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From Kloster Cruises to Norwegian Caribbean Lines to Norwegian Cruise Lines. 

This is a short historical look at the history of Norwegian Caribbean Lines. The official version may be found on NCL homepage : Norwegian Cruise Line 40th Anniversary. 

1966:

Norwegian Caribbean Lines was founded by by Knut Kloster and Ted Arison. This is the start of modern-day cruising and puts Port of the Miami on the chart for the future. 

December 1966:

The Sunward is purchased by Oslo–based shipping company Kloster, under the company name Klosters Sunward Ferries, with plans to offer a new type ferry service from Southampton, England to Vigo, Lisbon and Gibraltar. In a fateful turn of events Kloster decides to relocate MS Sunward to Miami, where she becomes the first ship to offer weekly departures from the new Port of Miami to the Caribbean.

Norwegian Caribbean Lines is born.

NCL’s new concept of regularly-scheduled cruises in a single-class atmosphere of informal luxury means that the ship is no longer simply a means of transportation. It becomes a destination unto itself, offering guests an exciting, affordable alternative to land-based resorts.

December 1968:

The Starward is launched. NCL embarks on building a fleet of sleek, new “white ships”.

January 1970:

Skyward makes her maiden voyage.

November 1971:

Southward joins the NCL fleet. She should have been joined by a sister ship with the name Seaward, but the order was cancelled due to raising cost during nationalisation of the builders. The hull of the second unfinished ship was completed as a P & O vessel under the name Spirit of London.

1972: 

Founding father Ted Arison leaves Norwegian Caribbean Lines to form his own competing cruiseline: Carnival Cruise Line. 

May 1977:

NCL purchased the Cunard Adventurer built in 1971 from Cunard and introduced her as the new Sunward II in May 1977.

June 1977:

NCL purchases Great Stirrup Cay becoming the first cruise line to offer a private “out island” experience. Improvements to the island and existing structures are made for all guests to enjoy the white sand beaches, palm trees and colorful marine life of the surrounding coral reefs.

August 1979:

NCL buys the SS France and spends $100 million to rebuild the ship for Caribbean cruising. The largest ship of the time when NCL rebuilds her, the company takes advantage of her extra space to create a greater than usual variety of on board entertainment options – thus paving the way for a new era of cruise ships.

June 1980:

Maiden voyage of SS Norway

August 1984:

Norwegian Caribbean Lines purchases Royal Viking Line.

April 10th 1985 Project Phoenix Update:

Rumors and speculations regarding Project Phoenix continue to flourish as the year progresses. The newspaper, Norges Handelsog Sjofartstidende, reported on March 27th, that unless something dramatic happened, the approximate $450-million contract to build the giant ship would be given to the German Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft.

A surprised Knut Klaster, NCL Chair­man of the Board, denies this claim, however, insisting that several shipyards are still being considered, and that a decision won't be made until later this year.

May 1986:

America wakes up with the “Today Show” sailing on board the SS Norway.

April 1st 1987: 

New Line from Kloster Family: A new cruise line, International Cruise Corporation (ICC), has announced that it will order two new ships by mid-summer. One ship will be operated on behalf of Club Mediterranee and will reflect the Club Med concept; the other will be a luxury vessel for some 550 passengers, operated and marketed by the cruise line.

The Chairman of ICC is Per Kloster, the 28-year-old son of Knut Kloster, who has majority ownership interests in Kloster Cruise. Per Kloster emphasised that ICC is a subsidiary of Peko A/S of Oslo, Norway, and is a separate entity from Kloster Cruise.

Per Kloster said that ICC's objective is to become a leading international cruise line offering luxury, executive and club-type cruises.

The Club Med vessel, scheduled for delivery in December of 1988, has been designed by Norwegian architect Njal Eide, in cooperation with Club Med. Eide was the chief architect on the Royal Princess and has a long track record in passenger ship design.

ICC will also be building a luxury ship that Kloster said will offer services and amenities "comparable to Sea Goddess, but will be much larger, about 40,000 tons, and designed for worldwide operations." A third ship is said to be under consideration.

Wartsila, Seebeckwerft and Bremer Vulka are among the shipyards on the short list.

July 30th 1987
Royal Viking Line announced plans to to transfer the Royal Viking Star to Norwegian Caribbean Lines in November 1988. The transfer will coincide with the December 1988 arrival of RVL's new 36,000-ton, 740-passenger ship under construction in Finland.

According to RVL, Royal Viking Star will undergo extensive modification, including the addition of passenger cabins and the redesign of public rooms. The ship will also be renamed.

Royal Viking Star was the first RVL ship to enter service in July of 1972. The 22,000-ton, 500-passenger ship was later expanded to 29,000 tons and 710 passengers in 1981.

In a press statement, Joseph Watters, President of RVL, said that she was an excellent ship which served the line magnificently. "We will miss her," he added, "but she will be followed by a new generation of vessels which is designed to even higher standards.

October 15th 1987

Kloster Cruise Limited filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with an initial public offering of 6.5 million shares of common stock.

The First Boston Corporation is the underwriter of the 5 million share offering, which the line hopes will generate more than $100 million. The expected offering price range is $14 to $17 per share. (Credit Suisse First Boston Limited will offer 1.5 million shares outside the United States and Canada.)

The company planned to use the net proceeds to repay outstanding debts, to finance ongoing construction, and for working capital purposes.

The company was at the time owned 100 percent by Vard A/S, a diversified Norwegian company. After the offering, Vard would own approximately 80 percent of Kloster Cruise.

It is expected that the shares will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and be traded by mid-November.

Kloster Cruise Limited had two cruise divisions: Royal Viking Line, with three ships and a total capacity of 2,130 passengers; and Norwegian Caribbean Lines, with five ships and a total capacity of 4,664 passengers.

November 15th 1987:

Norwegian Caribbean Lines announces that they are to change its name to Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) to reflect its expanding route structure, effective early 1988. 

According to Rod McLeod, President of the line, "the word Caribbean is somewhat limiting. The horizon of the company has been expanded by several new moves. We have moved the Starward to San Juan and will be moving the Southward to Los Angeles.” In addition, the company is planning cruise operations in Europe, primarily for Europeans.

In conjunction with the name change, NCL will also introduce a new logo. Landor Associates has designed the new logo which depicts a starburst sun etched into the side of a red maritime flag. 

April 15th 1988

With the size and number of cruise ships working the limited Caribbean market on the rise, cruise executives believe out islands will play an increasingly important roll in maintaining the quality of their cruise itineraries.

The executives said out islands are an answer to overcruised ports and small ports that may never be able to accommodate large ships. They also said out island experinences are an important part of the cruise activity mix that passengers value highly and will continue to demand.

Out islands, with their beach barbecues, water and land sports, and sometimes arts and crafsts shopping, are now employed by most lines operating m the Caribbean, including: NCL, RCCL, Admiral, Windstar, Exploration, Dolphin, Premier, Princess, Ocean, Windjammer and American Canadian. The industry credits NCL with starting the out island trend in the mid-1970s when it leased Great Stirrup Cay.

May 1988:

At a christening ceremony in New York Harbor, NCL formally launches Seaward. More than 500 prominent business and social leaders join noted atheletes in a ship board gala that raises nearly $200.000 for the 1998 US Olympic Team. Marathon champion and Olympic medalist Grete Waitz serves as Godmother to the new vessel.

May 1988:

NCL adds west coast cruising to its offerings by introducing cruises from Los Angeles to Catalina, Ensenada and San Diego.

July 18th 1988 Four Shipyards for Phoenix and World City

World City Corporation signed an agreement of intent with four German shipyards to build the giant Phoenix vessel, tentatively scheduled for delivery in 1992.  Estimated  cost to build the 5,600- pax, 260,000-ton cruise ship would be about $1 billion at exchange rates of the day.

According to Knot Utstein Kloster, President of World City Corporation, the four yards are Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft, Bremer Vulkan, Blohm + Voss and Thyssen Nordseewerke.

World City Corporation had raised $200 million in equity financing in the United States and was working with the yards to complete the financing so that a building contract could be signed before the end of the year.

Conflicting reports said that the order was not dependent on subsidies from the German government.

September 15th 1988

Kloster Cruise Limited announced a corporate restructuring that would centralize the management of its two cruise divisions, Royal Viking Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. All operational, marketing and financial activities would become centralized at the corporate headquarters in Coral Gables, Florida.

Rod McLeod, former President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, now Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President for Marketing and Sales for both cruise divisions.

Robert Walters is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Hans Golteus is Executive Vice President for Cruise Operations.

McLeod, Walters and Golteus would be reporting to the newly appointed CEO, Trygve Hegnar who assumes his post on October 1st.

Joseph Watters, President of Royal Viking Line, would remain with the company at least through the delivery of the Royal Viking Sun, but it was expected that he would leaving at the end of the year. Few of the nearly 200 RVL employees in San Francisco are expected to relocate to Miami.

April 30th 1988

Shipping magnate Ravi Tikkoo announced intentions to build a 3,000-passenger, 160,000-ton cruise ship at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, pending financing and an acceptable price. Tikkoo said that he would go ahead and build the ship if the yard's bid is below $500 million.

The ship, which was codenamed "the Ultimate Dream," was designed by naval architectural firm Knud E. Hansen of Denmark, which also did the original design work on the Phoenix and publicity photos show the new ship looks surprisingly similar to its bigger and older "sister.”

The Ultimate Dream would sail seven-day cruises out of Miami and New York. Tikkoo is also said to be considering a second ship, which would operate from the West Coast. Both ships would cater to an upscale market, with all outside suites and other amenities. Temple, Barker & Sloane has conducted market research in the United States for Tikkoo and presumably recommended the project.

Tikkoo once was dominant in tanker trading, and has been developing this cruise project over the last five years.

At the same time, World City, established by Knut Kloster Sr., was surveying potential cruise ports in the United States for his planned 250,000-ton, 5,000-passenger ship.

Kloster had also worked on his project for some five years and had entertained negotations with shipyards in Germany and Japan, without reaching any contractual agreement. Financing had also not yet been completed.

Both Tikkoo and Kloster both believed that the U.S. cruise market was product-led and that the current, traditional cruise ships were unproductive and inefficient compared to their megaship concepts.

Kloster stated that at 60 to 80 percent load factors, the Phoenix would be the most profitable ship afloat. According to Tikkoo, the giant vessels, represents the first real opportunity to break away from traditional ship cruising and enter the much larger vacation market.

December 1st 1989

Kloster Cruise Limited acquired the two-ship operation of Royal Cruise Line, which would further strengthen its dominant position at the luxury end of the market and instantly make it a major player in the European cruise market.

RCL, which was said to be profitable, had a loyal following in the upscale over-60 market and generated more than half of its passengers in California. In the summer season, its ships operated in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe.

"We are acquiring RCL for $225 million," said Trygve Hegnar, Chairman and CEO of Kloster Cruise. "The company is earning money; it has a good cash flow; the ships are in excellent condition; and its cruises are already booked 90 percent through 1990," Hegnar added.

Hegnar would not confirm reports that he had also negotiated with Epirotiki, but said that Kloster Cruise was receiving frequent propositions. "We are currently operating from a position of strength," Hegnar said. "People are coming to us and we are looking at their propositions.”

Hegnar said that he was not presently considering any other acquisitions, but that the company instead is focusing on a newbuilding program to strengthen its position mainly in the Caribbean.

"Our next step is also to gain a foothold outside of the American market," Hegnar said. "Presently 90 percent of our passengers are American." He indicated that he would like to see the development of cruise markets for Kloster in Europe and the Far East, particularly Japan.

Kloster's move also came as Princess Cruises was expanding its cruise operations in Europe and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line would be entering the European market for the first time that coming summer (1990). Cruise line executives saw increasing potential in Europe based on the growing strength of that market.

The acquisition was partially financed through a loan syndicated by an American bank, according to Hegnar.

February 15th 1990

Kloster Cruise posted record earnings for 1989 of $43.3 million compared to $34.8 million in 1988. The increased earnings were attributed to greater cost cutting and improved load factors. But the results could have been better, according to the parent company, Vard, had the cruise operations not been affected by the clamp down in China, Hurricane Hugo and the Eastern strike. Vard, which had recently released a preliminary record earnings report for its various companies, saw its shares (A shares) rise close to NOK 158 (its all-time record high is NOK 161).

Hegnar also confirmed that the company was still negotiating for newbuildings and that its short list consists of Masa Yards, Rauma-Repola, Chantiers, and Bremer-Vulkan. Kloster had for some time indicated that they were looking to build a fleet of 1,000 to 1,200-passenger vessels which could be deployed in different markets.

At the same time, Kloster also announced that it would be adding 120 staterooms to the top deck of the Norway. The building contract reported to be worth $25 million was presently being negotiated with a German yard, which the company would not identify.

According to Hegnar, the Norway's top deck would in fact become a "new'' ship with staterooms comparable to those of the Seabourn Cruise Line vessel. He was quoted as saying that "we are building a new luxury ship on top of the Norway.”

Total capacity of the Norway at the time was 2,400 passengers in lower and upper berths. With the additional 130 staterooms, the Norway's capacity would exceed the 2,600-passenger maximum capacity of the Sovereign of the Seas in fact making the Norway again the largest cruise vessel in the world in terms of passenger capacity.

The Norway was the former transatlantic liner France which was rebuilt at a cost of more than $100 million at Lloyd's Werft in Bremerhaven in 1979/80.

May 31st 1990

Kloster Cruise confirmed that it had contracted two new 1,200-passenger ships at Alstrom Chantiers de l'Atlantique at a total cost of about $440 million. In addition, company sources also confirmed that Kloster was negotiating a third smaller ship with Seebeckwerft. That contract was valued at $80 million.

Seebeckwerft built both of Seabourn Cruise Line's two vessels and it was rumored that the yard had begun construction on a third vessel after Seabourn cancelled its option. Sources also indicated that Kloster Cruise was interested in Seabourn; Kloster executives would not confirm nor disclaim such reports. The two ultra luxurious, 212-passenger Seabourn vessels were built at a cost of about $45 million each in 1988 and 1989. In 1986, Kloster Cruise was close to acquiring Sea Goddess Cruises and its two vessels.

June 15th 1990

Rumors that Phoenix would be built in the United States by the Shipyards Division of Avondale Industries surfaced. The company was putting together a bid for the ship to be built at its New Orleans shipyard facilities.

An American building contract for the 250,000-ton, 5,600-passenger vessel was also expected to enable its owners, the World City Corporation, to complete the required financing for construction of one to two billion dollars.

An American-built Phoenix would pose a formidable challenge to the existing cruise industry in that it would fly the American flag which, according to present tax legislation, allows tax­ deductible status for business meetings and incentive cruises denied to foreign-flag ships. American flag would also allow the ship to sail between two American ports without necessarily calling at a foreign port, which the Jones Act requires of foreign-flag ships.

But the largest advantage was image-wise, if built in the Unites States, the giant vessel, which would attract attention in any event, would be the first ocean-going passenger ship to built in the Unites States in nearly 30 years and could be a showcase for American technology.

"Built in America” was also quite so timely those days when National Transportation Safety Board was proposing unilateral American safety regulations.

Kloster Reports 1990 Third Quarter Earnings

October 31st 1990

Kloster Cruise Limited reported cruise earnings of $16.5 million for the third quarter that ended September 30th, up from $10.9 million in the same period last year. Earnings for the first nine months were slightly down, however, at $35.9 million compared to $36.2 million in 1989.

According to Vard, parent company to Kloster Cruise, both Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Cruise Line contributed to the profits, but Royal Viking Line earnings were below expectations.

A spokesman for Vard said that RCL load factors had improved from 84 percent to 97 percent, but that RVL had dropped to 72 percent. The spokesperson said that fierce competition in the upscale market segment had hurt RVL more than expected.

Kloster Cruise also announced plans to transfer Royal Viking Star from RVL to NCL, renaming her the Westward effective April 20th 1991. Meanwhile, Royal Viking Star would sail on scheduled Caribbean itineraries.

Next season, Westward would resume seven day cruises from New York to Bermuda from April 20 through October 12, calling at St. George's and Hamilton. During the winter season, however, she would sail seven-day cruises from Los Angeles to Acapulco, beginning October 26, calling at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Zihuatanejo­-Ixtapa.

Kloster brought RVL into Bermuda market in 1989 in an attempt to introduce its product with shorter, lower-priced cruises, hoping that passengers would be enticed to return on the longer, more expensive, traditional RVL cruises.

Kloster had originally announced that the vessel would be transferred to NCL and renamed the Norwegian Star back in May of 1988.

Westward leaves Kloster with three vessels in the RVL fleet to compete against newcomers Crystal Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line. In 1992 RVL would receive a smaller 212-passenger vessel similar to the Seabourn vessels.

Industry sources speculated that RVL would receive one of Kloster's two newbuildings, probably the second vessel scheduled for delivery in 1993, while the older RVL vessels would eventually also be transferred to NCL.

By 1993, this would give RVL three practically new vessels, spanning the range from 212-, 740- and around 1,000-passengers. This combination in the very upscale segment could give RVL an edge in the competition against the 212-passenger Seabourn vessels, the 960-passenger Crystal Harmony, the 120-passenger sisterships of Cunard/Sea Goddess, and the aging Sagafjord and Vistafjord Cunard/NAC vessels.

Industry sources also speculated that RCL would receive the second newbuilding at full 1,200-passenger capacity in 1992, giving the product potentially a three-ship fleet, although it was expected that the smaller vessel, the 472-passenger Golden Odyssey may also be transferred to NCL.

NCL was however the cornerstone of Kloster's cruise operations and the largest profitmaker. However, the line, which was once the largest Miami cruise operator, claimed to be "America's most popular cruise line” but had been lagging behind its rivals in expansion.

Instead, it appeared that NCL was on a different course than the megaships being launched by its competition. Whether this was by choice was a different story since the company appeared to have been on shaky grounds while its competitors were ordering their megaships. Now, that may have been a terrible descision since Princess Cruises' increased presence in the Caribbean would give that market three major lines with big, new ships, and it was further expected that Princess would begin to "squeeze" Carnival and RCCL, as one analyst put it.

Even the large Norway was different than the other big ships in as much as she was a transformed oceanliner, still offering some of the luxuries and glamour of times past. Moreover, if NCL decided to follow the small-ship course, its marketing muscle would impact other smaller lines who are operating in niche markets.

October 10th 1990: 

S|S Norway completes a conversion in Germany whereby three new decks have been on top of ship increasing her guest carrying capacity. 

December 1990:

Pat Sajak, Vanna White and the “Wheel of Fortune” crew cruise on board the SS Norway.

March 1st 1991

Kloster Cruise Limited has reported net results of $35 million in 1990 compared to $43 million in 1989. The reduced earnings were attributed to the Gulf conflict which primarily affected the Royal Viking Sun according to a statement from Vard, parent company of Kloster Cruise.

Kloster Cruise achieved near break-even results in the fourth quarter. Year-to-date earnings were reported to be $35.9 million after the third quarter, compared to $35 million after the fourth quarter.

Vard also stated that war in the Middle East will affect the operations of Royal Viking Line and Royal Cruis Line, and that it expects to post a loss in the first quarter of 1991. Althought, Vard expects the year as whole to be a profitable for its cruise operations.

May 1st 1991

Kloster Cruise has reported a loss of $4.3 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 1991 compared to net earnings of $10.3 million in the first quarter of 1990.

The loss would have been larger had the company not realized currency exchange earnings of $14.1 million.

According to a prepared statement from VARD, parent company to Kloster Cruise, the loss is mainly due to soft bookings and discounting following the Mideast War.

Vard also cautioned about a possible loss in the second quarter, while it said that increased bookings gave reason to expect improved results for the second half of the year.

While Kloster operates three cruise lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Cruise Line and Royal Viking Line, the Mideast conflict was reported to have struck RVL since last summer incurring losses of $15 million in 1990. The newest vessel however, the Royal Viking Sun was reported to have generated net earnings of $15 million.

The mixed results of the RVL fleet was given as the rationale for the company's decision to reduce RVL's capacity by 70 percent in 1992, only keeping the Sun of the previous four-ship fleet.

The Royal Viking Star has become the Westward which Vard said now operates with increased passenger capacity and substantially reduced crew for NCL.

The Royal Viking Sea is being rebuilt in Singapore partly with the help of its own crew, which, according to Vard, results in a significantly reduced building cost. The ship will be delivered to Royal Cruise Line at the end of the year.

The Royal Viking Sky, which was retired from service earlier this month will be sold or chartered, according to Vard, seemingly ending speculation focusing on the formation of a new European-based subsidiary.

When the 212-passenger Royal Viking Queen is delivered next February, RVL will have 30 percent of its former capacity. According to Vard, the restructuring is expected to result in a substantial increase in demand as well as load factor and per diems.

For 1991, however, Vard expects RVL to continue to suffer major losses.

April 1991:

NCL launches Westward.

July 31st 1991

Kloster Cruise has reported a loss of $22.1 million for the first six months of 1991 including a $14.1 million foreign exchange profit. Since the cruise line reported a loss of $43 million in the first quarter, it means that the second quarter loss was $9.8 million. In the same 6-month period last year, the company reported a profit of $16.4 million.

The new Vard, parent company to Kloster Cruise, reported a total loss of $27.8 million for the first six months of 1991.

August 16th 1991

Kloster Cruise Limited sold Sunward II to Epirotiki Lines for a reported $36 million. At the same time, the two companies created a new joint venture for the operation of the ship.

Sunward II would be delivered to Epirotiki on November 1st 1991, and renamed Triton sailing as an Epirotiki ship under Greek flag and with Greek officers and crew.

At the same time, Kloster announced that the 28,000-ton Royal Viking Sky would replace Sunward II and be renamed Sunward. The RVL Sky recently sat idle while Kloster has sought to sell or charter the vessel.

October 2nd 1991

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that another ship of the "white fleet” would be withdrawn from service. Skyward, which at the time sailed seven-day cruises from San Juan, had now been chartered to Constantine Ltd. of Singapore. Scheduled to leave the Caribbean after its October 26th cruise, Skyward would be sailing seven-day cruises from Singapore.

NCL also announced that the two 41,000-ton, 1,246-passenger sister ships under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique yard in France would soon be joining its fleet, as expected, under the names of Dreamward and Windward.

February 4th 1992

Kloster cruise Limited sold Sunward to Birka Line of Finland for $76.1 million. The Sunward, formerly the Royal Viking Sky at the time sailed three- and four-day cruises to the Bahamas and Key West. The ship was to be delivered to its new owners on May 15th 1992.

