Epic News: NCL Shows Solo Travelers Love, Partners with Nickelodeon

 

Expect to see a lot of this guy this summer

Finally, solo travelers are getting some love from the cruise lines. Well, Norwegian Cruise Line at least—but it's a start. The cruise line made the announcment Wednesday that 128 studios on NCL Epic, which debuts in July, will be designed and priced specifically for solo travelers.

Maria Miller, NCL's senior vice president of marketing, said there was great cruise demand by solo travelers but that the cruise lines had made "low penetration" in marketing to this segment, which, she said, represents around 100 million people in the U.S. "We are making it more comfortable for solo travelers," she said.

And cheaper. NCL will do away with the pricing penalty usually set aside for solo travelers, as well as ending the single supplement. The news drew cheers by the some 300 travel agents in New York aboard Norwegian Gem, which was hosting the Epic event.

The studios will be on decks 11 and 12 and require key-card access into the area, which also includes a private lounge with bar. Each studio is only 100 square feet, but ingeniously designed to make smart use of each inch. There is even a snappy looking stand-alone frosted-glass shower, separate from the toilet. Moreover, we think these rooms would be great for a girls' or guys' getaway: 90 of the studios will be connecting. All studios are inside rooms that look out onto the corridor. "This is breaking the mold, Miller said, " and giving respect to solo travelers." She said the studios will be priced starting at $799 and go on sale January 18.

After that announcment, agents were met with more news: NCL and Nickelodeon signed a multi-year partnership in which select Norwegian ships will feature Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming all year long. The programming will begin in April on Norwegian Jewel and this summer on Norwegian Epic. Expect a plethora of entertainment: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more. The three-year partnership also includes select specialty Nickelodeon-themed cruises each year, featuring Nickelodeon TV stars, show premieres and continuous themed-entertainment on the ship.

"At a time when families are seeking special travel experiences, we see an opportunity to build on the success of our previous Nickelodeon cruises to create a unique family cruise vacation experience with Norwegian Cruise Line," said Howard Smith, executive vice president, Nickelodeon Recreation. "By partnering with Norwegian, we are now able to offer families Nickelodeon entertainment and programming at sea all year long."

Each cruise will feature live Nickelodeon-themed interactive shows, including: SlimeTime LIVE! with Nick’s signature slime; Nick Live! Poolside entertainment; character breakfasts and meet and greets; Nick-themed dance parties; and more. Nickelodeon-themed elements will also be incorporated into Norwegian’s Kids’ Crew program.