Norwegian Orders Two Breakaway Plus Vessels

New Class of Ships Will Carry 4,200 Passengers

Norwegian Cruise Line has reached a deal with a German shipbuilder for the delivery of its largest ship ever – the Norwegian Breakaway Plus. The new ship is slated for delivery in October 2015;  a second ship is due in spring 2017. The new vessels will weigh in at 163,000 gross tons and 4,200 passenger berths.

MEYER WERFT, which is currently building the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, has been tapped to build the Breakaway Plus.

“Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have garnered significant attention in the marketplace with their innovative design, rich stateroom mix and world-class amenities,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s CEO.

 “Building on that momentum, along with MEYER WERFT’s expertise and efficiency in the design and construction process, we are extending the excitement and anticipation with a new, larger edition Breakaway Plus class ship to further distinguish the Norwegian brand.”

CRUISE VACATION WEEK PROMOS
Princess’ National Cruise Vacation Week Sale
Princess Cruises is offering discounts on more than 200 cruise departures, in addition to free balcony upgrades, during National Cruise Vacation Week. Destinations include Caribbean, Alaskan and European cruises with departures from January to July 2013. A half-off offer on cruise deposits is also available.

Azamara Offers Onboard Credit
For National Cruise Vacation Week, Azamara Club Cruises is offering up to a $500 onboard credit for 2013 European voyages. Travelers can also get a ChoiceAir credit of up to $2,000. For remaining 2012 bookings, travelers can get airfare savings of up to $2,000 per stateroom.

Holland Releases NCVW Marketing Tools
In anticipation of National Cruise Vacation Week, Holland America Line has released marketing support for travel agents located at http://www.travelagentheadquarters.com. By contacting their business development manager, agents can receive an on-board value booklet with coupons for shipboard services and reduced deposits. An “On Stage Alaska” multimedia presentation is also accessible.

The Cunard Sale Detailed
Starting Oct. 22, Cunard Cruise Line will offer reduced deposit, onboard credits of up to $300 per stateroom and complimentary balcony upgrades on 30 voyages, including: Iberian Highlights, St. Petersburg & Baltic Explorer, Transatlantic Crossing (Westbound), Fjords & Waterfalls and Mediterranean Delights.

CRUISE ITINERARY NEWS
Celebrity Announces New Sailings
Celebrity Cruises is offering a four-night journey departing San Diego on April 18 and a five-night journey departing April 22. The company is also adding an eight-night Coastal Wine Cruise departing April 27. Two new Alaska sailings are available for May 5 and May 12, departing from Vancouver. Bookings made between Oct. 15 and Nov. 15 will receive a $75 onboard credit per stateroom.

Oceania Introduces 2013-14 Winter Itineraries
Oceania Cruises has detailed its 2013-2014 winter collection, with 61 voyages and 18 new itineraries. New ports are featured in China, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Bookings made by Dec. 31, 2012, feature two-for-one deposits and free pre-paid gratuities. All winter 2013-2014 voyages also feature two-for-one cruise fares, free air transportation and bonus savings of up to $5,000 per stateroom. Oceania also announced it has generated the highest booking volume in a single day in the company’s history with these voyages.

Crystal Details New Design-Themed Departure
Crystal Cruises will launch a new Garden & Floral Design-themed voyage. Sailing from Barcelona to Venice, the trip, titled La Dolce Vita, sails in April on the Crystal Serenity. Celebrity floral designers Paula Pryke and Sybil Sylvester will be on board to offer hands-on workshops and presentations on all things floral. Until Oct. 31, the 11-day trip is available for $4,165 per person.

IN OTHER CRUISE NEWS . . .
Crystal Opens Bookings for 2014-2015 Season
Crystal Cruises has opened up bookings on sailings in 2014 through mid-April 2015. In 2014, 61 sailings will take place aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, with 16 maiden calls in 68 countries. In early 2015, Crystal offers 15 sailings, in addition to another World Cruise.

Save on Yangtze River Cruises
Victoria Cruises is offering discounted rates starting at $470 per person on its Three Gorges Highlights program. A one-time shore excursion fee of $65 per person allows guests to visit the Three Gorges Dam and experience a traditional sampan ride.

American Cruise Lines Breaks Sales Records
August, September and October have been record sales months for American Cruise Lines. The company launched its new Queen of the Mississippi paddlewheeler this summer and has a new riverboat set to enter service in 2014.

American Queen Announces Loyalty Program
The American Queen Steamboat Company re-launched its Paddlewheel Steamboating Society of America loyalty program. In addition, guests who reserve the Old Fashioned Holidays cruise on the American Queen, departing Dec. 14, will be invited to a pre-cruise reunion celebration in New Orleans.

Zegrahm Expeditions Appoints New President
Edwin Blythe, former finance director of Quark Expeditions, was appointed president of Zegrahm Expeditions, effective this month. Jon Nicholson, former president of Zegrahm, will transition to director of product development.