Birka Line planned to operate the ship between Stockholm and St. Petersburg and Stockholm and Riga as the Birka Queen during the summer months. The Sunward would then be chartered back to Kloster for a seven-month period from October 15th 1992 to May 15th 1993 to enable Norwegian Cruise Line to resume its three- and four-day program for the winter season. On May 15th 1993, the ship would be re-delivered permanently to Birka Line.

Kloster is expected to pay a day-rate of $22,500 to Birka Line to charter the ship back. The rate is said to include crew, maintenance, and marine insurance.

May 4th 1992

Kloster Cruise reported a loss of $2.7 million in the first quarter ending March 31st 1992 compared to a loss of $4.3 million in the first quarter of 1991.

Although Kloster reported a loss, the operating result was much improved over last year's operating loss of $18.4 million. Last year, a currency gain reduced the net loss.

The first quarter result did not include proceeds from the sale of the Sunward.

June 2nd 1992

Norwegian Cruise Line announced plans to redeploy ships. From May 1993, Westward will be starting three- and four-day cruises from Miami to the Bahamas, replacing the Sunward, which was delivered to Birka Line last month.

Starward will be replacing Westward, sailing seven-day cruises out of Los Angeles, calling at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Starward was at the time sailing seven­ day cruises out of San Juan.

Starward will be replaced in San Juan by NCL's new Windward, starting in June 1993.

Dreamward, scheduled to sail her maiden voyage December 6th 1992, will be sailing winters out of Port Everglades, and will be replacing the Westward sailing Bermuda cruises from New York in the summer months.

August 18th 1992
In a sudden move, Knut Utstein Kloster, Jr., assumed the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kloster Cruise. Kloster, Jr. is also the majority shareholder and Chairman of Vard, parent company to Kloster Cruise.

September 16th 1992

Knut Kloster Jr., new Chairman and CEO of Kloster Cruise, reorganized the company into three separate divisions and said that he would not sell any parts of the company, nor any of its ships.

Kloster Jr. also said that plans call for more newbuildings. "The cruise market is growing," he said. "Of course, we will build to maintain our market share."

November 4th 1992

Kloster Cruise reported profits of $9.9 million in third quarter ending September 30th 1992, compared to profits of $10.4 million in the same quarter in 1991.

For the first nine months of 1992, Kloster Cruise reported total profits of $9.7 million compared to a loss of $25.8 million for the same period last year.

November 19th 1992

A great illustratory image of the stately SS Norway is used in Norwegian national newspaper Dagbladet concerning the increasing use of “flag of convenience” by Norwegian ships, and the subsequent abandonment of Norwegian seafarers. It also discusses the Norwegian Governments stand in the question of whaling (whale hunting). and the Americans pressure to ban whaling. 

December 1992:

Dreamward debuts as NCL’s first ship to depart from Fort Lauderdale. Diana Ross serves as Godmother at the christening ceremony of the new ship.

March 15th 1993

Kloster Cruise posted a loss of $7.4 million from ongoing operations in 1992 compared to a loss of $35 million in 1991.

After gain on the sale of the Sunward was taken into account, Kloster posted earnings of $7.3 million in 1992 compared to a loss of $19.7 million in 1991 including a foreign exchange gain.

April 30th 1993
Kloster Cruise reported a loss of $16.3 million in the first quarter ended March 31st 1993, compared to a loss of $2.7 million in the same period last year. Gross revenue was not available.

June 1993

First Lady Barbara Bush christens the Windward in her role as Godmother of the ship at a ceremony in Los Angeles.

July 30th 1993

"My function is to improve the product; return the company to profitability; and to put it in a position to have access to capital markets," said Adam Aron, newly appointed President and CEO of Kloster Cruise. He would assume his new position August 9th.

Aron was most recently Senior Vice President of Marketing for United Airlines and had also been a member of the board of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

August 18th 1993
Kloster Cruise reported net income of $6.3 million on revenues of $234.5 million for the second quarter ended June 30th 1993, compared to $2.1 million on revenues of $195 million for the same quarter in 1992.

September 17th 1993

Phoenix World City and two sister ships will be built, according to World City Corporation, which announced the concept of a "virtual shipyard" for the construction of three vessels.

The virtual shipyard will integrate shipyards, subcontractors and key suppliers to tackle what World City has termed the "American Flagship" project.

The company calls the "virtual" concept the new "model" for 21st century manufacturing.

The Phoenix concept was originally launched nearly 10 years ago and its major hurdling block has always been financing which has still to be secured.

December 15th 1993

Kloster Cruise announced that it had signed a letter of intent with AEA Investors of New York for AEA to acquire Royal Cruise Line and Royal Viking Line for $565 million, including the assumption of $60 million of advanced ticket sales.

The purchase included Crown Odyssey, Royal Odyssey and Star Odyssey for RCL and Royal Viking Sun and Royal Viking Queen for RVL.

1994

Royal Viking Line was at the end of it’s voyage and was shut down. 

March 15th 1994
Kloster Cruise reported a loss of $16.3 million on revenues of $918.2 million for the year ended December 31th 1993, compared to income of $13.6 million on revenues of $769.7 million for 1992.

May 2nd 1994

Kloster Cruise announced that it had sold Southward to Airtours of Great Britain. The purchase price was $24 million.

Delivery to Airtours was expected in January of 1995 at which point NCL will no longer have any ships sailing from Los Angeles. Southward was sailing three- and four-day cruises from Los Angeles accounting for about 15 percent of NCL's annual passenger capacity.

June 17th 1994

"We have concluded that Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Cruise Line are central to the future of the company," said Adam Aron, President and CEO of NCL and RCL and their parent company, Kloster Cruise.

Aron added that a conclusion had not yet been reached about Royal Viking Line, Kloster Cruise's third division.

July 1994

NCL is featured on the “Phil Donahue Show” for having one of the sexiest ads on TV.

July 1st 1994
Kloster Cruise announced that Royal Viking Sun and certain Royal Viking Line trademarks had been sold to Cunard Line for $170 million in cash and potential payouts dependent upon the Royal Viking Sun's future performance worth up to an additional $5 million.

Royal Viking Queen is expected to join Royal Cruise Line, where she would begin service as the Queen Odyssey in January 1995.

July 15th 1994

Cunard launched Cunard Royal Viking as a brand name encompassing the recently acquired Royal Vikine Sun along with the Sagafjord, Vistafjord, Sea Goddess I and Sea Goddess II.

July 31st 1994

Kloster Cruise reported net income of $ 17.8 million on revenues of $219.9 million for the second quarter ended June 30th 1994 compared to net income of $6.1 million on revenues of $234.5 million in the same quarter last year. The 1994 second quarter results also included a $35.1 million gain on the sale of Royal Viking Line.

November 1st 1994

Kloster Cruise announced net income of $6.5 million on revenues of $230.9 million for the third quarter ended September 30th 1994 compared to net income of $6.5 million on revenues of $251.5 million for the same period last year.

February 28th 1995

Festival Cruises announced that Bolero is the new name of Starward, which would be delivered to Festival from Norwegian Cruise Line in October.

July 16th 1995

World City Corporation filed an application with the U.S. Maritime Administration for Title XI loan guarantees for approximately $1.1 billion to build the 250,000-ton, 5,600-passenger Phoenix World City.

The loan guarantee, if approved, would cover 87.5 percent of the contract cost over 25 years. The total building cost is $1.2 billion, according to John Rogers, Vice Chairman and CEO of World City, who also said that the total project cost is $1.4 billion. World City plans to raise the remaining $300 million through private placement.

August 4th 1995
Kloster Cruise Limited reported a net loss of $15.8 million on revenues of $190 million for the second quarter ended June 30th 1995 compared to a net income of $17.8 million on revenues of $219.9 million for the second quarter of 1994.

October 1995

NCL becomes the first cruise line to establish a website. The site launches with a home page and travel agent allocator service.

October 1995:

NCL launches Leeward

October 31st 1995

Kloster Cruise continued to fight for its independence and possibly also survival of its present company and fleet structure.

Having difficulties meeting its debt obligations, the company needed to restructure its debt once more. In the meantime, Carnival Corporation acquired $101.5 million worth of bonds issued by Kloster, which gives Carnival a say in Kloster's future.

November 17th 1995

The deal was almost too good to be true said several analysts about Carnival Corporation's proposal to restructure Kloster Cruise.

It may very well have been "too good." Carnival now announced tersely that it had terminated its talks with equity holders of Kloster Cruise, but refused to give any reason for the move. Vice Chairman Howard Frank said that Carnival was "exploring its alternatives" for the $101 million of Kloster's 13 percent senior secured notes it holds.

November 17th 1995

Kloster Cruise reported net income of $7.5 million on revenues of $215.2 million for the third quarter ended September 30th 1995, compared to net income of $6.5 million on revenues of $230 million for the same quarter last year.

Kloster Cruise also announced that it had entered into a $110 million sale/charterback agreement under which it would sell its Star Odyssey and Royal Odyssey ships for cash and notes to a financial buyer.

Under the agreement, Kloster would charter the ships back for use in its fleet through April 1996, and with an option both to extend the charter period, or to repurchase the vessels from the buyer.

December 5th 1995

Kloster Cruise would be dropped as Norwegian Cruise Line becomes the only name used for this cruise company. Up to that point, Kloster Cruise had been the parent company for NCL and Royal Cruise Line.

However, with the recent sale of two of RCL's ships and the name change, it was widely believed that RCL would be closed down or sold.

Royal Odyssey and Star Odyssey were recently sold to a buyer, identified only as a financial company, and chartered back to the cruise line until April 1996, when Kloster had the options to either extend the charter, or repurchase the vessels.

Industry sources suggest instead that Crown Odyssey would be transferred to NCL and that Queen Odyssey would be sold.

January 17th 1996
Two years after the tragic shut-down of Royal Viking Line, Royal Cruise Line had also reached the end of it’s voyage and shut down. 

Kloster Cruise made it official: Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Cruise Line would be consolidated in early 1996, meaning that RCL vessels would be transferred to NCL and/or sold, and RCL would be closed down.

February 15th 1996

World City Corporation appealed the Maritime Administration's termination of its loan guarantee application to build the 5,600-passenger Phoenix to Federico Pena, Secretary of Transportation.

Marad claimed to have terminated the Phoenix application because of insufficient information: that World City failed to meet the Title XI program's economic, financial and technical requirements.

February 29th 1996

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced a loss of $87 million on revenues of $780 million for the year ended December 31st 1995, compared to a loss of $4.5 million on revenues of $871 million for 1994.

July 31st 1996

NCL Holding (Norwegian Cruise Line) reported a net loss of $3.4 million on revenues of $170.9 million for the second quarter ended June 30th 1996, compared to a net loss of $15.8 million on revenues of $219.9 million for the second quarter of 1995.

Hans Golteus had also been appointed the new President and Chief Operating Officer of NCL, replacing Adam Aron who had left the company.

August 30th 1996

Star Cruise purchased Golden Princess from Birka Line after Princess Cruises completed its charter of the ship.

To be renamed Super Star Capricorn, the 28,000-ton, 830-passenger former Royal Viking Sky was built in 1973, and also briefly did service as the Sunward for Norwegian Cruise Line, before being sold to Birka Line in 1992.

Star Cruise paid $50 million for the Golden Princess and planned to spend another $5 million to bring the ship to its "Super Star standard," which included raising the passenger capacity to 1,500.

Star Cruise offered three different cruise products, Star, Super Star, and Mega Star, and Super Star Capricorn would join the Super Star Gemini in the company's traditional cruise product line-up.

The Capricorn would be deployed in Asia in 1997. The itinerary was currently being planned and would be announced shortly. Gemini meanwhile sailed six­ day cruises out of Singapore.

November 18th 1996

NCL Holding reported net income of $3.4 million on revenues of $166.7 million for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) for the third quarter ended September 30th 1996, compared to net income of $7.5 million on revenues of $215.2 million for the same period last year.

January 15th 1997

Norwegian Cruise Line announced new sailing programs, starting with the 28,000-ton, 850- passenger Norwegian Star, which would homeport in Houston, sailing seven-day cruises to the Western Caribbean, beginning in May, 1997.

In addition, the 34,250-ton, 1,050-passenger Norwegian Crown would reposition to South America from January to March, beginning in 1998, sailing 14-day cruises between Santiago and Buenos Aires.

February 3rd 1997

Norwegian Cruise Line reported net income of $1.2 million on revenues of $657.5 million for the year ended December 31st 1996, compared to a loss of $87 million on revenues of $780.1 million for 1995.

February 14th 1997

Star Cruises announced that it would bring Super Star Capricorn to Japan and Taiwan this month and begin marketing efforts in these countries. Star Cruises has set up its own sales and support organizations in Japan and Taiwan.

The Super Star Capricorn would be sailing between Ishigaki and Naha in Japan and Keelung in Taiwan from March through June. The estimated per diem is $200 and passengers could join the ship in any of the ports.

March 19th 1997

Norwegian Cruise Line embarked on a major expansion course that would require $700 million to $800 million over the next few years and that may be only the beginning.

NCL recently made a bid to buy the hull of the Costa Olympia for $29 million. While the deal had not been finalized, it may cost NCL another $200 million to complete the 77,000-ton, 2,000-passenger vessel.

May 1997:

NCL launches the first-ever Texaribbean cruise from Houston.

May 16th 1997

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) reported net income of $2.2 million on revenues of $156.9 million for the first quarter ended March 31st 1997, compared to a loss of $9.9 million on revenues of $185 million for the same quarter of 1996.

NCL was presently engaged in several projects to increase fleet capacity including the lengthening of the Windward and the Dreamward which would be carried out by Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven in March and May of 1998, respectively, increasing each ship's capacity from 1,248 to 1,760.

NCL also entered into a letter of intent to purchase the partially completed Costa Olympia from Bremer Vulkan for DM 46 million and is presently negotiating with different yards for the completion of the 2,000-passenger vessel.

NCL had entered into an agreement to purchase Royal Majesty from the Kvaerner Group and would take delivery this May. As part of the deal, NCL would also take over management of Crown Dynasty, and had agreed to build a new 2,000-passenger ship at Kvaerner Masa-Yards for delivery in 1999.

August 29th 1997

NCL Holding (Norwegian Cruise Line) reported net income of $1.2 million on revenues of $156.8 million for the second quarter ended June 30th 1997, compared to a net loss of $3.4 million on revenues of $170.9 million for the second quarter of 1996.

NCL signed an agreement to purchase the 1996-built, 1,200-passenger Aida from Deutsche Seereeserei for $180 million. DSR will charter the vessel back for $27 million for 12 months.

NCL was planning to make a one-time-only sailing to Cuba with the Norwegian Majesty (ex-Royal Majesty) departing Miami January 23rd and returning January 26th 1998.

September 1997:

NCL launches Norwegian Dynasty. The following month, NCL changes its names to reflect the Norwegian-prefix.

November 14th 1997

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) reported net income of $13.1 million on revenues of $172.6 million for the third quarter ended September 30th 1997, compared to net income of $3.4 million on revenues of $166.7 million for the third quarter of 1996.

NCL purchased Royal Majesty and renamed her Norwegian Majesty. The ship, which was christened in a 1992 ceremony in New York City by Liz Minelli, began her service by offering a 7-day roundtrip Bermuda cruises from Boston.

December 4th 1997

NCL Holding, parent company to Norwegian Cruise Line, announced a joint venture with an as of yet unnamed partner to operate cruises in the Far East and South Pacific starting in a year's time. The new company, which would be based in Australia, would charter one of NCL's ships.

February 1998:

Laborers work around the clock for five days straight at Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven, Germany to stretch the Windward by adding 130 feet with a new 5000 ton mid-section. Transforming the ship into a band new vessel, the multi million dollar expansion includes new cabins and public rooms. The ship is renamed Norwegian Wind and sets sail for the Western Caribbean.

February 27th 1998

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) posted net income of $5.7 million on revenues of $651.8 million for the year ended December 31st 1997, compared to net income of $1.2 million on revenues of $657.5 million for 1996.

March 1998:

Dreamward undergoes the same stretch as Norwegian Wind and is renamed Norwegian Dream.

May 15th 1998

Industry consolidation continues as Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that it had signed a letter of intent to purchase Orient Lines in a combined cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $80 million. The purchase included the 800-passenger Marco Polo.

June 1st 1998

NCL Group, which included Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), reported a net loss of $4.4 million on revenues of $154.0 million for the first quarter ended March 31st 1998, compared to net income of $1.1 million on revenues of $156.9 million in the first quarter a year ago. (Net income of $2.2 million in 1997 reported on page 2 was for NCL and not the group.)

NCL unveiled plans to build four new ships at an estimated cost of $325 million each. A letter of intent had been signed with Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven to build a 76,000-ton, 2,000-passenger sister ship to the Norwegian Sky, which wa presently under construction there. The letter of interrt includes options on three more ships.

Norwegian Sky will be delivered in the summer of 1999 and the first of the new sister ships in the summer of 2000. The additional ships will be delivered in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

In addition, Aune confirmed that NCL will lengthen the Norwegian Majesty next year, increasing capacity by approximately 40 percent, from 1,056 to 1,436 passengers.

July 1998:

NCL acquires Orient Lines.

September 1998:

NCL initiates the first ever round-trip Honolulu cruising on a non-US flagged cruise ship, Norwegian Dynasty (calling at Christmas Island and Kirabati).

September 16th 1998

For the 2nd quarter that ended June 30th 1998, NCL reported net income of $1.6 million on revenues of $181.7 million, compared to a net loss of $8,000 on revenues of $156.8 million for the same period in 1997.

NCL announced that it would base its new ship, the 78,000-ton, 2,000-passenger Norwegian Sky, in Seattle for the 2000 Alaska summer season.

NCL said that net ticket revenue per capacity day increased year over year due to higher ticket prices. However, the load factor suffered due to weak bookings on the Norway's Atlantic crossing and on some European itineraries, according to NCL. And the Norwegian Star suffered from what the company called a "somewhat unfavorable perception of the ship as a consequence of its technical problems in 1997.”

The 1999 itinerary for the Norway had been changed, and Norwegian Sea would replace Norwegian Star out of Houston. 

November 16th 1998

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) reported net income of $13.5 million, or $0.06 per share, on revenues of $239.7 million for the third quarter ended September 30th 1998, compared to net income of $8.0 million, or $0.05 per share, on revenues of $172.6 million for the third quarter of 1997.

The revenue increase was attributed to the addition of the Norwegian Majesty in September 1997, the Marco Polo in July 1998 (through the acquisition of Orient Lines), the increased capacity of the Norwegian Wind and Norwegian Dream, and charter income from the Aida.

NCL also reported 1,047,407 passenger cruise days and a load factor of 99.9 percent for the third quarter of this year, compared to 848,522 passenger cruise days and a load factor of 104.3 percent for the same period last year.

The reduced load factor in 1998 was due to lower occupancies on Norwegian Star and on some of Norway's and Norwegian Dream's European sailings, according to NCL.

For 1999, NCL changed the European itinerary of Norway, and Norwegian Sea is replacing Norwegian Star out of Houston in December. NCL had also extended the charter of the Aida to Arkona Touristik through April 2001.

NCL would stretch Norwegian Majesty during the coming winter and take delivery of Norwegian Sky next summer, and planned to have its stock listed in the United States. But it has postponed its program of four additional newbuildings. 

December 1998:

NCL heads to South America for the first time, offering cruises on board Norwegian Crown.

December 4th 1998

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) was set to reach a final decision on whether to extend its charter of Leeward and Norwegian Dynasty beyond fall of 1999. The two ships, owned by Neptune Maritime OY (formerly SILJA), comprised roughly 20 percent of NCL's overall capacity during 1998, but their loss in late 1999 - if NCL opts out of the deal - will be counterbalanced by the launch of Norwegian Sky in summer 1999.

March 18th 1999

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) reported a net loss of $2.6 million, or $0.02 per share, on revenues of $767.6 million for the year ended December 31st 1998, compared to net income of $1.0 million, or $0.01 per share, on revenues of $651.8 million for 1997.

NCL cited weak performances by Norwegian Star and Leeward, which incurred losses of $17.8 million and $3.6 million respectively.

Some of the European sailings of Norwegian Dream and Norway also suffered from weak occupancy levels. As the Norway also had sprinklers installed during fourth quarter, her capacity was reduced accordingly in the period.

NCL said it had been paying higher travel agent commissions than the industry average.

To reduce the losses, NCL in 1998 transferred Norwegian Star to Norwegian Capricorn Line, a joint Australian venture. The larger Norwegian Sea had taken over NCL's Houston program and the company said it anticipates a "small profit" from those sailings in 1999. NCL also shortened Norway's 1999 program in Europe and would stay in the Caribbean year­ round in 2000.

Also in 1999, the company would conclude the charter agreement not only for the Leeward, but also for the 800-passenger Norwegian Dynasty.

But adding to the cost side in 1999 will be a scheduled drydocking and refurbishment of Norway and refurbishment of Norwegian Sea.

April 1999:

NCL is the first cruise line to offer a kid’s program at sea with the launch of Kid’s Crew® across its fleet. Junior cruisers ages 2-17 can take part in activities, games, parties and dine on special menus.

April 16th 1999

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced net income of $1 million on revenues of $198.2 million for the first quarter ended March 31st 1999, compared to a net loss of $5.7 million on revenues of $154 million for the first quarter of 1998.

NCL attributed increased revenues to higher per diems and increased capacity following the lengthening of Norwegian Dream and Wind and the addition of Orient Lines, which the company acquired in July of 1998, while Norwegian Majesty was also out of service for 100 days in Q1 due to the ship also being stretched.

NCL reported a load factor of 95.1 percent in 1998.

May 28th 1998

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) signed a letter of intent with Lloyd Werft for the construction of a $351 million, 80,000-ton, 2,000-passenger sister ship to the Norwegian Sky, for delivery on June 1st 2001. Also included in the letter is an option for a second vessel, priced at $334 million, for delivery on April 1st 2002. Lloyd Werft will not build the hulls, but is currently negotiating with four shipyards to do that work, according to Lloyd Werft general manager Werner Luken.

September 16th 1999

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) finalized a contract with Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven for an 80,000-ton, 2,000-passenger sister ship to the Norwegian Sky to be delivered September 1st 2001. The contract included an option for a third vessel.

"Our objective is to get a fleet of four to six Sky­ class vessels," said Geir Aune, president and CEO.

NCL sold Aida back to her former German owners for $180 million, which is what NCL paid for the ship in 1997. In the meantime, NCL said it had earned $20 million in charter fees during the two-year period that it owned the ship.

October 1999:

Exercise fanatics and gym buffs are pleased to hear that all of NCL’s on board gyms now operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

October 29th 1999

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) reported net income of $17.7 million, or $0.07 per share, on revenues of $246.6 million for the third quarter ended September 30th 1999, compared to net income of $13.5 million, or $0.06 per share, on revenues of $239.7 million for the third quarter of 1998.

