Calendar of highlights for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveiled for the coming year
January:
2016 marks Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) 50th birthday, celebrating half a century of setting the benchmark for innovative cruising, revolutionising cruising with its ‘Freestyle Cruising’ model. Recognised as a world-leader in its segment, NCL is focused on further enhancing flexibility and freedom of choice for guests as part of Norwegian NEXT. Including over US$250 million in new enhancements, experiences and transformations, Norwegian NEXT heralds the rise of a new premium-contemporary cruise segment with NCL at the helm showcasing one of the youngest and most innovative fleets at sea. In 2016, NCL’s 14-strong fleet of purpose-built freestyle cruising ships will visit over 200 ports worldwide, delivering an unparalleled choice of world-leading dining, entertainment and activity options for all ages.
February:
Oceania Cruises’ culinary cruising icon Oceania Marina will bring its new breed of casual elegance to Sydney (22-23 February) as part of her South Pacific voyage taking in Melbourne (26 February), Hobart (28 February) and New Zealand (arriving in Auckland on 9 March). With its intimate size and multiple delicious dining options, Marina delivers epicurean adventures with an artistic flair, offering six open-seating restaurants including the acclaimed Jacques, wine seminars, tastings and gourmet food pairings at La Reserve. Unique to Oceania is the ‘Culinary Centre’ – the only hands on cooking school at sea staffed by master chefs, and the ‘Artist Loft’ – offering step-by-step instruction at the hands of talented artists-in-residence.
March:
March will see the opulent Regent Seven Seas Navigator embark on its 2016 all-inclusive deluxe Grand Crossing, providing the perfect platform to enjoy the on-board ambience of the world’s most inclusive ultra-luxury cruise line. Sailing Miami to Miami departing 10 March, and Miami to Barcelona departing 17 March, fares include all-suite accommodation, flights, first class cuisine, fine wines and spirits, sightseeing excursions in every port, all gratuities and an entirely new level of personalised service. Regent’s award-winning, all-suite vessels are among the most spacious at sea, cruising nearly 350 global destinations.
April:
27 April will see Oceania Sirena, a spectacular 684-passenger ship, set off on its maiden voyage from Barcelona to Venice. Home to palatial and prestigious accommodation, Sirena’s maiden voyage after a $40 million refurbishment will kick-start an inaugural season of voyages blending classic and fresh destinations, with ports including Seville, Lisbon in the Med, the famed beaches of Gaeta in Italy, the rainforest of Golfito in Costa Rica and provincial town La Paz in Mexico. Oceania’s laidback luxury means there’s no jacket required at its renowned restaurants, including Toscana, Polo Grill, the cook-to-order grill Terrace Café and Baristas – perfect for your custom-blended coffee.
May:
The elegantly charming Oceania Insignia will undertake a glorious journey through Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific waters (9-28 May), before setting out on a 74-day sojourn from Sydney to Miami. Four hundred professionally-trained European staff will pamper just 684 guests enjoying a suite of on-board dining and entertainment options from engaging expert historians to live classical musicians, sunset cocktail gatherings to the fabulous fitness centre and spa, to simply unwinding at the end of a day’s stunning sightseeing in one of eight lounges and bars, four open-seating restaurants, Monte Carlo-style casino or the dance floor at Horizons.
June:
This European summer, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will delight guests with its incredible line-up of on-board entertainment, including world-class Broadway favourites Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Legally Blonde The Musical and Rock of Ages, as well as incredible performances by dancers, acrobats and illusionists in Burn the Floor, Cirque Dreams and Illusionariam. With four NCL vessels, all newly refurbished – Norwegian Epic, Jade, Star and Spirit – sailing European waters this season, itinerary highlights include Barcelona, the Baltic capitals, Mallorca, Malta, Croatia and the Greek islands, St Petersburg and a passage through the Stockholm Archipelago – with guests on each and every trip enjoying NCL’s famous on-board hospitality and service.
