Norwegian Cruise Line Homeports in Amsterdam for First Time

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is marking its first season of cruises from the Netherlands, Amsterdam, with the European debut of Norwegian Pearl, expanding the brand’s presence to six ships in the region for the first time.

In honor of the milestone, Norwegian Pearl’s Captain, Paul von Knorring, and the ship’s officers were honored on June 8 with a plaque and a key to the city of Amsterdam from local officials from the Port of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cruise Port, and Passenger Terminal Amsterdam.

The 2,400-passenger Norwegian Pearl embarked on its first summer season in Europe last month, becoming the largest ship to sail on the Thames River, at Tilbury in Essex, England. Located near Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and the city’s cultural attractions, NCL guests can explore the Dutch capital before or after setting sail aboard Norwegian Pearl.

“As the only North American cruise line to sail Europe year-round, we are very excited to offer guests new and interesting itineraries full of history, culture and diverse landscapes, while they enjoy our various ships in the region, including Norwegian Pearl, which is homeporting in Europe for the first time,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.

The Pearl’s pool deck. Photo: NCL.

Pearl will cruise the North and Baltic Seas until the end of June, before repositioning to Rome for a season of Mediterranean voyages. During her first season in Europe, Norwegian Pearl will sail 10- to 14-day cruises to the Greek Isles; the Mediterranean; and the French, Spanish and Italian Rivieras from Amsterdam, Netherlands; Barcelona, Spain; and Venice and Rome, Italy, through Oct. 14.

Pearl will also host the first European “Jon Bon Jovi Runaway to Paradise” cruise from Aug. 26-30. The sailing, featuring a concert set by the musician, Jon Bon Jovi, and the 11-piece Kings of Suburbia band, provides guests with one-of-a kind immersive experiences and larger-than-life performances, as they sail from Barcelona to Palma, Majorca, Spain.