Tag Archives: NCL

RezLive.com expands with Canadian Agent

 

RezLive.com has expanded into the Canadian market through a strategic partnership with International Travel Inc., serving as its official General Sales Agent (GSA). This collaboration enhances services and offers exclusive opportunities for travel partners across Canada. RezLive.com, the flagship product of the Travel Designer Group, provides a comprehensive online booking platform with global travel products such as hotels, sightseeing tours, and transfers. With a strong presence in Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East, the Canadian expansion is a significant milestone in its global growth strategy.

Through this partnership, Canadian travel agents will gain seamless access to over 500,000 hotel rooms, 45,000+ sightseeing options, and 5,000+ transfer services across more than 900 global destinations. Additionally, agents can instantly book cruises, further enhancing their service offerings. RezLive.com’s platform combines extensive global inventory with local expertise, enabling agents to deliver top-notch travel solutions to clients.

Key features for Canadian travel agents include RezRewards, direct hotel connectivity, flexible cancellation policies, same-day check-in, zero payment gateway charges, and 24/7 support. These features provide travel agents with cost-saving benefits, efficient service, and comprehensive support.

“We’re excited to offer Canadian travel agents a more efficient and profitable booking experience through our partnership with International Travel Inc,” said Jaal Shah, Group Managing Director, Travel Designer Group. Girish Jethani, President, International Travel Inc., added, “This partnership strengthens our ability to serve the Canadian market and expands our services across both leisure and corporate travel segments.”

NCL to bring award-winning productions at Norwegian Aqua; to debut in 2025

Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” and “5” as the two new exclusive entertainment offerings set to debut aboard the company’s next-generation vessel, Norwegian Aqua, in April 2025.

The brand-new and immersive Prince tribute show, “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” developed in partnership with Prince Legacy, LLC and Primary Wave Music, will honour and celebrate the Oscar winning, seven-time Grammy Award-winning and 38-time Grammy nominated artist during a concert-like experience featuring the music icon’s chart-topping hits, including “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Little Red Corvette,” “Delirious,” “Purple Rain,” and more.

NCL is also taking its highest guest-rated show in its history, “Elements,” and enhancing it with new surprises in “Elements: The World Expanded.” Blending acrobatics, magic and intrigue, this show draws inspiration from the four elements – earth, wind, water and fire – for an astonishing display of unexpected delights.

Both productions were developed by NCL’s in-house production team at the Creative Studios by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in Tampa, Fla., in partnership with Patricia Wilcox, an award-winning Broadway choreographer, director and long-time NCL partner. From original costumes to one-of-a-kind entertainment, the Creative Studios has produced in-house shows since 2008.

“For decades, NCL has set the standard in entertainment at sea, with worldclass productions and talent that rivals those found in major cities like Las Vegas, New York City and London,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “For Norwegian Aqua, we are thrilled to build on our legacy of excellence in entertainment to offer our guests more options across the ship, including exclusive original productions that cannot be seen anywhere else on land or at sea.”

Other new and returning entertainment venues and shows include The Aqua Theater & Club, “The Improv at Sea” comedy club, “The Price is Right LIVE on NCL” game show and “Syd Norman’s Presents: Rumours” – a Fleetwood Mac tribute experience that will be offered in the Aqua Theater & Club to accommodate more guests for this always jam-packed show.

Revolution: A Celebration of Prince
The hour-long show aboard Norwegian Aqua will be an in-house NCL production and concert experience celebrating Prince’s music, energy, and life. At its core, the show will embrace the global icon’s rise to popularity, as one of the leaders of soul, rock and pop music. Set in the Aqua Theater & Club, the show will feature performances both on stage and off for a fully immersive experience. Guests will also have the option to enjoy the show on the dance floor with the cast or watch from traditional theater seating.

“I’ve always been inspired by Prince and the idea came to me, nearly seven years ago, to create a theatrical concert that would joyfully celebrate his music and exceptional artistry,” shared Patricia Wilcox, conceiver, director and choreographer of “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince.” “After loving my past collaborations with the team at Norwegian Cruise Line, and seeing the beautiful, multi-purpose theater aboard Norwegian Aqua, I knew we would be wonderful partners for this collaboration, and I’m honored to bring this show to life alongside the NCL team, Prince Legacy, LLC and Primary Wave Music.”

Charles F. Spicer Jr., managing partner for Prince Legacy, LLC said “Collaborating with NCL to present a new show featuring the music of global icon Prince is an exhilarating journey into a world of timeless rhythm and electric energy. Our shared passion for his legendary sound transforms every performance into a celebration of his extraordinary legacy. We look forward to the launch of Norwegian Aqua featuring this thrilling show, and we have no doubt that this musical showcase will have everyone talking and wanting to see the show over and over again.”

Jeffrey Straughn, Chief Branding Officer at Primary Wave Music adds, “We’ve been working with NCL over the years with our artists on various themed cruises and the passion, excitement, and energy from them continues to be undeniable. As partner in the Prince world, Primary Wave is thrilled to be part of this celebration of his life and music with the development of this concert and immersive experience aboard NCL’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua. This will truly be a one-of-a-kind event for both fans old and new.”

Elements: The World Expanded
Fifteen years after its inception aboard Norwegian Spirit®, Patricia Wilcox’s “Elements,” has become one of NCL’s highest-rated guest shows of all time and is featured across four of the Company’s ships. Now, it will be revamped and reimagined with the debut of Norwegian Aqua. The all-new “Elements: The World Expanded” will be a more immersive version of the already dazzling production that revels in the four elements of earth, air, water, and fire, while featuring mesmerizing magic, visual acts of aerial acrobatics along with music and dance to captivate guests’ attention from the moment the show opens.

The Aqua Theater & Club
The Aqua Theater & Club, similar to the Theater & Club aboard Norwegian Prima® and Norwegian Viva®, will transform from a three-story theater to a three-story Vegas-style nightclub featuring an expansive dance floor, enhanced and interactive chandelier, state-of-the-art lighting, and more. Boasting two different bars, the Aqua Theater & Club will showcase all nightclub programming through three different themed experiences: “90s Party,” where guests can relive the top hits and outfits of the decade; “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” featuring the latest Latin jams for a night of non-stop dancing; and “Pop Life,” a Prince influenced club experience where guests can dance the night away to the music icon’s top-charting songs and music influenced by his unique style. The entertainment programming also includes a brand-new in-house production for NCL, “The Welcome Aboard Show” where vocalists, dancers, and onboard crew provide guests a tantalising preview of all the offerings to come throughout their sailing. Immediately following this new show, guests can continue the fun at the popular “Ocean Music Fest,” an immersive concert and the ultimate jam session at sea, where multiple musicians merge their talents on stage for one world class concert experience.

Returning & Enhanced Guest Favourites
Norwegian Aqua, set to be the 20th ship in the NCL fleet, will also feature returning guest-favourite venues and shows, including the expanded “Improv at Sea” comedy club with more seating, and “The Price is Right LIVE on NCL” where guests will “come on down,” for the opportunity to spin the wheel and win big in the “Showcase Showdown”. The ever popular “Syd Norman’s Pour House” also returns to feature rock-and-roll tributes to Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, and other legendary artists of the Classic Rock genre. Additionally, the highly sought-after Fleetwood Mac tribute experience, “Syd Norman’s Presents: Rumours,” which is a staple of the intimate dive-bar venue and always performs to a packed house, will now be offered in the main theater, accommodating over 700 guests in each show, making it the ultimate concert experience.

“From vibrant production shows to parties, musical performances, game shows, comedy and more, we have struck just the right balance of offering something for everyone to enjoy on board Norwegian Aqua,” added NCL’s Vice President of Entertainment Production, Bryan Anthony White. “Our talented performers and the staff behind-the-scenes who bring our original productions to life are one-of-a-kind, and their dedication, passion and effort truly shines through when watching these exceptional shows. Our team is already working to bring these new entertainment offerings to life on board Norwegian Aqua and we look forward to wowing our guests when it sets sail next year.”