Q3 1999 was negatively affected by $18-$19 million due to the collision of Norwegian Dream and the grounding of Norwegian Sky, and by $4-$5 million by the Kosovo crisis on the Marco Polo.

Load factor for Q3 was 101.1 percent compared to 99.9 percent last year, and for the nine-month period it was 100.2 percent, compared to 98.2 percent last year.

November 1999:

More than 1200 NCL team members participate simultaneously in the world’s first all-employee christening. The 77.104-ton $300 million Norwegian Sky is the first vessel for NCL in six years. Her christening sets a Guinness World Record as the world’s largest christening of a ship.

December 3rd 1999

Carnival Corporation's offered to buy Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) for about $900 million, or NOK 30 per share, but was rejected by NCL's board as "inadequate" at press time. Carnival executives said they would not raise their offer.

Analysts interviewed by Cruise Industry News said that a more realistic pricing of NCL would be in the range from NOK 45 to NOK 60. Over the past 18 months, NCL shares reached a high of NOK 48.40.

January 14th 2000

Star Cruises continues to move fast and this week named Colin Veitch president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), thus firing Geir Aune, who was also holding that position at press time. 

But the battle for NCL may not be over. While Star at one point held 50.2 percent of the shares, its holding has been reduced to 47 percent though the exercise and sale of stock options by majority shareholders.

This wa apparently an effort by some NCL shareholders - who also happen to be board members and members of management - and an outside investor, to either block Star's take-over, or force Star to pay more than NOK 35 for the outstanding shares. There are also rumors that Carnival Corporation may be back in the bidding for NCL.

February 2000:

Since the popular debut of the world’s first Internet Café at sea on board Norwegian Sky, NCL announces it will install Internet Cafes fleet wide.

February/March 2000: Asia goes Caribbean!

NCL is acquired by Star Cruises PLC of Malaysia. Star Cruises is now the worlds third largest cruise line in the world operating a combined fleet of 22 ships either in service or under construction.

"The withdrawal of Carnival (Corporation) means we have achieved our original goal of full ownership," said Dato KT Lim, chairman of Star. Carnival said it withdrew from the joint venture because Star had "clearly a different sense of how they wanted to run NCL, and being passive investors did not make a lot of sense to us.”

By having Carnival join its takeover effort, Star avoided a bidding war over NCL. Thus, in the end Star outmaneuvered both NCL and Carnival.

April 17th 2000

Star Cruises transferred one of its Libra-class 91,000-ton, 2,300-passenger vessels, Superstar Scorpio, to Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). The ship is under construction at Meyer Werft for delivery in 2002.

In 2001, NCL will take delivery of the second Sky-class ship, the Norwegian Sun, under construction at Lloyd Werft. NCL also has an option on a third Sky-class ship.

The Libra-class NCL ship will feature a new style of cruising, referred to by NCL as Freestyle Cruising, which will also be introduced progressively aboard its other newbuildings and some of its existing ships over the next two years, according to Veitch.

May 2000:

NCL breaks the mold with Freestyle Cruising, offering guests a more relaxed, resort–style cruise experience with complete flexibility. Hallmarks of the new program include up to 10 restaurants, resort-casual attire each night, increased crew-to-guest staffing, elimination of recommended cash tipping and a leisurely disembarkation procedure.

May 16th 2000

Star Cruises reported net income of $1.2 million, or $0.02 per share, on revenues of $193.6 million for the first quarter ended March 31st 2000, compared to net income of $16.0 million, or $0.03 per share, on revenues of $83.2 million for the first quarter of 1999.

The first quarter of this year included Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) for the month of March 2000. Excluding NCL and acquisition costs, Star would have posted net income of $18.0 million on revenues of $112.2 million for the first quarter of 2000.

August 31st 2000

Star Cruises reported net income of $2.5 million on revenues of $369.1 million for the second quarter ended June 30th 2000, compared to net income of $22.1 million on revenues of $85.1 million for Q2 1999. The Q2 2000 included Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and expenses related to the acquisition.

Star reported net income of $8.3 million on revenues of $242.0 million for NCL for the second quarter, compared to the $6.4 million in net income on revenues of $207.1 million that NCL reported for the same period last year.

November 2000:

Mandara Spa, LCC enters into agreement to operate all NCL shipboard spas. An ideal match for Freestyle Cruising, Mandara Spa creates an entirely new on board experience combining the romance of shipboard travel with the pampering style of the best resort spas.

January 2001:

NCL sails to more than 200 ports of call world wide – the most in the cruise line’s history up to this point.

March 15th 2001

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and sister company Orint Lines would add a total of four new ships and 7,050 more berths - representing a berth increase of 41 percent over the next two years - thanks to newly announced fleet transfers from parent Star Cruises combined with existing growth plans.

May 2001:

NCL initiates Alaska service from Seattle. The first cruise line to do so, this highly innovative move leads two years later to a wholesale shift of the industry from Vancouver to Seattle.

Photo of Norwegian Star from “Not Quite a Photographr” on flickr.com

May 18th 2001
Star Cruises Group reported net income of $4.4 million on revenues of $335.4 million for the first quarter ended March 31st 2001, compared to net income of $1.2 million on revenues of $190.8 million for the first quarter of 2000.

October 2001:

Norwegian Star is delivered to NCL on October 31st 2001.

November 2001:

The first purpose built ship for Freestyle Cruising – the 79.000 ton Norwegian Sun and the 91.000 ton Norwegian Star are launched. Actress Brooke Burke and Miss America Angela Perez Baraguio serve as the Godmothers of the Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star respectively. The christening held on November 17th 2001 is the first ever simultaneous christening of two commercial passenger vessels on record "in the U.S." (NOTE: believed to be 'in the US' since two commercial passenger vessels were simultaneously christened in Norway, ref.: Nordkapp and Polarlys, March 23rd 1996).

November 2001:

NCL introduces a new Homeland Cruising program, offering guests regularly scheduled, seven day , round trip cruises from more ports in the US and Canada than any other cruise line. Guests sail round-trip homeland ports including Miami, Seattle, Vancouver BC, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Boston, New York, Honolulu and Kahaina, Maui.

November 16th 2001

The Star Cruises Group, including Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), reported net income of $39.6 million, or $0.95 per share, on revenues of $379.8 million for the third quarter ended September 30th 2001, compared to net income of $21.5 million, or $0.68 per share, on revenues of $428.9 million for the third quarter of 2000.

Febuary 28th 2002

The Star Cruises Group reported a net loss of $8.4 million, or $0.02 per share, on revenues of $1.4 billion for the year ended December 31st 2001, compared to a net loss of $29.6 million, or $0.09 per share, on revenues of $1.3 billion for the year ended Dec. 31, 2000.

June 3rd 2002

The Star Cruises Group reported net income of $6.3 million, or $0.15 per share, on revenues of $368.0 million for the first quarter ended March 31st 2002, compared to net income of $4.4 million, or $0.11 per share, on revenues of $335.4 million for the first quarter last year.

August 30th 2002

Norwegian Cruise Line(NCL) was expected to introduce new ships in 2004, 05 and 06, following the delivery of the Norwegian Dawn this fall and the Norwegian Star and Norwegian Sun last fall.

NCL's parent company, the Star Cruises Group is also in negotiations with Meyer Werft, Mitsubishi and Samsung for what is reported to be a four-ship contract, with two ships going to NCL, the other two to Star's new efforts to penetrate the mainland Chinese market.

NCL had also conducted what it calls exploratory "discussions with Senator Daniel Inouye's office to understand his criteria for supporting a broadening of the cruise options available in Hawaii." The objective of these discussions is presumably focused on granting NCL an exemption to the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which would allow NCL to put a foreign-flag ship in inter-island Hawaiian service. According to Senator Inouye's office, issues that must be addressed include full U.S. crew and adherence to American law by a U.S. subsidiary.

August 30th 2002

Star Cruises Group reported net income of $29.5 million, or $0.71 per share, on revenues of $389.8 million for the second quarter ended June 30th 2002, compared to net income of $4.8 million, or $0.12 per share, on revenues of $327.2 million for the second quarter last year.

September 2002:

NCL is the first cruise line to provide remote wireless internet (WiFi) access to its guests.

November 2002:

Adding to its Homeland Cruising program, NCL begins cruising for the first time from Baltimore and New Orleans.

November 18th 2002

The partially completed hull of the first Project America ship has left Northrop Grumman Ship Systems' (NGSS) Ingalls shipyard and was on its way to Europe where it would be built out into a new 2,000-passenger ship for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). While no final contract for the new ship's construction had yet been announced, NCL confirmed that it was in "advanced discussions with Germany's Lloyd Werft shipyard on an agreement to complete the vessel," adding that "Lloyd Werft supervised the removal and towing of the hull materials on November 5th." The yet-to-be-named ship was slated for delivery in spring 2004. According to NCL, "Once the completion of the first vessel is underway, NCL will explore the feasibility of completing the second based on the work in progress and materials that have been purchased as part of the agreement with NGSS."

December 2002:

Norwegian Dawn is delivered from her builders on December 3rd 2002 and is the company’s third ship purpose built for Freestyle Cruising. The ship is deployed in New York year round in May 2003.

Only one sexy New York icon could truly welcome the Big Apples’s only year round ship. Kim Catterall of HBO’s hit series “Sex and the City” serves as Godmother of Norwegian Dawn christening the ship in New York on December 16th 2002.

Norwegian Dawn is the first NCL ship to feature NCL’s signature ‘hull artwork’. Most cruise ships relegate their artwork to the inside, but NCL takes art one step further by featuring dynaic images on the hull of its newest Freestyle Cruising ships.

Norwegian Dawn launches with a collection of original oil paintings by 20th century masters Renoir, Matisse, Van Gogh and Monet in her signature Le Bistro Restaurant. Elsewhere on the ship, guests enjoy a collection of original Pop Art featuring works by Andy Warhol. The artwork is on loan from Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri KT Lim’s personal collection.

December 4th 2002

Two days after parent Star Group announced in its quarterly filing that Orient Lines' "yields were significantly down" and that the brand "has had a challenging nine months," it was decided to remove the 1,050-passenger Crown Odyssey from Orient's fleet and deploy it under the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) banner instead.

The new addition will allow NCL to further bolster its "Homeland Cruising" presence, explained NCL CEO Colin Veitch. According to Veitch, Homeland Cruising "has been so successful that we have been looking at ways of adding more ships to the program, and we have decided that bringing Crown Odyssey back into the NCL fleet will allow us to open up several more Homeland ports."

February 2003:

President Bush approves the Omnibus Appropriations Act for the Fiscal Year 2003. The Act contains a cruise ship provision championed by Senator Daniel K. Inouye that will create thousands of US jobs and provide a significant boost to the economy. This paves the way for NCL to revive US- flagged cruise passenger shipping in Hawaii. 

February 28th 2003

Star Cruises Group reported net income of $73.1 million, or $1.70 per share, on revenues of $1.6 billion for the year ended December 31st 2002, compared to a net loss of $8.4 million, or $0.20 per share, on revenues of $1.4 billion for the previous year.

Mid-April 2003:

NCL purchases the SS Independence and the SS United States. In a bold move, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) acquired the 59,000-ton, 1,700-passenger United States. The 1951-built ship has been laid up since 1969.

NCL said it was evaluating the options for use of the ship under U.S. flag and determining the extent of the work required to convert her into a state-of-the-art cruise ship. The ship was expected to offer mainland U.S. itineraries where cruises are currently not offered. Refurbishment of the hull and superstructure would be done at a U.S. yard while the outfitting would be completed overseas, according to NCL President Colin Veitch.

May 2003:

NCL announces its new US-flagged brand NCL America under which all USS flagged, US-crewed ships will operate and sets arrival date of the first vessel, Pride of America. She is the first modern ship to sail the stars and stripes in nearly 50 years. Set to begin service in Hawaii in July 2004, Pride of America will offer seven-nights inter-island cruises round-trip from Honolulu.

May 2003:

Expanding the popular Homeland Cruising program to offer even more cruising options close to home, NCL positions two ships – Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky in Seattle to offer seven-day cruises to Alaska. Also cruising to Alaska, Norwegian Wind departs from Vancouver.

May 25th 2003:
While in port of Miami, the SS Norway suffers a fatal bolier room explosion during the early morning hours. This would become the sad finale for the once proud vessel. 

September 2003:

Norwegian Sea, sailing out of Boston, New York and Philadelphia, joins the Boston based Norwegian Majesty in cruising to Bermuda. NCL becomes the largest line cruising to Bermuda and the only line to offer Bermuda sailings from all of the Big Three NorthEastern cities – Boston, New York and Philadelphia.

November 2003:

Charleston, South Carolina is added as another Homeland Cruising port of departure.

Mid-November 2003

Star Cruises Group reported net income of $58.6 million, or $1.18 per share, on revenues of $437.5 million for the third quarter ended September 30th 2003, compared to net income of $56.2 million, or $1.25 per share, on revenues of $447.4 million for the third quarter of 2002. Included in the Q3 results of this year were $9.3 million in insurance proceeds from the loss-of-hire coverage net related expenses resulting from the Norway's boiler accident.

A 1.6 percent capacity increase due to the introduction of the Norwegian Dawn was offset by the non-operation of the Norway.

Pride of America listed and sank during a storm while dockside at Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven, according to Norwegian Cruise Line, it was not immediately known how this would affect the completion or delivery date of the ship. (Unknown source photograph). 

January 2004:

Pride of America takes on water and sinks in her building dock, causing a reshuffling of the fleet to allow the early introduction of Pride of Aloha and the transfer to NCL of SuperStar Leo renamed Norwegian Spirit from Star Cruises.

End of February 2004

Star Cruises Group reported a net loss of $101.4 million for 2003, compared to net income of $1.2 billion for Carnival Corporation (CC) and $280.7 million for Royal Caribbean International (RCC).

Photo of Norwegian Spirit by “glennharper” on flickr.com

May 2004:

Star Cruises transfers SuperStar Leo to NCL, renames her Norwegian Spirit, offering Alaska cruises. In winter, she offers Southern Caribbean cruises from Miami instead of the traditional San Juan.

May 28th 2004

Star Cruises Group was barely able to report net income for Q1 04, with $1.2 million, or $0.02 per share, on revenues of $390.7 million, compared to a net loss of $2.2 million, or $0.04 per share, on revenues of $412.0 million for the first quarter of 2003.

Star attributed the revenue decline to a 7.2 percent decrease in capacity resulting mainly from the Norway being taken out of service in May 2003. According to Star, operating expenses per capacity day were due to lower fuel costs, partially offset by start-up costs in Hawaii and lay-up expenses for the Norway.

Since Pride of America sank during construction, the ship had been raised and was in drydock. While certain repairs and preservation work had been carried out, construction had not yet resumed pending insurance settlement negotiations. A tentative delivery date had now been set for summer 2005.

June 2004:

After a successful launch of Norwegian Dawn there’s a revival of cruising out of the Big Apple. NCL solidifies its position as New York’s leading cruise line by announcing the addition of a second year-round ship – Norwegian Spirit, beginning November 2005.

Pride of Hawaii (NCL Publicity image).

July 2004:

Norwegian Sky is re-flagged in the US Registry, renovated and renamed Pride of Aloha. She becomes the first ship in the NCL America fleet. The late Margaret Awamura Inouye, wife of Hawaii Senator Daniel K. Inouye, christens the ship.

July 2004:

NCL launches the new Golf Hawaii program on board Pride of Aloha. Taking full advantage of itineraries and calling on all four of Hawaii’s main islands, NCL offers golf enthusiasts a full golf pro shop and the opportunity to play at some of the world’s top golf destinations.

Pride of America. (NCL America pre-lunch computer rendering)

June 2005:

NCL America makes US maritime history by christening Pride of America – the largest ever and first newly built US flagged cruise ship in nearly half a century. The ship employs US Officers and crew and celebrates a “Best of America” theme inspired by America’s favourite places. The honorable Elaine L. Chao, secretary of Labor, serves as Godmother.

June 2005:

“Live with Regis and Kelly” hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa film a full week of shows on board Pride of America in June 2005. “Live” partnered with NCL America to cruise the historic ports of the Eastern United States on her maiden voyage.

Norwegian Jewel is delivered to NCL from the builders on June 25th 2005.

End of October 2004

It was no secret that the Pride of Aloha, NCL America's U.S.-flagged and U.S.-crewed ship that sails seven-day inter-island Hawaii cruises, had hit some rough spots since its maiden voyage this past summer. Complaints about an overworked, under­ trained crew - some published reports claim the Aloha lost as much as 50 percent of its crew in its first three months at sea - disheveled staterooms and maintenance issues abound in cruise-centric Internet chat rooms and have been well-documented in the press.

But Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) said it's got the issues well under control and things are quickly looking up. "Things are not slowly improving, they are steadily and rapidly improving," said Colin Veitch, NCL's chairman and CEO. "The product today is delivering well, and passenger satisfaction scores are, on average, at the 'very good' level on our five-point scale.”

November 16th 2004

Star Cruises Group reported net income of $46.4 million, or $0.81 per share, on revenues of $478.7 million for the third quarter ended September 30th 2004, compared to net income of $51.6 million, or $1.04 per share, on revenues of $437.5 million for the third quarter of 2003.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) had an 11.7 percent increase in capacity in Q3 as a result of the Norwegian Spirit (ex-Superstar Leo) joining its fleet. Occupancy levels rose from 106.8 percent to 108.9 percent. Ship operating expenses were up due to what Star called "operational challenges during the start-up of the Pride of Aloha in Hawaii and higher-than budgeted manning costs of that ship.”

December 2004

Norwegian Cruise Line ordered a 93 000-ton sister ship to the Norwegian Jewel from Meyer Werft for delivery in February 2007 and had signed a letter of intent with Aker Yards for a 89,000-ton ship for delivery in spring of 2007. The letter of intent is valid until the end of January 2005 and includes an option for a second ship for delivery in early 2008.

March 2nd 2005

Star Cruises Group reported a net loss of $9.0 million, or $0.17 per share, on revenues of $1,636 million for the year ended December 31st 2004, compared to a net loss of $124.5 million, or $2.51 per share, on revenues of$1,618 million for 2003.

The 2004 results included a so-called impairment cost of $14.5 million related to a write-down of the book value of the Norway: $4.3 million in custom fines on the Norwegian Star resulting from the alteration of her Hawaii-to-Fanning-Island itinerary caused by propulsion problems; and $0.8 million in legal settlement costs. Impairment and legal costs in 2003 amounted to $109.3 million.

Beginning of March 18th 2005

The letter of intent to build a cruise ship for Norwegian Cruise Line, announced in December, was cancelled, according to Aker Finnyards. The announcement also included an option for a second ship. The original deadline for converting the letter of intent into a contract was January 31st but was extended for another month, with that deadline also passing. It is the first time a letter of intent between one of the major cruise lines and shipyards had not resulted in a firm building order. Aker Finnyards said that the "parties have not been able to realize the project within the given constraints.” 

April/ May 2005

Superstar Libra ( ex Norwegian Sea) is moved to sail out of Mumbai, India. It was a logical move that will be very profitable for the company in the long run. "The cruise potential in India is huge," said Naresh Rawal, Star Cruises' marketing manager in India. 

Mid-May 2005

Norwegian Cruises Line (NCL) placed an order for a new 93,000-ton, 2,400-passenger ship with Meyer Werft after its letter of intent with Aker Finnyards was terminated. The new ship was slated for delivery in October 2007. The total contract price is approximately $510 million. NCL had five new ships scheduled for delivery from June 2005 through October 2007.

June 2005

Star Group reported net income of $4.4 million, or $0.08 per share, on revenues of $404.5 million for the first quarter ended March 31st 2005, compared to a net loss of $9.2 million, or $0.17 per share, on revenues of $390.7 million for the first quarter of last year.

Star Group (NCL), which is now referred to as the NCL GROUP, including NCL America (Hawaii) and Orient Lines, increased its capacity by 9 .1 percent over the same period last year, with flat occupancy rates, while revenue yields were up. Operating costs were up due to higher fuel costs and due to the increased number of U.S. crew as compared to Q1 2004.

June 17th 2005

"It is not our ambition to do anything ordinary," said Colin Veitch, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, after the christening ceremony of Pride of America. Veitch described the 81,000-ton ship as different than the other NCL ships - with American themes - yet similar, featuring the line's freestyle cruising concept.

The ship was christened at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal by then United States Labor Secretary Elaine Chao who released the traditional bottle against the ship’s hull. The naming ceremony was significant as the first new U.S.-flagged cruise ship in nearly fifty years, and would fly the American flag donated from the U.S. Capital on its inaugural voyage. Also in attendance was Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union.

November 2005:

Norwegian Jewel joins NCL’s Freestyle Cruising fleet. Melania Trump, wife of Donald Trump, christens the new ship at a celebration in Miami. Trump, a former model, is synonymous with fashion and glamour – the perfect choice of Godmother for the shining new Norwegian Jewel.

September 2005

Star Cruises Group reported net income of $6.2 million, or $0.12 per share, on revenues of $438.7 million for the second quarter ended June 30th 2005, compared to a net loss of $9.0 million, or $0.17 per share, on revenues of $376.9 million for the second quarter of 2004.

According to NCL Group (NCL) President and CEO Colin Veitch, the revenue yield was up 7 percent for NCL in Q2, with the bigger, new ships doing better than the older ships, and with Hawaii generating stronger pricing than originally envisioned.

Norwegian Cruises Line had a 13 percent capacity increase in Q3 1995 compared to previous year, with the additions of the Pride of America and Norwegian Jewel, partially offset by the transfer of the Norwegian Sea to Star Cruises.

NCL reported net revenue yield of 6.5 percent in Q3 (compared to 3.8 percent for the Star Group as a whole), which was attributed to higher cruise ticket prices and onboard revenue and the acquisition of POLY Nesian Adventure Tours, a tour-bus operator in Hawaii.

December 2005

Star Cruises Group reported net income of $33 million, or $0.62 per share, on revenues of $580.9 million for the third quarter ended September 30th 2005, compared to net income of $46.4 million, or $0.81 per share, on revenues of $495.9 million for the same quarter last year.

January 2006

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its report on the Norwegian Dawn incident from last April and said that the "probable cause of damage and injuries suffered by its passengers was waves breaking over the bow during the ship's unavoidable encounter with severe weather and heavy seas”.

The NTSB said that gale force winds and sea conditions are not unexpected while transiting seas off the southeast coast of the U.S. at that time of the year.

Although the sea conditions did not pose a safety hazard for the ship, the NTSB reported that the captain changed the itinerary and slowed the vessel for the passengers' comfort.

Crew secured gear and closed off the outer decks and properly prepared the vessel for heavy weather, according to statements from officers, while makinga dvisory statements to passengers.

