Transportation Industry

Company Watch - Norwegian Cruise Line

AirGuide Business, May 5, 2008

May 5, 2008

The Miami Herald is reporting that a California woman is suing Norwegian Cruise Line alleging that the cruise line did not properly disclose that obtaining a reservation at a specialty restaurant, if not booked in a higher-end cabin, could prove difficult. NCL is known for "freestyle cruising," and the flexibility of eating anytime, anywhere. The suit seeks refunds for the cruise and other costs on behalf of Eva Gularte, her sister and mother. It's also seeking class-action status for all NCL passengers who have met similar problems in the last three years. A spokesperson for the line told Travel Agent that NCL had yet to be served with the suit and, therefore, would reserve comment. Apr 29, 2008

Norwegian Cruise Line celebrated the keel-laying last week for its first 150,000-ton, 4,200-passenger F3 ship at Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France. 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. The milestone ceremony was attended by executives from NCL parent companies -- Star Cruises and Apollo Management -- as well as NCL and Aker Yards. Upholding maritime tradition, each attendee was invited to put a specially designed coin in a tube that was welded shut and placed in the keel for good luck. "The F3 ships are our most innovative project in the company's 41-year history and will provide a totally unique vacation experience," said Colin Veitch, NCL president and CEO. "As we lay the keel for this groundbreaking new ship, we are one step closer to revolutionizing cruising as we know it." Tan Sri KT Lim, chairman of Star Cruises, added: "History is in the making today as NCL's first F3 ship begins to take shape. We are proud to be a part of bringing this new innovative ship to fruition, one unlike any the world has seen before." The new ship design will offer 60 percent more guest space than NCL's largest ships to date. One-hundred percent of outside staterooms will have private balconies. In total, each ship will have 1,415 balcony staterooms. More details about the F3 ships, including other innovative accommodations, public spaces, dining, entertainment/nightlife, cutting-edge technology and casino, will be announced leading up to the launch of the first F3 ship in 2010. Apr 28, 2008

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