Beginning April 2025, Norwegian Aqua will sail seven-day Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., featuring calls to the tropical island destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. Following the ship’s Caribbean season, Norwegian Aqua will offer five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025 and then cruise five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami, the “Cruise Capital of the World,” beginning October 2025 through April 2026.

NCL expands European Cruisetours collection

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has expanded its collection of European Cruisetours. Available in 11 ports through to November 2025, these pre-cruise programmes combine select sailings with a multi-day immersive land exploration to provide a more seamless cruise holiday experience.

Lisbon, Portugal has just been added to the collection of NCL’s pre-cruise land programmes, which are also available in iconic cities including Athens, Greece; Barcelona, Spain; Copenhagen, Denmark; Istanbul, Turkey; London, United Kingdom; Paris, France; Reykjavik, Iceland; Rome and Venice, Italy and Tromso; Norway.

NCL’s Cruisetours enable guests to further immerse themselves in a destination either before or after a sailing, providing the convenience of a fully planned holiday that includes their cruise, transfers, hotels and tours exploring their chosen city.

“As the leader in Europe for contemporary cruising, we are continually looking to create innovative and meaningful experiences for our guests. Our expanded Cruisetour land programs provide even more opportunities for our guests to explore, with the flexibility and choice to travel their own way,” said Ben Angell, Vice President and Managing Director, NCL APAC. “We continue to see demand for cruising in Europe go from strength to strength, not only because of the incredible value and convenience we offer but also the extensive choice of immersive itineraries, departure ports and ships.”

 

NCL’s second Prima Class ship- Norwegian Viva debuts in Puerto Rico

Norwegian Cruise Line(NCL) has announced the arrival of its second Prima Class ship- Norwegian Viva, to the shores of San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a season of Caribbean sailings through April 2024, making it the newest ship to sail from ‘La Isla del Encanto.’

The ship is set to embark on its first seven-day Caribbean voyage offering guests a warm-weather escape through some of the most picturesque and sought-after tropical islands.

According to the release, “Now through April 2024, Norwegian Viva, will homeport in San Juan and offer port-intensive seven-day Caribbean voyages, allowing guests to wake up each day in a new tropical island paradise. The itinerary includes calls to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Notably, the voyage offers an unparalleled experience with no days at sea, ensuring travellers can make the most of their time in these breathtaking destinations.”

Commenting on this, David J. Herrera, President, Norwegian Cruise Line, said, “We are excited to bring Norwegian Viva to Puerto Rico and offer our guests the opportunity to explore this remarkable island, which serves as a perfect centrally located homeport that allows us to take them to some of the most beautiful and culturally rich destinations in the Caribbean.” “The arrival of Norwegian Viva to San Juan is another milestone in our commitment to delivering best-in-class cruise experiences, with port-intensive itineraries that provide our guests with the best value for their dream vacation,” added Herrera.

In April 2024, Norwegian Viva will return to Europe for a second season sailing a variety of Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, offering passengers the chance to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Europe.

Norwegian Viva is the second of six vessels in the company’s Prima Class and sister ship to the award-winning Norwegian Prima. The elevated offerings of the Prima Class prioritize the guest experience and raise the bar on cruising through world-class cuisine, the brand’s most spacious design yet, and stellar onboard activities including the Viva Speedway- the three-level racetrack. Norwegian Viva features many of the outstanding onboard experiences that puts the Prima Class in a league of its own including Indulge Food Hall, the upscale food market exhibiting 11 unique eateries; the fastest slides at sea, The Drop and Rush; and NCL’s industry-exclusive sustainable cocktail bar, the Metropolitan Bar.

