Latest news with #NorwegianCruiseLine
Travel Weekly
11 hours ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Industry urges Hawaii to rethink plan to slash cruise calls
Industry stakeholders are urging policymakers to reconsider a plan that would phase out Hawaii cruise calls. The proposal is part of a broader effort to reduce emissions. The Hawaii Department of Transportation is calling for a 50% reduction in cruise calls by 2030 and an additional 50% reduction by 2035. It makes an exception for homeported ships, of which is there is only one large cruise vessel, Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America. Other large cruise ships include Hawaii as part of longer itineraries. Hawaii-based policy groups and companies that work with the cruise industry called for open dialogue between policymakers, cruise lines and members of the community, saying there are other ways to reduce cruise ship emissions than eliminating calls. A group of 55 Hawaii-based stakeholders met on Aug. 7 to begin strategizing a response to the DOT proposal, said Denise Clark, who does consulting and liaison work with the cruise industry and Hawaiian businesses and organized the meeting. Curtis Chee, director of cruise service at MC&A, which conducts cruise turnaround operations and connects cruise lines with shore excursion vendors, said Hawaii-based businesses that work with the cruise industry share the goal of a greener future. But he urged the state to recognize that there are ways to do so without putting Hawaiians out of work, such as his staff of about 50 who complete turnaround operations for the Pride of America alone. "We are so eager and anxious to jump in and say, 'What can we do to help you get to this plan without the elimination of vessels?'" he said. "Working with the cruise lines to find out which vessels already have low emissions, which vessels already could have the potential for shore power, and see if that fleet is able to come to the Islands." Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America is the only large cruise ship that homeports in Hawaii. Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has prioritized environmental policy, and this is not the first time that focus has included new cruise regulations. In May, Hawaii's legislature passed an 11% cruise tax to be used for sustainability efforts. Malia Blom Hill, policy director at the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, a nonprofit that supports limited government, said that Hawaiian culture lends itself to a more collaborative rather than adversarial approach to conflict resolution, so it would behoove the cruise lines to work with rather than against policymakers. "If the perception is that you're just trying to move in and push people around, it definitely sets up not a combativeness but a sort of, 'You're not one of us. You're not here. You don't have our interests at heart,'" Hill said. The DOT has already indicated it is open to alternatives to a cruise phase-out. Dre Kalili, a deputy director for the department, said during a recorded presentation about the plan that if the industry indicates it is willing to implement emission-reduction initiatives, such as bringing ships to Hawaii that can plug into shore power, "I think we are open to that. But based on the data that we have and the trends that we see, [reducing cruise calls] emerged as a strategy." Clark said that Hawaii does not currently have shore power infrastructure, so building it could be one alternative to a port call phase-out. However, she said she fears that cruise lines might reduce Hawaii itineraries pre-emptively after seeing the state's intentions. "We know that the port itinerary planners work so far in advance that what happens today affects us two years, three years from now," she said. A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, despite the Pride of America being exempt from the proposal, said it "welcomes an open, collaborative dialogue" with Hawaii's DOT to "refine the plan and best support our shared goals of reducing emissions, enhancing energy security and expanding access to clean, zero- or low-emission fuels. As the only cruise operator with a U.S.-flagged ship offering year-round service in Hawaii, we take that responsibility seriously." All other cruise lines deferred to CLIA, which said it supports "practical and effective environmental solutions that positively impact the communities we visit."
