiz/Seville-Valencia-Barcelona (overnight)

“Many savvy travelers appreciate the pampering luxury of Crystal Cruises and know how amazing the Mediterranean is as a destination, yet may have very limited time to get away,” says Jack Anderson, Crystal’s senior vice president, sales and marketing.  “At the same time, this sale conveniently enables those less familiar with cruising, or Crystal, to dip their toe into our Six-Star waters.”

In addition to the new options, Crystal’s Mediterranean season offers 18 previously-scheduled 7-, 11-, and 12-day itineraries on the calendar, starting from $2,620/person, double occupancy.  Attractive round-trip airfare from more than 90 North American cities is also available through Crystal, as are pre- and post-cruise stays at luxury hotels in Lisbon, Rome, Barcelona, Venice, Istanbul, and Monte Carlo, where available.

Crystal Cruises’ passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history.

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Line will partner with the Tony Awards to include a live broadcast of a number from "Hairspray" live from the Oasis of the Seas in the Caribbean Sea. The cruise line, which has been named an official partner of the 66th Anuel Tony Awards, will be part of the live broadcast airing on CBS from the Beacon Theatre in New York City on June 10th.






Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line to feature fully licensed Broadway Productions!

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New Reasons to Vacation at Sea include Conquering Fears, Celebrating Family, and Following Doctor's Orders to Relax

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Modern luxury line receives most honors ever in TravelAge West's annual awards.

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The savings are offered on eight 11- and 12-day Crystal Serenity sailings through the Black Sea, Middle East, Canary Islands, and entire Mediterranean, starting with September 6’s voyage.  The all-inclusive luxury cruises embark in Athens, Istanbul, Venice, Barcelona, and Lisbon from September through November, with overnight visits and more time in both smaller, off-the-beaten-path and favorite, large ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Montenegro, Israel, Croatia, Morocco and the Canary Islands.  Attractive air add-ons are offered from more than 200 North American ports.

“A Crystal cruise is a wonderful option for solo travelers who seek luxury and pampering while on vacation and also the fast, easy friendships that are made on board,” says Jack Anderson, senior vice president of marketing and sales.  “This is an ideal opportunity for cruisers indulging in a room all to themselves to realize significant savings and value with the World’s Best Cruise Line.”

Among the extraordinary care Crystal provides for solo travelers are Ambassador hosts on every sailing for those seeking a dance partner, assigned seating for dinner in the Crystal Dining Room, and “Table for 8,” which brings individuals together for friendly shared dining in the specialty restaurants at night.  Crystal Cruises’ ocean resort experience always includes fine wines, premium spirits, and gratuities with one’s vacation, as well as a host of other complimentary amenities, from enlightening enrichment speakers and fitness classes to pampering pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining, featuring the world-renowned cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa.

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history. 

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#26: To Sail the Open Seas Again

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“USC is one of the best film schools in the world,” says Bret Bullock, Crystal’s vice president of entertainment.  “We're thrilled to bring guests a curriculum of this caliber to expand our Creative Learning Institute and teach vacationers even more new skills that they can take home with them."

Using one’s own iPad, guests shoot one of five documentary-style genres while on board: Interview, Event, Commercial, Man on the Street or How-to.  They then edit the footage and add music, graphics, voiceover and effects.  Participants learn the importance of filmmaking theory in production — considering the video’s purpose, intended audience, camera angle and shot composition — and then how to create a trailer and digitally share their masterpiece with an “audience” of loved ones via social media.

USC School of Cinematic Arts’ Dean Elizabeth M. Daley, shares her enthusiasm about the partnership: "We are always delighted to have the opportunity to share some of our creative skills and our love of cinema and media with others. Crystal Cruises provides a special way to reach a very interesting and exciting group, and we are pleased that members of our faculty will be invited on board to provide lectures and workshops to their guests.”

The Digital Filmmaking course will expand to Crystal Serenity in January 2013, making the program available on all Crystal’s luxury cruises worldwide.

Crystal’s award-winning, luxurious offerings always include a diverse selection of thought-provoking, scholarly, and sophisticated enrichment activities that provide extensive on-board choices for cultured world travelers.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent.

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Travelers Can Save Up to $1,000 on Cruises to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Canada & New England, Hawaii, Mexico and West Coast

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Guests can enjoy their favourite events, live at sea!

