NCL to Build 2 New Freestyle Ships

I have to admit that I happen to really enjoy Freestyle cruising.  After spending 35 years watching the clock and the daily calendar, it is a great thing to be able to take a cruise and follow no one’s schedule but your own.  As I have stated before, NCL’s Freestyle Cruising is not for everyone.  But those who enjoy the flexibility and the wide choice of dining options generally stick to NCL for all their cruising choices.  So for these fans, the following news should be music to their ears:

Following the successful launch of Norwegian Epic, the Company’s largest and most innovative ship to date, Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it has reached an agreement with MEYER WERFT GMBH of Germany to build two new next generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in spring 2013 and spring 2014, respectively.  Each of the 143,500 gross ton vessels, the largest passenger/cruise ships to be built in Germany, will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths and a rich cabin mix. Additional details about each ship’s new and exciting features will be released as construction progresses. The contract price for the two vessels is approximately €1.2 billion.  The Company has committed financing in place from a syndicate of banks for export credit financing in connection with this project.

“We have always been focused on a disciplined approach to capacity growth. Our decision to add two new ships reflects the significant progress we have made in improving our operating performance and repositioning the Company over the last several years, as well as the strong market demand we are seeing for Norwegian Epic and our other ships,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.  “Building on the incredible success and popularity of Norwegian Epic, we are taking the best of what our newest ship has to offer, as well as drawing on our legacy of innovation in the cruise industry, in creating a new class of Freestyle Cruising vessel that is sure to provide our guests with the unparalleled freedom and flexibility they have come to expect on a Norwegian cruise.”

Can’t wait for the new ships?  Your iCruise.com expert can find an NCL cruise that’s ready for you now.  Prices for this fall are very attractive across the fleet of 11 NCL ships.  Ask about our exclusive Cruise Combos that feature cruise, hotel, transfers and other amenities.  Current NCL Cruise Combos include Epic Caribbean, Epic Europe, Spirit New Orleans and Pride of America Hawaii.  Call 800-iCRUISE  (800-427-8473) for details.