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
New 129-day cruise launched from Sydney to London with 'unlimited food and drink'
Oceania Cruises has announced the newest route in its 2027 Around The World line-up: a 129-day voyage from Sydney to London designed to explore the wonders of Asia, the Mediterranean and beyond A major cruise company has launched a new trip from Sydney to London—lasting over four months. The 'Kangaroo Route' will span 129 days and is set to depart for the first time in 2027. According to Oceania Cruises, this new route will allow travellers to 'journey along the magnificent coastlines of Australia before spending more than two months exploring the cultural and natural wonders of Asia '. The voyage will include 'iconic cities and hidden gems of the timeless Mediterranean' before concluding in London. The trip will depart from Sydney on February 26, 2027 and arrive in London on July 5, 2027. In between, the ship will visit more than 80 ports across 34 countries and four continents. It comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain. The itinerary includes Egypt, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, as well as European hotspots including the shores of Greece and Italy, as well as medieval cities in Croatia and Spain's Costa del Sol. The itinerary also features overnight stays in locations including Cairns, Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, Mumbai, Luxor and Bordeaux. The cruise company, a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line, said guests will have access to 'the most spacious standard staterooms at sea', which are 291 square feet, complete with verandas. The ship accommodates 1,200 passengers but comes with a steep price tag. Tickets start at £44,039 (promotional price) for a French Veranda room to £156,439 (brochure price) for an Owner's Suite. Unlimited beer, wine and spirits are included as part of the trip or passengers can opt for a shore excursion credit instead. Exclusive shoreside events are also included, as well as free luggage delivery and a visa package. The voyage will take place aboard the Oceania Vista, which features 11 dining venues, including the Polo Grill Steakhouse, the pan-Asian Red Ginger and the French restaurant, Jacques. Oceania will also offer immersive Culinary Discovery Tours ashore and hands-on cooking classes in the ship's Culinary Centre. Guests can enjoy onboard experiences in the ship's eight bars, lounges and entertainment venues, or unwind at the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Centre. There will also be onboard enrichment in the form of art classes and guest lectures. This Kangaroo Route is the newest addition to Oceania Cruises 2027 Around The World cruise portfolio. Other routes include a 180-day trip from Miami to London, a 244-day trip from Miami to New York, and a 127-day cruise from Miami to Doha. Oceania Cruises chief luxury officer Jason Montague said: 'Our new Kangaroo Route, crafted from the epic 2027 Around the World cruise, is much more than a voyage – it's a rare invitation to experience a vast part of the world with the comfort, warmth, sophistication and exceptional cuisine that Oceania Cruises is renowned for. 'We're thrilled to offer this immersive new journey of exploration in 2027, aboard Oceania Vista, spanning four and a half remarkable months. 'Our guests crave enriching journeys, and this itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to effortlessly blend diverse continents, vibrant cultures and authentic cuisines into one utterly unforgettable experience.'
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Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Miami Herald
This cruise allows you to take it all off. What to know about nudity on the seas
You won't need to pack much for a nude cruise from PortMiami. Bare Necessities Tour & Travel announced the 'Big Nude Boat' cruise will set sail in February 2026. 'Bare Necessities Tour & Travel is pleased to confirm its full-ship charter agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line for the Big Nude Boat 2026 cruise,' said by Ken Tiemann, CEO of Bare Necessities. The cruise has chartered the Norwegian Pearl boat for the the 11-day trip. Here's what else to know about the adventure: You can let it all hang out at sea and on the ship while at port. But Bare Necessities says there are still rules to go by. Among them: Except for a poolside buffet, you must wear your clothes in the dining in port, you can't show your assets to people on other ships, including hanging out on your balcony. And you must wear clothing when port authorities are on board inspecting the ship Leave your genital jewelry and fetish-ware at sit your bare bottom on surfaces — use a towel or a piece of clothing as a buffer. Destinations: The ship leaves from PortMiami on Feb. 9, 2026. Stops include Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Oranjestad, Aruba. The ship returns to Miami on Feb. 20. Entertainment: Bare Necessities is overseeing onboard programming for guests while following NCL's ship guidelines. Rates: Cruise room rates start at $2,000 for an inside cabin and go up to $33,000 for a three-bedroom villa, similar to prices of the 2025 nude cruise. 'Fewer than 25% of cabins remain available at this time,' Tiemann said. Reservations: Tickets can be booked at
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Massive Waterpark at Its Private Island in the Bahamas
Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL) is transforming its private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, with exciting new experiences for guests. The highlight is the Great Tides Waterpark, set to open in summer 2026, covering nearly six acres and packed with adventures for the whole family. The expanded island offerings include cliff jumps, jet karts, swim-up bars, splash zones, and more, designed to give both kids and adults more freedom to explore and enjoy 'The Great Life!' at Great Stirrup Cay. 'Great Stirrup Cay has always been a standout part of the Norwegian Cruise Line experience,' said David J. Herrera, president of NCL. 'At 270 acres, our private island gives us the perfect space to reinvent what guests can do and enjoy. Whether you're relaxing by the new heated pool, racing down waterslides with your kids, or enjoying a hammock by the ocean, we're bringing more of what our guests love ashore. I can't wait to welcome everyone to the ultimate private island in the Caribbean.' A Waterpark Like No Other Great Tides Waterpark will feature 19 waterslides, a nearly 800-foot dynamic river, a 9,000-square-foot kids' splash zone, and the cruise industry's first cliffside jumps. The centerpiece, the Tidal Tower, rises 170 feet and includes eight thrilling slides, including two tall inner-tube slides for heart-pumping excitement. Other attractions include racing slides, spiraling tube slides, and convenient conveyer belts to carry rafts to the top. Families and thrill-seekers can also enjoy Cliffside Cove, with racer slides, 10- and 15-foot cliff jumps, and the Caribbean's only family slide where four guests can ride together. For a more relaxed experience, guests can sip cocktails at The Grotto Bar, tucked under the family slide. Kids will love the 9,000-square-foot splash zone, featuring a 40-foot tipping bucket, mini slides, and interactive water features. The dynamic river offers a faster, more exciting experience than a typical lazy river, complete with an illuminated grotto tunnel for a magical, multi-sensory journey. Well-placed cabanas provide premium access to the waterpark's family-friendly areas. With these new attractions, Great Stirrup Cay is set to offer more adventure, more relaxation, and unforgettable memories for everyone visiting NCL's private island.
