Norwegian Cruise Lines to invest over $250 million on upgrades and additions to existing fleet

The Norwegian NEXT  program will focuse on upgrading the existing fleet, with the goal of building on the success of the two new ships: Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway.
Norwegian NEXT encompasses ship revitalizations, dining enhancements, new experiences in entertainment and guest activities, as well as innovations in technology, new tropical destinations and the lines commitment to the environment. Through 2015, the company plans to revitalize a number of vessels, including Norwegian Jewel, along with Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Spirit.  Norwegian’s dining experience at sea with its Freestyle Dining concept, which will have new menus in the  complimentary dining rooms and Garden Cafes to offer more variety and choice. New food and beverage venues are also being introduced across the fleet. Norwegian Jewel is to be retrofitted with the complimentary dining venue OSheehans Neighborhood Bar & Grill. The line is also adding the Sugarcane Mojito Bar to Norwegian Jewel, adjacent to the new location of the Moderno Churrascaria restaurant. In addition, treats from Carlos Bake Shop by Buddy Valastro, star of TLCs Cake Boss and Next Great Baker, will be included on all ships.
Norwegian is also making enhancements to its beverage program. A partnership with the Michael Mondavi Family introduced a new wine menu across the fleet and the family is curating wine concepts for the upcoming new ships. A new destination-based handcrafted beverage program, developed in partnership with James Beard Award-nominated mixologist Gabriel Orta of Miami-based Bar Lab Cocktails, is bringing guests seasonal specialty cocktails with a local twist.
The lines new H2GLOW Party, first introduced on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, will also be rolled out fleet wide. The line is producing a series of new shows. From acrobats in Elements, to the 15-foot revolving showgirl staircase in Paradise to a full rock band in Rock of Ages, Norwegians entertainment will be customized for every ship and itinerary with line-ups that will change regularly. With a focus on family, Norwegians five ships that include exclusive Nickelodeon entertainment will offer new activities, dining experiences, and more ways to interact with Nickelodeon favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants.
On board, there is wireless internet access from bow to stern along with interactive digital displays that are being added. These touch screen signs will allow guests to order specialty items, get directions and reserve dining and shore excursions simply with a scan of their stateroom key. Guests can also take advantage of Norwegians iConcierge mobile application to manage their cruise experience and stay in touch with fellow cruisers and family at home.
The line is also making an effort to reduce its impact on the environment through its Eco-Smart Cruising programs and will install exhaust gas scrubbers on six ships, in addition to those that are already being fitted on Pride of America and the companys two new builds, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss.
Enhancements continue on the lines private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, with the opening of the Bacardi Bar. In addition, the line is developing a new eco-friendly cruise destination, Harvest Caye, in southern Belize. The 75-acre experience is planned to open in fall 2015 and will offer guests the option to take shore excursions on the mainland or enjoy the shopping village, water sports or beach area on the island.
For more information, contact TheCruiseOutlet.com at info@thecruiseoutlet.com