PHOTO: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun. (photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)
Norwegian Cruise Line will renew its commitment to Cuban cruising in 2018 with the Norwegian Sun as well as Alaska with the Norwegian Jewel.
The latter ship will join the brand new Norwegian Bliss during its first summer.
“Alaska continues to be one of the most popular destinations we sail to around the world. We are thrilled to be significantly increasing capacity in the region in summer 2018 with the redeployment of Norwegian Jewel and the inaugural season for Norwegian Bliss, providing more opportunities for our guests to experience a vacation of a lifetime in this incredible pristine destination,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer for Norwegian Cruise Line, in a press release.
“Our all-inclusive model aboard Norwegian Sky has been very well-received and as we evaluated the opportunity to expand upon that concept, we felt that Port Canaveral was the ideal location to offer our guests a value-rich on board experience and exciting action-packed ports-of-call, including an overnight call in Havana, Cuba.”
In order to head to Havana, Norwegian Sun will reposition to Port Canaveral, Florida following a two-and-a-half week dry dock in Victoria, British Columbia and a 17-day Panama Canal sailing leaving from Seattle, Washington. The ship will depart on four day-cruises to Havana, Cuba and Key West, Florida and three-day cruises to the Bahamas.
Its Cuban cruises will leave on Mondays starting on May 7, 2018. Highlighted will be an overnight stay in Old Havana to explore via OFAC-compliant shore excursions and a day visit at Key West’s Old Town district. Its three-day voyages to the Bahamas will showcase Nassau and Norwegian’s private island of Great Stirrup Cay.
Similar to the Norwegian Sky that’s currently cruising to Cuba, the 1,936-guest Sun will offer unlimited free beverages as part of its all-inclusive program. The ship also features 16 dining options, 12 bars and lounges and entertainment suitable for all ages.
Its dry dock refurbishment will bring it up to speed with the line’s Norwegian Edge enhancement program.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian Jewel will depart on several Alaskan sailings such as seven- and nine-day cruises from Seattle, Seward and Vancouver. Its itineraries will start on May 26, 2018, as the ship goes from Seattle, Washington to Vancouver, British Columbia while calling on Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Ketchikan on a nine-day journey.
Also on June 4, 2018, the ship will cruise for a week roundtrip from Vancouver to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
By June 11, 2018, the Jewel will alternate embarkations between Vancouver and Seward. Leaving from Vancouver, the ship will visit Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking passengers in Seward. In reverse from Seward, the ship will call on Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan before ending in Vancouver.
Both weeklong itineraries also feature Hubbard Glacier.
The Norwegian Jewel also touts 16 dining options like Cagney’s, La Cucina and Le Bistro, along with 15 bars and nightclubs, plus The Haven by Norwegian suite accommodations. Guests may consider the three-bedroom Garden Villa’s 5,000 square feet with a 2,314-square-foot balcony sporting a hot tub and private sundeck.
A sampling of activities and entertainment includes shows Le Cirque Bijou and Band on the Run, as well as a basketball, volleyball and tennis sports deck.
For more information, call 866-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
This post first appeared on TravelPulse.