NCL COMPLETES REVAMP OF THREE SHIPS
Norwegian Cruise Line has completed refurbishments of three of its ships - Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star - as part of ‘Norwegian Edge’, the company’s programme designed to revitalize ships across the fleet with new designs and amenities. New venues being added to all three ships include Los Lobos Cantina, an upscale Mexican restaurant; the adults-only pool enclave Spice H2O; and Syd Norman’s Pour House, an American rock ‘n’ roll bar and lounge.
“What a year this has been for us at Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Andy Stuart, NCL’s President and CEO. “Not only did we introduce our latest and record-breaking ship, Norwegian Bliss, and announce the redeployment of her sister ship Norwegian Joy, but we are now unveiling our newly revitalized ships Norwegian Breakaway, Sun and Star. This is a testament to how invested we are in our guests’ experience. Although we are one of the youngest fleets in the industry, we are very committed to the ‘Norwegian Edge’ programme which allows us to remain consistent, relevant and exciting.”
Norwegian Breakaway was built in 2013 and following a recent two-week dry dock in Brest, France, Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club has been replaced by Syd Norman’s Pour House – featuring vintage decor, diner-style seating and a playlist of classic rock from the late 1960s to 1980s. Other upgrades include enhancements to the Bliss Ultra Lounge, which now features plush furniture; new carpeting in all 2,014 staterooms and suites; a full transformation of the gift shop; and new carpets in the staircases, lifts and lobbies.
Built in 2001, Norwegian Sun was updated during a recent three-week bow-to-stern makeover. The ship now features three new dining and lounge venues including Los Lobos Cantina, Bliss Ultra Lounge and Spinnaker Lounge. Renovations were also made to existing dining outlets and public spaces, including Cagney’s, La Cucina, Le Bistro, Teppanyaki, the Mandara Spa, Stardust Lounge Theatre and Splash Academy. All 968 staterooms were upgraded with smart televisions and USB ports as well as new carpet and furniture. The newly revitalized accommodations pay tribute to the beauty of the surrounding ocean with a palette of cool blue hues and silver and turquoise accents.
During its dry dock Norwegian Star, built in 2001, there were three new venues added: Sky High Bar and Bliss Ultra Lounge as well as for the first time, the adults-only pool enclave Spice H2O. This venue features a private pool, hot tubs, full bar and ocean views. During the day, it’s the ideal spot for sunbathing and at night it transforms into an open-air lounge with live entertainment and DJs. All 1,174 staterooms and suites now feature USB ports, new carpet, headboards and furniture. The three-bedroom garden villas, which feature private deck areas and can accommodate up to seven people, were also remodelled. For more details of cruises aboard Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star call 0800 484 0370.
- 15th October 2018
Gary Buchanan
Edinburgh-born Gary Buchanan has been a travel writer for over 30 years. He has been a specialist cruise writer for 25 years contributing to leading British publications including national newspapers and consumer magazines. He is the author of five books about cruising and spends over seven months every year at sea sailing the world’s oceans.