Pride of Hawai`i to be re-named Norwegian Jade and sail a mix of European itineraries to the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Baltic, British Isles and the North Cape. Norwegian Jade joins sisters Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jewel for extended 2008 season.

NCL Corporation announced that it will place three of its newest Jewel-class ships in Europe beginning in March 2008 in response to increased consumer demand for European cruises. The company will re-flag Pride of Hawai`i into the Bahamas registry and re-name her Norwegian Jade after a short wet dock in Honolulu in February 2008. Norwegian Jade will join her sister ships Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jewel in Europe in 2008 offering NCL's largest and most varied European deployment ever. Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jewel itineraries will go on sale April 17 and Norwegian Jade's itineraries will go on sale April 24.

"The combination of our new and varied itineraries, the choice of three new sister ships, along with an extended season, will make for an unforgettable Freestyle Cruising experience for guests who explore Europe with us in 2008," said Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL Corporation. "In particular, Freestyle Cruising gives them the freedom and flexibility to explore and make the most of the culture-rich European destinations without worrying about returning to the ship for a set dining time."

Norwegian Jade will be the first to arrive in Europe at the end of March 2008, staying through the end of November. The ship will sail a unique mix of 12-, 13- and 14-day Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruises, beginning with a number of 12-day cruises departing from Barcelona, Istanbul, and Athens (Piraeus) with a variety of ports including Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, and Venice, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Ephesus, Turkey; Mykonos, Santorini, Iraklion, Crete, Corfu and Katakolon, Greece; and Alexandria, Egypt.

Norwegian Jade will then reposition from her spring Mediterranean base to Southampton in the UK for a series of cruises to the Mediterranean, North Cape, Western Europe and British Isles.

In an NCL first, Norwegian Jade will offer several sailings out of the UK designed specifically for the local UK market, departing roundtrip from London (Southampton). These include a pair of two-day sampler cruises and four 14-day Western Mediterranean cruises roundtrip from London (Southampton) with stops in Malaga (Cordoba), Spain; an overnight in Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Gibraltar; Lisbon, Portugal; and Vigo, Spain.

Norwegian Jade's 12-day North Cape itinerary roundtrip from London (Southampton) will cruise the North Sea with several stops in Norway, cross the Arctic Circle and cruise by the Svartisen Glacier. The ship's 13-day Around the British Isles and Northern Europe itinerary roundtrip from London (Southampton) will visit France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. Two 13-day Western Europe itineraries will depart from London (Southampton) to Barcelona or Barcelona to London (Southampton) and visit Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, and Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy; Granada (Malaga), Spain; Gibraltar; Seville (Cadiz), Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Vigo, Spain.

Norwegian Gem, NCL's newest ship, complete with bowling alley, arrives in Europe in early May after her winter season in New York and will sail seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises roundtrip from Barcelona through November 9, 2008. The Western Mediterranean itinerary includes stops in Valletta, Malta; Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; and Nice (Villefranche), France.

Returning for her third season in Europe in early May, Norwegian Jewel will replace Norwegian Dream, sailing a Baltic Capitals itinerary roundtrip from London (Dover) through mid-September. The 12-day sailings will run from May 5 through August 23 with stops in Copenhagen, Denmark; Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; two days in St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. On August 9, the ship will offer a two-day sampler cruise from London (Dover) specifically designed for the UK market. A final 13-day sailing departing on September 4 will include a stop in Oslo, Norway.

Pride of Hawai`i becomes Norwegian Jade
Pride of Hawai`i will continue her seven-day roundtrip Honolulu cruises through the January 28, 2008 cruise. The ship will enter wet dock on February 6 where she will receive modifications including the addition of a casino and new hull artwork. The ship will be re-named Norwegian Jade and will be showcased during inaugural events in both Los Angeles and Miami. After a series of repositioning cruises, the ship will arrive in Barcelona for her first 12-day cruise beginning on March 30, 2008.

As a Jewel-class ship and a sister to Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade features all the attributes of NCL's purpose-built ships for Freestyle Cruising. Norwegian Jade features a vast array of accommodations including the very popular Villa complex at the top of the ship. This "ship within a ship" complex features two luxurious Garden Villas with their own private gardens and sun decks, 10 Courtyard Villas sharing a private courtyard, pool and sundeck on deck 14, and a spectacular top-of-the-ship Owner's Suite. Here, guests can enjoy an exclusive private haven while still experiencing all the amenities, and Freestyle flexibility, of a big ship. The ship features multiple lively public rooms, 10 restaurants, NCL's Bar Central area - the brand's popular new entertainment concept first introduced on Norwegian Jewel and impressive on board amenities.

NCL is on target to have the youngest fleet in the industry by the end of 2007 with the introduction of Norwegian Gem, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

NCL Weekly Specials

Largest NCL European Deployment Ever!
Beginning March 2008, Norwegian Jade will join sister ships Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jewel for NCL’s largest deployment ever to Europe. NCL has extended the 2008 season to meet the increasing demand for travel to Europe.

