Norwegian Cruise Line has decided to place three of its newest Jewel-class ships in Europe beginning in March 2008. The positive reaction of European consumers in respect to the innovative Freestyle Cruising concept of the cruise line led NCL to take this decision.
NCL will bring its vessel Pride of Hawaii to the Docks for a program of summer voyages targeting the rapid growth and rising popularity of cruising in UK.
A £200m ship entered service in April 2006 can accommodate up to 2,846 passengers together with a crew of 1,000. It will undertake voyages from Southampton to the Mediterranean, North Cape, Western Europe and the British Isles.
Norwegian will also transform the Pride of Hawaii into Norwegian Jade after a brief refit in Honolulu next February, adding new casino and repainting the hull.
Moving the Pride of Hawaii to the well-known English shipping center will propel Southampton ahead of Barcelona as the continent’s biggest hub for cruisers.
Source: USA Today
