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When 4-star Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) introduced its
innovative “Freestyle” concept in 2000, they ushered in an
extraordinary new era, which transformed the traditional cruise
into a unique and far more personal experience. Designed to meet
the changing needs of today’s discerning cruise passenger,
Freestyle Cruising offers guests a truly relaxed, resort-style
experience, with perhaps most importantly, complete personal
flexibility. There is only one schedule on NCL’s freestyle
ships, and that is yours. The hallmarks are remarkable.
There is a good assortment of suites most of which have private
balconies and separate bedrooms. On the Dawn, for example, at
the very top end you might select her spectacular 5,350 square
foot "garden villa" suite complete with living room, dining
room, three bedrooms, whirlpool tub and garden with a hot tub,
outdoor dining area and terrace (it's true!). And there's butler
service too. It simply does not get better than this for
families or a group of friends). But no matter which
accommodation style you choose, you'll find your surroundings,
bright, cheerful and comfortable.
Atmosphere
NCL has created a world of options for their guests, which
contributes mightily to the shipboard atmosphere of family
holiday fun, relaxation, personal freedom and romance. Wide open
spaces and small private hideaways. Sheer glass walls and views
stretching to the ends of the earth. Coconut body polishes at
Mandara Spa. Warm cognac and hand rolled cigars, beer and a game
in the sports bar. Special clubs just for the kids. "And so very
much more".
Dining
Food is a very big part of cruising, and in this area, NCL is in
a league of its own. Along with the wide assortment of cuisine
found on every ship, there are added treats and variations on
the theme. A wickedly sinful Chocoholic Buffet, a President's
Menu, designed by Henry Haller, former White House Executive
Chef, tasty children's menus, Healthy selections from Cooking
Light magazine with low fat, low cholesterol and low calorie
suggestions. Meals taken in main dining rooms are included,
however there is an additional charge for meals enjoyed in
specialty restaurants.
Entertainment
The good times roll as lavish entertainment fills the night with
pizzazz. Broadway style theatre and snazzy productions in grand
scale showrooms, cabaret singers and comics in the lounges.
Dancing at Dazzles. Hot Latin rhythms and the latest tunes in
the disco. The slap of cards and "rat-a-tat-tat" of the roulette
wheel in the sizzling casino. NCL hosted cocktail parties for
honeymooners, singles and past guests. Is there a more exciting
place to be in the evening than on a ship at sea, ablaze with
lights, overflowing with music and the sound of happy laughter?
Accommodations
Accommodation is of all stripes, truly wide-ranging with owner's
suites, penthouse suites, family suites, ocean-view staterooms
and inside staterooms (many adjoining and family-friendly).
Ocean-view and inside staterooms have two lower beds, bathroom
with shower, refrigerator, safe, TV radio and phone. Some also
offer a sitting area and many of the ocean-view staterooms have
private balconies or large picture windows.
Public Rooms and Facilities
A veritable parade! Public areas vary by ship with the larger,
newer ships having the greatest preponderance. A general list
includes restaurants, lounges, bars (including coffee, champagne
and wine venues), and pub. Also an internet café, sports deck
with basketball, volleyball, golf driving net, beauty salon,
fitness center, walking/jogging track, card room, cinema, video
arcade, pool(s), lap pool, kid pool, hot tubs, and even a
snorkeling program.
Mandara Spa
Originating in Bali, Mandara Spa has been dubbed the
"aaahhhhhhhh" spa, and for good reason. The name Mandara comes
from an ancient Sanskrit legend about the Gods' quest to find
the elixir of immortality and eternal youth. No guarantees on
the immortality, but you'll certainly feel forever young! How
'bout Hot Stone Heaven? Four Hands Massage, or A massage for two
in the privacy of your stateroom? Exquisite treatments that will
nurture you inside and out. Natural ingredients, caring touch.
Could not be more perfect!