• Norwegian Jade 12-, 13- & 14-day Europe from London, Barcelona, Istanbul, and Athens 3/30/08 - 11/18/08 (6/1 & 6/15/08 open for sale Friday, April 27. 5/30/08 sailing not yet open for sale)

NCL Caribbean and Bahamas from New York.
Sail anywhere from 6 to 10 days to fantastic ports all over the Caribbean and the clear waters of the Bahamas, all from the Big Apple.

• Norwegian Spirit 6-day Bahamas from New York 4/13/08 - 8/31/08
• Norwegian Spirit 8-day Eastern Caribbean from New York 4/19/08 - 8/23/08
• Norwegian Gem 7-day Bahamas from New York 11/29/08 - 12/27/08; 2/14/09 – 4/11/09
• Norwegian Gem 10-day Southern Caribbean from New York 1/4/09 - 2/4/09

NCL Bermuda from Boston, Charleston, Baltimore and Philadelphia or New York.
Explore Bermuda’s pink sand beaches from any of the ports below convenient to you.

• Norwegian Dream 7-day Bermuda from Boston 5/11/08 - 8/24/08; 9/28/08 - 10/26/08
• Norwegian Majesty 7-day Bermuda from Charleston, Baltimore and Philadelphia 4/19/08 - 6/14/08; 6/21/08 - 8/23/08; 8/30/08 - 9/27/08
• Norwegian Dawn 7-day Bermuda from New York 4/20/08 - 8/24/08; 9/28/08 - 10/26/08

The expanded options are staggering: new itineraries, an extended season in Europe, beautiful beaches, not to mention our brand new ships Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jade. NCL's Freestyle Cruising® offers activities like on-board bowling, a wide variety of international restaurants and bars, and stunning accommodations like our Garden and Courtyard Villas.

NCL Increases Calls to The Bahamas. NCL adds 32 cruises between 2007 and 2009 with calls in The Bahamas, 28 of these to be made by NCL's new "It" Girl, Norwegian Gem.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that it will return to Grand Bahama Island beginning next month and is increasing calls to The Bahamas, adding a total of 32 cruises between 2007 and 2009. Twenty-eight of these calls will be made by NCL's new "It" Girl, Norwegian Gem, which entered service on October 1, 2007. Norwegian Jewel will make the first stop in Grand Bahama, along with a stop in Nassau, during a three-day Bahamas Getaway cruise on November 15, 2007, sailing roundtrip from Miami.

"This deployment reaffirms NCL's long standing commitment to its relationship with The Bahamas which began some forty years ago. NCL was the first of the major cruise lines to call at The Bahamas and was the first in the industry to own and include a private island experience in our itineraries, at Great Stirrup Cay in the Berry Islands," said Andy Stuart, NCL's executive vice president of marketing, sales and passenger services. "We also have a long history of pioneering the development of new cruise destinations and we are pleased to be a part of establishing Grand Bahama Island as a major cruise destination."

Norwegian Gem, carrying approximately 2,400 passengers, will sail seven-day Bahamas and Florida itineraries roundtrip from New York in December 2007, February, March, April and December 2008, with stops in both Grand Bahama Island and Nassau, along with NCL's private island, Great Stirrup Cay and Port Canaveral, Florida. In 2009, the ship will sail the same itinerary from January through April.

Norwegian Jade, a Jewel-class ship built specifically for Freestyle Cruising, has three scheduled seven-day Bahamas and Florida sailings roundtrip from New York on December 14, 21 and 28, 2008 with stops in Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, along with Port Canaveral.

NCL decided to return to Grand Bahama Island after being invited by the Ministry of Tourism to experience all the island had to offer. NCL's development team toured the area for the new cruise port facility, visited with the dolphins at UNEXSO, enjoyed a rugged Safari Jeep Tour exploring the nature trails of Grand Bahama and took an air boat tour through the mangroves.

"The decision by Norwegian Cruise Line to return to Grand Bahama is welcome news," said Minister Neko Grant, The Bahamas' Minister of Tourism and Aviation. "It reaffirms NCL's commitment to servicing the Islands of The Bahamas."

Cruise Search The Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet
Norwegian Dawn - Norwegian Dream - Norwegian Gem - Norwegian Jade - Norwegian Jewel - Norwegian Majesty
Norwegian Pearl - Norwegian Sky - Norwegian Spirit - Norwegian Star - Norwegian Sun - Pride of America

NCL America Debuts New Lu‘au on Kaua‘i.
Honolulu - NCL America (NCLA), in partnership with Kilohana Plantation and NH Productions, hosted a grand opening of its brand new lu‘au and dinner show for the community on Friday, April 27. Lu‘au Kalamaku promises to be one of Hawai‘i’s most exciting and entertaining experiences offered nowhere else in the islands. The experience will offer traditional Hawaiian games, arts and craft lessons, a hula show and a theatrical production. Guests will also have the opportunity to sample popular island favorites lomi lomi salmon, poi, taro bread and kalua pig catered by Gaylord’s Restaurant.

