Norwegian Cruise Line to bring additional ship to Europe

@Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has re-jigged its 2019 and 2020 itineraries, which will see it deploy a sixth ship in Europe next summer.

The 2,400-passenger Norwegian Pearl will offer itineraries from Amsterdam, Rome, Barcelona, and Venice.

Also next summer, Norwegian Joy will join sister ship Norwegian Bliss sailing seasonally in Alaska, and will offer Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal voyages in winter 2019/2020, while Norwegian Jade and Jewel will significantly expand Norwegian’s presence in Australasia in winter 2019/2020.

Norwegian Spirit will sail seasonally in China beginning summer 2020.

"The booming demand environment in our core markets around the world, coupled with Norwegian Bliss’ record-breaking performance, continue to exceed our expectations," said president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Frank Del Rio.

"As a result, we are leveraging the strategic benefits of our growing fleet to quickly seize sizable opportunities in over performing, unserved and underserved markets to meet the demands of our global customer base and drive higher returns for our shareholders."

In April 2019, Norwegian Joy will reposition to Seattle to offer seven-day voyages to Alaska, replacing Norwegian Pearl as NCL’s third ship in the region, joining Norwegian Bliss and Jewel.

Prior to her arrival in Seattle, Norwegian Joy will undergo approximately $50 million in upgrades so her design and offerings will be virtually identical to those of her sister ship, Norwegian Bliss, the newest and most successful ship in the line’s 51-year history.

To complement Norwegian Bliss’ itineraries and provide guests with more places to explore and experience in Alaska, Norwegian Joy will cruise a variety of itineraries featuring Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Holkham Bay and Icy Strait Point. She will also call into Victoria, British Columbia.

"Norwegian Cruise Line expanded the Alaska cruise experience as the first line to sail to the state from Seattle over 24 years ago," said president and CEO of NCL Andy Stuart.

"I am extremely excited to further strengthen our presence in the region with the addition of Norwegian Joy, sister ship to Norwegian Bliss, the most successful ship in our 51-year history.

"With $50 million in enhancements including the addition of a Starbucks store as well as enhanced restaurant, bar and entertainment options, Norwegian Joy will be a welcome addition for guests looking to cruise on a world-class ship in one of the world’s most sought after destinations."

Following her inaugural Alaska season, Norwegian Joy will sail to Los Angeles for a season of Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal voyages in winter 2019/2020.

Norwegian Joy’s new itineraries will be open for sale on July 24, 2018.

Norwegian Joy’s seasonal sailings in Los Angeles in winter 2019/2020 allows for Norwegian Jewel, which will be refurbished this autumn, to return to Australia/New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific for a third year of seasonal cruises from Honolulu, Papeete, Sydney, Auckland, Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo (Yokohama).

The 2,400 passenger ship will sail throughout southeast Asia departing from Singapore and Hong Kong in winter 2019/2020.

Port of call highlights include high demand locations such as Phuket, Langkawi, Penang, Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) and Ha Long Bay.

In addition, Norwegian Jade will offer several itineraries through the Suez Canal and Indian Ocean featuring calls in Greece, Israel, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Maldives, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand.