NCL.com Press Releases

Norwegian Cruise Line Selected by Condé Nast Traveler as a Leader In Social Responsibility

2008-08-20T00:00:00Z

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has been named a finalist in Condé Nast Traveler magazine's 2008 World Savers Awards. The awards honor 38 travel companies from around the world for their leadership in social responsibility in five key areas: poverty alleviation, cultural and/or environmental preservation, education, wildlife conservation and health.

The 2008 World Savers Awards are featured in the September issue of Condé Nast Traveler, which hit newsstands on Tuesday, August 19. The World Savers Awards finalists will be recognized during an award ceremony on September 23, 2008, at the 2nd Annual Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Congress in New York City.

"Sustaining maritime ecosystems is among NCL's highest priorities," said Colin Veitch, NCL's CEO. "The protection of the oceans on which NCL makes its living is of paramount importance to the company and so it is with great pride that we accept this recognition from Condé Nast Traveler for our efforts."

Last year, the company recycled 96 tons of cardboard, 206 tons of wood pallets, 275 cubic meters of cooking oil, 364 tons of plastics, 909 tons of scrap metal, and 1,813 tons of glass. This recycling effort avoided manufacturing from virgin materials, which further conserved precious natural resources. NCL also managed 253 tons of trash and food waste at a Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facility which generated enough electricity to fulfill the monthly needs of more than 575 homes.

In 2007 alone, the recycling program saved 2,200 mature trees, 2,300 gallons of gas and 672,000 gallons of water. This translates to enough saved timber resources to produce more than 27.28 million sheets of newspaper; enough gasoline to drive more than 64,500 miles; and enough fresh water to meet the daily fresh water needs of more than 8,960 people.

NCL began recycling used cooking oil from its ships at the Port of Miami in early 2007. More than 15,000 gallons of used cooking oil have been offloaded and donated to an organic farmer in Vero Beach, Fla., who converted the oil to 870 gallons of usable bio-diesel for his farming equipment.

NCL pioneered the recycling of used lube oil, and routinely recycles plastics, aluminum, steel, batteries, oil sludge, and a wide variety of consumer products. NCL ships recycle whenever and wherever it is feasible.

The company has invested heavily, not just on new environmental protection technology, but also on a shore-side environmental department and has placed trained environmental officers on board every NCL ship. The company has also undertaken environmental training for all of its crew members, who make it a priority to separate recyclable materials from regular waste on board.

Each of NCL's ships has state-of-the-art solid and liquid waste processing equipment on-board. The Advanced Wastewater Treatment System has been described as better than most land-based systems and the effluent from the system meets even the most stringent discharge standards of the U.S. Coast Guard and the State of Alaska.

NCL tries to instill positive environmental habits amongst its young cruisers. Children who participate in Kid's Crew can learn about the importance of clean water, and the effects and prevention of marine pollution through Officer Snook's Water Pollution Program. Elements of the program are incorporated into the NCL Kid's Crew and include activities for kids of all ages. For kids ages 2-5, there are story-telling, coloring books and games. For pre-teens, there are crafts, a simulated "Beach Clean Up" activity, a "Catch or Release" game identifying endangered species, and an environmental poster contest. The program's teen component allows high school students to earn between one and five community service hours depending on their level of involvement in the program. These hours may be used at the teen's school as part of their community service allotment.

In 2008, Norwegian Pearl received the Port of San Francisco's Cruise Ship Environmental Award and in 2007, Norwegian Sun was honored with the same award. The Port's program recognizes annually those cruise ships whose on-board environmental systems help decrease air and water pollution.

World Savers Awards Methodology: To determine the award finalists and winners, Condé Nast Traveler editors reviewed 142 applications and narrowed them to 38 finalists. An independent panel of 17 judges, comprised of leaders from the travel industry and non-governmental organizations, rated how applicants exercised social responsibility in five key areas: poverty alleviation, cultural and/or environmental preservation, education, wildlife conservation and health. There were seven categories of travel companies: airlines, cruise lines, hotel chains, individual city hotels, large resorts, small resorts, and tour operators.

NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line. NCL is building two new Third Generation Freestyle Cruising ("F3") ships for delivery in 2010. NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships in the market, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Gem.

For high resolution, downloadable images, please log onto NCL's Web site at www.ncl.com/pressroom. For further information on NCL Corporation, contact NCL in the U.S. and Canada at (866) 234-0292.

