Norwegian Cruise Line Hires Lifeguards After Multiple Child Deaths

Posted on 21 April, 2017 by Spacejunkie2

Me on the Norwegian Star, Pool side

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced that the line will begin employing certified lifeguards at all of the family pools across their fleet.

Disney Cruises was the first large ship operator to hire lifeguards several year ago following the near-drowning of a four year old boy which caused significant brain injury and led to a large settlement for the medical needs of the child.

Since gCaptain first highlighted the problem several children drowned in swimming pools on NCL ships says Jim Walker, a cruise ship blogger and legal expert that’s been closely following the numerous swimming pool tragedies aboard ship. Two years ago, a 10-year-old girl drowned in a swimming pool aboard NCL’s Norwegian Gem and, in 2014, two small children were pulled from a pool on NCL’s Norwegian Breakaway as the cruise ship was sailing from New York to the Bahamas. Both children were unresponsive. The younger child (age 4) died on the cruise ship. The other child (age 6) was medevaced by the Coast Guard.

Royal Caribbean became the second cruise line to hire lifeguards when it announced two months ago that it would abandon its swim-at-your-own-risk which had been the industry’s standard policy for decades.

According to Norwegian Cruise Line the new lifeguards will be trained and certified by the American Red Cross in lifesaving rescue measures and will monitor the family pools during scheduled pool hours. The lifeguards will begin service this summer on the line’s four largest ships – Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic – and on the remainder of the fleet by early 2018.

“Norwegian has stationed pool monitors on our largest ships since 2015 and we are now taking further steps to ensure the safety of our youngest guests with the addition of certified lifeguards across our fleet,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “While parents are always the first line of supervision when it comes to water safety, we felt it was important to provide this added measure across our fleet.”

Norwegian Joy’s go-carts get Ferrari brand

Posted on 19 April, 2017 by Spacejunkie2

Norwegian Cruise Line is partnering with Scuderia Ferrari to put the Ferrari name on the go-cart attraction on the Norwegian Joy.

The 3,850-passenger vessel, Norwegian’s first purpose-built ship for the Chinese market, is to be christened June 27.

Norwegian had previously disclosed that the two-level track with electric go-carts would be a feature of the ship.

It is the first time that Ferrari has partnered on a branded go-cart track. Scuderia Ferrari watches will be sold in a retail store adjacent to the racetrack, Norwegian said.

Why You Should Cruise in a Balcony Stateroom

Posted on 10 April, 2017 by Spacejunkie2

As an experienced cruiser, I’ve sailed in just about every type of stateroom there is. But, hands down, my stateroom of choice is a Balcony. Why should you cruise in a Balcony Stateroom? Because it offers one of the best values on the ship, as you can enjoy amazing views from the privacy of your own balcony, without paying higher suite prices!

Benefits of Cruising in a Balcony Stateroom

Where do I start? There are so many benefits of cruising in a Balcony Stateroom, such as:

• the large floor-to-ceiling windows add so much light and brightness that the stateroom seems so much larger overall!
• the outdoor balcony is basically an extension of your stateroom living area, so you’re getting extra living space making a balcony stateroom an even better value
• imagine being able to wake up and step onto your balcony to see the new destination you’ve arrived at, all while still wearing your pajamas!
• if your significant other wants to sleep in, you can order room service and enjoy your breakfast on the balcony without disturbing your partner
• your own private balcony is a perfect place to watch the sunset or the glaciers, to enjoy a cute little umbrella drink or to simply soak up the warm sunshine
• if you’re prone to seasickness, a Balcony Stateroom will allow you to step outside and watch the horizon, which helps to maintain your equilibrium
• a Balcony Stateroom may also be a good choice for those travelers who like their privacy or want to stay away from the crowds
• did you know that fresh saltwater air may be beneficial to your health?

How Big is a Balcony Stateroom?

A Balcony Stateroom provides extra room, spectacular views and privacy, all at the best price possible. For your reference: a Studio cabin comes in at 100-square-feet in size; an Inside cabin is 142-square-feet; and an Oceanview is 161-square-feet. Balcony Staterooms start at 205-square feet and come will all the standard amenities including room service.

Room for the Whole Family

Whether you choose to cruise in a Balcony Stateroom or in a Family Balcony offering 216-square-feet, there will plenty of space for the whole family to move around and relax. With room for 4, balcony staterooms offer a spacious sitting area and a flat-screen TV, along with a mini-fridge, and tea and coffee making equipment.

Choosing Your Balcony Stateroom

Due to the design of the ship, most Balcony Staterooms are located on higher decks. Cabins situated fore and aft are more likely to feel the sensation of movement as you sail, so if seasickness is a concern, try to stick to the middle of the ship. Popular Aft Staterooms on the back of the ship provide dramatic water views, while Spa Balcony Staterooms come with easy access to the fitness center and Mandara Spa, as well as free access to the Thermal Spa Suites (available on select ships).