Norwegian Cruise Line is expanding its European presence this year, deploying ten ships including its latest, the Norwegian Prima.
- The Norwegian Prima will be based in Reykjavik, Barcelona, and Southampton this season, marking a strategic positioning in key ports.
- NCL’s European itineraries are lengthening, with a majority of voyages now exceeding nine days, allowing for extensive exploration.
- A new range of shore excursions is being introduced, promising deeper engagement with the destinations visited.
- Demand for European cruises has surged post-travel restrictions, with passengers from 142 countries set to embark this season.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is set to enhance its footprint across European waters this summer through the deployment of a fleet of ten ships, emphasising the importance of this region in its strategic operations. Among these vessels is the recently returned Norwegian Prima, which will homeport in Reykjavik, Barcelona, and Southampton, showcasing a commitment to strategic positioning in these influential ports. Such deployments underscore NCL’s intent to solidify its presence and appeal to the European market.
Continuing their operational expansion, NCL is extending the duration of its European voyages. An impressive 87 per cent of their cruises in this region will now span nine days or more, a significant increase from previous years. This shift aims to provide travellers with more immersive experiences, with an average of 10.5 hours allocated for port visits. This allotted time is intended to enrich the passenger experience, allowing for unhurried exploration of European locales.
To further enhance guest experiences, NCL has introduced a diverse range of shore excursions, aiming to deepen passenger engagement with each destination. These new excursion categories, including Beyond Blueprints, Gourmet Tours, and Go Local, are designed to offer unique insights into the locales visited, enabling travellers to uncover varied cultural and historical facets. This initiative reflects NCL’s dedication to innovation and guest satisfaction.
The rise in demand for European voyages follows the easing of travel restrictions, as noted by NCL’s Gary Anslow. With tourists from over 142 countries already booked, there is evident global interest in exploring Europe through NCL’s offerings. As Anslow articulates, Europe holds a timeless allure for travellers, a sentiment that is being capitalised upon by NCL’s enhanced and prolonged itineraries.
NCL’s strategic expansion in Europe highlights its commitment to offering enriched travel experiences in response to global demand.