Norwegian Gem Focus of Fine Living Network's Ultimate Cruise Guide

2008-08-11T00:00:00Z

Norwegian Gem, NCL's newest Freestyle Cruising ship, takes center stage in Fine Living Network's new one-hour special: The Ultimate Cruise Guide. The special was filmed during a seven-day Western Mediterranean cruise aboard Norwegian Gem and will premiere on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 10 p.m. EST.

The show presents a complete guide to everything a viewer needs to know about cruising, featuring insider tips from Norwegian Gem's officers and a first-hand look at cruising through the eyes of the Walkers, a family of four from New York with children ages six and 10, and Joey and Joy, a young, professional couple on a romantic getaway, as they explore the ship's on-board amenities and NCL shore excursions.

"NCL's Freestyle Cruising allows guests the freedom and flexibility to cruise on their own schedule," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "During this special cruise guide on Fine Living Network, viewers will experience Freestyle Cruising and all it has to offer on our newest ship, Norwegian Gem. We hope that after watching the special, they will want to take their own cruise vacation aboard one of our 12 Freestyle Cruising ships."

Viewers will vacation alongside the Walkers and Joey and Joy as they set out on their European cruise on Norwegian Gem. During the cruise, Joey and Joy use the time to unwind and relax from their busy lifestyle with a romantic brunch in the ship's French restaurant Le Bistro; a private training session with a personal trainer in the Body Waves Fitness Center; and total relaxation on the ship's pool deck with Evian mists and cold towels from poolside attendants.

The Walkers maximize their time to the fullest with a family bowling tournament in Bliss Ultra Lounge; a relaxing couple's spa treatment in the Yin & Yang Spa while the children are playing in the Treetops Kids Club; an entertaining family dinner in the Teppanyaki restaurant; and a performance by the famed Second City comedy troupe in the Stardust Theater.

While off the ship, they visit unforgettable ports of call including Barcelona, Spain; Valetta, Malta; Naples, Rome and Florence, Italy; and Nice, France. The Walkers opt to explore Rome via an educational experience for their children with NCL's Ultimate Touring, allowing them to customize their own private tour of the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, while Joey and Joy decide to take in Malta's scenic beauty on their private tour of the island's beaches.

The Ultimate Cruise Guide is scheduled to air again on Fine Living Network (FLN) August 27 at 4 p.m.; August 30 at 11 p.m.; September 12 at 4 p.m.; September 14 at 11 p.m.; and September 24 at 10 p.m. From the makers of HGTV and Food Network, FLN is available nationwide on DirecTV channel 232 and DISH Network channel 113, and on local digital cable. To sample FLN programming, visit www.fineliving.com/TV.

NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships in the market, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400-passenger Norwegian Gem.

Marriott Executive Joins NCL as Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations

2008-07-24T00:00:00Z

NCL Corporation announced today that Dennis Nau has joined the company in the role of Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations. Nau is an accomplished and highly seasoned hotel and resort executive, having worked with Marriott Hotels & Resorts since 1985.

During his tenure at Marriott, Nau held a number of very senior roles including General Manager, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa and Hotel Manager and General Manager of the New York Marriott Marquis and the New York Marriott Eastside. He has also held a number of senior regional positions overseas with operational responsibility for as many as 55 individual properties.

He most recently served as Marriott's Vice President, Global Brand Management - Full Service Brands, with responsibility for the JW Marriott, Marriott Suites and Nickelodeon Resorts brands. This role had full responsibility for the creation of all strategy and the execution of Nickelodeon Resort by Marriott and he functioned as the business leader for all three brands, with a focus on innovation and distinction.

"The quality, consistency and distinctiveness of our on board product is critical to our success," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "The appointment of Dennis Nau to our most senior Hotel position, taken together with the recent creation of the role of Chief Product Officer filled by Andy Stuart, underlines the importance we place on delivering our newly upgraded Freestyle 2.0 cruise experience consistently, to the highest standard, every day to every guest. We are pleased to have attracted a hotel veteran of Dennis' caliber; our guests and our travel partners can now look forward to enjoying what he will bring to NCL."

