A newer Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship may be on its way to Australia soon, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer International Jason Krimmel (pictured) has told Cruise Weekly.
However, Norwegian is unsure whether or not local demand is strong enough to handle one of its newest, Prima-class vessels.
Norwegian’s aggressive newbuild strategy, which will see it add seven ships over the next 11 years, could present an opportunity for a newer vessel to be home ported Down Under.
Sydney is set to play host to Norwegian Sun this year, the cruise line’s second-oldest ship (CW 23 May), as well as Norwegian Spirit from 2025-2027.
Krimmel said the fleet’s comings and goings over the next few years could work in Australia’s favour, with the potential for a younger ship Down Under.
“I’d love to get a new ship down to that region, or a newer ship than what we’ve had down there,” Krimmel enthused.
“That time is getting close, but our desire is definitely to get a newer ship down there.”
Asked why there are no firm plans to bring Norwegian’s newest Prima-class ships to Australia (CW 24 Mar), Krimmel said the demographic of the local cruiser is one factor hamstringing the local market.
“One of the things that we have to do is expand the guest profile in Australia, because it’s a huge investment to take a ship that has that multi-gen, various age group appeal, and bring it to life down in Australia.”
“[Locally based Norwegian Spirit] doesn’t have the bells and whistles of a racetrack or the Aqua Slidecoaster, but that’s also not necessarily what the Australian guests are looking for.”
Cruisers who depart from Norwegian’s local home ports such as Sydney and Melbourne are typically older couples unlikely to bring a large family group with them.
“We’re not as huge in the family market Down [Under] – you could argue it’s because we don’t expose them to our newest ships – but I would say it’s definitely our goal,” he said.
“Truthfully, I thought we would have been able to accomplish that now, but we haven’t yet,” Krimmel admitted. MS