The two cabins that were damaged both face forward and have balconies over the bow area with teakrails supported by welded almninum vertical supports,which failed. The teak hand rails shattered thewindows. Passengers in both cabins were injured, and afoot of seawater entered the cabins, went under the cabins doorsand into the corridor. The total damage was estimated at $750,000.

February 2006:

NCL and “Good Morning America” team up for a Girls Week Out event hosted on board Norwegian Jewel.

March 2006:

NCL’s Norwegian Jewel makes an appearance on NBC’s popular “The Apprentice”- series.

April 2006:

HBO premiers “All Aboard! Rosie’s Family Cruise”, a documentary feature film chronicling Rosie O’Donnell and Kelli’s first-ever cruise for gay families on board Norwegian Dawn.

May 2006:

The largest and most expensive US-flagged cruise ship ever built, Pride of Hawaii, is christened as the third ship in a series of cruise ships sailing under the NCL America brand. ON hand to give the keynote address and officially name the ship is the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye – the US Senator sponsoring the legislation allowing this momentous occasion to happen.

May 2006

Star Cruises Group posted a loss of $35 million on revenues of $509.6 million for the first quarter ended March 31st 2006, compared to net income of $4.4 million on revenues of $415.5 million a year ago.

June 2006:

NCL is the first cruise line to offer cell phone service fleet wide.

September 2006

Despite generating nearly 10 percent more revenue per passenger day and improving operating income per passenger day by more than 41 percent over the second quarter last year, Star Cruises Group posted a loss of $33.9 million, or $0.64 per share, on revenues of $590 million in the second quarter ended June 30th 2006, compared to net income of $6.2 million, or $0.12 per share, on revenues of $452.3 million in the second quarter of 2005.

Mid-September 2006

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) unveiled a new all-encompassing brand identity designed to capture the free-spirited characteristics of the NCL cruise experience.

"We launched freestyle cruising in 2000," said Andy Stuart, executive vice president of marketing, sales and passenger services. "We introduced the first purpose-built ship in 2001, the first U.S.-flag ship in 2004, and we are now ready to launch our first national media campaign, starting Oct. 2, 2006, differentiating our brand to consumers, trade and internally to our crew and staff.

While spending $100 million on advertising in 2007 - on television, radio, the internet, national magazines, trade magazines and newspapers, the new identity will also be reflected in brochures, stationary, business cards, holiday cards, pier-side signage and staff attire, in-cabin signage, the key card, and more - at every touch-point, Stuart said.

A recurring symbol is a white fish swimming against a school of differently colored fish that all swim in the same direction. (A little booklet is titled "Go Against the Current," and refers to the NCL craiser as the beatnik of the seas. The booklet also offers words that the passenger can scratch off, such as schedule, regimen and assigned. There are also little patches for covering up the face of a watch. (Get the idea?)

A new television campaign pokes fun at the regimentation of traditional cruises and introduces NCL cruises "where passengers do what they what when they want," according to Scott Rogers, senior vice president of marketing and sales. "The commercials are expected to break down the barriers to cruise travel," he said. NCL is also providing the tools - whether brochures, its website or travel agent support - to help consumers book cruises.

NCL signs a contract to build up to three next generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery between 2009 and 2011. The new ships, with the project name F3, will incorporate a world of new features and will represent NCL’s third generation of Freestyle Cruising ships, a further evolution of NCL’s progressive dismantling of the structure, regimentation and constraints of the traditional cruise experience.

Following NCL's recent order for three new 150,000-ton, 4,200-passenger ships from Aker YARDS SA, for deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2009, the second quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, the line will have the youngest fleet in the industry by 2010, Stuart added, noting that the only things left from the company that Star Cruises bought in 2000, is the name and the people.

The first two ships are firm orders, while the third is an option. The total contract value is estimated at $2.8 billion, which, according to NCL, translates to approximately $224,000 per passenger lower berth.

October 2006:

NCL is the first cruise line to homeport in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. Norwegian Sun returns to the city to offer 7-day Exotic Western Caribbean cruises departing weekly.

November 2006:

Norwegian Pearl is delivered from the yard to NCL.

Mid-November 2006

Star Group reported net income of $60.4 million, or $1.11 per share, on revenues of $683.3 million for the third quarter ended September 30th 2006, compared to net income of $33.0 million, or $0.62 per share, on revenues of $575.3 million for the third quarter of 2005

December 2006:

NCL celebrates 40 years of cruising innovation by welcoming Norwegian Pearl, the newest ship in the NCL Freestyle Cruising fleet, and the first cruise ship to feature a bowling alley.

Emmy® Award winning actress and talk show host Rosie O’Donnell serves as Godmother of Norwegian Pearl christening the ship on December 16th in Miami. NCL donates the new ship to O’Donnell’s charity, Rosie for all Kids Foundation, for use in a one night fund raising event.

April 8th 2007

NCL Corporation announced that three NCL Freestyle Cruising vessels - Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Sun - will return to Alaska for the 2008 season.

April 16th 2007
NCL Corporation announced that it would place three of its newest Jewel-class ships in Europe beginning March 2008 in response to increased consumer demand for European cruises. The company would also re-flag Pride of Hawai`i into the Bahamas registry and re-name her Norwegian Jade after a short wet dock in Honolulu in February 2008. Norwegian Jade would join her sister ships Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jewel in Europe in 2008 offering NCL's largest and most varied European deployment ever.

April 17th 2007

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that Norwegian Dawn will be entering a previously unscheduled drydock on May 29th to conduct necessary repairs on a thruster bearing in the ship's ABB-manufactured propulsion system. NCL engineers discovered what the line called localized wear in the thruster bearing during routine inspection. Meanwhile, the Dawn has been sailing at reduced speed to limit any further wear. 

End of April 2007
Beginning May 28th 2007, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and NCL America guests would receive travel documents earlier and more conveniently when the company converts to an electronic documentation process for all cruise bookings. For reservations that are paid in full and finalized, e-documents will be available up to 60 days prior to sailing. In addition, guests would have 24/7 access to their cruise documents wherever and whenever they want. NCL is one of the first cruise lines in the industry to implement all-electronic cruise documents.

May 22nd 2007

Maryland Port Administration (MPA) announced that Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), the third largest cruise operator in the world, would begin offering cruises from the Port of Baltimore in 2008. NCL would become the second cruise line operating out of the new South Locust Point cruise terminal that opened in 2006. The NCL ship, Norwegian Majesty, will offer 10 seven-day cruises from Baltimore to Bermuda from June through August 2008.

June 26th 2007

NCL America announced that off-Broadway's legendary show phenomena, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, will be featured on board its ships Pride of America, Pride of Aloha and Pride of Hawai`i.

August 3rd 2007

Furthering NCL’s continued commitment to the environment, NCL Corporation recently completed a first-of-its-kind initiative at the Port of Miami to recycle used cooking oil from Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl. Approximately 1,300 gallons of used cooking oil were offloaded and donated to an organic farmer in Vero Beach, Fla., who converted the oil to 870 gallons of usable bio-diesel for his farming equipment.

August 12th 2007

Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) newest “It” Girl — Norwegian Gem —as she left drydock at Meyer Werft in Papenburg.

August 17th 2007

NCL Corporation Ltd (“NCL”), parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line and NCL America, announced that private equity group, Apollo Management, LP (“Apollo”), had agreed to make a $1 billion cash equity investment in NCL. The new investment, in the form of common stock alongside NCL’s existing sole shareholder, Star Cruises (“Star”), was designed to strengthen NCL’s balance sheet and its ability to continue to expand what is fast-becoming the youngest fleet in the industry, and to evolve further the company’s successful Freestyle Cruising concept first introduced in 2000.

Mid-September 2007

Apollo Management, which earlier this year spent $325 million for a 68 percent share of Oceania Cruises, is also making a $1 billion investment in NCL Corporation (NCL) for 50 percent ownership and control with three out of five voting members on NCL's board. The Star Group retains 50 percent ownership.

October 1st 2007:

Norwegian Gem is delivered from the Meyer Werft to NCL in the Dutch port of Eemshaven, and would christened in New York on December 18th 2007.

October 2007

Star Cruises today announced the sale of the SuperStar Gemini which is to be concluded in the following weeks. SuperStar Gemini will be chartered back from the new owner until December 2008 to continue offering her cruise itineraries before being handed over to the new owner.

November 7th 2007

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and the Bermuda Government announced that they have reached a comprehensive, long-term agreement that calls for two of NCL’s newest and largest ships to be deployed to Bermuda for the next 10 years, commencing 2009 and running through 2018.

November 16th 2007

NCL Corporation announced that it would begin assessing guests a fuel supplement in response to record high fuel prices.  Effective on all new NCL and NCL America bookings made on or after December 1st 2007, the fuel supplement will be $7 per person per day for the first and second guests in a stateroom and $3 per person per day for any additional guests in the same stateroom.

November 29th 2007

NCL Corporation (“NCL”) announced the appointment of two senior executives to its management team. Kevin Sheehan will join NCL, effective today, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Gregory Hunt will join NCL on December 3 in the newly created position of Executive Vice President Strategic and Commercial Development. 

December 4th 2007

Star Cruises Group posted a loss of $21.3 million, or $0.29 per share, on revenues of$733.7 million for the third quarter ended September 30th 2007, compared to net income of $60.4 million, or $1.03 per  share, on revenues of $688.6 million for the same  quarter last year. Star attributed the result to a non-cash Euro denominated debt translation loss of $41.7 million.

Net revenue increased 9.2 percent in Q3, according to Star, driven by a 6.3 percent increase in net revenue yield and a 2.8 percent increase in capacity due to the addition of the Norwegian Pearl, which was partially offset by the transfer of the Norwegian Wind to Star (Superstar Aquarius). The increase in net revenue yield was primarily due to higher ticket prices and increased demand. Occupancy was 111.2 percent in 2007 up from 107.8 percent in Q3 2006.

December 14th 2007

NCL’s new “It” Girl Norwegian Gem gets maximum exposure with a first-ever, full-site takeover of the New York Post’s Web site. The site took on a lava lamp-like glow as every section featured Norwegian Gem’s black, gold and hot pink branding.

Decemeber 18th 2007
Norwegian Gem christened in port of New York. 

December 20th 2007

As the transaction between Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Apollo Management, LP (“Apollo”) nears completion and the infusion of $1 billion comes into the company, NCL announced today plans for a major travel agent initiative called Partnership 2.0. The Partnership 2.0 initiative will involve major changes to the way NCL does business to strengthen its relationships with travel partners, at all levels. The program includes faster payment of group commission, quicker problem resolution by establishing a fully empowered resolution desk, simplifying pricing quotes, enhancing reservations agents’ product knowledge, faster credit card processing, improved credit card procedures, and paying commissions electronically.

As the transaction between Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Apollo Management, LP (“Apollo”) nears completion and the infusion of $1 billion comes into the company, NCL announced today its Freestyle 2.0 fleet wide initiative featuring significant enhancements in its onboard product that will further improve the guest experience. The enhancements include a major investment in the total dining experience; upgrading the stateroom experience across the ship; new wide ranging onboard activities for guests all of ages; additional recognition, service and amenities for balcony,  suite and villa guests; and a re-launch of a tiered Latitudes past guest recognition program.

December 21st 2007

Apollo (Management) is still in an acquisition mode, said Adam Aron, senior operating partner, in a one-on-one interview with Cruise Industry News, "if the right opportunity comes along.” "A fourth cruise line is a possibility, and the scope is not limited to the U.S. For now, however, it may be wise to take a deep breath and focus on the three lines we already own," he added. Having acquired Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and most recently, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Aron said Apollo has a $2 billion equity commitment in the industry, and its acquisitions have an enterprise value of $7 billion.

January 7th 2008

NCL Corporation (“NCL”), parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line and NCL America, announced the closing of a $1 billion cash equity investment by private equity group Apollo Management, LP (“Apollo”) in NCL.

February 5th 2008:

Pride of Hawaii departs Honolulu, Hawaii, on February 5th bound for Los Angeles where she becomes the Norwegian Jade on February 16th 2008. Due to “over-capacity” in the region, both the Pride of Hawaii and the Pride of Aloha is pulled from the Hawaiian market. Pride of America remained afterwards as the only US-flagged cruiseship sailing in Hawaii. Pride of Aloha was being transferred to Star Cruises, reflagged and deployed in Asia in the summer of 2008. She would be leaving NCL in May.

End of February 2008

Star Cruises Group posted a loss of $200.9 million on revenues of $2.6 billion for the year ended December 31st 2007, compared to a loss of $156.2 million on revenues of $2.3 billion in 2006.

Revenue was up due to a 10.7 percent increase in capacity and an increase in ticket prices for Norwegian Cruise Line, according to Star.

For the fourth quarter ended December 31st 2007, Star posted a loss of $123.6 million on revenues of $620.6 million, compared to a loss of $147.6 million on revenues of $547.1 million for Q4 2006

February 27th 2008
NCL Corporation announced that for the first time in the company’s 41-year history, it will deploy a ship year-round in Europe. Norwegian Jade will sail a variety of itineraries in Europe year-round, extending its inaugural season in Europe that begins on March 30th 2008.

March 2009:

The first color renderings of the new F3 class vessels are released to the public. 

First week of April 2008
NCL America’s Pride of Aloha returned today to Honolulu from a 12-day Hawai`i cruise with one extra guest – an eight-month old cocker spaniel named Snickers.   Working in conjunction with the Hawaiian Humane Society, NCL America officials made arrangements for the abandoned dog to be picked up by the ship during its planned stop in Fanning Island on April 9, 2008.

Mid-April 2008
In response to the continued rise in oil prices, NCL Corporation announced an increase to its current fuel supplement.  The new fuel supplement will be $9 per person per day for the first and second guests in a stateroom and $4 per person per day for any additional guests in the same stateroom.

April 25th 2008: 

During a ceremony at Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France, the keel was laid for the first of Norwegian Cruise Line's F3 ships, the third generation and the next evolution of the company’s innovative Freestyle Cruising ships. The first block of the keel, number 5006, a double bottom block weighing 322 tons, was put into place marking the start of the overall construction of the ship.

NCL Corporation revealed the cruise industry’s most innovative living space at sea – New Wave Staterooms by NCL. Designed for its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ships, F3, the New Wave standard, New Wave balcony and New Wave deluxe staterooms represent a giant leap forward in cruise ship accommodations with a completely fresh take on bathroom design, contemporary curved architecture and open living space.

The Norwegian Epic was planned by NCL as one of two identical ships in a new class, with a third being a possibility. As code-name F3 she was constructed by STX Europe Chantiers de l’Atlantique. During her building, the progress temporarily ceased due to rising costs, but was eventually built. 

April 23rd 2008

Star Cruises entered an agreement to sell the Norwegian Dream, as well as her fleetmate Norwegian Majesty, to the Cyprus-based Louis Cruise Lines, which was reportedly willing to pay $218 million for the ship. International Shipping Partners was also interested in the Norwegian Dream. Louis was supposed to pay the entire $218 million upon the ship's delivery.

May 7th 2008

NCL Corporation (NCL) announced that it would reflag and rename Pride of Aloha and launch the ship as Norwegian Sky, and would not be transferred her to Star as announced at January 5th 2008, offering three and four-day Bahamas cruises from Miami commencing the coming summer. The 2,002-passenger ship, built in 1999, will return to the NCL international fleet, and will be outfitted with NCL’s Freestyle 2.0 enhancements.  It will be the youngest and highest quality ship sailing three and four-day Bahamas cruises from Miami beginning July 14th 2008.  

May 2008
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that Norwegian Pearl recently received the Port of San Francisco's Cruise Ship Environmental Award.  In 2007, Norwegian Sun was honored with the same award.

June 30th 2008
Norwegian Dawn, with Captain Trygve Vorren in command, while sailing off the coast of Massachusetts and New York on its way to Bermuda, answered two separate distress calls within twelve hours, rescuing two injured sailors from different boats in rough seas.

July 7th 2008

Norwegian Sky returns to Miami and will begin sailing three and four-day Bahamas cruises on Monday, July 14, 2008.

July 14th 2008
Norwegian Sky begins sailing three and four-day Bahamas cruises out of Miami. 

Mid-July 2008

Bruce Nierenberg was appointed executive vice president of Orient Lines effective immediately. The announcement was made by Wayne Heller, the line’s president and CEO. Nierenberg will have direct responsibility for worldwide marketing and sales, and will oversee product development.

August 2008

Star Cruises Superstar Gemini was announced to be chartered to Spanish Vision Cruises in March 2009 on a long-term, deck and engine time charter, Niels G. Jensen, director of the Clipper Group, told Cruise Industry News.

Louis Cruise Lines announces that it had completed the acquisition of Norwegian Majesty from Star Cruises for the amount of US$ 162 million (103 Million Euros). The said acquisition falls part of the already announced company policy for the renewal and upgrade of the fleet. Norwegian Majesty had then been chartered back to Star Cruises until December 1st 2009. Asia/Pacific market leader Star Cruises will therefore be sailing with four ships the coming winter – but only one would sail for the first two months of the season. The line would be losing Superstar Gemini in December, prompting a drop in Star’s capacity over past winter. 

September 29th 2008

Louis Cruise Line, that was going to purchase the Norwegian Dram in a deal drawn up on April 23rd 2008, canceled the deal due to "technical issues relating to the vessel.”

End of September 2008

Travel Weekly, the most influential news resource in the travel industry, recognized Norwegian Cruise Line (“NCL”) with five gold and two silver 2008 Magellan Awards in the Cruise Ship/Suite Design and Advertising/Marketing categories. Awarding NCL more gold awards than any other cruise line, Travel Weekly features NCL in the September 29th 2008 issue that includes a special section devoted to the most exciting and innovative work being done in the travel industry today.

October 1st 2008

Louis Cruise Line cancelled its offer to buy Norwegian Dream from Star Cruises. The Cyprus-based cruise line changed direction about the ship “due to technical issues relating to the vessel, and following legal advice,” the line announced on its website.

First week of October 2008

While in a building cost dispute with the shipyard over the first F3 ship, NCL's website states that "NCL is in the midst of a fleet renewal program which, by the end of 2010, will add one new ship to its fleet with approximately 4,200 berths.”

NCL had two F3 ships under contract, with the first entering service in March 2010 and the second in October 2010. The first one is tied-up in the dispute. However, it is unlikely that the yard can sell the hull to another buyer without considerable added change costs, depending on how far along the construction is, with NCL's unique freestyle concept. The original order also included an option for a third F3 ship, which had since been dropped.

October/ November 2008

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that the company’s current fuel supplement would no longer apply to bookings made on or after November 10th 2008 for sailings that depart on or after January 1st 2010.

November 9th 2008

NCL Corporation Ltd. announced that Kevin Sheehan, currently President and Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, as well. 

Mid-November 2008
Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Norwegian Spirit would be undergoing a multi-million dollar refurbishment focused on enhancing the total guest experience.  The 2,376 passenger Freestyle Cruising ship will be receiving a total renovation to its public areas, staterooms and suites.  These refurbishments are in addition to the enhancements already made as part of Freestyle 2.0, the company’s fleet-wide initiative to further improve the guest experience across all guest touch points from food and beverage to staterooms.

November 17th 2008

NCL Corporation announced net income of $171.2 million on revenues of $639.0 million for the third quarter ended September 30th 2008, compared to a net loss of $8.6 million on revenues of $632.5 million for the third quarter of last year.

November 19th 2008

Norwegian Cruise Line joins with Sixthman, the leaders in affinity travel, to offer unique concert cruises with the opportunity to hear top musical acts in an exclusive, interactive and intimate environment onboard Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Dawn.

December 5th 2008

Building on the successful launch of Norwegian Sky in the three and four-day market, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced it has extended the Freestyle Cruising ship's deployment from Miami, sailing three and four-day Bahamas cruises, through April 16th 2010.

December 18th 2008

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and STX France Cruise SA, STX Europe's French shipyard, announced that they had reached an agreement and are moving forward with the construction of the F3 cruise ship project.

NCL and STX Europe agreed to revise the original F3 order. STX France Cruise would now build one F3 ship at 150,000-tons with a total of 4,200 passenger berths, representing the largest ship in NCL's fleet. This would mean a continuation of the original hull which is currently in the early phases of construction, with delivery set for late May 2010, as originally scheduled. The planned second vessel, which was only in the preparatory stages, would not be built. Further terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) also revealed its vision for the future of nighttime experiences at sea designed specifically for its two next generation of Freestyle Cruising ships, F3, set to debut in 2010.  From Riviera chic and Ibiza style to Miami trendy and Vegas flair, the nightclubs on NCL’s new F3 ships will create never-before-seen experiences at sea and feature multiple uses for day or night, along with exclusive, adult-only venues.

January 5th 2009

Star Cruises is investing half a million dollars in what it calls the world’s first stainless steel water slide on the SuperStar Virgo. The slide will be installed during drydock this month. According to Star, the slide will be 100 meters long, starting 10.5 meters above the top deck and have an average inclination of 10 percent. It will offer a maximum speed of 7 meters per second. The slide will also include five-meter long glass tube at 25 meters above the sea surface.

Star Cruises pulled out of the NCL America project as of December 19th 2008 pursuant to a previous agreement with NCL, which Star owned jointly with Apollo Management. According to an agreement from 2008, NCL made a payment to Star for the NCLA assets and will also distribute what it called the Aloha assets, comprising of the vessel now known as the Norwegian Sky and certain other assets related to the vessel. Distribution of the assets will take place in January. Neither Star nor NCL issued any statement as to whether Star’s pull out of Hawaii will affect NLCA and/or the Norwegian Sky which presently was sailing short cruises from Miami.

January 19th 2009

As part of its continuing commitment to Partnership 2.0, a company-wide initiative to strengthen its relationship with travel partners, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) launched online check-in via its new “My NCL” portal. This online gateway enables both travel partners and guests to update and track pre-cruise activity through a quick three step process.

Monday, January 19th 2009

At approximately 9 p.m., Norwegian Star, commanded by Captain Lars Bergstrom, while sailing from Cabo San Lucas to Mazatlan, Mexico, answered a mayday call from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) indicating a nearby 45-foot sailboat, the Carpe Diem, was taking on water approximately 60 nautical miles off the coast of Cabo San Lucas.

January 27th 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that it had selected the name for its new F3 ship: Norwegian Epic. Just as the name implied, the ship would be the largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date.

February 11th 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that for the first time in more than 11 years, the company would homeport a ship seasonally at Port Canaveral, Florida beginning October 2010. The 1,936-passenger Norwegian Sun, purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising, would be sailing alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, departing every Saturday from October 9th 2010 through April 16th 2011.