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On behalf of the global cruise industry, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the European Cruise Council (ECC) today announced that the cruise industry has adopted two new safety policies.  These policies, which address issues related to the recording of passenger nationality and the common elements of musters and emergency instructions, result from the Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review launched in January 2012.

The Nationality of Passengers policy was developed in response to the request of governments at the May meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee meeting.  This policy prescribes that the nationality of each passenger onboard is to be recorded and made readily available to search and rescue personnel as appropriate. Under the Common Elements of Musters and Emergency Instructions policy, member cruise lines have specified 12 common elements that will be communicated to passengers in musters and emergency instructions.  Among those common elements are a description of key safety systems and features and an explanation of emergency routing systems and recognizing emergency exits.  Both policies exceed current international regulatory requirements.

“Our industry continues to actively identify a range of measures that will improve the safety of passengers and crew, which is the top priority of the cruise industry,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA.  “Ongoing innovation in safety has been a hallmark of our industry for decades and we are fully committed to continuous improvement in shipboard operations and safety.  We are taking a holistic look at safety as has been evidenced by the breadth and scope of the numerous policies that have been developed and adopted as part of the Review since its launch earlier this year.”

“These new safety policies are representative of the industry’s commitment to raising standards across the global fleet and of our willingness to listen and act on good ideas brought forward by other interested stakeholders,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Chairman of ECC. “Establishing common elements of a muster policy will provide our guests with the confidence that they are receiving the same key safety messages no matter which ship they cruise. Providing additional information on passengers’ nationality is a direct and immediate response to a good idea and, as with our other voluntary commitment, is applicable with immediate effect.”

The Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review receives advice and input from a panel of outside maritime and safety experts.  These individuals are evaluating suggested policy improvements as part of the cruise industry’s continuous efforts to review and improve safety measures by developing comprehensive best practices for industry-wide implementation and, ultimately, formal submission to the International Maritime Organization, as appropriate.  Each of these policies will be reported to the IMO for consideration at its next session in November.

A full version of the Nationality of Passengers policy can be accessed at http://www.cruising.org/regulatory/clia-policy-recording-nationality-passengers.  The Common Elements of Musters and Emergency

Instructions policy is available at http://www.cruising.org/regulatory/clia-policy-common-elements-musters-and-emergency-instructions.  All CLIA policies can be viewed at http://cruising.org/regulatory/cruise-industry-policies.

CLIA announced the launch of the Review on January 27, 2012.  As part of the Review, in February, the global cruise industry instituted a new policy requiring mandatory emergency muster drills for embarking passengers prior to departure from port. In March, the industry put forth recommendations to the IMO supporting enhanced reporting requirements to improve the consistency and transparency of marine casualty data.  In April, it announced three policies addressing issues related to passage planning, personnel access to the bridge and lifejackets.  Additional best practices and policies developed through the Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review will be announced and implemented on an ongoing basis.

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Holland America Line has added three new segments to ms Amsterdam’s 75-day Grand Asia & Australia Voyage in fall 2012. Ranging from 20 to 30 days, the new segments set sail in October and November and span from China to California.

The full voyage departs Seattle, Wash., Sept. 21 and explores the wonders of Asia, Western Australia and the South Pacific on a 75-day cruise. The new segments still offer comprehensive and intriguing voyages, just shorter. Guests on any of these new segments will enjoy overnight calls, late departures and plenty of time to discover this magical part of the world.

“These segments are a great option for travelers who want an exotic cruise but don’t have the time to take the full voyage,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “We already have several segments to choose from on this Grand Voyage, but the three new additions allow us to cater to our travelers with endless possibilities in terms of which countries they want to see in a shorter period of time.”

The first new segment is a 30-day voyage from Xingang (Beijing), China, to Sydney, Australia, departing Oct. 12, 2012. Guests begin their voyage with an overnight call in Beijing where they can visit historic sites such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Great Wall and National Stadium/"Bird's Nest" from the 2008 Olympics. Three additional overnights in Shanghai, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore, provide guests with an in-depth experience and allow for time to take a tour, visit the sites, go shopping and indulge in local cuisine.