NCL takes delivery of Norwegian Viva; its maiden voyage on August 10

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) took delivery of Norwegian Viva, the newest vessel in the now 19-ship fleet and the second ship in the revolutionary Prima Class, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

The milestone event marks the arrival of the second of six ships in the Prima Class set to debut through 2028. Following the launch of Norwegian Prima in 2022, Norwegian Viva will continue to raise the bar on cruising. The ship’s tagline “Live it Up” embodies the enhanced guest experience and on-board characteristic of this pioneering class, including elevated offerings, more spacious designs, thrilling onboard activities such as the three-story Viva Speedway, and new dining concepts, most notably Indulge Food Hall—an open-air food market featuring 11 unique eateries.

“Ships as stellar as those of the Prima Class are only possible in collaboration with an incredible shipyard like Fincantieri,” said David J. Herrera, President, Norwegian Cruise Line. “Delivery marks an important milestone for Norwegian Viva, and we are beyond excited to bring this spectacular ship to life as we welcome guests aboard next week.”

At 965 feet long, 143,535 gross tons and with the capacity for 3,100 guests, Norwegian Viva also features The Concourse, an outdoor sculpture garden in Ocean Boulevard, the wrap-around boardwalk bringing guests closer to the water than ever before. Reimagined for Norwegian Viva, the area will include work from six artists that have been featured on previous Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. ships: Kevin Box, Jonathan Prince, Arik Levy, Richard Hudson, Sophie Elizabeth Thompson, and Pablo Atchugarry. A new art addition will be included at Metropolitan Bar, the ship’s exclusive sustainable cocktail bar, “Every Wing has a Silver Lining,” a 52-foot-long interactive work of art designed exclusively for Norwegian Viva by contemporary British digital artist Dominic Harris.

“Norwegian Viva is a testament to our wonderful partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Pierroberto Folgiero CEO of Fincantieri. “We are proud to play a role in the innovative Prima Class and look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come with the next four highly anticipated Prima Class ships.”

Following the ship’s maiden voyage on August 10 2023, Norwegian Viva will sail a series of Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, before her official Christening ceremony in Miami on November 28, 2023.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line announces executive leadership changes; appoints David J Herrera as its President

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced the appointment of David J. Herrera as the Brand’s new President effective 01 April 1 2023, as Harry J. Sommer transitions to be the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), the parent company for the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, effective 01 July 2023.

Herrera, who currently serves as NCL’s Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer has been with NCLH since 2015, and previously served as a Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Prestige Cruise Holdings from 2012 through 2015. Throughout his tenure, Herrera has successfully held a variety of senior leadership roles within the organisation, including SVP Brand Finance, Strategy and Consumer Research; SVP Corporate Development for NCLH; and President of NCLH China. As part of the senior leadership team, he has played an integral role in positioning NCL as one of the world’s leading cruise lines.

Commenting on this, Harry Sommer, Incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, said, “David and I have worked closely together for almost a decade expanding NCL’s global presence and shaping its future.” “With over 25 years of robust corporate business experience and a strong financial, sales, marketing and business development background, David is a key contributor to NCL’s success, and I am certain he will continue to guide the NCL brand on an accelerated path forward,” he said.

As NCL’s President, Herrera will be responsible for the overall strategic vision and business plan execution for the Brand, as well as expand his reporting line to now include revenue management, guest services, brand finance, international sales, and the recently formed Experiences at Sea division which provides one of a kind, immersive events at sea for a range of passionate affinity communities.

“I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the passionate and incredible team at NCL, as well as to continue to work alongside Harry and our stellar leadership group to build on our strong momentum,” said David Herrera, Incoming President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “It is going to be another milestone year for us as we continue the Prima Class rollout, and I am looking forward to leading our team and guests along this exciting journey.”

In his current role, Herrera has led the sales and marketing teams to record results. In November 2022, the Company succeeded in having its best booked month ever, ending 2022 at record booking levels for 2023, therefore starting this year in a better booked position than ever before and setting another new record in January. As a U.S. veteran himself, he is also proud to have co-sponsored the development of the Brand’s first-ever Military Appreciation Program in November 2022, the landmark initiative that honors U.S. military members with an exclusive offer and onboard experiences.