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Norwegian Cruise Line to build 19-slide water park on private Bahamas island
Norwegian Cruise Line announced Tuesday it will build a water park on its private Bahamas island Great Stirrup Cay, set to open in summer 2026. The nearly 6-acre attraction, called the Great Tides Waterpark, will feature 19 slides, a 9,000-square-foot splash pad for kids, an 800-foot-long 'dynamic river' and a first-in-industry cliff-diving feature, the line stated. In addition, the line announced it would set up a mini aquatic racecourse that uses 'jet karts,' which the line says combines elements of go-karts and personal watercraft. That attraction would be a shore excursion experience not tied to the water park. 'At 270 acres, our private island provides us with an incredible blueprint to reinvent what guests can experience when they escape to 'The Great Life' with us,' said NCL President David Herrera in a press release. 'This new water park is an outstanding addition to our recent announcement about other amazing new amenities on the island soon to debut.' The park's centerpiece will be the 170-foot-tall Tidal Tower that will provide access to eight slides including drop slides, tube runs and mat racers. A conveyor belt will run some of the tubes back up the tower so parkgoers don't have to carry them while climbing the stairs. Cliffside Coves, another space that has its own racer slides, will also feature 10- and 15-foot cliff-jump attractions. It will be home to a four-person family slide as well. Those who like to drink and watch can go to the Grotto Bar. The splash zone has an oversize tipping bucket 40 feet above the ground, eight mini slides and interactive water features. The line also has skipped doing a lazy river in favor of a 'dynamic river,' which has an accelerated current and runs for 800 feet with multiple entry points, including a wading pool with its own swim-up bar. Riders will get to flow through an illuminated tunnel with a 'dreamlike bioluminescent' theme. The island additions come on the heels of already-announced features debuting later this year, including a 1,500-foot-long pier that will allow for the line's cruise ships to end the tedious practice of having to tender passengers by smaller boats to get onshore. Also coming is a massive 28,476-square-foot heated pool with an 1,898-person capacity that will be available just a short walk away once passengers get off the ship. That 1.4-acre pool, called the Great Life Lagoon, has complimentary loungers and two swim-up bars, although cabanas and villas are available for an extra cost. Also free will be the adjacent 3,400-square-foot Splash Harbor area for kids, with interactive water fountains and its own shaded bar for parents to keep an eye on their children. Another previously announced revamped space on the island will be the complimentary Horizon Park, a family-oriented socialization area with lawn style games, pickleball courts, a nine-hole mini golf course and sports court. Also free will be a sea of 50 hammocks within Hammock Bay that has its own dedicated bar and will be near the existing barbecue buffet. For an extra-cost day pass, passengers can get access to the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, with a private bar, villas, hanging day beds and loungers. The line is also creating a new welcome plaza and expanding tram service for easy access to all the new spaces. The newly announced water park will be an extra-cost feature similar to Royal Caribbean's water park found one island over at Perfect Day on Coco Cay, which is Royal's rebranded name for what was called Little Stirrup Cay. Prices for the water park and other extra-cost amenities have not been announced. For NCL, the enhancements of the pier, pool and water park bring the larger Great Stirrup Cay up to speed with Royal's offerings on the 125-acre Coco Cay, which has had a pier in place amid $250 million in new features since 2019. NCL was the first to open a private stop in the Bahamas nearly 50 years ago, and has in the last several years made additions to Great Stirrup Cay including its highest-end area, Silver Cove, which features modern villas around a pristine private lagoon, infinity pool, upscale buffet and spa. The addition of the pier, though, will avoid the headache of missed calls to the highly rated port of call because of high seas. NCL's revamp of its Bahamas destination comes amid recent openings of new private cruise line ports of call, including Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key this summer and Disney Cruise Line's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point last year. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean is nearing the opening of its mini resort at Nassau, Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island, expected to welcome guests this December.
