Norwegian Cruise Line invested more than $250 million in “Norwegian NEXT,” a program focused on upgrading the Norwegian fleet, with the goal of building on the success of the line’s two new ships: Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway.
Norwegian NEXT encompasses ship revitalizations, dining enhancements, new experiences in entertainment and guest activities, as well as innovations in technology, new tropical destinations and the line’s commitment to the environment. Through 2015, the company plans to revitalize a number of vessels, including Norwegian Jewel, which just re-entered service following dry dock, along with Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Spirit, which were also recently refurbished.
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Norwegian reinvented its dining experience at sea with the line’s Freestyle Dining concept, which it is debuting alongside new menus in complimentary dining rooms and Garden Cafes that offer more variety and choice, including numerous new dishes. New food and beverage venues are also being introduced across the fleet. Norwegian Jewel is the first to be retrofitted with the complimentary dining venue O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill. The line is also adding the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, first introduced on Norwegian Getaway, to Norwegian Jewel, adjacent to the new location of the Moderno Churrascaria restaurant. In addition, treats from Carlo’s Bake Shop by Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s Cake Boss and Next Great Baker, will be included on all ships.
Along with dining, Norwegian is also making enhancements to its beverage program. A partnership with the Michael Mondavi Family introduced a new wine menu across the fleet and the family is curating wine concepts for Norwegian’s upcoming new ships. A new destination-based handcrafted beverage program, developed in partnership with James Beard Award-nominated mixologist Gabriel Orta of Miami-based Bar Lab Cocktails, is bringing guests seasonal specialty cocktails with a local twist. There will also be further fleet wide beverage training of bartenders, wine stewards and restaurant managers.
The line’s new H2GLOW Party, first introduced on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, will also be rolled out fleet wide. The line is producing a series of new shows at its recently opened 45,000-square-foot rehearsal facility, Norwegian Creative Studios, in Tampa, Florida. From acrobats in “Elements,” to the 15-foot revolving showgirl staircase in “Paradis” to a full rock band in “Rock of Ages,” Norwegian’s entertainment will be customized for every ship and itinerary with line-ups that will change regularly. With a focus on family, Norwegian’s five ships that include exclusive Nickelodeon entertainment will offer new activities, dining experiences, and more ways to interact with Nickelodeon favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants.
Updated pre-cruise planning experiences also give guests the opportunity to easily design their vacation. Once on board, there is wireless internet access from bow to stern along with interactive digital displays that are being added fleet wide. These touch screen signs will allow guests to order specialty items, get directions and reserve dining and shore excursions simply with a scan of their stateroom key. Guests can also take advantage of Norwegian’s iConcierge mobile application to manage their cruise experience and stay in touch with fellow cruisers and family at home.
The line is also making an effort to reduce its impact on the environment through its Eco-Smart Cruising programs and will install exhaust gas scrubbers on six ships, in addition to those that are already being fitted on Pride of America and the company’s two new builds, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss.
Enhancements continue on the line’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, with the opening of the Bacardi Bar. In addition, the line is developing a new eco-friendly cruise destination, Harvest Caye, in southern Belize. The 75-acre experience is planned to open in fall 2015 and will offer guests the option to take shore excursions on the mainland or enjoy the shopping village, water sports or beach area on the island.
For more information, visit www.ncl.com.