Kids Crew™
Norwegians have a way with kids! NCL's complimentary Kid's Crew™
is a program of things to do places to go and kids to meet. It's
like recess only longer. Sleep away camp, only better. A
specially trained staff of youth counselors from universities
and organizations, who carry an impressive bag of tricks for
your kids, carefully supervises every minute. There are
circuses, crafts, parades, sports, games, stories and parties.
Campouts with tents, cooking classes where they can make a pizza
or pancakes, T-shirt painting, face painting, treasure hunts and
sandcastle competitions if your cruise includes a visit to NCL's
private island.
Age specific, programs vary for Junior Sailors age 3 to 5, First
Mates age 6 to 8, Navigators age 9 to 12 and Teens age 13 to 17
(teens enjoy karaoke, dancing, pool parties, scavenger hunts,
trivia contests, exercise classes, volleyball, basketball and
movies). Programs are subject to change and the aforementioned
is far from a complete list. But you get the idea!
Great Stirrup Cay
NCL's Own Private Island in the Bahamas Relax on the talcum sand
and swim in the crystal-clear waters of NCL's own Private Island
in the Bahamas. Even the most novice snorkeler can see brilliant
fish, gentle stingrays and coral reefs. Floats, paddleboats,
kayaks and Kis-Kat sailboats are available to ensure guests
enjoy the wonders of Great stirrup Cay's waters.
Dive In™
Snorkeling Program Features an experienced and knowledgeable
instructor, fins, a mask and safety vest. Scuba excursions are
also available!
"Europe Plus" Program
Features free, two-night pre- or post-cruise hotel packages,
transfers, private hospitality desks at hotels and breakfast at
Rome hotels in conjunction with Norwegian Dream's European and
Mediterranean cruises. (Must be booked and deposited 180 days
prior to sailing; some restrictions apply.)
Latitudes Program
NCL's Latitudes Program is designed to recognize guest loyalty
with special savings and greater benefits on cruises, including
future cruise discounts, an on board cocktail party for members
only, on board consultant, complimentary subscription to
Latitudes, NCL's quarterly magazine, special check-in at
selected ports and more.
Romance Packages
For those special moments, NCL offers wedding packages, which
include a wedding coordinator, ceremony, wedding officinal,
announcements, wedding cake, photography package and more.
Winter Weather Guarantee!
Ask about Norwegian Dawn's Winter Weather Guarantee who provides
shipboard credits and/or cruise credits for certain
weather-related cancellations or specific delays. Applicable to
select sailing months.
A young fleet by most cruises line standards; ships have either
been built within the past six years or have enjoyed recent
refurbishment. Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Dawn
were inaugurated in 2001 and 2002 respectively. Norwegian Sky's
maiden voyage was in 1999 (she has been re-flagged as Pride of
Aloha and has joined the new NCL America brand in July 2004).
Norwegian Majesty first sailed in 1997, Norwegian Wind in 1993
and Norwegian Dream in 1992 (both Wind and Dream were
refurbished in 1998) Norwegian Sea launched in 1988 and was
refurbished in both 2001 and 2003. 77,000 ton, 2000 guest
Norwegian Spirit (formerly Superstar Leo of Star Cruises), was
built for Freestyle Cruising in 1998. She closely resembles her
larger sister, Norwegian Dawn.
In September 2003, NCL added Norwegian Crown to their fleet.
Formerly the Crown Odyssey she previously sailed under the
banner of NCL's sister company, Orient Lines. She has undergone
a multi-million dollar transformation to Freestyle standard
including the addition of three new restaurants including NCL's
signature Le Bistro, a Pasta Café and the Asian influenced
Chopsticks. The Seven Seas Restaurant, the Yacht Club and Café
Italia are also on board. Other changes include enhancements to
the Top of the Crown Lounge, an expanded Lido Bar, a complete
renovation to the casino, and the Mandara Spa, Beauty Salon and
Fitness Center was completely rebuilt.
About the author:
About the author: William Lezubski (Accredited Cruise
Counsellor (ACC), and Certified Travel Counsellor(CTC)-William
is a professional in the Travel Industry and the author of
“Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site” available at http://www.discount-caribbean-
vacations.com/index.htm
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