NCL to base Norwegian Jade in Europe year-round

London, 03 March 2008… NCL Freestyle Cruising today announced it is basing a ship in Europe yearround for the first time, with newly-named Norwegian Jade being deployed to Europe up to spring 2010.

Stephen Park, general manager, NCL UK says this move is a significant demonstration of the company’s commitment to Europe as a cruising destination with continued potential for growth.

“There is demand from our UK, Europe and US-based customers and we are confident in the potential of the ‘new to cruise’ market. We believe our unique Freestyle Cruising concept provides the perfect introduction to cruising, giving guests freedom on board, with no fixed dining times or dress codes.

“Norwegian Jade is one of the newest ships in the youngest fleet on the planet and we’re delighted have her with us in Europe. With just a two-hour flight from the UK it will be even easier to escape for some winter sun this winter.”

The move will come hot on the heels of NCL’s biggest ever European season, which sees three of the company’s newest and largest ships based in Southampton (Norwegian Jade), Dover (Norwegian Jewel) and Barcelona (Norwegian Gem).

Norwegian Jade’s winter itineraries reflect destination trends, with the inclusion of exotic ports such as Casablanca and Agadir in Morocco, and an overnight port of call in Alexandria, Egypt.

Norwegian Jade, built in 2006 and carrying 2,400 guests, will operate two alternating itineraries from Barcelona – a nine-night Canary Islands and Morocco itinerary and a 12-night Eastern Mediterranean itinerary. Customers will be able to combine these two itineraries to create a 21-night voyage throughout the Med.

In addition, a special 14-night Holiday Eastern Mediterranean itinerary has been announced, which will encompass both Christmas and New Year holidays.

Norwegian Jade’s new European sailings from November 2008 through April 2009 go on sale March 10, 2008. Itineraries for Norwegian Jade’s winter season in Europe are as follows:

A 12-night Eastern Mediterranean itinerary, departing Barcelona (Nov 30, Jan 4, Jan 25, Feb 15, Mar 8, 29, Apr 10) and travelling to Rome (Civitavecchia) in Italy, Athens (Piraeus) in Greece, Ephesus (Izmir) in Turkey, Alexandria in Egypt (overnight) and Valetta in Malta is priced from £899pp*. Fare includes return flights from the UK, transfers to the ship, government and port taxes, 12 nights’ Freestyle Cruising® on board Norwegian Jade, meals and entertainment.

A nine-night Canary Islands and Morocco itinerary, departing Barcelona (Dec 12, Jan 16, Feb 6, 27, Mar 20) and travelling to Casablanca and Agadir in Morocco, Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, Funchal in Madeira and Malaga in Spain is priced from £749pp*. Fare includes return flights from the UK, transfers to the ship, government and port taxes, nine nights’ Freestyle Cruising® on board Norwegian Jade, meals and entertainment.

A 14-night Christmas and New Year Holiday Eastern Mediterranean itinerary, departing Barcelona on 21 December, 2008 and travelling to Rome (Civitavecchia) and Naples in Italy, Alexandria in Egypt (overnight), Rhodes and Athens (Piraeus) in Greece, Ephesus (Izmir) in Turkey, and Valetta in Malta is priced from £1699pp*. Fare includes return flights from the UK, transfers to the ship, government and port taxes, 14 nights’ Freestyle Cruising® on board Norwegian Jade, meals and entertainment. For more information or to book, please call NCL Freestyle Cruising® on 0845 658 8010, visit www.ncl.co.uk or see your local travel agent.

* Price based on two people sharing an inside stateroom.

- ENDS -

Latitudes