Travel Agent - May 26, 2008 - (Page 64)

CRUISES Norwegian Cruise Line’s Newest PRIDE AND JOY Sweeping changes and ambitious planning keep NCL at the front lines of the industry major enhancements to its current on-board product. The new ships will not be released until 2010, but guests can whet their appetites with the upgrades, revisions and changes NCL is introducing with Freestyle 2.0. Significant investments began in March 2008 and are underway for every ship in the fleet, which BY JENNIFER GLATT IT’S NOT OFTEN THAT YOU GET TO WITNESS THE BIRTH of something that will grow to almost 150,000 tons. But in late April, at Aker Yards in the tiny seaside town of Saint-Nazaire, France, Travel Agent was on hand for the keel-laying of Norwegian Cruise Line’s (www.ncl.com) newest ship. “The F3 ships are the most innovative and important project in NCL’s history,” says Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO. “These ships will further deconstruct the traditional cruise ship experience with innovations in design, accommodations, luxury and entertainment to create a cutting-edge resort vacation experience unlike any other at sea.” Cabin mock-ups are the first innovation to be revealed, and the F3 cabins throw away the rulebook. The most distinctive design element is its curved walls and lines, creating a modern, chic look. Clever division of the shower stall and the water closet maximizes living space. Gone is the bathroom “box within a box,” says Veitch. “We’re taking the walls away.” Additionally, the staterooms feature concealed contour LED lighting and backlit domed ceilings, as well as a sophisticated earth-tone palette accented with a splash of color and rich, dark wood. The new ship design will offer 60 percent more guest space than NCL’s largest ships to date, which will be used to provide guests with an even wider range of on-board activities, amenities and stateroom options. The ship’s cabin mix will feature an unprecedented 100 percent of outside staterooms with private balconies. In total, each new ship will have more than 1,400 balcony staterooms. In the meantime, NCL is embarking on 64 | TravelAgent May 26, 2008 will include major upgrades to the total dining experience; stateroom upgrades across all categories; increased quality and variety of on-board activities for guests of all ages; and services and amenities for Balcony, Suite and Villa staterooms. Project leaders expect the Freestyle 2.0 enhancements to be complete on http://www.ncl.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - May 26, 2008

Travel Agent - May 26, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Las Vegas: New Luxury Lounges and Gourmet Restaurants Lure Non-Gambling Vacationers Europe: Bettoja Hotels Provide a Personal Touch in Italy Pacific/Asia: Kyoto Blends History and Culture in a Serene City Pacific/Asia News and Notes Mexico: Food and Service Entice at Four All-Inclusive Riviera Maya Hotels Special Supplement: The Best of Portugal with Pestana and Pousadas Mexico Deals Caribbean: Region Makes Great Strides in the Ecotour Niche Caribbean News and Notes Cruises: A look at the Swiss Sapphire River Cruiser from its Christening and Inaugural Sailing Norwegian Cruise Lines offers something new Cover Story: Selling Golf Hotels: Golf Resorts with the Budget Golfer in Mind Resorts on Florida’s Gulf Coast Offer Getaway Deals for Summer and Fall Going for Gold: Hertz Incentive Program Encourages Agents to Book Car Rentals Tours: Summer Tour Packages Make the World Affordable for Your Clients Agent Profile: Connie Majors Goes the Extra Mile Members Know: American Express Joins the Networking Bandwagon Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar What Makes a Professional Agent? Hawaii Tourism Adjusts to Changes Asia is the Hot New Cruise Destination The Latest Caribbean Trends In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - May 26, 2008

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