Norwegian Cruise Line Recognized in Condé Nast Traveler's August Cruise Issue

2008-07-21T00:00:00Z

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) received top billing in Condé Nast Traveler magazine's special August cruise issue, which hits newsstands today. The top-rated travel magazine recognizes Norwegian Gem as one of the best cruise ships for "spa lovers" and Norwegian Jade as one of the best for "foodies."

"Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jade are two of our newest Freestyle Cruising ships that offer an unmatched cruise experience and appeal to a wide range of vacationers," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "It is particularly gratifying to be recognized by the editors at Condé Nast Traveler, since this widely read publication is respected the world over as a genuinely independent authority on travel."

Conde Nast Traveler's Consumer News Editor Wendy Perrin opens the special pullout section with a letter to readers highlighting the amenities she and her family enjoyed during their sailing on board Norwegian Gem's seven-day Florida & Bahamas sailing from New York.

She writes that she found the perfect ship for a family holiday because Norwegian Gem had everything she needed including, "…a well-equipped child-care center with age specific programs and plenty of kids for my boys to befriend; sports facilities that would allow me to exhaust the whirling dervishes with minimal effort on my part (large pool, a water slide, basketball court, space for running); a selection of kid-friendly places to eat; and never having to dress up."

Norwegian Gem Best for Spa Goers
Norwegian Gem, NCL's newest Freestyle Cruising ship, was lauded as having one of the best spas at sea. In the Yin & Yang Spa, guests can receive a wide range of exotic and rejuvenating treatments in 18 rooms, plunge into the thalassotherapy pool and relax on heated poolside loungers.

Norwegian Gem is currently sailing seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona. From November through April, the ship sails seven-day Bahamas & Florida and 10 and 11-day Exotic Southern Caribbean itineraries out of New York.

Norwegian Jade Best for Foodies
Sailing year-round in Europe, Norwegian Jade is touted in the magazine for its 12 restaurants which give guests the opportunity to eat whenever and wherever they want. The ship caters to a wide range of tastes and features Le Bistro, NCL's signature French restaurant; Cagney's Steakhouse; Papa's Italian Kitchen; Paniolo's, offering authentic Tex-Mex; an Asian complex featuring Japanese teppanyaki, a sushi bar and an Asian fusion eatery; a 24-hour diner; and an action station restaurant. With the recent Freestyle 2.0 enhancements, all of Norwegian Jade's restaurants have new, expanded menus and Lobster Galore, where foodies can find lobster in a different restaurant every night of the cruise.

Norwegian Jade homeports in Europe year-round sailing three to 23-day itineraries with ports of call in the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Africa and Spain.

For more information and cruise tips from Condé Nast Traveler, visit www.cntraveler.com/cruise. To book a cruise on Norwegian Gem or Norwegian Jade, call a travel professional or NCL at 866-234-0292.

NCL Announces Partnership 2.0 Advisory Board

2008-07-09T00:00:00Z

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced the formation of the Partnership 2.0 Advisory Board, a group comprising 16 select travel agents from across the country who represent a cross-section of NCL's travel partners. Launched as part of its major travel partner initiative, Partnership 2.0, the board will meet periodically, providing feedback to NCL regarding new travel partner programs and advancements, along with suggestions for improving existing policies, communications and product delivery.

"This advisory board plays a critical role in guiding NCL along the right path to future success, not only with our travel partners, but also with our guests," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "The group serves as a sounding board where new ideas are formulated, tested and measured before they're implemented."

The Partnership 2.0 Advisory Board is comprised of the following members: John Keen, CruiseDeals.com; Brad Anderson, America's Vacation Center; Greg Coiro, Direct Line Cruises; Tom Baker, Cruisecenter.com; Emerson Hankammer, Vacations To Go; David Crooks, World Travel Holdings; Koreen McNutt, Expedia; John Lovell, Vacation.com; Makis Xenatos, Liberty Travel; Vicky Garcia, Cruise Planners; Dwain Wall, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc; Anthony Hamawy, Cruise Ticket Center; Don Walker, WPMH Vacations; Marc Jacobs, The Cruise Line Ltd; Michael Drever, CruiseShip Centers; and Paul Bruzzese, Virtuoso.

The board met for an introductory meeting in Las Vegas in June where they also participated in the Chapter Two reveal for NCL's new F3 ships. They are meeting for a working conference in Bermuda this week where they will also participate in a first ever behind-the-scenes tour of Freestyle 2.0 enhancements on Norwegian Dawn.

