Norwegian Cruise Line Announces New Terminal at PortMiami

Posted on 7 March, 2018 by Spacejunkie2

Cruising from Miami is about to become even more stylish. Norwegian Cruise Line has announced plans for a new and exclusive terminal at PortMiami slated for completion by fall 2019, just in time to welcome Norwegian Encore to her homeport where she will offer seasonal cruises to The Caribbean. Pending final approval by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, the project will begin May 2018.

“Norwegian has been sailing from Miami for over fifty years, longer than any other cruise line, and we are honored to be partnering with PortMiami and Miami-Dade County to construct an iconic terminal that will contribute to Miami’s world-famous skyline and strengthen its position as the Cruise Capital of the World,” said Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “We look forward to welcoming Norwegian Encore and the thousands of guests sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line and her sister brands to this state-of-the-art terminal.”

So if you’re cruising from Miami, what can you expect? At nearly 166,500 square feet, the new Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal, designed by Miami-based global architecture firm Bermello Ajamil & Partners, will accommodate ships of up to 5,000 passengers, and feature new technology to support faster and more efficient embarkation and disembarkation processes, as well as expedited security screening and luggage check-in.

Groups and charters will also feel a warm welcome arriving at a dedicated lounge and service area. A new parking garage and valet parking area with direct access to the terminal and lounge are also scheduled to be completed. The project will be constructed to LEED Silver standards, focusing on innovation in design and terminal operation to create a platform that will optimize energy performance, indoor air quality, water efficiencies and maximize the use of local materials and resources.

The modern terminal design draws inspiration from a nautilus, with a spiralled and multi-level façade opening up to grand ocean views. Innovative lighting, inviting indoor and outdoor waiting areas, and other guest-centric elements will enhance the overall passenger experience in what will surely be a gem in Miami’s skyline. Take a look at renderings of PortMiami’s upcoming Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal below.

PortMiami Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ momentum accelerates into 2018

Posted on 28 February, 2018 by Spacejunkie2

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ net income rose 23% last year to $780 million, as European pricing and bookings recovered faster than expected and the booking curve extended to a near-optimal length.

Revenue rose 10.7%, to $5.4 billion.

The Wave season for 2018 has started strong and the outlook for 2018 is bullish, driven by a strong economy and consumer demand, CEO Frank Del Rio said.

“This year is by far the most excited, the most energized and the most optimistic I have ever been at the start of a new year,” Frank Del Rio said.

He said the strong demand environment of late 2016 and 2017 has “accelerated through this year’s early Wave season, as both the number of bookings sold and the price points achieved reach record levels” across all three brands — Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises.

“Our overall booked position during the first seven weeks of 2018 further improved compared to the same time last year,” he said.

He said on average NCLH guests are booking five weeks earlier than at the end of 2016.

Del Rio said the weak link if there is one, is China. “I don’t think China is hitting on all cylinders as it can,” he said, referencing the continued tensions with South Korea and the resulting uniformity of short cruise itineraries, which can only visit Japan. Nevertheless, he said China was profitable in 2017.

The first plate of steel for Norwegian Encore

Posted on 18 February, 2018 by Spacejunkie2

Encore

Executives from NCL and Meyer Werft gather in Germany to cut the first plate of steel for Norwegian Encore

Yesterday Norwegian Cruise Line marked the start of construction for its newest ship, Norwegian Encore. Norwegian’s latest addition to its fleet will sail the Caribbean from Miami seasonally beginning fall 2019.

“Norwegian Encore will be the ultimate Breakaway Plus Class vessel and we are thrilled to celebrate the start of construction for this incredible new ship,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer for Norwegian Cruise Line.

“Over 50 years ago the Norwegian brand began creating unforgettable vacation moments with the first inter-island cruise in the Caribbean from Miami. We continue building on our legacy of innovation with this brand-new state-of-the-art vessel perfect for exploring the natural beauty of some of the most remarkable islands in the world.”

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Meyer Werft executives gathered at the Meyer Werft Laser Center in Papenburg, Germany and cut the first plate of steel, marking the ceremonial start of construction of Norwegian Encore, which is due for delivery on October 31, 2019.

Norwegian Encore will be the seventeenth ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and the line’s fourth and final ship in the Breakaway Plus Class, the most successful Class in the brand’s history.

At approximately 167,800 gross tons and accommodating 4,000 guests, Norwegian Encore will sail weekly seven-day Caribbean cruises each Sunday from Port Miami, offering guests the superior service, world-class entertainment, signature dining and onboard experiences that Norwegian Cruise Line is known for.

The ship will be available for reservations in March 2018– so not long to wait until further details emerge!