NORWEGIAN CRUISSE LINE (NCL)

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)- is a company operating cruise ships, headquartered in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida. - It began operations in 1966 under the name Norwegian Caribbean Line. - The company is best known for its Freestyle Crusing concept, which means that there are no set times or seating arrangements for meals, nor is formal attire required. - NCL itself is jointly owned by Star Cruises (a public company partially owned by the Gentling Group based in Malaysia) and Apollo Management, with both companies owning 50% of NCL. Norwegian Cruise Line controls approximately 8% of the total worldwide share of the cruise market.

NCL America- Norwegian Cruise Lines sister company.

SHORT HISTORY OF NCL

Knut Kloster and Ted Arison - founded the Norwegian Cruise Line with just one 830-ton cruise ship/car ferry offering low-cost Caribbean cruises.

Arison soon left to form Carnival Cruise Lines, while Kloster acquired additional ships for Caribbean service. NCL pioneered many firsts in the cruise industry like: the first Out Island Cruise, the first combined air-sea program (marketed as Cloud 9 Cruises) which combined low cost air fares with the cruise, first ship line develop new ports in the Caribbean, Like Ocho Rios in Jamaica.

Steward- NCLS 2nd ship - Like the original Sunward of 1966, it had the capability to carry automobiles through a well concealed stern door. Later, this area was turned into cabins and a two deck movie theater, which is now a casino.

NCL was responsible for many not the cruise innovations that have now become standard throughout the industry.

August 2007- the Star Cruises took the market by surprise when it sold 50% of NCL for $1 billion to US-based Apollo Management (owners of Oceania Cruises) in order to strengthen NCLs financial position.

NCL America brand stays solely under Star Cruises no ownership for the next 16 months, after which a decision will be made either to liquidate the brand or to continue operations if the brand can be made profitable.

January 2007- the Norwegian Wind was transferred to the fleet of Star Cruises, becoming their Superstar Aquarius.

February 2008- NCL reported that the Pride of Aloha, one of the two remaining NCL America ships, would be withdrawn from service in May of the same year. Initial reports suggested she would be transferred to the fleet of Star Cruises, but it was later announced that she would return to the NCL International fleet as the Norwegian Sky.

The Norwegian Majesty and the Norwegian Dream would be sold to Louis Cruises Line. The sale of the Norwegian Dream was subsequently cancelled.

October 25 2010- Meyer Werft and NCL reached an agreement for the construction of two new vessels, slated for delivery in spring 2013 and 2014. These ships will be the largest ever built in Germany, at 143, 500 tons. The contract price for the two vessels reached 1.2 billion. Kevin Sheehan- NCLs CEO. He was featured on the January 2, 2011 episode of Undercover Boss. He was also the 1st boss to be nearly outed by a co-worker (Silvia, a waitress in the Manhattan Room aboard the Norwegian Epic, recognized him as shed had served him previously).

July 2011- NCL filed with the SEC to raise up to $250 million in an initial public offering.

THE UNIQUE FFEATURE OF NCL: 1. Freestyle Cruising -is all about giving you the freedom of choice to have your style of vacation.

2. Freestyle Dinning -no set dinning times, no assigned tables, a relaxed dress code and more restaurants than days in the week on every ship, so you can enjoy whatever youre hungry for, whenever youre hungry.

3. Freestyle Fun -how do you have a good time? Pools with slides, modern fit ness centers, expansive spas, fun kids and teens programs, wine tasting, an always-exciting casino and more are all waiting on board.

4. Freestyle Accommodations -from the larges suites at sea to a room with a view with our Balcony Staterooms, NCL has the widest selection of accommodations at sea, including more familyfriendly interconnecting staterooms and suites than anyone else.

SOME SHIPS OF NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE: 1. Norwegian Dawn 2. Norwegian Epic 3. Norwegian Gem 4. Norwegian Jade 5. Norwegian Jewel 6. Norwegian Pearl 7. Norwegian Sky 8. Norwegian Spirit 9. Norwegian Star 10. Norwegian Sun 11. Pride of America 12. Project Breakaway

ONBOARD EXPERIENCE - Freestyle Family Fun

- Casino at Sea - Weddings & Romance - Golf Program - Spa, Sports & Fitness - Cruise Rewards