Tag Archives: Norwegian Escape

Norwegian and Margaritaville Expand Partnership

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Photo credit By Dave Jones

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) passengers will have more opportunities to declare, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” in true Parrothead fashion as the cruise line is expanding its exclusive partnership with Margaritaville — a multifaceted brand masterminded by music legend Jimmy Buffett.

Margaritaville at Sea is opening onboard Norwegian Getaway Sept. 18, then on Norwegian Breakaway Oct. 9, as revealed by Andrew Stuart, NCL’s President & Chief Operating Officer, during a press event at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort in Hollywood Beach, FL.

In addition to these ship-based venues, Stuart also announced that two Landshark Bar & Grills — another Margaritaville brand — will be opening on NCL’s private Caribbean islands. Harvest Cay’s location is opening Nov. 16 and Great Stirrup Cay’s during summer in 2017.

These expansions are part of NCL’s $400 million “Norwegian Edge” program, which has transformed the company’s ships, its private destinations and culinary offerings.

“When we first launched Margaritaville at Sea, on Norwegian Escape, it absolutely blew us away. The demand for that venue, was beyond anything we’d ever seen. So we knew we had a partnership that made sense,” Stuart said. “So we’re super-excited to be talking about how we’re expanding the partnership.”

Norwegian Breakaway sails year-round from New York to Caribbean destinations and Getaway sails from Miami to the Caribbean as well.

Norwegian Getaway embarks on Olympic charter

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The Norwegian Getaway departed Miami on July 24 on the first leg of its 40-day charter for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Details of the charter were provided for the first time by Landry & Kling, the Miami specialist in meetings at sea and incentive cruises, which brokered the deal.

Landry & Kling said the charter was first discussed in 2007 and is the largest in its 34-year history. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.

The 4,000-passenger Getaway will take the better part of 10 days to get to Brazil before taking up residence at Pier Maua in Rio from Aug. 4 to 22. Chartered by the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee, it will provide supplemental housing for corporate sponsors and Olympic committees.

The Getaway’s departure leaves Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Sky to hold down Norwegian’s Caribbean cruise business from Miami in August.

Firm co-founder Joyce Landry is blogging from the ship during the charter.

Six Things Experienced Cruisers Would Never Do on a Norwegian Cruise

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Experienced cruisers are well prepared. From what to pack, to where to go, to what to do, these guests have traveling down to a fine art. Here are six things you would never catch a seasoned cruiser doing!

1. CALL A NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE VESSEL A “BOAT”

Boats in Italy

Though both ship and boat seem to be an interchangeable term among guests, seasoned cruisers know that calling these majestic beauties a “boat” is just not right. Due to factors like size and where and how the vessel operates, rightfully classifies our ships as… well ships.

2. NEGLECTING TO REVIEW NAUTICAL TERMS

Compass and Map

No matter how you cruise, there will come a time when you lose your sense of direction. If this isn’t disorienting enough, try being told “aft, forward, starboard, and port.” Experienced cruisers know to brush up on their nautical terms before setting sail. When your captain announces, “complimentary lobster tails, Deck 15 Aft” you won’t want to miss a beat.

3. FAILING TO SCHEDULE AHEAD

Shore Excursion Desk

There are two ways guests can go about their cruise, plan it out or play it by ear. Although both are fine options, you will never find an experienced cruiser with a checklist leaving it up to chance. These folks know what they want and they know that their wish list activities fill up fast. Whether it’s a specialty dining venue, a Broadway show, or a shore excursion, it pays to be proactive and book ahead of time!

4. QUESTION THE CAPTAIN

Bridge

Experienced cruisers are flexible with their travel plans. At any time the Captain can change a port of call due to things like inclement weather. Remember, the Captain has your best interest at heart if he has to reroute you to another destination.

5. PROP THE STATEROOM AND BALCONY DOOR OPEN

Balcony

Just like a draft can be created in your home, the same can be done onboard a cruise ship. Anyone who has ever stayed in a balcony room or a suite knows to be careful having the stateroom and balcony door open at the same time. With the ship reaching speeds of up to 26 knots (approximately 30 mph!), the right gust of wind could blow your valuables right out the door.

6. AVOID THE “WASHY WASHY” CREW

Garden Cafe

After a long day at the pool, there’s nothing better than heading over to the buffet for a cool drink and a bite to eat. “WASHY WASHY, HAPPY HAPPY, SMILEY SMILEY” the crew will echo as they greet you at the entrance, cleaning down your hands. Experienced cruisers embrace the “Washy Washy” crew, because they know the importance of cleanliness on a ship