March 3rd 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled the first computer generated images of its new 153,000-gross ton, 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic.

March 10th 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that cruise industry veteran Roberto Martinoli had been appointed president and chief operating officer. In this senior leadership role, he is responsible for all aspects of fleet operations, including the construction of NCL’s largest Freestyle Cruising vessel, Norwegian Epic. He reports to Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s chief executive officer, who maintains responsibility for all other areas of NCL’s business.

Start of March 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and the Port of New Orleans recently signed a three-year agreement, with a three-year option, which allows NCL to homeport one of its Freestyle Cruising ships in New Orleans through October 31st 2014. The agreement also provides certain berthing privileges through the entire term of the agreement.

March 18th 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) saw its bookings rise 15 percent year over year through March 15th 2009. In addition, its new Groups 2.0 program, launched in December, saw a 288 percent increase in group staterooms blocked compared to the same time last year.

April 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) revealed another industry first to debut on its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, which will include an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge. The line also unveiled seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever repelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas and the first squash court at sea. In addition, Norwegian revealed the next generation of Freestyle Dining with 14 restaurant choices – the most at sea – and 18 bars and lounges.

April 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) reported a net loss of $211.8 million on revenues of $2.1 billion for the year ended December 31st 2008, compared to a net loss of $226.9 million on revenues of $2.2 billion for 2007. Excluding one-time charges, including the cancellation of a contract to build a ship, NCL would have reported a loss of only $83 million, according to company filings.

April 9th 2009

Norwegian Epic’s construction, underway at STX Europe in St. Nazaire, France, celebrated a milestone in the early morning hours last when the final piece of the ship’s bow was lowered into place.

April 27th 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that it would redeploy Norwegian Sun for the summer of 2010, moving the ship from Alaska to Europe. Norwegian Sun is assuming the summer 2010 itinerary previously announced for Norwegian Jewel and will sail a 12-day Baltic Capitals itinerary from London (Dover) beginning May 11th 2010 through September 8th 2010. In addition, Norwegian Jewel will move from Europe to New York, sailing a combination of seven-day Bahamas & Florida, 10-day Canada & New England and 10-day Eastern Caribbean sailings from April 24th 2010 through April 24th 2011.

May 14th 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) reported net income of $5.2 million on revenues of $424.5 million for the first quarter ended March 31st 2009, compared to a net loss of $145.0 million on revenues of $511.6 million for the same quarter last year.

June 17th 2010:

Norwegian Epic was handed over to NCL on June 17th 2010, while her planned sister and the optional third vessel was canceled a little earlier on. 

June 2nd 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line saw demand for its largest ever Freestyle Cruising vessel Norwegian Epic skyrocket in the first week that the ship’s itineraries went on sale to the public, beginning Thursday, May 21, 2009. Norwegian Epic’s first week of bookings far exceeded opening week sales for the company’s last two new ships: Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem. All categories of staterooms were in demand, from the groundbreaking new Studios for the value-conscious traveler to the ultra luxurious villas, penthouses and deluxe owner’s suites. Prices start from $699 per person; however, based on high demand, prices increases are taking effect on some of the more popular sailings.

June 3rd 2009

STX Europe in Saint-Nazaire, France, reached another milestone yesterday with the fitting of its two huge funnels on board the Norwegian Epic. 

June 5th 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that the last block, number 0898, in the construction of Norwegian Epic was lowered onto the vessel at STX Europe in Saint-Nazaire, France. The block, which weighed 563 tons, equivalent to the weight of approximately 64 elephants, and measured 133 feet wide, 113 feet long and 63 feet high, was placed above the bridge on Deck 13 and took one hour to move onto the ship. One of largest on the vessel, this block will house portions of The Villas, a private enclave of 60 exclusive suites located on Decks 16, 17 and 18. The radar mast will be added next which will complete Norwegian Epic's structure before her expected float out and transfer to the outfitting dock on July 11th 2009.

June 22nd 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Norwegian Sky underwent a complete refurbishment focused on enhancing the guest experience while the 2,002-passenger ship was in dry dock last month in Freeport, Bahamas. The ship, which entered the Miami short cruise market approximately one year ago, received enhancements to its public areas, staterooms and suites, as well as the addition of three new staterooms.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will return to the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal for the seventh straight year with the luxurious Norwegian Majesty. CruisePhilly is turning the cruising season upside down in 2009, offering expanded cruises to Canada throughout September and closing with fall trips to Bermuda.

June 30th 2009

The new name for the Norwegian Majesty, which Louis would take over in December, is the Louis Majesty, and will sail from Genoa and Marseille on seven- to 10-day cruises.

July 11th 2009

Norwegian Epic made her first journey on water, cruising out of her construction quay at STX Europe in Saint-Nazaire, France where the 153,000-ton ship has been under construction since October 2007.

August 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) reported net income of $15.4 million on revenues of $478.4 million for its second quarter ended June 30th 2009, compared to a net loss of $27.0 million on revenues of $525 million for the same period last year.

End of August 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that they were now offering guests the opportunity to book a waitlist reservation on Norwegian Epic’s first transatlantic cruise. Guests on the waitlist would have first priority to secure their booking once the sailing date, itinerary and pricing are announced.

September 14th 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Norwegian Epic, the company’s largest and most innovative ship to date currently under construction in France, will make her inaugural transatlantic seven-day cruise on June 24th 2010, departing from London (Southampton).

September 28th 2009

Norwegian Epic's first Eastern Caribbean cruise departing on July 10th 2010 goes on sale to the public. Ports of call include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.

October 15th 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line named the two seasoned captains who will serve on Norwegian Epic, Captain Trygve Vorren and Captain Hakan Svedung. 

November 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) reported net income of $85.6 million on revenues of $550.7 million for the third quarter ended September 30th 2009, compared to net income of $171.2 million on revenues of $639.0 million for the third quarter last year. NCL said the decline in net income reflected foreign currency exchange translation gains in 2008 of $117.6 million. Occupancy was 114.8 percent this year, compared to 111.3 percent last year.

Mid-December 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line is ringing in the New Year three weeks early with a bevy of promotions marking 2010 as “The Year of the Freestyle Vacation.” 

January 13th 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line announced a new partnership with Nickelodeon in which select Norwegian ships will feature Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming all year long.  Beginning in April on Norwegian Jewel and the coming summer on Norwegian Epic, Nickelodeon and Norwegian experiences for the entire family will include: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.  The three-year partnership also includes select specialty Nickelodeon-themed cruises each year, featuring Nickelodeon TV stars, show premieres and continuous themed-entertainment on the ship.

January 26th 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that its largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, Norwegian Epic, debuting in July, will spend her summer in the Mediterranean as part of her 2011/2012 deployment.  

February 9th 2010

Even before its $11 million renovation to accommodate larger ships was complete, Cruiseport Boston was already reaping the rewards as Norwegian Cruise Line will begin using a newer and larger ship in 2011 for its popular Boston-Bermuda cruise itinerary, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) announced today.  The 92,000 gross-ton Norwegian Dawn adds 10% more passenger capacity to Boston’s cruise market and will replace Norwegian Spirit that began sailing out of Cruiseport Boston to Bermuda and ports in Canada & New England last year.

February 12th 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line will sail seven-day cruises all year long from New Orleans starting November 2010. The decision will effectively double the number of passengers NCL can move through the Crescent City. Norwegian Spirit, which normally sailed from New Orleans in the winter cruise season from November to April and then is repositioned to another U.S. cruise port, will now maintain a weekly presence at the Port of New Orleans’ Erato Street Cruise Terminal throughout the year.

February 14th 2010

Norwegian Epic returned from her first successful sea trials which lasted four days and sailed the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. During the sea trials, 300 technicians and engineers from STX FRANCE SA, along with 30 Norwegian Cruise Line representatives, checked more than 60 different aspects of the ship’s performance by running trials of the vessel’s speed, maneuverability, hydrodynamics and propulsion, amongst others.

March 18th 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line announced at Cruise Shipping Miami that it will make major enhancements to its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, located 120 miles east of Ft. Lauderdale in the Berry Island chain of the Bahamas. The 250-acre island will undergo a two-phase renovation, totaling in excess of $20 million, spanning 22 months and scheduled to be completed by the end of 2011.

April 13th 2010

This year's Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® in New York is sure to be truly epic. Norwegian Cruise Line and Macy's announced that Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship, Norwegian Epic, will be the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks event taking place on Sunday, July 4th 2010. The event includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m. and takes place on board Norwegian Epic where invited guests will have a front row view of the fireworks display.

April 20th 2010

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, 2010, Norwegian Cruise Line announced it would donate $5 for every Norwegian Epic booking made that day to help support the Officer Snook Water Pollution Program/Youth Environmental Programs, Inc., specifically the organization’s sea turtle release program. Officer Snook educational programming is included in Norwegian’s Kids Crew programs across the fleet.

June 13th 2010

Norwegian Epic returned from her final successful sea trials after three days of sailing the Atlantic Ocean.

June 17th 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line accepted delivery of its largest and most innovative ship to date, Norwegian Epic, from STX FRANCE SA.  Norwegian Epic at 153,000 gross tons is the largest ship ever constructed in St. Nazaire and therefore represents a major milestone for STX.

June 22nd 2010

Norwegian Epic’s arrival into Southampton was delayed because of a technical issue.  The ship was now scheduled to arrive into Southampton at 5:30 p.m. instead of 10 a.m.

June 28th 2010

In another first, Norwegian Cruise Line announced an exclusive partnership with SVEDKA Vodka and Inniskillin ice wine to be introduced on board Norwegian Epic.  As part of the partnership, this unique frozen bar will be called the SVEDKA Ice Bar and will feature specialty SVEDKA and Inniskillin ice wine drinks.

July 1st 2010

The Norwegian Epic, the largest ship ever to dock in the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, arrived for her official inaugural festivities following her maiden transatlantic seven-day voyage from Southampton, UK. Norwegian Epic with a height of 200 feet cleared the Verrazano Bridge by approximately 24 inches at 7:40 a.m.

July 4th 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Epic, set the stage for the most successful NBC telecast of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular in three years. The ship, which was the largest ever to dock in New York and the first new ship to homeport in Miami in three years, was host to the fireworks event as part of its inaugural festivities in New York, July 2-4, 2010.

July 12th 2010

Norwegian Epic set sail today from Miami on its first Caribbean cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, following the ship's successful inaugural festivities. From this day onwards, the ship would be sailing alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries every Saturday and is home ported in Miami through April 2011.

July 14th 2010

Norwegian Epic set record-breaking booking levels for the past two weeks on the heels of its successful inaugural activities in Europe, New York and Miami. The booking volume for the week ended July 10th 2010 is the highest this year, second only to the previous week ended July 3rd 2010. Media exposure during the inaugural activities and positive reviews from both travel partners and the press are helping to fuel the demand.

July 20th 2010

Norwegian Epic has set its third consecutive record-breaking booking week for the week ending July 17th 2010. Booking volume was up more than 50 percent from the previous two record-breaking weeks for the weeks ending July 3rd and July 10th with Epic's innovative New Wave balcony staterooms some of the most popular.

August 22nd 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic features KONE’s energy efficient solutions for the movement of people and goods, according to the Finnish company. To ensure the smooth movement of over 4,200 passengers plus crew and personnel as well as goods inside the cruise ship, KONE accomplished one of its largest single contracts on a single ship, it said, by supplying and installing a total of 41 units: 32 elevators, two dumbwaiters, one easy access platform and six escalators. The energy efficient passenger elevators are designed and manufactured by KONE’s production facility in Finland, which is a specialized unit for manufacturing customized elevators such as for shipboard installations.

August 23rd 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line and Nickelodeon are offering the ultimate family cruise vacation with two “Nickelodeon All Access Cruises” setting sail in 2011. These special Nickelodeon-themed cruises give guests access to seven days of slime-filled entertainment all day, every day aboard Norwegian Jewel, sailing from New York on February 20th 2011; and on the cruise line’s newest and most innovative ship, Norwegian Epic, sailing from Barcelona on July 24th 2011. 

August 23rd 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Wendy Beck will join the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  In this senior role, she will be responsible for leading all aspects of finance.  Beck brings a high level of knowledge and expertise to Norwegian with more than 20 years of leadership experience.

September 24th 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that three new "legends" will perform as part of the Legends in Concert show on Norwegian Epic beginning Saturday, September 25th 2010.  The three are some of the world's most recognized entertainers, Britney Spears, Rod Stewart and Michael Jackson. A staple on the Las Vegas' center strip for over 25 years, Legends in Concert is known as the pioneer of live tribute shows and has assembled the greatest collection of live tribute artists and celebrity look-alikes in show business.

October 13th 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun will call Port Canaveral (Orlando) home when the ship arrives on Saturday, October 16th 2010. The ship, purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising, will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing every Saturday from October 16th 2010 through April 7th 2012.

October 25th 2010

Following the launch of Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it had reached an agreement with Meyer Werft to build two new next generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in spring 2013 and spring 2014. Each of the 143,500 gross ton vessels, the largest passenger ships to be built in Germany, will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths and a rich cabin mix. Norwegian has decided not to build sister ships to the Epic at STX France after cancelling plans to build two more ships in the F3 (Epic) class. Instead, the company has placed a newbuilding order with Meyer Werft in Germany for two ships of a slightly smaller size. A European banking consortium led by KfW-IPEX Bank has secured commitments for Norwegian Cruise Line (Norwegian) based in Miami to finance two cruise vessels to be built by the shipyard Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany.

End of October 2010

EBITDA for the third quarter of 2010 improved 21.4% to $184.1 million versus $151.6 million for the same period in 2009. The addition of Norwegian Epic to the fleet in June 2010 together with an improvement in Net Yield of 9.5% resulted in Net Revenue for the third quarter of 2010 increasing to $469.8 million from $390.0 million in the same period in 2009. The increase in Net Yield was a result of both improved passenger ticket pricing and increased onboard revenue per Capacity Day. Capacity days increased 10.1% with the addition of Norwegian Epic, which started regular service in mid-July, partially offset by the departure of Norwegian Majesty from the fleet in October 2009. Occupancy Percentage for the quarter was 113.2% versus 114.8% in 2009 with the slight decrease attributable to the initial phase-in period of Norwegian Epic. Net income for the quarter was $93.0 million on revenue of $634.1 million compared to net income of $85.6 million on revenue of $550.7 million in 2009.

January 25th 2011

Norwegian Sun re-entered service after undergoing a multi-million dollar 12-day dry dock during which the ship received extensive renovations focused on enhancing the guest experience. The Freestyle Cruising ship received enhancements to its public areas, suites and restaurants. Following on the popularity of the Brazilian steakhouse that debuted on Norwegian Epic, the Moderno Churrascaria has been added as a new on-board restaurant. Guests can sample a variety of skewered meats presented by tableside passadors, as well as a salad bar. Additional updates and enhancements were made to some of the back-of-house areas of the ship to increase efficiencies.

January 24th 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line broke its single-day booking record as it saw continued growing demand for its fleet of 11 Freestyle Cruising ships, particularly for its newest and most innovative ship, Norwegian Epic. 

February 8th 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that they had completed the first phase of enhancements at Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s 250-acre private island in the Bahamas. On Thursday, February 3, the company opened the new marina and dining facility on the island, representing a significant milestone in the more than $20 million enhancement project currently underway. Norwegian Sky’s 2,000 guests were the first to experience the opening of the marina basin with four docks for the island’s tenders and the new 8,500 square foot dining facility, complete with two bars and four picnic pavilions.

End of February 2011

Following more violence, Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled calls through April in Mazatlan on the Mexican Riviera for the Norwegian Star. Instead, Norwegian Star will spend another day at Cabo San Lucas, similar to what Disney announced in January with the Wonder.

By the end of April 2011

Rumors surface that the Norwegian Dream is headed for Asia after having been laid up for an extended time at Neorion Syros Shipyards in Greece. She was later observed sailing for Sembawang Shipyard, and ultimately anchored off Singapore. 

May 2011
Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2011 improved 37.5% to $81.9 million versus $59.5 million for the same period of 2010. Net Revenue for the quarter increased 20.7% to $368.0 million from $304.9 million in 2010 resulting from a 17.9% increase in Capacity Days, due to the addition of Norwegian Epic to the fleet in June 2010, coupled with an increase in Net Yield of 2.4%. The increase in Net Yield was a result of both improved passenger ticket pricing and increased onboard spend per Capacity Day. Occupancy Percentage for the period was 107.1% compared to 107.9% in the prior period.

Mid-May 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that they had cancelled Easter “Holy Land” Mediterranean itineraries on the Norwegian Jade for winter 2011/2012. The ship will instead sail nine-day cruises out of Barcelona to the Canary Islands for the winter, and also spend 12 days in drydock.

End of May 2011

Norwegian Dawn was undergoing a multi-million dollar refurbishment while the ship is in dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas.

June 21st 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled the first look at its new balcony and mini-suite stateroom designs for Project Breakaway, the project name for the company’s two new next generation Freestyle Cruising ships scheduled for delivery in April 2013 and April 2014. Each of the 144,017 gross ton vessels will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths. 

July 7th 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line announced it will offer its popular Pizza 24/7 delivery service, currently available on Norwegian Epic, throughout its entire fleet.

July 15th 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line, under Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, is set for an initial public offering valued at raising up to $250 million, according to a document filed with U.S regulators on Friday, July 15. Norwegian plans to be listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol “NCLH”.

July 15th 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest and most innovative ship Norwegian Epic will be featured on the season premiere of Discovery Channel Canada’s popular show “Mighty Ships.” 

July 18th 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line revealed that the exclusive suite complex for its two new Project Breakaway ships will be named The Haven by Norwegian.  The company also unveiled renderings for some of the ship’s most luxurious accommodations along with announcing that the suite complexes on five of its ships – Norwegian Epic, Gem, Pearl, Jade and Jewel – will also be named The Haven by Norwegian.

July 18th 2011

Going upscale with Conde Nast Traveler, Norwegian Cruise Line introduced “The Haven by Norwegian” at an event hosted jointly with the publishing company at its headquarters on Times Square. 

July 19th 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line’s IPO will not take place any time soon, according to company President and CEO Kevin Sheehan, who cleared up recent confusion by saying that all that has happened is that the cruise line filed an amendment to its recent IPO filing. The company recently withdrew its original S-1 registration from last October for a new filing. Sheehan said that an IPO will happen when market conditions are right and that they are not suitable at the moment, noting that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean were trading at discounts to their historical values. Norwegian is still looking to raise $250 million most of which has been earmarked for paying down debt. 

July 26th 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line launched an enhanced military program today offering special rates to members of the U.S. and Canada armed forces. 

August 1st 2011

Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 that ended June 30th 2011 increased 29.0% to $123.5 million from $95.7 million in the same period of 2010 on improved revenue performance and continued business improvement initiatives. Net Revenue for the quarter increased 19.8% to $418.0 million from $349.0 million in 2010 as a result of a 14.9% increase in Capacity Days, due to the addition of Norwegian Epic to the fleet in June 2010, along with an improvement in Net Yield of 4.2%.

End of August 2011

Due to the approaching Hurrican Irene, Norwegian Cruise Line modifies the intineraries of Norwegian Jewel, Gem and Dawn. 

August 28th 2011

A long standing legal dispute between Genting Hong Kong/Star Cruises and Louis Group over the failed sale of the Norwegian Dream came to an agreement. A filing from Genting noted a “settlement of US$13.3 million in relation to the non-completion by Louis Plc. of the sale and purchase contract for Norwegian Dream.”

September 7th 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line has selected five finalist names in its “Norwegian’s Cruising for Names” contest. The contest that sought names for the cruise line’s two new next generation Freestyle ships scheduled for delivery in April 2013 and April 2014 received a record-breaking 230,000 entries over the four-week entry period. The finalist names are (in alphabetical order):

Norwegian Bliss, first submitted by David Menker of Dallas, Texas;
Norwegian Breakaway, first submitted by Kimberly Powell of Lafayette, Louisiana;
Norwegian Escape, first submitted by Joseph Funigiello of Naples, Florida;
Norwegian Getaway, first submitted by Dennis Hultman of Vienna, Virginia;
Norwegian Journey, first submitted by Florence Pflaster of Carolina Shores, North Carolina.

September 8th 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled the balance of stateroom designs, including The Studio, Spa Balcony, Spa Mini-Suite, Oceanview, Family Mini-Suite, and Inside staterooms -- for Project Breakaway, the company’s two new next generation Freestyle  ships scheduled for delivery in April 2013 and April 2014.

September 13th 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line selected the winning names for its two new Freestyle ships: Norwegian Breakaway, launching in April 2013, and Norwegian Getaway, launching in April 2014. The names were selected as the culmination of its “Norwegian’s Cruising for Names” contest.

September 22nd 2011

The first piece of steel was cut at Meyer Werft for the construction of Norwegian Breakaway, the first of two new Freestyle  ships for Norwegian Cruise Line, set for delivery in April 2013.

September 22nd 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that both Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Jade will enter dry docks this fall for multi-million dollar enhancements. Norwegian Spirit enters a 13-day dry dock on September 25th 2011 in Mobile, Alabama. Norwegian Jade enters dry dock in Marseille, France, on November 26th 2011 to December 8th 2011.

October 6th 2011

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan announced that the Norwegian Breakaway will sail from New York year-round starting in May 2013. 

October 10th 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it is unveiling a new brand platform and integrated national advertising campaign, “Cruise Like a Norwegian,” that embraces and celebrates the community of diverse vacationers who embody the passion, freedom and flexibility inherent in a Norwegian Cruise Line Freestyle Cruising vacation.

October 14th 2011

Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest 4,000-passenger Freestyle Cruising ship goes on sale to Latitudes members, Norwegian’s frequent guests. Sailings will open to the public on Monday, October 17th 2011.

October 16th 2011

Norwegian Star arrived for the first time in Tampa, her new homeport through April 2012.

October 29th 2011

At 10 am LT, Norwegian Gem responded to a call from US Coast Guard who had received a distress notification from Sanctuary, a 39-foot sailboat, stating that they had large breaking waves over the bow, had lost power and its life raft, and were taking on water. Sanctuary was located approximately 350 nautical miles from New York in the North Atlantic Ocean, two hours away from Norwegian Gem, the closest vessel in the area. Upon reaching the Sanctuary, Norwegian Gem encountered extreme weather conditions with wind force up to 40 knots and large swells, making it challenging to launch the ship’s rescue boat. Once in the water, the rescue boat made contact with the sailboat and quickly transferred the five occupants who were Canadians.

October 31st 2011

Operating income for Q3 improved 18.3% to $162.7 million from $137.6 million and Adjusted EBITDA increased 13.4% to $210.0 million from $185.2 million primarily driven by strong revenue performance across the fleet.  Net Revenue grew 4.6% to $491.6 million from $469.8 million in 2010 mainly as a result of an increase in Net Yield of 3.8%, or 2.3% on a Constant Currency basis.  The increase in Net Yield was driven by higher ticket pricing. 