"The board is a very innovative approach to further developing the communication and relationships with NCL's biggest fans and partners. From the initial meeting, I took away several ideas which will improve my agency's business with NCL," said Anthony Hamawy, president, Cruise.com. "The developments shared show clearly that NCL has turned the corner and is positioning its brand to be a major contender in the cruise industry for years to come."

Koreen McNutt, director of cruise at Expedia, added: "Being a part of NCL's Partnership 2.0 Advisory Board is a great opportunity for Expedia to provide input and trends which will ultimately influence our cruise customers. NCL's approach is unique in technology, facilitation and content. NCL is always innovative in what they do and it is obvious this board will be innovative as well."

NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line.

NCL is building two new third generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in 2010. NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Gem.

Norwegian Sky Returns To Miami, Sailing Three, Four-Day Bahamas Cruises

2008-07-07T00:00:00Z

Today, Norwegian Sky returns to Miami and will begin sailing three and four-day Bahamas cruises next Monday, July 14, 2008. The ship recently underwent a two-month wet dock in Freeport, Bahamas and now features a casino and NCL's Freestyle 2.0 enhancements*, the company's fleet-wide initiative to further improve the guest experience across all guest touch points from food and beverage to staterooms.

"Norwegian Sky offers guests the youngest and highest quality ship sailing three and four-day cruises from Miami to the Bahamas," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "On Norwegian Sky, guests will find all that Freestyle Cruising has to offer: a variety of accommodations, including balconies and suites, a choice of seven restaurants, a multitude of on-board amenities and our new Freestyle 2.0 enhancements, such as a bubbly welcome, Lobster Galore, new linens and bedding, themed parties and much more."

Norwegian Sky's first Bahamas cruise departs Miami next Monday and the ship is set to sail four-day Bahamas cruises on Mondays with full-day stops in Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in the Bahamas. On Fridays, the ship sails a weekend getaway three-day Bahamas itinerary, departing Miami at 5 p.m. with all-day stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, returning to Miami at 7 a.m. on Monday mornings. Fares are from $219 per person for an inside stateroom and from $329 per person for a balcony stateroom. Sailings are currently scheduled through April 17, 2009.

Culinary Delights

Upon embarkation, guests are greeted with NCL's new Freestyle 2.0 welcome "bubbly" to celebrate their arrival and are then treated to a 'Taste of Freestyle,' a sampling of culinary creations from the ship's specialty restaurants.

Norwegian Sky features seven restaurants with all new Freestyle 2.0 menus offering expanded choices. In addition, guests will experience lobster in the main restaurant and in every specialty restaurant. New menu selections include broiled lobster tail, 32-ounce porterhouse and Alaskan king crab legs in Cagney's Steakhouse, an NCL guest favorite; and in Le Bistro, NCL's signature French restaurant, guests can choose from the Côte de Boeuf, a 32-ounce premium gold angus rib eye steak; Plateau de Fruits de Mar, a cold seafood platter including mussels, lobster tail, shrimp and raw oysters on the half shell; and Cardinal of the Seas, braised lobster tails. In addition, Norwegian Sky also offers culinary experiences in its two dining rooms: Palace and Crossings; Il Adagio, a casual Italian trattoria; the Garden Café and Great Outdoors, where NCL chefs cook fresh, prepared-to-order food as guests watch.

Guests can enjoy sipping cocktails and dancing the night away in nine signature bars and lounges including a martini bar; a sports bar; a champagne bar; two outdoor bars, as well as Dazzles Bar & Night Club.

Luxurious Accommodations

Norwegian Sky offers four Owner's Suites complete with a private balcony with hot tub, living room, dining room, bedroom, a luxury bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower along with butler and concierge service to cater to the guests ever whim. Ten Penthouses feature a sitting area, private balcony, dining area, separate bedroom with two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and luxury bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower, along with butler service and concierge service.

Also on board are NCL's latest amenities in balcony, oceanview and inside staterooms including televisions, hair dryers, safes, mini-bars, as well as the new Bliss Collection by NCL bedding, Elemis luxury bathroom amenities and a new, expanded room service menu.

With Freestyle 2.0, guests staying in a balcony stateroom or above are treated to a customized fruit menu, NCL insignia bathrobes and a warm chocolate chip cookie at turndown on the last night of the cruise. Those staying in an Owner's Suite or Penthouse are treated to a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival, a pillow menu, the Bliss Bed by NCL, customized daily treats, and exclusive meals in Cagney's.

