Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings had an average load factor of 101.5 per cent in the first quarter, according to company executives speaking on the corporation’s first quarter earnings call.
“We reached load factors of 101.5 per cent in the first quarter, exceeding our guidance and breaking triple-digit levels for the first time in three years with some voyages exceeding occupancy above 115 per cent,” said Harry Sommer, incoming president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
“With this significant achievement, we have also nearly closed the occupancy gap versus 2019 levels,” he said.
For the second quarter, Sommer said he expects 105 per cent occupancy on average across the fleet.
“This average is slightly below 2019 levels as a result of our strategic shift to longer, more immersive itinerary at the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, naturally resulting in fewer thirds and fourths, which is what historically pushes passenger occupancy above the 100 per cent mark, all while enhancing margin over time,” he explained.
Norwegian Cruise Line announced a new Meet the Winemaker series. This program features winemakers and culinary experts sharing their expertise with a group of guests onboard the cruise line’s ships, according to a press release.
“We Meet the Winemaker series is back and better than ever,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“Every year we aim to elevate this exclusive experience and I believe we’ve done just that as we enter the program’s seventh year with an impressive guest lineup. These unique sailings offer a rare opportunity to get one-on-one exposure to esteemed winemakers and their collection of wines, all while visiting multiple destinations and enjoying an unforgettable vacation aboard our innovative fleet.”
The Meet the Winemaker series gives wine enthusiasts and foodies a chance to engage with winemakers and other connoisseurs through seminars and activities. The program includes wine tastings, wine-paired dinners, interactive culinary demonstrations and meet-and-greets onboard the ships. Guests can also buy wines that are only available by visiting the wineries.
This year’s series includes special guest Emma Walker, who is a Master Blender at Johnnie Walker and leads the Johnnie Walker Whisky Specialist team based in Menstrie, Scotland. She will join guests onboard the Norwegian Prima on September 17, 2023, sailing in Northern Europe for the company’s first-ever Johnnie Walker cruise.
Additionally, Chef Ashley Breneman, executive chef at Certified Angus Beef, will join returning winemaker Antonio Hidalgo onboard the Norwegian Encore on July 9, 2023, sailing to Alaska.
Miguel Torres, a pioneer of planting Cabernet Sauvignon in Spain, will make his debut onboard the Norwegian Encores during its April 9, 2023, Eastern Caribbean voyage.
Hosts include celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate and “The Drinks Business” Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 recipient Gérard Bertrand, among other famous names.
2023 Meet the Winemaker series lineup includes the following:
April 2, 2023 – The Norwegian Bliss, Mexican Riviera with celebrity chef and TV personality Aaron Sanchez
April 9, 2023 – The Norwegian Encore, Eastern Caribbean with winemaker Miguel Torres
April 22, 202 – The Norwegian Bliss, Alaska with winemaker Salvatore Ferragamo of The Il Borro estate in Tuscany, Italy, producing world-class wines
June 10, 2023 – The Norwegian Bliss, Alaska with Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite Wine Dinner Hosted by Special Guest: Diane Flamand
July 9, 2023 – The Norwegian Encore, Alaska with Antonio Hidalgo of the Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana, and Chef Ashley Breneman
Sept. 17, 2023 – The Norwegian Prima, Northern Europe with Master Blender, Emma Walker of Johnnie Walker
Oct. 22, 2023 – The Norwegian Escape, Bermuda with Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate
Oct. 28, 2023 – The Norwegian Joy, Western Caribbean with Gérard Bertrand, “The Drinks Business” Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 recipient
Oct. 29, 2023 – The Norwegian Escape, Bermuda with Randy Ullom from the Kendall-Jackson family
Norwegian Prima Year Built: 2022 Capacity: 3,215 guests Status: Under construction Location: Marghera, Italy
Nearing the completion of its construction, the Norwegian Prima recently returned from the first set of sea trials. With its first cruise now scheduled in September, the vessel is being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.
Norwegian Encore Year Built: 2019 Capacity: 4,200 guests Status: In service Location: Alaska
The Norwegian Encore is currently sailing a summer program in Alaska. Based in Seattle, the vessel is offering weekly departures to Victoria, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Glacier Bay.