Additional highlights on this segment include calls in Vietnam, three ports in Indonesia —including Semarang with the impressive Borobudur Temple and Komodo Island, home to the infamous Komodo dragon — a call in Papua New Guinea and three calls in Australia.

Fares for the 30-day segment from Xingang (Beijing) to Sydney begin at $4,499 per person, double occupancy.

The new 20-day segment from Hong Kong to Brisbane, Australia, embarks Oct. 20 and departs Oct. 21 following an overnight alongside in the bustling Chinese city. This segment also calls in Vietnam, Semarang and Komodo, Indonesia, with an overnight in Singapore. Following calls in Darwin, Australia, and Papua New Guinea, the voyage concludes in Brisbane.

Fares for the 20-day segment from Hong Kong to Brisbane begin at $2,999 per person, double occupancy.

Guests looking to combine exciting port calls throughout Eastern Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific with leisurely days at sea can embark on the new 27-day segment sailing from Brisbane to San Diego on Nov. 9, 2012. In addition to Eden, Australia, guests will have an overnight call in Sydney where they can visit the famed Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge or go in search of a cuddly koala.

New Zealand is the ship’s next destination, with calls in Waitangi (Bay of Islands) and Auckland, the City of Sails. Amsterdam continues to sail across the Pacific Ocean with calls in Lautoka, Fiji; Apia, Samoa Island, and three ports in the Hawaiian Islands before arriving in San Diego. Guests will achieve two cruising milestones while on this segment: crossing the international dateline and crossing the equator.

Fares for the 27-day segment from Brisbane to San Diego begin at $4,199 per person, double occupancy.

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Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it has engaged celebrity chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian to create and oversee a seafood concept to open May 2013 on the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway.

The restaurant, Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, is envisioned as a luxury seafood dining experience, utilizing all of the ingredients and techniques that Zakarian would employ in a land-based establishment.  In addition to the dining room that will focus on elegant modern presentations, Zakarian will have The Raw Bar, an adjacent bar highlighting crustaceans and wines by the glass; and Ocean Blue on The Waterfront, a more casual dining option serving fun and easy fare.  With an eye for detail, Zakarian will orchestrate not only the menus, but every aspect of his dining areas, from the uniforms to the glassware. On select sailings, Zakarian will also host meet-and-greets with Norwegian Breakaway guests, along with in-person cooking demonstrations and intimate cooking experiences for smaller groups.

“It is an unbelievably exciting prospect to create a concept for such a groundbreaking ship. I am nostalgic at heart, so the thought of making a modern experience that harkens to the age of steamship travel is just terrific,” said Geoffrey Zakarian.  “I am planning, preparing and recruiting for this restaurant the same as if I were opening on land, and truly, I have been humbled and inspired by Norwegian’s vision to elevate hospitality on the seas.”

Zakarian’s taste, style and passion for fine cuisine have defined his career, which has spanned more than 25 years. An accomplished chef who has presided over some of the country’s top kitchens, he currently has two popular restaurants in New York City – The Lambs Club and The National; one in Atlantic City – The Water Club at Borgata; and a highly acclaimed cookbook “Geoffrey Zakarian’s Town/Country: 150 Recipes for Life Around the Table.” Zakarian emerged victorious in the recent fourth season of Food Network’s The Next Iron Chef, Super Chefs. He appears regularly on Iron Chef America, demonstrating a razor-sharp knowledge of culinary techniques in this fast-paced cooking competition. When he’s not battling in the kitchen stadium, Zakarian stays busy filming CHOPPED, where he is featured as a recurring judge, and highlights his favorite dishes on The Best Thing I Ever Ate.

“Geoffrey Zakarian is a renowned and critically acclaimed chef who has deep roots in New York City having begun his career at Le Cirque and the legendary 21 Club,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.  “Working with Geoffrey is like hitting the culinary lottery. In this case, not only do we win big, but so do our guests on Norwegian Breakaway who will get to experience his world-class cuisine in three dining outlets on the ship. We couldn’t be more excited to have Geoffrey on board with us and add yet another New York element to Norwegian Breakaway.”

Currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year-round homeport of New York City in early May 2013. The ship will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12, 2013.  From October 2013 through April 2014, the ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas & Florida and the Southern Caribbean.

Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest ship ever to home port in New York City and will embark on weekly cruises from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.  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 in the City.

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