Relax and Rejuvenate

The Body Waves Spa is the perfect place to unwind with unique and exotic spa treatments reflecting the beauty, spirit and traditions of rejuvenation from around the world. Guests will find everything from the traditional to the exotic in spa and salon treatments.

Guests can get their heart pumping at Body Waves Fitness Center using the state-of-the-art cardiovascular workout equipment while enjoying a view through floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition, aerobics, spinning and exercise classes are available.

Guests can cool off at two large outdoor swimming pools with sun beds, deck chairs and four hot tubs. Poolside attendants are ready with cold towels and refreshing Evian mists when the temperature rises.

Rock Around the Clock

Norwegian Sky features two productions in the Stardust Theater: "South Rockin' Nights," a high energy party celebrating the sounds of southern rock, R&B and pure rock 'n roll; and "On Broadway," a lively production of today's current Broadway smash hits including "Wicked," "Mama Mia" and "Hairspray."

In addition, music by three bands keeps the energy going into the evening when guests can party until the wee hours of the morning at two new themed experiences: White Hot Night, the ultimate dance party at sea set in a wonderland of white; and Monte Carlo Night, a sizzling casino party with the glitz and glam reminiscent of the French Riviera.

Get Lucky

The Sky Club Casino features Blackjack, Roulette, 3-Card Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em and Craps. For slot lovers, there are more than 160 of the newest video and traditional slot machines. The ship also features less traditional games including Pai-Gow Poker, Pai-Gow Tiles and Mini Baccarat, on request. Guests can also join NCL's Casinos at Sea Players Club – the most rewarding players program at sea.

Kids Rule

Norwegian Sky offers Freestyle family fun for children of all ages, and parents can enjoy the ship with extended Kid's Crew hours. The Kid's Korner features areas for arts and crafts, movies and computers. The Zone serves as a hip place for teens from 13 to 17 to hang out complete with video games, jukebox, foosball table and air hockey. By night, The Zone turns into a teen disco and bar serving non-alcoholic drinks. Splashes Kid's Pool is just right for pint-size splashing and playing and features a waterfall and a children's hot tub nearby. In addition, the popular Nintendo Wii is available for play.

For more information or to book a sailing on Norwegian Sky, call your travel professional, go to www.ncl.com or contact NCL at 866-234-0292.

NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line.

*Certain aspects of Freestyle 2.0 will be phased in during the first two months of sailing.

NCL Stars in TLC's "What Not To Wear" Cruise Special

2008-07-01T00:00:00Z

NCL's new "It" Girl Norwegian Gem stars in the first ever cruise episode of TLC's hit show "What Not to Wear," a style makeover show that is one of the network's top-rated programs. During the filming that took place in April 2008, "What Not to Wear" style guru Stacy London surprised Trenton, New Jersey resident Robin Kearns during the seven-day Bahamas & Florida sailing and by the end of the cruise had transformed her into a glamorous woman. The one-hour cruise special airs on TLC Friday, July 11, 2008 at 9 p.m. EST and will be shown again on Saturday, July 12 at 2:00 p.m. EST.

"NCL's new 'It' Girl Norwegian Gem is the perfect setting for such a popular fashion makeover show as TLC's 'What Not to Wear,'" said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "With the relaxed atmosphere of Freestyle Cruising, our guests don't have to worry about a strict dress code while on a cruise vacation; instead NCL guests can wear what they want when they want, which viewers will see during this special cruise episode of 'What Not to Wear.'"

Kearns, 42, a data manager and single mother to son Shane, 15, was nominated to be featured in the show by her cousin Heather Kearns-Latini of Trenton, NJ and her best friend Kimberly Bomberry-Smith of Trenton, NJ. Both accompanied her on the cruise. Kearns boarded Norwegian Gem without any knowledge of being featured on the show. On embarkation day, she was enjoying time with her cousin and best friend in the ship's atrium when a video began playing on the two-story screen which revealed Kearns' fashion blunders. A stunned Kearns was then ambushed in the atrium by cameras from "What Not to Wear" as host Stacy London, flanked by Norwegian Gem's officers, strolled down the grand staircase to greet Kearns with a $5,000 gift card and an offer to be made over from head-to-toe.