November 28th 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line announced the launch of a shoreside concierge desk exclusively for guests with reservations in the line’s most luxurious accommodations, The Haven by Norwegian.  The concierge desk would provide pre-cruise assistance enabling guests and travel partners to pre-arrange a variety of services and amenities.

December 5th 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line announced enhancements to its guest loyalty program. Renamed Latitudes Rewards, the new program better recognizes Norwegian’s valued loyal guests. Key program changes include new ways for members to earn points, additional onboard recognition and benefits and access to online account tracking.

Sunday, February 5th 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line offered it’s  guests to partake in the world’s largest Super Bowl party at sea.

April 17th 2012
Port of Miami and Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Getaway, will make Miami her year-round home port. Norwegian Getaway - which will be the largest ship ever to home port year-round in Miami - will embark on weekly cruises beginning in the spring of 2014. Miami-Dade County officials joined Norwegian Cruise Line Chief Executive Officer Kevin Sheehan this day at Port of Miami onboard Norwegian Spirit for this announcement.

End of April 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Norwegian Breakaway will take recreation and outdoor fun to new heights when it launches in April 2013. The ship’s top decks will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more. 

End of April 2012
After sitting in limbo in Europe and Asia, Genting Hong Kong, the owner of Star Cruises, stated that Norwegian Dream would now join their fleet.

April 30th 2012
Operating income for Q1 grew 23.8% to $46.4 million, with Adjusted EBITDA posting a 10.3% increase to $93.5 million, from strong revenue performance and the benefits of ongoing business improvement initiatives.  Net Revenue grew 4.6% in the quarter from an increase in Net Yield and a 2.3% increase in Capacity Days. 

May 19th 2012

Norwegian Jewel made her inaugural debut in Alaska. This season marked the first time that Norwegian Cruise Line would have two Jewel-class ships sailing in Alaska. Norwegian Pearl, sister ship to Norwegian Jewel, was also cruising in Alaska, giving guests the options to sail on one of two Jewel-class Freestyle Cruising ships.

May 30th 2012
Norwegian Cruise Line announced that “Cabanas on the Cay,” exclusive private cabanas with VIP service and amenities, would now be available on Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s 250-acre private island in the Bahamas. The launch of “Cabanas on the Cay” marks another significant addition to the island as part of the $25 million dollar enhancement project.

June 1st 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line announced the signing of a memorandum of agreement to exercise its option to purchase Norwegian Sky.  The transaction is expected to close shortly. NCL was at the time operating Norwegian Sky under a Bareboat Charter with a purchase option from Ample Avenue, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong Limited, a 50% owner of the Company.  The purchase price is approximately $260 million pursuant to the option under the Bareboat Charter. 

June 1st 2012
Norwegian Cruise Line was honored with the 2012 Good to Great Award in the category of 1,000+ employees by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. The award, which honors South Florida companies that embody ideals from Jim Collins’ best-selling business book “Good to Great,” was presented at the Chamber’s annual Goals Conference.

June 27th 2012
At approximately 8 am, Norwegian Star responded to a call from the US Coast Guard who had received a distress notification from Avenir, a sailing yacht, stating that they had lost their rudder and their ability to steer. Avenir was located approximately 54 nautical miles from Norwegian Star in the Atlantic Ocean.  Norwegian Star’s Captain Kenneth Harstrom immediately diverted course to rescue the three men and three women aboard.

June 17th 2012
Norwegian Brakeaway stern-section balconies, block 68, was lifted into place. 

June 30th 2012
Improved revenue performance in Q2 coupled with business improvement initiatives resulted in a 14.1% increase in operating income to $87.0 million along with an 8.6% increase in Adjusted EBITDA to $135.1 million. Net Revenue increased 2.7% in the quarter due to an improvement in Net Yield and a 1.5% increase in Capacity Days. Net Yield increased 1.2% (1.9% on a Constant Currency basis) as a result of higher average ticket pricing.

August 15th 2012

In celebration of the continued re-airing of Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Undercover Boss” episode featuring CEO Kevin Sheehan, the company is showing its appreciation to the more than 35 million viewers who have watched the episode’s two airings on the CBS Television Network. More recently, the Norwegian episode has aired on The Learning Channel (TLC) and the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and will re-air on TLC.

August 16th 2012
Norwegian Cruise Line announced that a new Stingray Encounter and Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure would now be available on Great Stirrup Cay. In addition, coming soon is a brand new Lighthouse Beach Bar presented by Patron. The launch of these three brand new experiences marks more exciting additions to the island as part of the ongoing $30 million enhancement project.

September 4th 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line revealed Norwegian Breakaway’s signature hull artwork designed by pop icon and America’s most popular living artist, Peter Max. This is the first time Norwegian had commissioned a well-known artist to paint the hull artwork on one of its ships. Launching in April 2013, Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest ship to homeport in New York City year-round. Max’s signature artwork will cover approximately 40,000 square feet of Norwegian Breakaway’s hull.

September 6th 2012
Norwegian Cruise Line announced that the company’s North American website and booking engine would now be available also in a Spanish language version.

September 26th 2012
Norwegian Breakaway will feature an expansive spa with the first-ever salt room at sea and state-of-the-art fitness facility offering a variety of exciting and innovative fitness options. The combined spa and fitness area spans two decks, encompassing more than 23,000 square feet.

October 2nd 2012
Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Norwegian Getaway which will be delivered in late January 2014, earlier than originally scheduled, will sail a seven-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary from Port of Miami year-round. 

October 29th 2012
American Maritime Safety (AMS) announced that Norwegian Cruise Line, McAllister Towing & Transportation Co and Matson Navigation Company would be the recipients of AMS’ annual safety awards. AMS praised Norwegian for its adherence to safety standards and for its safety culture concept, which involves management in constantly communicating the safety message to Norwegian’s team.

October 31st 2012

Operating income increased 8.8% to $174.1 million in Q3 of 2012 compared to $160.0 million in 2011 with an improvement in operating margin to 25.8% from 24.0%.  Adjusted EBITDA grew 7.2% to $223.6 million from $208.6 million with an increase in Adjusted EBITDA margin to 33.2% from 31.3%.  Net Revenue increased 1.8% to $498.4 million primarily due to an increase in Net Yield.  With increases in both ticket and onboard and other revenue, Net Yield improved 1.0%, or 2.6% on a Constant Currency basis.

November 6th 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Norwegian Breakaway will offer a true Ice Bar on board, which will be kept at -8 degrees Celsius and will feature ice sculptures of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building to pay homage to New York City, its year-round homeport. The Ice Bar will also feature New York City-inspired specialty cocktails.

November 15th 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line and the Port of Houston Authority announced that they had reached an agreement for Norwegian to sail seasonally from Houston for three years, totaling 75 calls, with an option to extend for up to two years. Port of Houston Authority is partnering with two separate cruise lines, Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, to offer new service from the Bayport Cruise Terminal.

November 29th 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line announced two more New York-inspired food and beverage offerings onboard Norwegian Breakaway: Sabrett Hot Dogs and Brooklyn Lager beer. Further enhancing the ship’s ties to New York City, its year-round homeport, these newly-announced offerings provide guests with a taste of the Big Apple at sea.

December 6th 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line announced their acceptance of the 2012 Quality Ship Management Award from American Maritime Safety (AMS). This honor, which was bestowed during the maritime trade association’s annual safety awards in New York City, recognizes Norwegian’s extensive safety standards and pervasive safety culture.

January 8th 2013
Norwegian Cruise Line is starting off 2013 with a “bang” by announcing that Norwegian Breakaway, will feature an exciting fireworks show on every cruise. The environmentally-friendly pyrotechnics display will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week, after the ship departs Bermuda during her summer inaugural season.

January 8th 2013
Norwegian Cruise Line plans to sell 27.1 million shares in conjunction with its IPO and be listed on the NASDAQ, priced from $16 to $18 per share, according to its prospectus dated Jan. 8, 2013.

January 17th 2013

Green Tech Marine signed a contract to deliver four scrubbers to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America in March.  The ship is based in Hawaii and sails within the North American ECA. The scrubbers will be installed during a dry dock in Pearl Harbor Naval shipyard.

January 18th 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line, now officially under the stock ticker NCLH opened the NASDAQ MarketSite in New York for its initial public offering (IPO), which will occur on The NASDAQ Stock Market. In honor of this occasion, Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan opened The NASDAQ MarketSite in New York from the Norwegian Epic.

January 18th 2013
After being valued at $19, above its original $16 to $18 range, Norwegian Cruise Line opened its first day of official trading on the NASDAQ by taking off. According to data provided by Yahoo! Finance, the stock opened at $25.11 and closed at $24.79, notably to the delight of those that were able to get in on the IPO, seeing a 30 percent turn from the IPO pricing under the NCLH ticket symbol.

January 22nd 2013

Country music fans everywhere had a reason to celebrate as it was just announced that the second Country Cruising “Best Country Cruise Ever,” would set sail onboard Norwegian Pearl from Miami, January 12th 2014, on a seven-day cruise to the Western Caribbean.

January 24th 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced the closing of its previously announced initial public offering of 27,058,824 of its ordinary shares at a price of $19.00 per share. The number of shares sold includes 3,529,412 shares sold as a result of the full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares.

February 2013

Q4 2012 results came in: Net income of $5.6 million and diluted EPS of $0.04, excluding share-based compensation charge detailed below. Adjusted EBITDA increase of 17%. Net Yield increase of 2.5% (2.7% on a Constant Currency basis). NCC ex Fuel decrease of 6.7% (decrease of 5.9% on a Constant Currency basis)

"We are very pleased to begin our journey as a public company by posting strong results for 2012," said Kevin Sheehan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "In addition, our fourth quarter results marked our eighteenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year Adjusted EBITDA growth," continued Sheehan.

February 26th 2013:

Norwegian Cruise Lines neweste ship, the Norwegian Brakeaway is floated out of the building hall at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. The ship is the biggest ship ever built at the shipyard.  

March 6th 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line announced several new environmentally-friendly and technologically advanced innovations on its newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, currently under construction at in Papenburg, Germany.

Emission Reducing Features

•  Norwegian Breakaway is equipped with a new generation of ABB XO Azipods, that are smaller and more streamlined, which, together with a new Azipod Dynamic Optimizing system, will enhance steering and turning angles, leading to a saving in fuel and reduction in emissions. The Azipods are also equipped with a featured called an “x-tail,” which reduces fuel consumption even further.

•  Through Advanced Computional Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, the underwater hull has been optimised to provide the least resistance for the average speed of the ship’s planned itineraries, enhancing the ship’s speed/power ratio by 20 percent.

•  The ship will also increase its energy efficiency and, therefore, reduce emissions, through the use of the latest generation of silicon-based antifouling paint on the ship’s hull.

•  Features on the bridge include a trim optimisation system from Eniram that collects data over time and optimises the trim at different loading and speed conditions, while taking weather and wave elements into consideration. In addition, the NAPA voyage optimization system helps to plan the ship’s cruise in more intelligent ways, such as taking currents, engine configuration and weather into account.

•  Norwegian Breakaway has been outfitted with a new system called Pure Dry that recovers fuel oil from waste oil; thus reducing the amount of waste oil that will be disposed of ashore.

March 9th 2013

American Maritime Safety (AMS) awarded Norwegian Cruise Line the 2012 Quality Ship Management Award for implementation of quality control systems that enhance crew member efficiency and reduce marine casualties. AMS underlined Norwegian’s adherence to safety standards, and Rick Harper, initiator, developer and implementer of Norwegian’s Safety Culture Concept (also the company’s director of safety, training and development), received the award in New York.

March 13th 2013:

Norwegian Cruise Lines neweste ship, the Norwegian Brakeaway is observed on river Ems, outbound and heading for open sea on AIS monitoring sites, surrounded by the tugs Bugsier 6, Geeste and Jade. She apperantlt departed her builders yard at Meyer Werft just before noon, and was an hour later observed making some 1,6 knots. 

March 15th 2013:

Images of the brand new Norwegian Breakaway being assisted out the EMS appears on Norwegian Cruise Line's facebook page. During the first part of the day, the new cruiseship is seen on marinetraffic.com alongside the pier at Eemshaven port. 

Second half of March 2013

The Norwegian Brakeaway successfully completes her sea trial with flying colours. 

March 28th 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line announced the seasoned captains who will serve on Norwegian Breakaway: Captain Evans Hoyt and Captain Hakan Svedung. Norwegian also announced that Denis Prguda will serve as Norwegian Breakaway’s Hotel Director.

March 30th 2013
The building of the second ship at Meyer Werft, the ship which will be named the Norwegian Getaway is well under way in her construction process. 

April 12th 2013:

According to a report on the shipping website maritime matters ( link ), Genting, the owners of Norwegian Cruise Lines, appears to have bought the carferry Superfast VI with intentions of putting her in a service between South Florida and the Bahamas under the name Bimini Superfast. 

May 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line posted a loss of $96 million, or $0.49 per share, on revenues of $527.6 million for the Q1 that ended March 31, 2013, compared to net income of $3.2 million, or $0.02 per share, on revenues of $515.4 million for the same period last year. Operating income was $31 million this year, compared to $46.4 million last year.

May 8th 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, was christened by the Rockettes during a ceremony officiated by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss,” hosted the ceremony.

May 11th 2013

Norwegian Breakaway departs New York on her maiden cruise, a seven-day cruise to Bermuda. 

May 15th 2013

Norwegian Breakaway made her inaugural stop in Bermuda. Carrying 4,000 guests, Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship to ever port in Bermuda, docked at Heritage Wharf at approximately 8 am local time.

July 16th 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it has confirmed an order for a second “Breakaway Plus” cruise ship with Meyer Werft of Papenburg, Germany for delivery in spring 2017.

July 18th 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that its two new Breakaway Plus class ships will be the first new builds in the cruise industry to feature innovative scrubber technology developed by Green Tech Marine (GTM), a world leading marine scrubber supplier.

July 29th 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line reported a net loss of $8.8 million, or $0.04 per share, on revenues of $644.4 million for the second quarter ended June 30th 2013, compared to net income of $36 million, or $0.20 per share, on revenues of income of $583.2 million for the same period last year. According to Norwegian, net revenue was up 12% percent year-over-year on the addition of the Norwegian Breakaway and improved pricing. Excluding expenses totaling $70.1 million related to refinancing transactions in the quarter, Norwegian reported adjusted net income of $60.2 million and adjusted earnings per share of $0.29 compared to $36 million and $0.20 in 2012.

July 31st 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it is the first major cruise line to be certified in and in compliance with the requirements of the International Labor Organization’s Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006 that provides comprehensive rights and protection at work for the world's more than 1.2 million seafarers, including Norwegian’s more than 17,000 crew members working onboard its 11 international vessels.

August 20th 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that two seasoned captains, Rune Myre and Tommy Stensrud, will take the helm of Norwegian Getaway. In addition, Norwegian announced the additional senior officers that will deliver the line's newest ship: Staff Captain Niklas Persson, Chief Engineer Carsten Forsbo, Chief Engineer Oeystein Undrum and Hotel Director Sean Wumhoeringer.

September 9th 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that they would expand the innovative digital signage first introduced on Norwegian Breakaway to the line’s entire fleet by Summer 2015. The interactive touch screen signs will allow guests to order specialty items, get directions and reserve dining, shore excursions and entertainment simply with a scan of their stateroom key.

September 10th 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line launched the “Norwegians Name Their Ships” contest asking fans in five countries to help select the names for the line’s two new Breakaway Plus class ships. The names include: Bliss, Discovery, Dreamaway, Escape, Journey, Muse, Passion, Sailaway, Treasure and Triton.

October 1st 2013

Norwegian Getaway will feature several restaurants and bars that evoke the tropical feel of Miami and South Florida. The Tropicana Room, Flamingo Bar & Grill, Sunset Bar and Sugarcane Bar will be new and unique additions to the ship.

“Norwegian Getaway is Miami’s ultimate ship, so her unique venues celebrate the heritage and culture of Miami and South Florida,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s CEO. “With these themed venues, we want all of our guests to experience a taste of Miami with food and drinks that reflect what the city is known for.”

October 8th 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that thanks to its Facebook fans around the globe the names of the line’s two new Breakaway Plus class ships are Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss. These names are the two that received the highest number of votes, out of the line’s top ten name prospects, in the “Norwegians Name Their Ships” contest, which asked fans in five countries to help select the names for the line’s two new Breakaway Plus vessels.

October 13th 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line continues its commitment to New Orleans with the inaugural arrival of Norwegian Jewel, the largest and newest ship from the line to homeport in the Crescent City. 

October 28th 2013

Q2 results are in: Adjusted Net Income growth of 42.1% to $182.2 million with Adjusted EPS of $0.86. Adjusted EBITDA increase of 21.2% to $271.0 million. Net Yield increase of 4.1% (3.9% on a Constant Currency basis).

October 30th 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line and the New York Knicks announced a new marketing partnership naming Norwegian the “Official Cruise Line” of the team.

November 2nd 2013: 

The brand new ship Norwegian Getaway, sister to Norwegian Breakaway, emerged for the first time out of the building hall at Meyer Werft. 

November 6th 2013

The NFL is bringing the Super Bowl to the New York/New Jersey area for the first time this February, and Bud Light will celebrate the occasion by opening the doors of the much-anticipated Bud Light Hotel in an unexpected location: the Hudson River.

November 11th 2013:

Norwegian Cruise Line and Nintendo of America announced that they are expanding their partnership to offer Wii U™ video game systems and Wii U games fleet wide. As part of the partnership expansion, the line will feature Nintendo’s newest video game console in all ships’ atriums and youth and teen centers. In addition, the new HD Wii U systems will be featured at various competitions and events on board each ship.

Norwegian first partnered with Nintendo in March 2007, when Wii™ systems were introduced fleet wide. Now, with the introduction of Wii U, the successor to Wii, the gaming experience is being elevated to new levels. The interactive Wii U gaming system complements Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising® by offering gaming opportunities to guests of all ages.

The new consoles give guests the chance to experience a variety of new action, adventure, party, racing, strategy, puzzle and sports games. Upcoming game rollouts will include The Legend of Zelda™: The Wind Waker HD, a high-definition re-release of one of the greatest Nintendo games of all time; Super Mario™ 3D World, the first multiplayer 3D Mario game for Wii U; New Super Luigi U™, starring Mario’s green-clad brother; Pikmin™ 3, which asks players to command an army of colorful creatures; and The Wonderful 101™, which puts players in control of a band of superheroes fighting off an alien invasion.

Wii U delivers great video game experiences with exclusive Nintendo characters in HD. Wii U also features the GamePad controller, which removes the traditional barriers between players, their favorite games and the television by giving one player a second touch screen, while other players use traditional controllers. That lets different players experience the same game in different ways. It’s perfect for the kinds of multiplayer game-playing parties found on board cruise ships.

“The Wii consoles have always been extremely popular among our guests,” said Richard Ambrose, Norwegian Cruise Line’s vice president of entertainment. “The new Wii U systems are guaranteed to take gaming on board to the next level, and will surely be a hit.”

“Wii U provides one of the most social video game experiences you can have, whether you’re playing with family members or friends,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “The ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet give people a great opportunity to experience Wii U for themselves, have fun playing Nintendo games and make some new friends.”

November 14th 2013

Norwegian Getaway departs Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and makes a 24-hour long journey down the Ems River towards sea. 

November 14th 2013

Sad news reaches the NCL-community that former Boatswain César Escudero has passed away. Mr. César was a very much respected and loved bosun on several of the ships in the NCL fleet, also including the SS Norway for a number of years. His memory will remain with all for years to come, as his star will shine down upon the earth. 

November 25th 2013

Norwegian Getaway is spotted undergoing sea-trials off the southern coast of Norway. Seatrials started on the 23rd of November and is sceduled to end on the 27th. Original plans stated that the sea trials would end in Bremerhaven but there are new indications that dry dock will take place in Rotterdam according to a German paper. The final inspections will take place at Keppel Verolme and ETA Maaspilot station is set for 11AM on November 27th. 

January 10th 2014

After a building periode of only 15 months, Norwegian Cruise Line officially accepts delivery of the brand new Norwegian Getaway at Meyer Werft, Germany. 

January 2014

January 13th 2014

Norwegian Crusie Line announces that their ship Norwegian Epic, will be home-ported year-round in Barcelona, Spain starting April 30th 2015. Norwegian Epic will be the largest Norwegian Cruise Line ship to ever home port in Europe year-round.

Norwegian Epic’s 2015 European Itineraries are scheduled to be announced mid-March.

January 16th 2014
The Norwegian Getaway starts on her maiden transatlantic crossing from Europe to America. 

January 26th 2014

It is reported that the brand new Norwegian Getaway has finally arrived at New York for her maiden call to the United States. 

31st of January 2014

This video was found on youtube, and shows the first days in the hopefully long career of NCL’s newest ships, the Norwegian Getaway. 

5th of February 2014

February 6th 2014

Under the command of Captain Rune Myre, and his 1700 crew, the Norwegian Getaway arrives for her maiden call to Miami, Florida. 

February 8th 2014

Norwegian Getaway was christened in a star-studded ceremony by the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, with a rousing finale by musical superstar Armando Christian Perez aka Pitbull.  Brooke Burke-Charvet, co-host of “Dancing with the Stars,” was the event’s master of ceremonies.

February 13th 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that they will make a significant investment in the installation of 28 scrubbers on six ships in the line’s fleet. The company has contracted with Green Tech Marine for the outfitting of the scrubbers on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Sun.

March 2014

March 12th 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Guy Harvey, widely recognized as the world’s finest marine wildlife artist and champion of ocean conservation, has been named to design the signature hull artwork of the line’s largest ship to date, Norwegian Escape, scheduled to debut in October 2015. At an event this morning at Cruise Shipping Miami, the artist revealed his custom design for Norwegian Escape’s hull, which features an underwater scene of marine wildlife. Norwegian’s newest ship is Harvey’s largest canvas to date, at 1065 feet in length, with his artwork spanning from the hull to the aft featuring two undersea scenes that blend seamlessly.

“Guy Harvey is the perfect artist to design Norwegian Escape’s hull artwork because he is so passionate about the sea and his marine artwork is so life-like and well recognized,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We also appreciate how Guy is focused on ocean conservation and keeping the marine environment pristine, we plan to work with him to help support the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation as that goes hand-in-hand with our company’s strong commitment to the environment.”

Harvey combines his unique artistic talents with his background as a marine biologist, diver, photographer and angler, to create marine wildlife art with an unmatched authenticity and visual appeal.

