Norwegian
Cruise Line to offer the most comprehensive choice in Hawaii
cruise options. Youngest fleet, 'Freestyle Cruising', exclusive
itineraries
For some, the sky is the limit in choosing a cruise. For
vacationers interested in cruising in Hawaii, however, it's the
Sky, the Wind, and the Star that mark the beginning of a new era
of Freestyle Cruising to this tropical paradise.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), in announcing its Hawaii cruise
options available from October 2001 through April 2003, will
offer more departure choices with the most varied itineraries,
and more dining options on the youngest fleet - including the
new Norwegian Star, NCL's newest and largest vessel. NCL will
provide seven-day cruises year round, and special 10-, 11-, and
12-day itineraries utilizing Norwegian Wind, Norwegian Sky and
Norwegian Star.
"We will set the standard in the under-served Hawaii
cruise market by offering varied itineraries on the biggest and
brightest new fleet in the industry with more private balconied
cabins and more dining options than any other fleet in this
market," said Andy Stuart, NCL's senior vice president,
marketing and sales. "Our innovative Freestyle Cruising
vacation concept will be on all three of our ships in Hawaii
offering our passengers the freedom and choices to enjoy these
magnificent islands like never before."
Sailing the Islands of Aloha on a Shining New Star
Presently under construction, the 91,000-ton, 2,220-passenger
Norwegian Star will debut in Hawaii on Dec. 16, 2001 offering
weekly seven-day, year-round itineraries round-trip from
Honolulu, Oahu and Lahaina, Maui. Norwegian Star also has the
distinction of being the first ship purpose built for the Hawaii
market and is the only modern ship to be deployed there year
round.
All NCL Hawaii itineraries will include visits to the four main
Hawaiian Islands: Oahu (Honolulu), The Big Island of Hawaii (Kona
and/or Hilo), Maui (Lahaina), and Kauai (Nawiliwili or Port
Allen) including a stop at Fanning Island, NCL's Pacific
hideaway -- a remote island in the Republic of Kiribati. NCL's
Hawaii ships are the only ones to stop in Fanning Island.
Located south of Hawaii, Fanning Island, or Tabuaeran as it is
know by the locals (from the Kiribati word meaning 'heavenly
footprint') is an exotic South Pacific paradise.
Guests will enjoy a unique adventure, rarely available to modern
travelers. Sea birds are plentiful, sea life is hugely diverse
and snorkelers and divers will marvel at the stunning coral
reefs. Most notably though, the island is inhabited, and NCL's
guests are welcomed by the 1,300 friendly Micronesian islanders,
which is a highlight of the trip for many passengers.
On Sept. 30, 2001, Norwegian Sky will cruise on a 10-day
itinerary from Vancouver, British Columbia to Honolulu where,
beginning on Oct. 10 through Nov. 19, 2001, she will sail on
five round-trip, 10-day itineraries from Honolulu. On Nov. 19,
2001, Norwegian Sky will reposition from Honolulu to Ensenada,
Mexico with a 10-day Hawaiian Island itinerary. On March 17,
2002, NCL will offer a 12-day South Pacific/Hawaii cruise on
Norwegian Wind departing from Papeete, Tahiti to Honolulu. On
March 29 and April 8, 2002, Norwegian Wind will cruise on two
10-day round-trip Hawaiian Island itineraries from Honolulu
followed by a final 11-day cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver on
April 18, 2002. Norwegian Wind will resume her Hawaii itinerary
following a 17-day Pacific Adventure cruise from Hong Kong to
Honolulu on Jan. 4, 2003. As of Jan. 20, 2003, NCL will offer
11-day round-trip Hawaii Island cruises on Norwegian Wind every
Monday and 10-day cruises every Friday from Honolulu through
April 25, 2003.
Freestyle Cruising, the Relaxed Style of a Resort at Sea
Ideal for couples or families, Freestyle Cruising allows for
freedom of choice with a completely flexible dining schedule and
open seating at any of the numerous restaurants onboard. The
attire is resort casual with optional formal nights, gratuities
are automatically included on the bill, and final disembarkation
is more relaxed and hassle-free. NCL has increased the number of
crew aboard each ship to offer the highest crew-to-passenger
ratio in the Hawaii cruise market. Now, a ratio of roughly one
crewmember per cabin brings the crew ratio up to the level
typically found at top land-based resorts
NCL will offer more than 800 cabins with private balconies and
almost 2,000 cabins with ocean views. Norwegian Star alone will
boast more than 500 staterooms and suites with private
balconies. Most notably, the top of Norwegian Star is home to
two, 3,900 square-foot, multi-room Garden Villas each featuring
a large living room, dining room, three separate ensuite
bedrooms with entertainment center and luxury bath with
whirlpool tub and separate shower.
Each villa opens up to a private themed garden complex with hot
tub, lounge and dining area and a huge private rooftop terrace.
Butler service and concierge service is always available.
Combined, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Wind will offer 337
staterooms and suites with private balconies with panoramic
ocean views.
An Unmatched Choice of Culinary Options
With an incredible choice of 21 different world-cuisine
restaurants to choose from (not including bars and cafés), the
three ships offer more dining options than any cruise line in
North America. Norwegian Star alone will offer 10 restaurants
and 11 menus giving guests the opportunity to dine in a
different restaurant every night of the week without even
visiting the main dining room; Norwegian Sky boasts six dining
locations; and Norwegian Wind features five restaurants. A broad
range of gourmet and ethnic restaurant choices include: Spanish
Tapas, Pacific Rim Fusion, French classic, Teppanyaki, Hawaiian,
Japanese (including sushi and tempura bars), authentic Italian
and traditional American and Continental cuisine.
Young or Old - A Hawaii Experience to Remember
As for kids, NCL's Hawaii fleet will offer the most extensive
children's facilities and activities. NCL's Kid's Crew program
will offer a wide array of activities for children and teens
ages 3 - 17. In addition to jungle gyms, Norwegian Star will
feature Water World, an elaborate, space-themed children's pool
area with waterslides.
All ships offer a separate paddling pool and hot tub for kids.
Teens can enjoy discos, cinema, and arcades on each vessel and
younger children can enjoy painting areas, playrooms and
computer learning centers.
For adults who wish to indulge and unwind, NCL's Hawaii ships
will offer Mandara Spa onboard, the leading operator of resort
spas in the world. Hawaii-based Mandara Spa offers a broad menu
of spa and beauty treatments combining the best of East and
West. Some features of Mandara Spa are: in-spa treatments for
couples, in-stateroom spa treatments, exotic Asian spa and salon
treatments unique to NCL, poolside and on-deck massages during
port days, and massages and de-stress treatments on the beaches
of Fanning Island.
While Mandara Spa lets one disconnect from everyday stress, no
other cruise line to Hawaii accommodates those passengers who
need to stay connected - whether for business or pleasure - like
NCL. Each ship hosts Internet Café facilities and a computer
learning/training area. Guests can keep in touch with family,
friends or business contacts with 32 computer stations on
Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Wind. Every cabin
aboard Norwegian Star and Norwegian Sky is equipped with
in-stateroom connection.
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