July:
The most luxurious ship ever built, the Regent Seven Seas Explorer, will set off on her highly anticipated maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Venice on 20 July, with an exclusive 750 guests being looked after by 542 staff. Passengers will enjoy one of the highest on-board space ratios in the industry, alongside sophisticated designer suites – all with balconies, acclaimed interior design, floor-to-ceiling windows in public lounges, six open-seating gourmet restaurants, a signature nine-deck atrium, two-storey theatre, three boutiques and the opulent Canyon Ranch SpaClub. For the ultimate indulgence, Explorer’s huge 360-square-metre (larger than the average 243 square metre Australian home!) two-bedroom Regent Suite features two and a half marble bathrooms, golden chandelier, Steinway piano, media centre including IPad, private driver and personal guide in each port, personal butler, designer amenities, daily canapes, personalised bar and in-suite spa with sauna, steam room, multi-jet shower, hot tub and unlimited spa treatments.
August:
Explore the best of Europe or North America aboard Oceania Cruises, with 31 sailings presenting incredible, immersive itineraries taking place during August 2016. Explore classical Europe taking in London, Paris, Rome and Venice, embark on a Scandinavian sojourn or an incredible Alaskan adventure. Guests booking on these sailings before 30 Jun 2016 can take advantage of Oceania’s new OLife Choice Promotion, which provides guests with complimentary amenities including free unlimited internet access and a choice of a beverage package, free shore excursions or a shipboard credit.
September:
There’s something for the entire family this September and Summer school holidays aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines, with dedicated all-age action and entertainment including waterparks, ropes courses, snow rooms, outdoor sports and more. Young cruisers will be engaged all day long in Splash Academy (3 to 12 years), while teenagers can take part in the super-cool programs at Entourage. From ropes courses and water parks to dodgeball and cake decorating, NCL brings new meaning to the idea of ‘something for everyone’ – there’s even a special ‘Guppies’ group for littlies from six months to three-years-old, group babysitting during some port excursions to allow parents freedom to explore. The Norwegian Escape has even launched the first nursery at sea for under-two cruisers! Family-friendly accommodation options include interconnecting rooms and two-bedroom family suites.
October:
All-inclusive cruising takes on a whole new meaning aboard Regent Seven Seas, with its free Extraordinary Land Program – launching in 2016 for select sailings in the Mediterranean, Asia and Africa – which includes a free three-night hotel stay and complimentary guided tours to immerse guests in the destination. Guests on the Seven Seas Navigator’s amazing 24-night voyage from Lisbon to Cape Town (departing 23 October) take advantage of the Extraordinary Land Program, access up to 49 free shore excursions, delight in the line’s fine-dining restaurants, and enjoy on-board enrichment programs including The Smithsonian Collection by Smithsonian Journeys led by experts including noted historians, authors, art specialists, and former diplomats eager to engage guests in interactive Q&A sessions.
November:
1 November will see Oceania Marina set sail with Jacques Pépin, the legendary master chef and long-time Executive Culinary Director for Oceania Cruises, hosting his very own cruise from Venice to Rome – featuring book signings, meet and greet sessions and unique culinary demonstrations. This will be a 10-day experience gourmands won’t want to miss, with specially crafted menus in each restaurant, epicurean-inspired shore excursions and hands-on instruction in the state-of-the-art on-board Culinary Centre highlighting Pépin’s signature style. Following this, the 13th annual Oceania Cruises Reunion Cruise will depart on 11 November 11 taking in the best of the magical Mediterranean from Rome to Lisbon, with premium amenities on offer to Oceania Club members and past Oceania guests such as invitation-only cocktail parties, celebratory dinners, wine pairing events, a special gift, exclusive shore excursions and other surprises.
December:
August marks the final countdown until Norwegian Star arrives in Australia in January 2017 complete with on-board Mandara Spa, 17 delectable dining venues, 11 bars and lounges and an innovative outdoor Bier Garten ready for her 12-day itinerary around Australia and New Zealand departing 6 February, which will be followed by a 19-day voyage from Auckland to Singapore via Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia. Known around the world for innovative activities at-sea, superior service and freedom to tailor individual activities, Norwegian Star’s guests will love her on-deck sports courts, fitness centre, six hot tubs, video zone, wine cellar, fantastic line-up of live entertainment and six specialty restaurants – one to suit every palate.
Learn more about NCLH’s award-winning cruise lines, or book your cruise holiday today via:
Norwegian Cruise Line: visit www.ncl.com.au, contact your travel agent or phone 1300 255 200 (Australia), 0800 969 283 (New Zealand), or email resoffice@ncl.com
Oceania Cruises: visit www.oceaniacruises.com
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: visit www.rssc.com
SOURCE: Norwegian Cruise Line