NCL Caters to Solo Travelers, Families
Norwegian Cruise Line announced new programs catering to solo travelers and families.
The line’s Epic Studios are being re-positioned to market to solo travelers. The Studios are priced for single occupancy, starting from $799 on seven-day alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries – with no single supplement.
”Historically, the cruise industry has not embraced the large number of people who enjoy traveling solo,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s CEO.
On a live Webcast, Maria Miller, the line’s senior vice president of marketing, said there are 100 million single adults over the age of 18 in the United States, but this segment has largely been ignored by the cruise lines and is a market worth going after.
Miller added that 35 million adults have said they have taken a solo vacation in the last three years, but according to CLIA less than 5% of these have been on a cruise.
The main barrier to solo travelers has been the single supplement, which penalizes travelers sailing alone.
The Studios on Norwegian Epic are a private key-card access complex on two decks consisting of 128 staterooms and the Studio Lounge. Each stateroom offers approximately 100 square feet of living space, including a full-size bed and separate areas for the bathroom, sink and shower. Guests in the Studios have private access to the Studio Lounge, where they can relax and socialize with other solo travelers.
Epic’s studios go on sale Monday, Jan. 18.
Norwegian Cruise Line is also introducing a new program catering to families. The line is partnering with Nickelodeon to provide Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming on select Norwegian ships. The three-year partnership also includes select specialty Nickelodeon-themed cruises each year featuring Nickelodeon TV stars, show premieres and continuous themed-entertainment onboard.
Beginning in April on Norwegian Jewel and in July on Norwegian Epic, Nickelodeon and Norwegian experiences for families will include character meet and greets, interactive game shows and more. Among the Nickelodeon-themed interactive shows will be: SlimeTime LIVE! with Nick’s signature slime and Nick Live! There will also be poolside entertainment; character breakfasts (an extra fee will be charged for breakfasts) and Nick-themed dance parties. Nickelodeon-themed elements also will be incorporated into Norwegian’s Kids’ Crew program.
More details on the specialty themed cruises will be released soon.
For more information, visit www.ncl.com.
