Norwegian Cruise Line Releases Itineraries for 2019, 2020 Sailings
by Daniel McCarthy
Norwegian Cruise Line is set to make a number of moves during the winter of 2019 and 2020 that it says will meet growing demands from travelers around the world.
“The booming demand environment in our core markets around the world, coupled with Norwegian Bliss’ record-breaking performance, continue to exceed our expectations,” said NCL Holdings President and CEO Frank Del Rio. “We are leveraging the strategic benefits of our growing fleet to quickly seize sizable opportunities in over performing, unserved and underserved markets to meet the demands of our global customer base and drive higher returns for our shareholders.”
Joy’s current top deck includes a serenity park and waterpark. Photo: NCL.
Norwegian Joy
NCL’s Joy, the second ship in Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus class that had originally been built specifically for the China, will head to Seattle in April 2019 where it will sail Alaska voyages alongside Bliss and Jewel.
Norwegian has scheduled $50 million in upgrades to enhance Joy, creating a ship virtually identical to Norwegian Bliss, which the line says is its “most successful ship” in its history.
Joy will sail itineraries that includes calls to Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Holkham Bay, and Icy Strait Port.
“With $50 million in enhancements including the addition of a Starbucks store as well as enhanced restaurant, bar and entertainment options, Norwegian Joy will be a welcome addition for guests looking to cruise on a world-class ship in one of the world’s most sought after destinations,” Norwegian President and CEO Andy Stuart said.
It will then head to Los Angeles, where it will sail cruises to the Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal during the winter of 2019 and 2020.
Norwegian Spirit
With Joy leaving the Chinese market, Norwegian will reposition Norwegian Spirit to serve the market starting in Summer 2020.
The 2,000-passenger Spirit will be completely revamped before the move, getting a bow-to-stern renovation as part of the Norwegian Edge program.
The ship’s move to China will include a series of February 2020 repositioning cruises that will include first-time calls for Norwegian in South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Maldives.
Norwegian Pearl
Pearl will homeport in Amsterdam starting in the summer of 2019, giving Norwegian six total ships in Europe. It will then sail a series of Mediterranean itineraries out of Rome, Barcelona, and then Venice.
Pearl will be Norwegian’s sixth ship in Europe.
Norwegian Jade
Jade will start its winter 2019 and 2020 season by heading to Southeast Asia, where it will sail from both Singapore and Hong Kong. From there it will sail itineraries to Phuket, Langkawi, Penang, Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) and Ha Long Bay.
Jade will then offer sailings through the Suez Canal and in the India Ocean, with calls in Greece, Israel, and Jordan.
Jewel will undergo a refurb before heading to Australia/New Zealand, Asia, and the South Pacific for the third year in a row.
Norwegian Jewel
Fresh off a refurbishment scheduled for this fall, Jewel will head to Australia/New Zealand, Asia, and the South Pacific for the third year in a row, sailing cruises to Honolulu, Papeete, Sydney, Auckland, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo during the winter of 2019 and 2020.
