Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled its $400 million fleet refurbishment program today to enhance its guests’ experience while cruising on its 14 ships, claimed to be the youngest cruise fleet in North America.
Called the The Norwegian Edge, the cruise line’s two-year program includes refurbishment of its fleet, a new culinary program and two premier private island destinations. The initiative began in late 2015 and will be completed by 2017.As the cruise line with the youngest fleet in North America
The cruise line says its Norwegian Edge program seeks to create modern, relevant and delightful vacation experiences for guests, an approach that dovetails with the brand’s promise of freedom and flexibility, which is showcased through its new Feel Free marketing campaign.
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“Norwegian has a long history of investing in its fleet to offer guests the latest and greatest innovations, but the investment to raise our ships to The Norwegian Edge standard of excellence takes it to new levels,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief operating officer. “The new program will entice our guests to return again and again to ships that will look and feel as if they were just delivered, with all new menus and new dining experiences, visiting incredible exclusive destinations that reflect the quality finishes, amenities and outstanding service found across the Norwegian fleet.”
Nine Norwegian Ships Receive Fleet Enhancements
Under The Norwegian Edge program, nine of the cruise line’s ships will be upgraded to reflect the look and feel of the company’s newest ships. The program kicked off with the October 2015 refresh of Norwegian Epic with the addition of new venues like The Cavern Club and restaurant makeovers in La Cucina, Cagney’s, Le Bistro, Moderno Churrascaria, The Manhattan Room and the Garden Café. A number of the ship’s public spaces received refreshed decor for a more modern, clean design.
In November 2015 the Norwegian Gem received a makeover of the Bliss Lounge as well as a décor update in specialty restaurants, complimentary dining venues and bars to reflect a more contemporary look. The ship received pool deck furniture; interactive digital signage and wayfinding technology; new teak flooring throughout outdoor spaces and corridors of upper decks; and upgrades to The Haven Courtyard and Sundeck to include more cabanas, lounge chairs and shaded areas.
Seven additional ships will go into dry dock for both guest-facing and technical enhancements between now and spring 2017, including:
- the Pride of America and Norwegian Sun in spring 2016;
- Norwegian Dawn in summer 2016;
- Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Pearl in winter 2017;
- Norwegian Jade in spring 2017.
Culinary Program Upgrades Include Expanded Menus
With up to 28 dining options per vessel, Norwegian is continuing to expand investment its culinary program. In 2016, all Norwegian ships will feature upgraded menus in their complimentary dining rooms. The updated menus will offer increased variety and more seafood selections such as fresh grouper, along with contemporary dishes like shrimp ceviche, seared Atlantic scallops, and braised beef short ribs. In addition, optional extra-charge items such as grilled lobster tails or surf and turf entrees will be added to complimentary dining room menus.
Norwegian will expand the new specialty dining menus that debuted on Norwegian Escape across the fleet in 2016. The updated Le Bistro menu at will include traditional French favorites such as Bouillabaisse, pan-seared jumbo bay scallops and veal medallions with morel sauce. A more robust La Cucina menu will feature antipasti, risotto and traditional secondi courses like Osso Buco alla Milanese or pan-seared sea bass filet.
These new menus will be offered as of this timetable:
- Norwegian Breakaway as of January 31;
- Norwegian Getaway on February 14;
- Norwegian Epic on March 6;
- Pride of America after her dry dock on March 15;
- Norwegian Gem on April 1;
- Norwegian Dawn after her dry dock in June.
Norwegian is also further expanding its training and certification for the fleet’s culinary and dining teams, with all Executive Chefs, Executive Sous Chefs and other culinary staff to be certified by the American Culinary Federation, the premier professional chefs’ organization in North America.
New and Enhanced Private Destination Experiences
Norwegian has further expanded plans for the line’s privately-owned destinations including the development at Harvest Caye, Belize. This resort-style port of call will feature an expansive pool, exclusive beach, a shallow lagoon for watersports, private luxury cabanas, and more in one of the Caribbean’s richest ecosystems with a diversity of flora and fauna.
Considerable new features are also being planned for Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s private Bahamian island, with new offerings and amenities debuting for guests by spring 2017.
Cruiser-lovers in the United States can received complimentary, personalized service to book their cruise here.
Which Norwegian Cruise Line upgrade are you most excited about? Please share your thoughts in comments below.
Other posts on Norwegian Cruise Line you might want to check out:
- Norwegian Cruise Line Introduces Free Premium Beverages on the Norwegian Sky
- Norwegian Cruise Line Adds Complimentary Asian Dining Venues
- Norwegian Cruise Line Backs Off New Room Service Convenience Charge
- Details About The Ultimate Beverage Package on Norwegian Cruise Line
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