"What I thought was just going to be a vacation ended up being a life changing experience for me," said Robin Kearns. "'What Not to Wear' helped me to bring out my inner diva and gave me that extra dose of confidence I needed."

During the cruise, the "What Not to Wear" team followed Kearns' transformation. While visiting Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida and Nassau, Bahamas, Kearns went shopping using style guru London's famous wardrobe "rules." When back on the ship, Kearns completed her make over in the ship's spa with special help from make-up artist Carmindy Acosta and hairstylist Nick Arrojo.

The big reveal happened on the last day of the cruise in the Stardust Theater amongst a crowd of guests who cheered on Kearns as she went from drab to fab. To complete her experience, she then revealed her look to the rest of the ship at dinner that evening in NCL's signature Le Bistro restaurant with Norwegian Gem's captain, her cousin, best friend and London.

In addition to the atrium, spa and theater, the show also features Norwegian Gem's Bliss Ultra Lounge with its four lane bowling, Courtyard Villa sun deck, Spinnaker Lounge, Bar Central, Star Bar, pool deck and some of the ships 13 restaurants.

NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line.

NCL is building two new Third Generation Freestyle Cruising ("F3") ships for delivery in 2010. NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships in the market, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400-passenger Norwegian Gem.

NCL's Ultimate Touring Takes Freestyle Shore Excursions to the Next Level

2008-06-26T00:00:00Z

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has launched a new class of private touring that offers more choices and convenience for guests wishing to explore ports of call however they want, whenever they want. From a private horseback riding lesson through the Tuscan countryside to chartering a catamaran to sail through the glacier-carved fjords of Alaska, these ultimate VIP tours provide options for small groups from two to 18 people. Ultimate Touring is available at all of NCL's ports of call and can be booked pre-cruise or on board at each ship's Shore Excursion Desk.

"These once-in-a-lifetime tours embody NCL's Freestyle Cruising by offering guests a completely customized experience to fit their individual needs, interests and schedule," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "Now, guests sailing on any of our ships around the world have the option of choosing Ultimate Touring in all of our ports of call for a more personalized experience."

More than 60 percent of cruisers look for personalized shore excursion options* during their sailing, so this unique tour concept allows guests to discover Alaska, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Hawai'i, Mexico and South American ports at their own pace. These once-in-a-lifetime tours include:

Helsinki, Finland - Archipelago Speed Boat Adventure: Guests jump on board a high speed boat and enjoy the sites on the way toward the narrow straight "Kustaanmiekka," and then go full throttle. After getting a taste of the speed on water, guests will land ashore amidst the archipelago. Here, they will be treated to a Finish-style culinary experience and sample a taste of Finnish beer.
Stockholm, Sweden - Rooftop Walk: During a guided walk conducted along the roofs of this historic city, guests will be stunned by the fantastic views and fascinating stories of a local guide. Tour locations include the Old Parliament Building, the Gamla Stan quarter and the Royal Palace.
Livorno, Italy - 4x4 Rally Experience: From Lamborghinis to Ferraris, Italians have a passion for cars, and now NCL guests can too at the famous Rally Club of Barga. The experience begins at the pier where a 4x4 car and driver take guests for a ride of approximately one and a half hours through the Tuscan landscape. Once at the club, a professional driver gives tips on navigating the full mountain course where guests are able to drive through the obstacles.
Valletta, Malta - Aerial View of Maltese Islands: Taking off from the spectacular Grand Harbor on a float plane, this 60-minute tour gives guests the chance to enjoy the beautiful archipelago from 1,500 feet in the air.
Ketchikan, Alaska - NCL's Freestyle Private Touring: An Alaskan's Chef Table: A six-course tasting menu is planned to highlight Alaska's sustainable, wild bounty. A personal chef serves a succulent meal while sharing secret methods of brining, roasting, smoking and grilling.

NCL also offers exclusive four- and nine-hour tours in a private vehicle-a car (up to two guests) or minivan (up to seven guests)-which allows complete freedom for guests to maximize their time by exploring only the places that interest them.

For a complete list of NCL's ports, and Ultimate Touring and Shore Excursion options, please visit www.ncl.com/shorex.

For high resolution, downloadable images, please log onto NCL's Web site at www.ncl.com/pressroom. For further information on NCL Corporation, contact a travel agent or NCL in the U.S. and Canada at (866) 234-0292.