“I am deeply honored to be asked by Norwegian to paint the hull of the newest and largest ship in their fleet,” said Harvey. “The larger than life paintings of popular but endangered marine creatures in the Caribbean will heighten public awareness about marine life. The large scale mural demonstrates the concern and respect that Norwegian and I have for the marine environment through which this ship will travel over the years.”

Though recognized most recently for his floor-to-ceiling murals at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport and at Nova Southeastern University in Florida, Harvey is best known for his dynamic gamefish T-shirt designs. His original paintings have sold for tens of thousands of dollars and today, reproductions of his art, often seen on magazine and catalog covers, are offered as limited edition prints and can be found on a wide variety of clothing and gift items.  Harvey maintains his art studio in Grand Cayman, where he lives with his wife and two children.

The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation funds inspired scientific research and innovative educational programs to encourage conservation and best management practices for sustainable marine environments. The Foundations ensures that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a naturally balanced marine ecosystem where fish and other wildlife flourish. Onboard Norwegian Escape, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation-produced documentaries about endangered marine wildlife will be shown on the guest stateroom televisions so that guests can be more educated on how they can help with ocean conservation.

Also at Cruise Shipping Miami today, Norwegian announced that Norwegian Escape will homeport year-round in Miami and sail a seven-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary starting November 14, 2015; visiting Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. At approximately 163,000 gross tons and 4,200 passenger berths, Norwegian Escape will join the fleet in October 2015. The ship’s Eastern Caribbean itineraries will go on sale March 19, 2014. Norwegian Escape will boast all of exciting and innovative features found on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, plus a number of new spaces and interactive experiences that are yet to be announced. 

March 20th 2014

NCL CEO Kevin Sheehan initiated the keel laying / steel cutting ceremony of the new "Norwegian Escape" at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, the first of two new Breakaway Plus Class ships for Norwegian Cruise Line, set for delivery in fall of 2015.  Norwegian Cruise Line and Meyer Werft executives watched as the first plate of steel was cut by a plasma torch in the yard’s state of the art facility. This plate will become part of Block 46 that will comprise the new vessel.

July 14th 2014
Norwegian Cruise Line announcess that an order for two new Breakaway-Plus ships have been ordered, with estimated delivery by 2018 and 2019. Each of these ships will be 164.600GT and include 4200 passenger berths.

April 22nd 2014 (Earth Day)

For more than four decades, Norwegian Cruise Line has committed to the protection of the oceans through sustainable environmental practices, investments in technology and a commitment to exceed regulatory requirements, fulfilling its core company value of Environmental Protection. On this Earth Day, Norwegian celebrates key achievements from the past year that, as a part of the company’s Eco-Smart Cruising program, help preserve the world’s oceans. 

With Eco-Smart Cruising, the company is leading the cruise industry with many innovative environmental policies and technologies—from garbage, waste and recycling programs to reducing the operational impact on the environment. In 2013 alone, Norwegian achieved the following earth-saving milestones:

Recycled 1,254 tons of cardboard, saving 23,540 mature trees. This represents enough saved timber resources to produce more than 292 million sheets of newspaper.

Additionally recycled 2,517 tons of scrap metal; 2,988 tons of glass; and 669 tons of plastic, along with managing 750 tons of refuse at Waste-to-Energy facilities, conserving enough kilowatt hours to fulfill the monthly electric needs of more than 1,700 homes.

Total recycling and waste management efforts by Norwegian’s fleet conserved:

30,096 gallons of gasoline, enough gasoline to drive more than 842,680 miles;

6,349,000 gallons of water, enough fresh water to meet the daily fresh water needs of more than 117,040 people;  

3,715 barrels of oil, which provides enough energy to heat and cool more than 772 homes for one month.

Earlier this year, Norwegian Cruise Line established a partnership with The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, which funds inspired scientific research and innovative educational programs to encourage conservation and best management practices for sustainable marine environments. Famed marine life artist and champion of ocean conservation Guy Harvey designed the signature hull artwork for Norwegian’s newest ship, Norwegian Escape, which is set to debut in October 2015.

Onboard Norwegian Escape, guest stateroom televisions will feature Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation-produced documentaries about endangered marine wildlife so that guests can be more educated on how they can help with ocean conservation.

Norwegian Escape will also be the first new build in the cruise industry to feature innovative scrubber technology, to ensure the vessel is compliant with the 0.1% sulphur limit in Emission Control Areas (ECA) beginning in 2015.

Norwegian Cruise Line established a partnership with NextEra™ Energy Resources®, North America’s largest producer of wind and solar power, in 2011. This partnership continues to provide Norwegian guests an opportunity to help build new renewable energy projects and offset their carbon footprint.

This innovative program, a first within the cruise industry, is just one initiative amongst the many environmentally conscious efforts Norwegian is committed to through its award-winning Eco-Smart Cruising practices.

Guests sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line are able to voluntarily contribute $10 per person, per cruise through NextEra Energy Resources’ EarthEra® Renewable Energy Trust via Norwegian’s website at www.ncl.com/environment. The EarthEra Renewable Energy Trust directs 100 percent of the funds received from Norwegian’s North American guests to build new renewable energy facilities across the United States.

Norwegian also has a comprehensive program to educate its guests and encourage everyone to participate in environmental programs. Young cruisers who participate in Splash Academy and Entourage can learn about the importance of clean water through the innovative Officer Snook Water Pollution Program. They learn about the effects and prevention of marine pollution with activities that include a simulated beach cleanup and an environmental poster contest. High school students can earn between one and five hours of community service for participating in the program.

April 24th 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Norwegian Epic has added two sailings to and from Southampton, England in 2015, marking the first time that the ship has visited the port since the inaugural celebration in June 2010.

End of April 2014

Q1 Highlights are shared with the media: 

•  Adjusted EPS improvement to $0.23 from $0.06 in 2013

•  Net Yield increase of 3.8% (3.9% on a Constant Currency basis)

•  Revenue increase of 25.9% to $664.0 million

•  Adjusted EBITDA increase of 39.6% to $139.3 million; 200 basis point margin improvement

•  Successful introduction of Norwegian Getaway to the fleet

Mid-May 2014
Norwegian Breakaway celebrates one year of sailing from New York City. Since arriving in New York in May 2013, the ship has carried nearly a quarter of a million guests from New York to sunny destinations in Bermuda, the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean.

May 16th 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Norwegian Jewel will re-enter service on May 17th 2014 following a two-week dry dock where the ship received numerous enhancements before her summer season in Alaska. The Jewel will sail from Houston, starting October 11th. 

June 13th 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that President and CEO Kevin Sheehan had received the 2014 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in Florida for the Hospitality and Leisure category. 

June 14th 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line proudly welcomed the 2014 Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders aboard Miami’s ultimate ship, Norwegian Getaway, as the ship’s official Godmothers. The team’s visit celebrates the 2014 squad’s unveiling to the public and marks the first time that all of the ship’s 44 Godmothers were onboard.

July 14th 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it had reached an agreement with Meyer Werft of Germany to build two new Breakaway-Plus class cruise ships for delivery in the second quarter 2018 and the fourth quarter 2019. Each ship will be 164,600 gross tons and include 4,200 passenger berths.

End of July 2014

The Q2 numbers are in/out: 

• Adjusted EPS improvement to $0.58 from $0.29 in 2013
• Net Yield increase of 3.3%
• Revenue increase of 18.9% to $765.9 million
• Adjusted EBITDA increase of 44.0% to $219.4 million

September 1st 2014

The owner of the upper-class luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas, Prestige Cruises, might accept NCL’s offer and become the latest addition to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. With the acquisition NCL should be pushed with a market value of $6.8 billion and give further competition to their rival Royal Caribbean. 

Prestige Cruises owners, Apollo Global Management LLC, also own a 20% share in NCL. In the past, NCL did not have much success in operating in the luxury segment: in the 80’s they absobred both the Royal Viking fleet and the Royal Cruise Lines ships. Soon after followed Orient Lines, which nearly ruined NCL’s operations, and was soon discarded. 

September 2nd 2014
The world’s thrid largest cruise line, Norwegian Cruise Line, pays some US$3,025 billion in cash and shares for Prestige Cruise Line, according to a press release on this day. Within this purchase and take over, they get a market leader in the upper cruise segment and the mothercompany of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. 

Prestige have some eight ships with a total berthing capacity of 6.500 beds. As known, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas operates respectively in the upper premium and luxury segment of the industry. 

According to NCL CEO Sheehan, the combination of three distinct brands, each catering to their own segment, under one umbrella, makes NCK a leading cruiseline with great potetnial for growth and with a portfolio without comparison. 

Despite it’s name, Norwegian Cruise Line is an American company based in Miami, Florida. The largest share holder is Malaysian Genting Group. Once upon a time however, in a time long gone, Norwegian Cruise Line was in fact a Norwegian shipping line. 

NCL’s turnover in 2013 ended at US$2,57 billion. 

September 3rd 2014

A Norwegian auction-company called Stadssalg AS located at Bodø, Norway, lists one of the statues from Club International for sale. Asking price seems to be stopping at 4500 NOK. In their listing, they state some damages such as for example loose “stones” have been noted on the statue and that the statue is in need for some tender loving care. 

September 19th 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line and Meyer Werft celebrated the keel laying of Norwegian Escape at in Papenburg, Germany. During the ceremony, block 35/41, the first of 86 blocks that will comprise the 164,600 gross ton vessel, was lifted into the covered building dock, officially marking the start of the ship’s construction

October 13th 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. announced that hospitality veteran Drew Madsen has joined as president and chief operating officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.

October 16th 2014 
After an absence of seven years, Norwegian Cruise Line has returned to Houston.The line that pioneered “Texaribbean” cruises from Houston in 1997 now operates the 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel, The recently renovated ship departs Saturdays through April 11 on aWestern Caribbean itinerary to Cozumel, Belize City, and Banana Coast,the new cruise destination on the Bay of Trujillo in Honduras. (In fact, the Norwegian Jewel will officially open the new port of call on Oct. 15.) During a ceremony and traditional plaque exchange marking the ship’s return to Houston, Capt. Kenneth Harstrom donned a new cowboy hat. Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria welcomed the ship, noting that onesailing season is expected to generate an economic impact of about $50 million. Norwegian has agreed to operate out of the Houston cruise terminal for three years, with an option to extend for one or two more years. Princess Cruises also will operate from Houston this winter, starting Nov. 16, to Belize City, Cozumel and Roatan, Honduras. Houston aggressively sought the cruise ships to fill the 96,000-square-foot cruise terminal that was built in the late 1990s but then sat empty for years as ships went elsewhere, including Galveston. The Norwegian Jewel gained some new features in its recent renovation, including O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, and Carlo’s Bake Shop by Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s “Cake Boss.” Source : Travelpulse

October 22nd 2014

Website Miami.com reports that Tobacco Road finds a new home aboard Norwegian Cruise Line. The article in Miami.com states that the new location will incorporate elements of the original bar, including the iconic neon sign, memorabilia and photographs. 

October 23rd 2014

One of the divers on the private island of NCL, Great Stirrup Cay, kindly permitted us to share the following images here in NCL timeline on CV. The largest pieces left from the SS Norway is perhaps her two tenders, which are still in full service on the island. Great Stirrup Cay on the other hand, has evolved and changed a lot since the days of SS Norway. 

End of October 2014

Q3 results are published: 

• Adjusted EPS improvement of 29.1% to $1.11 from $0.86 in 2013
• Net Yield increase of 3.0% (2.6% on a Constant Currency basis)
• Revenue increase of 13.7% to 907.0 million
• Adjusted EBITDA increase of 20.5% to $326.7 million
• Company agrees to acquire Prestige Cruises International, Inc. ("Prestige Cruises"), the leading cruise operator in the upscale segment, with the transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014

November 19th 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced it has completed its previously-announced acquisition of Prestige Cruises International in cash and stock for a total transaction consideration of $3.025 billion, including the assumption of debt.

November 26th 2014

Oceania Cruises acquires the cruise ship “Ocean Princess”. Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings Ltd. announced the purchase of "Ocean Princess" from Princess Cruise Ltd. (under ownership of Carinval Corportaion) for it’s recently aquired Oceania Cruises upscale brand. Current Regatta, Nautica and Insignia will be welcoming their new sister in March of 2016. 

"Ocean Princess" will join the brand following an immediate 35-day, $40million refurbishment in Marseille, France, to be improved to Oceania Cruises level of excellence and the recent transformation of Insignia will serve as an inspiration. The cruiseship will then welcome it’s first guests in April 2015 under the name “SIRENA”. 

December 8th 2014

The first megablock section in the construction of Norwegian Cruise Lines’ 163,000 ton Norwegian Escape has been floated out of the building dock at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg Germany.

The Norwegian Escape is the lead ship in NCL’s new Breakaway PLUS class and the company’s largest ship to date. The vessel will have accommodations for 4,200 passengers in 2,100 cabins, and will also be equipped with five exhaust emission treatment units, aka scrubbers, meaning that the new luxury liner will exceed the requirements of current and upcoming environmental standards, including the Emission Control Area fuel oil sulphur limits coming into force on January 1, 2015.

The Breakaway PLUS class is a successor to NCL’s Breakaway class, which includes the 146,600 ton Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway delivered in May 2013 and February 2014, respectively. NCL has ordered a total of four Breakaway PLUS class ships from Meyer Werft, with delivery expected in fall 2015, spring 2017, spring 2018 and fall 2019. The first two Breakaway-Plus ships were ordered with a combined contract price of approximately euro 1.4 billion, NCL said previously.

For Meyer Werft, the float out of the megablock follows the recent delivery of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, the largest ship ever built in Germany.

January 8th 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line reveals details about their new ship, Norwegian Escape. The ship will feature an ice bar and a special snow room: 

The winter oasis will form a part of the ship’s thermal suite and will be kept between -6C and 0C. 

January 9th 2015

NCL announces that CEO Kevin Sheenan steps down, and passes the position over to Oceania founder, Frank Del Rio. As became known in November 2014, NCL purchased Oceania Cruises. Sheenan has led NCL since 2007. 

January 19th 2015 

Rumors are indicating that the Norwegian Getaway will be sailing to Rio for the 2016 Olympics, where she will serve as a hotel ship during the games. The report originates from Inside the Games. According to current cruise schedules, there is a sizeable gap with nothing announced starting late July 2016 and ending September 2nd 2016. In retrospect, the Norwegian Getaway was used in a promotion becoming the Bud Light Hotel during the 2014 NFL Super Bowl in New York. 

January 28th 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced today the expansion of its sales presence in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with the establishment of a sales, marketing and reservations center to support the growing demand for cruise travel in the region. The company’s three lines: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises have all experienced growth in the number of Brazilian guests that have chosen to take a cruise vacation, particularly in Europe, Alaska and Caribbean itineraries.

February 18th 2015

2014 Full year highlights: Acquisition of Prestige Cruise Holdings, parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, diversifies Company’s product portfolio. Adjusted EPS improvement of 61.0% (64.5% on a Norwegian Stand-alone basis). Adjusted Net Yield increase of 4.8% (3.3% on a Norwegian Stand-alone basis). Revenue increase of 21.6% to $3.1 billion.

Feburary 24th 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line announced the captains and senior officers who will serve on Norwegian Escape: Captain Evans Hoyt, an experienced seafarer with more than 30 years at sea, will take the helm of Norwegian Escape upon delivery this October. When Captain Hoyt is on vacation, Captain Gunnar Hammerin will take command of Norwegian Escape. Staff Captains Robert Lundberg and Preston Carnahan will be on board to introduce the vessel to guests during her very exciting inaugural season.

March 11th 2015
(Reuters) – The former chief executive of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd sued Richard Branson’s Virgin Group in federal court in Miami for $300 million on Wednesday over plans by the British billionaire to launch his own luxury cruise line. >Read the whole story here<. 

March 17th 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line was considering sending its 2018 Breakaway-plus class newbuild to China, according to Timothy Conder, CPA and senior analyst at Wells Fargo Securities, following traditional March meetings with cruise line management.

March 19th 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has made adjustments to its shoreside structure which has resulted in layoffs from the Miami-based company. It was widely-known that the company was in the process of integrating the Norwegian brand along with Oceania and Regent under one roof, and had plans to expand its office space.

March 27th 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings may be ordering additional ships, or adjusting future orders already on the company’s orderbook. According to a source in Italy who was not authorized to speak on the record, Norwegian ship orders at Fincantieri could be announced in the near future. In addition, look for the Italian shipbuilder to buy STX France, which would leave just two major cruise-ship building outfits in Europe.

March 27th 2015

Effective this day, Walter Revel, longtime director, was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

April 13th 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that many of the line’s popular Asian dining venues can now be enjoyed on a complimentary basis across the fleet.

April 22nd 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that beginning January 2016 all guests sailing aboard Norwegian Sky from Miami would "enjoy an even more all-inclusive experience with dining, entertainment and now free unlimited beer, wine and premium spirits included.”

May 1st 2015

Norwegian Dawn was the first ship of the year to call in the city of Boston at the Black Falcon cruise terminal this morning, signalling the start to the summer cruise season.

May 7th 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings today reported financial results for the quarter that ended March 31st 2015 and provided guidance for the second quarter and full year 2015:

Improvement in Adjusted EPS of 17.4% to $0.27 on Adjusted Net Income of $62.6 million. Adjusted Net Yield increase of 18.9% (19.9% on a Constant Currency basis) driven by the addition of the upper premium Oceania Cruises and luxury Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. Integration of Norwegian and Prestige Cruise Holdings (Prestige) operations largely complete.  Continued synergy identification efforts lead to $75 million in synergies for 2015, $115 million for 2016.

May 19th 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line issued a statement that due to a temporary malfunction of the steering system of the Norwegian Dawn at approximately 5 pm, the ship sailed slightly off course when departing Bermuda and make contact with the seabed.

May 20th 2015

Norwegian Dan alongside at Bermuda, guests free to go ashore at own leisure. Norwegian Dawn was after safety inspections, cleared to depart Bermuda at 3 pm and return to Boston where it is expected to arrive on Friday as scheduled.

June 1st 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced that it has named BBDO and OMD to be its creative and media agency partners, respectively. The account had previously been handled by The Martin Agency. The business will now be led out of BBDO Atlanta and OMD Midwest.  

June 30th 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: NCLH) announced the expansion of its presence in the Australia and Pacific region, with the establishment of a sales and marketing center based in Sydney, Australia to support the growing demand for cruise travel in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

End of July 2015

Norwegian Escape’s hull art by Guy Harvey was being applied. Spanning more than 1,000 feet in length from bow to stern, the custom-designed artwork features a scene of marine wildlife which blends two underwater seas seamlessly together. Featuring Harvey’s signature sailfish, the design also showcases key Caribbean sea life including sting rays, sea turtles, whale sharks and a variety of tropical fish.

August 4th 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. reported financial results for the quarter that ended June 30th 2015 and provided guidance for the third quarter and full year 2015. Second Quarter 2015 Highlights:

- Improvement in Adjusted EPS of 29.3% to $0.75 on Adjusted Net Income of $171.6 million.

- Increase in Adjusted Net Yield on a Combined Company basis of 1.5%, or 3.2% on a Constant Currency basis, driven by pricing improvement in the quarter.  Increase of 18.2% on an as reported basis.

-  Continued synergy identification efforts from the integration of Norwegian and Prestige lead to synergies of $75 million in 2015 and $125 million in 2016 prior to reinvestment.

August 15th 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line's new 164,600-ton, 4,200-passenger Norwegian Escape was floated out at the builders in Germany. 

September 18th 2015
The brand new NORWEGIAN ESCAPE leaves her builders and heads down the EMS bound for sea. 

September 18th 2015

Genting Hong Kong is reported buying a 70% stake in the German-based Lloyd Werft’s shipbuilding business in a 17.5 million Euro deal. In a statement on Friday, the cruise operator said it will have a 50% ownership of Lloyd Werft's shipyard land under the agreement.

"Lloyd Werft has already built and lengthened six ships owned by an affiliate of Genting Hong Kong and has the expertise to build a series of world class cruise ships for the company, which will include the “Exclusive Class” vessels for Crystal Cruises,” said Genting Hong Kong chairman and chief executive officer Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay.

He said that ownership in Lloyd Werft will enable Genting Hong Kong to leverage on the shipyard’s technical expertise as well as their long track record in the shipbuilding industry.

Genting Hong Kong had also in July signed a letter of intent with a view to building exclusive class cruise ships at Lloyd Werft. 

Genting's Crystal Cruises is also planning to order new luxury river ships from Lloyd Werft which will feature larger suites for cruising in the Danube, Rhine, Seine and other European rivers.

October 1st 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings marked the opening of the company’s first office the Pacific Region, with a new sales and marketing centre based in Sydney, Australia.

First week of October 2015
NCL’s newest ship, the Norwegian Escape, was seen doing sea-trials off the Norwegian coast in Skagerrak for several days. 

October 12th 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line will introduce its first ship customized for the Chinese market in 2017, said the company in a statement, as the second Norwegian Breakway-plus class vessel will head for China. Currently under construction in Germany, the new ship is designed specifically for the China market with accommodations, cuisine and onboard experiences that cater to the unique vacation preferences of Chinese guests, said Norwegian.

October 17th 2015

The tribute show, Legends in Concert, is moving to the Norwegian Pearl after five years on the Norwegian Epic, according to Norwegian Cruise Line.

October 22nd 2015

Meyer Shipyard delivered Norwegian Cruise Lines new ship, the Norwegian Escape, to their owners. She is the first vessel of the 4.200 passenger, 164.600 gross tons “Breakaway Plus” class of vessels. She will later on be followed by the Norwegian Bliss in 2017 and two further un-named sisters in 2018 and 2019. After the handover ceremony which was held at Bremerhaven, Germany, the she sailed for Hamburg to commence her innaugural cruise on October 23rd. At departure for the maiden voyage, the ship was greeted with fireworks from the famous Landungsbrucken. Christening of the ship is expected to take place on November 9th in Miami, and the christened by US entertainer Pitbull. Following the christening, the new ship will be sailing on year-round weekly cruises to the Caribbean. 

November 3rd 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 and provided guidance for the fourth quarter and full year 2015. Third Quarter 2015 Highlights: 

* Adjusted EPS growth of 22% to $1.35 on Adjusted Net Income of $311.1 million.

* Increase in Adjusted Net Yield on a Combined Company basis of 2.2%, or 4.7% on a Constant Currency basis, driven by improved pricing in the quarter.  Increase of 19.8% on an as reported basis.

* Adjusted EBITDA increase of 37% to $447.8 million from $326.7 million.

