Norwegian Breakaway to Call at Port Canaveral

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that the new 4000 passenger Norwegian Breakaway, scheduled for completion in 2013, will homeport in New York City,  Bahamas and Florida itineries that will include Port Canaveral as a port of call.

The seven night cruises, departing on departing on Sundays, will call at Port Canaveral on Fridays, after visits to Nassau and NCL's private island, Great Stirrup Cay.

Cruise Alert - NCL Files for IPO

Soon, U.S. Wall Street investors will be able to buy stock in Norwegian Cruise Line.  The company has filed for an Initial Public Offering to sell $250 million in common shares on the New York Stock Exchange.   No word yet (that I saw) on what their symbol will be.  (NCL is already in use by Nuveen Insured California Premium Income Municipal Fund.)

This will mean that the three main players in the U.S. cruise market will now be on the ticker.

The cruise line has said it also has plans for listing on the NASDAQ, as NCLH.

Wonder if NCL will be offering discounts or OBC's to stockholders?

Danielle, Earl Force Itinerary Changes for Cruises

Graphic from NOAA / NHC

Bermuda, and most of the Northern Leeward Islands are under Tropical Storm Watches, which means the closing of cruise ports in those areas. Cruise itineraries are being affected, and the first announcment of changes has come - from Norwegian Cruise Line.

NCL has posted that he Norwegian SPIRIT will tentatively arrive at Bermuda a day late; the Norwegian EPIC will sail to the western rather than the eastern Caribbean; and the cruise line is considering a possible itinerary change for the Norwegian DAWN, as well.

Announcements of changes by other lines are likely forthcoming. Check with the cruise line websites for subserquent news, or log on to http://www.cruiselinefans.com/ , and check the forums for individual cruise line, or see the DANIELLE, EARL- Cruise Line Updates thread on the Hurricane Watch forum.

While a delayed arrival at, or the missing of a port, on a cruise can be a bit disappointing, Cruising Musings is mindful that having your HOME affected by a tropical system can be a lot more than a minor disappointment. Please keep those in Bermuda, and especially the Antilles in your thoughts over the next couple of days.

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An EPIC Display

Norwegian Cruise Lines and Macy's Department store in New York have announced something special for this years Independence Day fireworks display. Always special, this years program promises to be even more so - especially for cruise fans. NCL's new mega-ship, the EPIC, will be the host venue!

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

It's the 34th year for the event, and, according to the press release, ". . . includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m. and takes place on board Norwegian Epic where invited guests will have a front row view of the fireworks display."

Those lucky guests should have a spectacular view of the fireworks celebrating our nation's birthday from the Norwegian Epic's pool deck and outer decks.  NCL says their hosting of the Macy's fireworks display will serve as the finale of inaugural festivities for their brand new ship.
The Inaugural Sailing of the Norwegian Epic departs Southampton on June 24.  She'll arrive in Manhattan  July 1.  

BONUS -  Macy's and NCL will be giving away a cruise for four on the Epic.  Look for more details in June.  They'll be published at http://www.macys.com/fireworks

The Sun and The Star

Norwegian Star

With Port Canaveral already anticipating the arrival of the Norwegian Sun this October, Tampa got some good news, too. Norwegian Star will call the Port of Tampa her winter home, beginning in 2011.

While the Sun begins her alternating seven day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries October - April of this year, next year will see the Star sailing weekly to Roatan, Costa Maya and Belize from Tampa.

It's always nice to have more cruising options in the Sunshine State!

Tune in to Cuising Musings for reports of local plans to welcome the Sun to the Space Coast later this year.

The Norwegian Sun (stock photos courtesy of NCL)

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Tomorrow's Norwegian Dawn Sailing CANCELLED!

Tomorrow's sailing of the Norwegian Dawn has been cancelled. The following notice appears on the NCL website:
Miami - Nov 28, 2009 --- Important Travel Update: Please be advised that Norwegian Dawn's 5-Day Western Caribbean sailing from Miami, Florida on Sunday, November 29, 2009 is cancelled. Guests can call Norwegian at 800-327-7030 Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 9pm Eastern Time and Monday to Friday from 8am to midnight Eastern Time and a Norwegian Cruise Line representative will be available to assist in answering questions.

Word is that the Dawn has 'lost power' not once, but twice , and was eventually escorted to San Juan, Puerto Rico, by a Coast Guard vessel. NCL arranged for special flights back to Miami, where passengers are being given sleeping accomodations tonight, and transportation to airport or parking lot tomorrow.

Sources also say Norwegian Cruise Line is offering those passengers whose cruise ended in San Juan compensation in the form of a 75% refund of their cruise fare, and a future cruise at a 50% discount. Those who were booked on the Dawn's cancelled cruise will get a full refund, and a 50% discount on a future cruise.