A train ride on Kaua‘i Plantation Railway or a vintage Clydesdale carriage ride through the plantation’s 35-acre estate will also be available as additional featured activities. “Hawai‘i is a very special place and passengers cruising NCL America ships are here to experience Hawaiian culture and learn about Hawai‘i’s heritage,” said Robert Kritzman NCL America Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Hawai‘i Operations. “Lu‘au Kalamaku tells a tale about Hawaiian culture and values through a one-of-a-kind theatrical performance which weaves in ancient and modern dances from the Tahitian, Hawaiian and American traditions.”

Lu‘au Kalamaku is a heartwarming story created by well-known director, producer and performer Haunani Asing Marston and Nanea Tuttle of NH Productions. Marston, a former Miss Hawai‘i, recently returned to Kaua‘i after working for four years in Washington D.C. with the Congress on Homeland Security issues. Marston produced, directed and starred in the Princeville Hotel Lu‘au, “Nani Hanalei o ke kai,” for five years and prior to that produced, directed and starred in Tahiti Nui Family Style Lu‘au, “Aloha Kaua‘i,” for 14 years. Her credits also include stage productions of “South Pacific” at Kilohana Plantation, “Monarchy Nights,” “Some Enchanted Evenings,” and “After Eight” from Big Band Productions/Lionman Records.

The original storyline, which will feature an all Kaua‘i cast, tells the tale of one family’s journey from Tahiti to Kaua‘i. Original music for the production was created by Marston, Halani Boshard and Michael Ruff and choreographed in a collaborative effort by some of Kaua‘i’s top talent, including Kathleen and Alani Woodward, former Merrie Monarch Miss Aloha Hula and Kumu Hula Healani Youn, Kumu Hula Doric Yarvis, Pualani Avaeoru, and Stephania Zenato.

"This production celebrates the inner fire and determination of ancient people who endured the separation of time and the great unknown during early migration,” said Marston. “The flamed torch passed from generation to generation, illuminating the path for others to follow, true warriors of light. Our people have also been expert cultivators, seeking and cherishing the seeds of wisdom and spiritual guidance from Ke Akua, voices of ancestors and ‘aumakua call. In response, we answer...Mahalo e ‘Io, which means thank you to our god whose name is ‘Io.”

NCLA renovated and upgraded the existing carriage house at Kilohana Plantation which now includes a new pavilion structure that spans the back lawn and will have the capacity to accommodate 1,000 guests. The structure ensures the show will go on even during inclement weather. The shows for passengers will run Monday, Thursday and Saturday evenings when NCLA ships overnight in Kaua‘i. Incentive groups, other visitors and residents of Kaua‘i will have the opportunity to book the show on alternative nights at a later date. NCLA began running the show for its cruise guests on April 5, 2007.

“By adding ships and more departure points, we will continue to meet the strong demand for cruising to Bermuda from the East Coast," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO.  “And now, for the first time, we have positioned Norwegian Dawn, one of our panamax ships that is purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising, on a New York to Bermuda seven-day itinerary offering three full days in Bermuda.”

Cruising to Bermuda.
Norwegian Dawn returns to New York from Miami in mid-April 2008 and for the first time embarks on a series of seven-day sailings to Bermuda through August 24, 2008 and then again from September 28 through October 26, 2008, replacing Norwegian Crown. Departing on Sundays, the cruises feature three full days in Bermuda at King’s Wharf. 

Between August 31 and September 21, 2008, Norwegian Dawn will sail a series of seven-day Canada/New England cruises* from New York. On November 2, 2008, Norwegian Dawn will sail a 13-day Circle the Caribbean repositioning cruise* to Miami, her homeport for the winter, with stops in Samana, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; St. John's, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.

Norwegian Dream begins an inaugural season out of Boston, offering a series of seven-day sailings to Bermuda departing on Sundays from May 11 through August 24, 2008 and again from September 28 to October 26, 2008. Norwegian Dream replaces the extremely popular Norwegian Majesty, which has been sailing out of Boston to Bermuda since 1998, offering a new option to many people who have sailed to Bermuda in the past aboard Norwegian Majesty.  From August 31 to September 21, 2008, the ship will sail a series of seven-day Canada/New England cruises*.

Norwegian Majesty begins sailing seven-day Bermuda cruises from Charleston on April 19, 2008, followed by a five-day Bermuda cruise on June 14, 2008.  On June 21, 2008, Norwegian Majesty returns to Baltimore for the first time since 2004 and embarks on a series of nine seven-day cruises from Baltimore to Bermuda, departing on Saturdays.   A six-day sailing from Baltimore to Bermuda on August 23, 2008 is scheduled before the ship repositions to Philadelphia.

On August 30, 2008, Norwegian Majesty begins a series of five seven-day sailings to Bermuda from Philadelphia with Saturday departures. In October 2008, Norwegian Majesty will sail a series of seven-day Canada/New England cruises*.

A 14-day Bahamas and Caribbean repositioning cruise* on November 1, 2008 from Philadelphia to Charleston includes stops in Nassau, Bahamas; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Samana, Dominican Republic; and Great Stirrup Cay.  Upon her return to Charleston, the ship will commence sailing a seven-day Western Caribbean* itinerary from November 15, 2008 through April 25, 2009.