November 9th 2015

The Norwegian Escape – Norwegian’s largest ship and the first in its Breakaway Plus Class – was christened by Pitbull, who also performed at a PortMiami pier-side concert.

January 21st 2016

Norwegian Cruise Line announced The Norwegian Edge, "an innovative program that promises to introduce a new standard of excellence that encompasses the entire guest experience, from ship hardware to culinary enhancements and exclusive private destination developments," said the company. It reflects a significant two-year $400 million investment by the company through 2017. Nine ships will be included in the program.

February 29th 2016

Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled the English and Chinese names for the company's China-bound newbuilding: the ship will be given the name ‘Norwegian Joy’ – translating into Chinese as 喜悦号 (Xǐ Yuè Hào).

The name Norwegian Joy emphasizes the experience that the ship will offer -- 尽享喜悦  海上乐园, a promise that guests will ‘Experience Paradise on the Sea,' said Norwegian Cruise Line in a press release.

“After closely studying the Chinese cruise market for several years, we wanted to be clear about what we will deliver to our guests on this spectacular vessel,” said Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Chief Executive Officer Frank Del Rio. “Norwegian Joy will provide the same sense of freedom and flexibility found on all Norwegian Cruise Line ships, but with resort-style vacation experiences and amenities designed specifically with the Chinese guest in mind.” 

March 20th 2016
Norwegian Cruise Line reports to the public that their newest ship, the Norwegian Joy, will feature ammenities such as a two-level racetrack: the first ever at sea! Once completed, the ship will sail from Shanghai and Tianjin.

April 6th 2016

The keel of Norwegian Joy was laid in a keel laying ceremony in Papenburg, at Meyer Werft, in Germany. The first block, with a weight of 680 tons, out of a total 80 blocks was lifted into the covered building hall, officially marking the construction start of the next 168.800 Grt vessel. 

Wednesday July 27th 2016

In a video posted by Norwegian Cruise Line at their youtube channel, the hull art created by renowned Chinese artist Tan Ping for Norwegian Joy is shown. 

October 13th 2016

Port of Seattle and Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Norwegian Bliss will homeport in Seattle beginning in 2018 when the ship is delivered.

October 27th 2016

Norwegian Cruise Line revealed the art designed by marine life artist Wyland for the new Norwegian Bliss, which will homeport in Seattle for the 2018 summer offering cruises to Alaska. Entitled “Cruising with the Whales,” the art features a image of a mother humpback whale and her calf as the centerpiece of the design, "signifying the beauty of Alaska and the importance of conservation. Known for his iconic whale murals, marine life paintings and sculptures, Wyland has inspired generations to be passionate about preserving the oceans and the incredible wildlife that calls it home," said Norwegian.

October 28th 2016

Norwegian Cruise Line cut the first piece of steel for Norwegian Bliss at Meyer Werft in Papenbergen, the line’s 16th vessel. The first plate of steel was cut by a plasma torch in the yard’s state-of-the-art facility and will become part of the first of 81 blocks that will comprise the new vessel.

Mid-November 2016 

NCL debuts Harvest Cay, a new private island in Belize built up by NCL for it’s passengers. 

December 7th 2016
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced that it has received approval from the government of the Republic of Cuba to operate cruises to Cuba, beginning March 2017.

December 19th 2016

This day marks the 50 years anniversary, as Sunward departed Miami bound for the Caribbean on the line’ very inaugural cruise back in 1966. 

December 23rd 2016

Norwegian Cruise Line announced the completion of retrofitting new exhaust gas cleaning systems (i.e. scrubbers) on the Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem.

January 10th 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Norwegian Bliss will seasonally homeport in Miami for winter 2018. Beginning on November 17th 2018, Norwegian Bliss will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises each Saturday from PortMiami, featuring calls in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. Before then, she will spend her first season sailing week-long cruises in Alaska, from Seattle.

February 7th 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it will extend its offering of weekly roundtrip cruises from Miami to Cuba aboard Norwegian Sky through December 2017, according to a statement. Together with the five previously announced cruises in May 2017, these 25 additional cruises, which start in June 2017, all overnight in Havana.

February 9th 2017

After limping around Asia and Australia with cancelled port calls and modified itineraries due to propulsion problems, the situation went from bad to worse for Norwegian Star. The ship became adrift in the Tasman Sea, with both ABB pods offline, and had to be towed back to Melbourne, Australia.

February 16th 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced it had reached an agreement with Fincantieri to construct the next generation of ships for its Norwegian Cruise Line brand. Four 140,000-ton ships for 3.300 gursts are now on order for delivery in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, with an option for two additional ships to be delivered in 2026 and 2027. This would later be known as Project Leonardo. 

February 22nd 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings reiterated that their 4th quarter 2019-newbuilding will be designed for the Chinese market. The ship, would be the last of the four Breakaway-pluss class ships ordered from Meyer Werft, each accomodating some 4000 guests and each ship counting in at 164.400 tons. 

March 4th 2017

On Saturday, March 4th 2017, Norwegian Joy was floated out from the building hall at her builders yard. Norwegian Joy will arrive in Shanghai, her homeport, this coming summer. 

March 15th 2017

According to Cruise Industry News, Norwegian Cruise Line releases new renderings of its next ship class, called Project Leonardo, with the first of four ships debuting in 2022. The ship presented is clearly an off-the-shelf vessel quite similar in design to the MSC Seaside project from Fincantieri Project Mille.

March 28th 2017

The Norwegian Joy begins her conveyance down the Ems river, leaving her builders. At 1.094 feet in length and 136 feet width, the Norwegian Joy is the second in the cruiseline’s Breakaway plus class of ships. At approximately 9 o’clock in the morning, the 168.800 grt ship departed Meyer Werft stern first through the shipyard’s locks. By next morning, she was safely docked in Eemshaven. 

April 4th 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it would extend its offering of weekly roundtrip cruises from Miami to Cuba through 2018, with 33 new cruises. Norwegian Sky will begin her 2018 Cuba cruise season in March, sailing four-day roundtrip cruises from Miami, with 32 of the cruises to include an overnight stay in Havana, as well as a call on Great Stirrup Cay, according to a statement.

April 28th 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of Norwegian Joy from Meyer Werft during an onboard ceremony in Bremerhaven. At 167,725 gross tons and accommodating 3,883 guests, Joy is the second ship in the line’s Breakaway-Plus class and will be deployed out of China, designed for Chinese guests. “The Joy signifies our company’s official entry into the Chinese market,” said Andy Stuart, CEO and president, in a prepared statement.

May 18th 2017

Just as the second half of May 2017 had gotten underway, there was a rare but wonderful news coming out in varirous maritime circles, as well as at Cruise Industry News: the laid up Louis Aura  - former Starward of the Norwegian Caribbean Lines (later Norwegian Cruise Line) - was to return to service again. The ship had been chartered to do a series of 3 and 4-day cruises for the Turkish operator ESTUR starting June 24th 2017. The homeport for these cruises will be Cesme in Turkie  and sail to selected Greek islands. By mid-June she was seen in port of Piraeus, Greece, with AIS destination set to Tuzla, Turkie. 

June 7th 2017

Norwegian Joy docked for the very first time at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

June 16th 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) announced that Norwegian Joy had arrived at its homeport of Shanghai, after making maiden calls in Singapore, Qindao, Shenzen and Hong Kong.

June 27th 2017

Norwegian Joy was christened in a ceremony in Shanghai that featured a performance by the ship’s Godfather, Wang Leehom, a singer songwriter, music producer, actor and film director who is well known in China.

July 7th 2017

On a one-day visit, Norwegian Jade visited Trondheim, Norway, on a cruise along the Norwegian coast. 

August 8th 2017

Star Cruises announced that SuperStar Libra, former Seaward/ Norwegian Sea will offer a triple homeport deployment strategy starting on September 3rd in Kuala Lumpur via Port Klang and Penang in Malaysia, as well as in Phuket, Thailand, with two cruises per week. Sailings include three-night Kuala Lumpur/ Phuket /Penang cruises and four night Kuala Lumpur/ Langkawi/ Phuket/ Penang cruises.

August 13th 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line revealed new Norwegian Bliss details, including the largest competitive race track at sea and an open-air laser tag course. Many of the ship’s amenities were announced by Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer, at an exclusive event at Virtuoso Travel Week at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, where media and travel partners were able to Imagine Bliss through interactive 3D virtual reality experiences of the ship’s race track. 

September 9th 2017

In wake of Hurricane Irma, Norwegian Cruise Line announced it would deploy Norwegian Sky to St. Thomas to retrieve 2,000 displaced travelers who could not evacuate prior to the storm. The ship departed from her position near Cancun on Saturday morning, September 9th, and was expected to reach St. Thomas in the evening on Monday, September 11th. "When all designated vacation guests have boarded the ship, Norwegian Sky will sail back to her homeport of Miami and is expected to arrive on Thursday, September 14th" the company said. In other news, due to damage from the hurricane in the Caribbean, the Norwegian Escape has had two months of itineraries changed. All of Norwegian Escape’s upcoming Eastern Caribbean sailings will be altered to a Western Caribbean itinerary until November, the company announced.

September 14th 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line was considering a 2019-2020 cruise program in Brazil, according to Estela Farina, country director.

September 29th 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced a partnership with All Hands Volunteers, and set a goal to raise $2.5 million for the Hope Starts Here hurricane relief program.

October 3rd 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Norwegian Breakaway will sail from New Orleans for the 2018-2019 winter cruise season, and Norwegian Gem will take her previously announced deployment out of New York.

October 19th 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that they had completed retrofitting new exhaust gas cleaning systems (i.e. scrubbers) on two of their ships, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Jade.

November 16th 2017

Genting Dream departed Singapore on its first cruise since making the megapolis its home port, in a boost to the ambitions of Singapore to become a cruise hub in Asia. Genting Dream, Genting Hong Kong's cruise ship which has 18 decks and can accommodate 3,352 passengers, is currently sailing to Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar.

In order to promote Genting Dream, Singapore Tourism Board, Changi Airport Group and Genting Cruise Lines signed a tripartite partnership that is worth US$28 million. The partnership will continue until 2020, and is estimated to bring in a total of 600,000 visitors and over US$250 million in tourism receipts. At a press conference onboard Genting Dream on Thursday, November 16th 2017, while the ship was docked at Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Kent Zhu - president of Genting Cruise Lines - said the company will romote Singapore as a fly-cruise destination in over 20 countries.

November 18th 2017

Genting Hong Kong's brand new cruiseship "World Dream” was christened at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong. Puan Sri Cecilia Lim, World Dream’s official Godmother and the wife of Tan Sri Lim Kok They, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer  (CEO) of Genting Hong Kong.

November 29th 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Elvis Duran, American radio personality and talk show host, will be godparent to the Norwegian Bliss. At an event at the PD-H Lounge in New York today, Duran said he would also promote the ship on his radio show.

January 31st 2018 

Norwegian Cruise Line marked construction-start for the Norwegian Encore with a steel cutting ceremony. Previously, the Norwegian Encore was said to be built for the Chinese market, but once completed, she will each Sunday depart for a 7-day cruise from Port of Miami to the Caribbean starting fall of 2019. 

“Norwegian Encore will be the ultimate Breakaway Plus Class vessel and we are thrilled to celebrate the start of construction for this incredible new ship” said Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. 

The Norwegian Encore will be the seventeenth ship in Norwegian Cruise Line's  fleet and the fourth and final ship in the Breakaway Plus Class, described as the most successful class in the brand’s history.

March 8th 2018

Construction started for Genting Hong Kong’s first, massive 204.000 gross-tons Global-class cruiseship at MV Werften. The ship will once completed, be one of the future two Dream Cruises ships, and operate summers from Shanghai and Tianjin and the rest of the year in Australia/ New Zealand, Southeast Asia and West Coast US. 

March 13th 2018

Norwegian Bliss - NCL’s latest Breakaway plus-class cruiseship - departed Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and started her conveyance out the EMS River. 

March 2018

At a press-conference at the 2018 Seatrade Cruise Global exhibition, Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled their new passenger terminal which was going to be built at Miami Dodge Island. The project is currently pending final approval by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners. If approved, construction is will commence in May 2018 and be completed by fall of 2019.

Bermello Ajamil & Partners, Inc., a world-wide leader in cruise and waterfront design, was selected to design the new and dedicated Norwegian Cruise Line terminal at Port of Miami. 

The project will be constructed to LEED Silver standards, focusing on innovation in design and terminal operation to create a platform that will optimize energy performance, indoor air quality, water efficiencies and maximize the use of local materials and resources. 

March 23rd 2018

Dream Cruises, a subsidiary of Genting which also owns Norwegian Cruise Line and Star Cruises, releases more renderings of their new Global class cruiseship, slated to enter service in late 2020. The ship will feature artificial intelligence including facial and voice recognition to eliminate “most” queues. Itineraries for the ship is said to be “worldwide” cruises. 

March 24th 2018

Sales for NCL’s new ship Norwegian Encore is opened. Once completed, the new ship is set to sail cruises from Miami, departing every Sunday, to Eastern Caribbean. Her inaugural cruise is planned to depart from Miami on November 17th 2019. The inaugural season runs until a possible new placment from April 12th 2020. 

July 12th 2018

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced two new, additional ships in the Project Leonard class from Fincantieri. Delivery of the 5th and 6th ship is planned for 2026 and 2027, while the first in this class is expected in 2022. 

“These orders extend our disciplined and measured newbuild program and strong growth trajectory well into the future and will further drive long-term returns for our shareholders” said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO.  “Our six ship Leonardo Class fleet will allow us to broaden our deployment into strong performing and mature unserved and underserved markets and offer new experiences to our guests.”

Norwegian said that at 140,000 gross tons and accommodating approximately 3,300 guests, this next generation class of ships will build upon the highly successful offering of freedom and flexibility found across Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, including the most recent Breakaway Plus Class ships, and feature a host of inventive designs that will further elevate its already award-winning guest experience. 

With today's announcement, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has seven ships on order for Norwegian Cruise Line and one for Regent Seven Seas Cruises for a total of eight vessels for delivery through 2027. The company will take delivery of its newest ship, Norwegian Encore, in fall 2019.

March 31st 2019

Explorer Dream emerges from drydock with a brand new look. Dream Cruises has a third ship in the Explorer Dream, which debuted back into cruise service with a stunning new livery last week following a huge refurbishment. The 2,000-guest cruise ship went from Star Cruises as the SuperStar Virgo to Dream Cruises, Asia's only premium cruise brand.

A summer season sailing from Shanghai and Tianjin is scheduled for the ship, followed by a winter in Australia and New Zealand.

Among major changes to the ship was the installation of an exhaust gas scrubber, and the Palace, Dream's ship-within-a-ship suite concept.

The new hull artwork by New York-based, Chinese artist, Kuri Huang continues the brand’s signature mermaid brand icon as the hull painting beckons viewers to ride upon “Waves of Dreams” in a whimsical and colorful ode to exploration and discovery, the company said. Chinese designer Grace Chen will christen the ship in April in Shanghai.

June 6th 2019

A beautiful image showing two NCL-sister at Funchal, Madeira, on June 6th 2019 submitted to us by Sergio Ferreira: the big-sister Norwegian Epic and the Norwegian Star . www.cruiseharbournews.com

 

June 8th 2019

New images of the very colorful hull art of "Norwegian Encore" was made available by Norwegian Cruise Lines.  

June 17th 2019

On a cruise to Norway, the Norwegian Spirit makes her inaugural call at Port of Trondheim, Norway. 

July 2019

As Norwegian Joy appeared fresh out of an extencive drydock and update, she sported even a Starbucks outlet on board. 

August 17th 2019 
Norwegian Encore Emerges from Shipyard for the First Time

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that its latest ship, Norwegian Encore, successfully completed a major construction milestone, when it emerged for the first time from the Meyer Werft ship building dock in Papenburg, Germany.  

November November 22, 2019 

Norwegian Encore Christened in Miami by God mother Kelly Clarkson

Norwegian Cruise Line christened the Norwegian Encore on Thursday in Miami. Over 3,500 guests consisting of travel partners, investors, government officials, media, and family and friends of Norwegian Cruise Line were invited to the pier-side ceremony and celebration at Port Miami. An interactive arrival experience indicative of the brand’s commitment to world-class entertainment and innovative and meaningful experiences, encouraged attendees to share the moment and to make lasting memories. During the ceremony, guests enjoyed a showcase of the company’s onboard entertainment, which included “Choir of Man” and the Tony Award®-winning “Kinky Boots.” Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings; Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line; and Harry Sommer, incoming president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line welcomed attendees and spoke to the company’s history and commitment to Miami, the new ship, and their gratitude for all those who ensure a memorable guest experience aboard Norwegian Encore, according to a statement. “Norwegian Cruise Line has been sailing from Miami for over 50 years,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “We were the first to offer weekly cruises to the Caribbean from Miami, which shaped the city’s reputation as the ‘Cruise Capital of the World.’ Five years ago, we launched our history-making Breakaway Plus class and today, we are proud to christen Norwegian Encore, the final ship of this class and a true representation of the evolution of the brand, right here in our hometown of Miami.” After the traditional blessings, honorary godmother and GRAMMY Award-winning artist, Kelly Clarkson, officially christened Norwegian Encore with the champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull. Guests were then treated to a live performance of Clarkson’s “Miss Independent,” “Stronger,” “Since U Been Gone,” and other chart-topping hits.

December 29th 2019 

NCL Holdings Careers posts on Facebook: BRIAN WALTERS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SERVICE
"They say legends come in many forms. To Norwegian Cruise Line , that legend is Brian Walters, who we honor and celebrate today for his remarkable 50 years of service to the company.

A native of the beautiful island of Jamaica, Brian joined Norwegian in 1969 as a Lounge Steward, only 3 years after the company was founded as Norwegian Caribbean Line. To say he’s ‘seen it all’ would be a broad understatement. Brian has experienced nearly all of Norwegian’s ground-breaking cruise innovations, many of which have now become standard throughout the industry.

A glimpse of all the ships that Brian has served on could give you a serious case of cruise nostalgia! To name just a few ships from the earlier days of his stunning career; Sunward I, Southward, Sunward II, Starward, Skyward, Leeward, SS Norway, Norwegian Wind, Norwegian Dream, Norwegian Majesty, Norwegian Sea and Norwegian Crown. It seems appropriate that Brian would have found love on the high seas and a fateful contract many years ago on Southward I led him to his wife, Grace who worked in the Gift Shop. A chat with Brian and his wife could quickly take you down memory lane, reminiscing about the ‘old days’ of cruising.

Brian has witnessed first-hand the evolution of small ships with several hundred guests to big ships with several thousand. Through the years, countless numbers of new crew members have been mentored under his watchful eye. Brian is often described as a true gentlemen and a calm, steady leader. He is kind and soft-spoken and easily remembered by anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him. Brian has experienced 50 years of tropical storms, hurricanes and other surprises of Mother Nature but he shows no signs of stopping! When asked about taking time to ‘relax’, he just laughs and lets you know that he’s ready to get back out to sea.

Brian Walters is a true sailor and we are deeply honored that he’s chosen to spend the last 50 incredible years of his career with Norwegian Cruise Line. He’s currently enjoying a very well-deserved vacation in Miami with his wife and family and then he’ll return to Norwegian Sun in February.

Thank you, Brian Walters. You are a legend.”

May 5th 2020

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said there is “substantial doubt” about the company’s ability to continue amid the COVID-19 pandemic and warned it may have to seek bankruptcy protection.

Despite that warning, Wall Street analysts say that as long as capital markets remain sturdy, the cruise line should still be able to weather the coronavirus pandemic.

The world’s third-largest cruise company, headquartered in Miami, said in a securities filing Tuesday that it expects to report net losses for the quarter ending on March 31, 2020, and for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2020. The company owns 28 ships across three cruise lines: Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises.

“If we are not able to fulfill our liquidity needs through operating cash flows and/or borrowings under credit facilities or otherwise in the capital markets, our business and financial condition could be adversely affected and it may be necessary for us to reorganize our company in its entirety, including through bankruptcy proceedings, and our shareholders may lose their investment in our ordinary shares,” the filing said.

Norwegian also said Tuesday that it had received a $400 million infusion into its U.S. subsidiary, Norwegian Cruise Line Corporation Ltd., from Greenwich, Conn.-based private equity firm L Catterton. The company, among the largest consumer-focused private equity firms in the world, was formed through a partnership between private-equity firm Catterton, luxury retailer LVMH, and Groupe Arnault, the family holding company of Bernard Arnault. L Catterton, a major investor in the Miami Design District, also has investments in Equinox gyms, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and StriVectin skin care.

June 19th 2020
Norwegian Joy docked in Manila, Philippines, on June 19th 2020 for the first time. It's been a while since a large cruise ship docked at Pier 15.

Picture by Stan Stanley and Bijumon Alakode, Christian Ctto Singapore Cruise society

Second half of June 2020

Norwegian Escape seen transiting the Suez Canal on her way to Goa and Mumbai, India, after which she will head to Singapore (re-supply) and then finally sail for Manila, Philippines.

Picture by Suez Canal Authority

September 1st 2020

NCLH cruise ships going to cold lay-up manning: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas which are all part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) will further reduce its crew that are currently on board the ships as they enter a cool lay-up manning. The crew level will be below specified by the ship’s minimum safe manning operation, but still sufficient to satisfy maintenance and security requirements.

September 20th 2020

The Kloster family confirms that visionary and legendary Knut Utstein Kloster has passed away at the age of 91.

Knut Utstein Kloster is described as a visionary and a legend in the cruise industry, having built up Kloster Cruise and later founded the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) together with Ted Arison.

NCL is today one of the world's largest cruise operators.

January/ February 2021
Images of the “laid up” Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Brakeaway together at Marseille, France. Also the Norwegian Epic spent some time here with her company-sisters. Images kindly supplied by Pat Arsenio Tuiza. 

March 2nd 2021

Norwegian Cruise Line is spending cruising down-time by installing exhaust gas cleaning systems to the Norwegian Breakaway and the Norwegian Getaway two years ahead of the intended modification. The installations will be done during the ships annual class inspections. 

March  2021

Norwegian Encore calls at Port of Brindisi to pick up crew from the Norwegian Spirit, bound for India and the Philippines. 

March 13th 2021
Norwegian Encore transits Suez Canal en route to India, and Phillippines, to return crewmembers home. Next port of call would be Salalah, Oman. 

As Norwegian Cruise Line is a large "up-and-going" cruiseline, the story is far from over. To be continued....

NOTE: As you may see from the above story, there are many ships which we are still missing good images of. In this respect, we would kindly like to request the help of readers and members so that we can complete the story as much as possible. Even though the ship is already pictured, we are still interested in seeing more images of each ship. We most sincerely thank anyone who is willing to help us out building this story and completing it further with new images and stories.