Norwegian Bliss Year Built: 2018 Capacity: 4,200 guests Status: In service Location: Alaska
In Alaska for the summer, the Norwegian Bliss is offering week-long cruises departing from Seattle. The ship’s regular itinerary includes Victoria, Ketchikan, the Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Sitka.
Norwegian Joy Year Built: 2017 Capacity: 4,200 guests Status: In service Location: Bermuda
Based in New York City, the Norwegian Joy is offering a series of cruises to Bermuda. The seven-night itineraries include a visit to Norfolk and a three-day stop in King’s Wharf.
Norwegian Escape Year Built: 2015 Capacity: 4,200 guests Status: In service Location: Eastern Mediterranean
The Norwegian Escape is currently sailing varied itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean. Departing from Italy, the seven- to 11-night cruises feature visits to ports in Greece, Croatia, Malta, Montenegro and more.
Norwegian Getaway Year Built: 2014 Capacity: 4,000 guests Status: In service Location: Eastern Caribbean
Returning to North America after a short season in the Baltic, the Norwegian Getaway recently kicked off a summer program in the Caribbean. Sailing from Port Canaveral, the vessel is offering seven-night cruises to the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and the Dominican Republic.
Norwegian Breakaway Year Built: 2013 Capacity: 4,000 guests Status: In service Location: Western Caribbean
Based in Miami, the Norwegian Breakaway is sailing a rotating schedule of seven-night Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises.
Norwegian Epic Year Built: 2010 Capacity: 4,200 guests Status: In service Location: Western Mediterranean
Capacity: 2,400 guests Status: In service Location: Eastern Mediterranean
Another Norwegian ship in Europe, the Norwegian Gem is currently positioned in the Eastern Mediterranean, offering cruises to ports such as Trieste, Dubrovnik, Corfu and Santorini.
Norwegian Jade Year Built: 2006 Capacity: 2,400 guests Status: In service Location: Eastern Mediterranean
The Norwegian Jade is currently based in Piraeus for a series of cruises to the Greek Islands and Turkey that includes visits to Istanbul, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini and more.
Norwegian Pearl Year Built: 2006 Capacity: 2,400 guests Status: In service Location: East Coast
Based in Boston, the Norwegian Pearl is offering week-long cruises to Bermuda and Maine.
Norwegian Jewel Year Built: 2005 Capacity: 2,400 guests Status: In service Location: Alaska
Pride of America Year Built: 2005 Capacity: 2,000 guests Status: In service Location: Hawaii
As the industry’s only large U.S.-flagged cruise ship, the Pride of America continues to offer its year-round schedule of Hawaii cruises. Sailing from Honolulu, the vessel’s regular itinerary includes visits to Kahului, Hilo, Kailua Kona and Nawiliwili.
Norwegian Dawn Year Built: 2002 Capacity: 2,200 guests Status: In service Location: Northern Europe
The Norwegian Dawn is presently in Northern Europe for a series of Baltic cruises. Leaving from Stockholm and Copenhagen, the itineraries feature visits to Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden and more.
Norwegian Star Year Built: 2001 Capacity: 2,200 guests Status: In service Location: Northern Europe
Based in Reykjavik, the Norwegian Star is presently offering a series of cruises to Iceland and Greenland.
Norwegian Sun Year Built: 2001 Capacity: 2,002 guests Status: In service Location: Alaska
After hitting a growler in late June, the Norwegian Sun recently resumed its program of five- to nine-night cruises in Alaska.
Norwegian Spirit Year Built: 1999 Capacity: 2,000 guests Status: In service Location: Alaska
As the last ship to resume service for Norwegian Cruise Line, the Norwegian Spirit welcomed guests back in May. Before arriving in Alaska – where it’s currently sailing – the 1999-built vessel offered itineraries to the South Pacific and Hawaii.
Norwegian Sky Year Built: 1999 Capacity: 2,000 guests Status: In service Location: Miami, Florida
The Norwegian Sky is in Miami today for yet another short cruise to the Bahamas. The three-night sailing includes visits to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay – Norwegian’s private island destination in the region.
Wetravel2u's Weblog 