MIAMI — With renovations already complete on Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Gem, NCL’s newly launched ‘The Norwegian Edge’ fleet refurbishment will see an additional seven ships go into dry dock for both guest-facing and technical enhancements.
The seven ships include Pride of America and Norwegian Sun in spring 2016; Norwegian Dawn in summer 2016; Norwegian Spirit , Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Pearl in winter 2017; and Norwegian Jade in spring 2017. The price tag for the two-year upgrade initiative is US$400 million.
“Norwegian has a long history of investing in its fleet to offer guests the latest and greatest innovations, but the investment to raise our ships to The Norwegian Edge standard of excellence takes it to new levels,” said Norwegian Cruise Line President and COO Andy Stuart. “The new standards of The Norwegian Edge program will entice our guests to return again and again to ships that will look and feel as if they were just delivered, with all new menus and new dining experiences, visiting incredible exclusive destinations that reflect the quality finishes, amenities and outstanding service found across the Norwegian fleet.”
Norwegian Epic’s refresh in October 2015 included the debut of brand new venues like The Cavern Club; complete restaurant makeovers in La Cucina and a new look for Cagney’s, Le Bistro, Moderno Churrascaria, The Manhattan Room and the Garden Café, now with a crisp white palette; and refreshed décor, furniture and flooring in many public spaces, including The Haven Courtyard, Lounge and Restaurant, for a more modern and clean design.
Norwegian Gem followed in November, debuting significant enhancements including a complete makeover of Bliss Lounge; extensive interior refurbishments; refreshing of décor including new furniture and new flooring in all specialty restaurants and several complimentary outlets, as well as bars and lounges; new pool deck furniture; interactive digital signage and wayfinding technology; new teak flooring throughout outdoor spaces and corridors of upper decks; and upgrades to The Haven Courtyard and Sundeck with a new look including more shaded areas, cabanas and lounge chairs.
The Norwegian Edge also incorporates a new culinary program and two premier private island destinations.
New for 2016, all ships in Norwegian’s fleet now offer upgraded complimentary dining room menus and the addition of optional à la carte priced items in the main dining rooms, such as grilled lobster tails and surf and turf entrees. New offerings include more seafood selections such as fresh grouper, along with contemporary dishes like shrimp ceviche, seared Atlantic scallops with fennel puree, and braised beef short ribs.
Starting Jan. 31 Norwegian will also be expanding the new specialty dining menus that debuted on Norwegian Escape across the fleet, plus Norwegian says it will further expand training and certification for the fleet’s culinary and dining teams. Passengers can also expect to see the expansion of popular existing partnerships with culinary experts for food and beverage outlets on board.
Norwegian has also further expanded plans for the line’s privately-owned destinations including the development of the Caribbean’s resort-style experience at Harvest Caye, Belize. The resort-style port of call will feature an expansive pool, exclusive beach, shallow lagoon for watersports and private luxury cabanas.
The cruise line’s private Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay, was enhanced in 2014 and will debut several new offerings by spring 2017. Specific details will be announced later this year, says the company.
