Norwegian Breakaway to have fireworks show on every cruise

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 08 January 2013 08 January 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line is starting off 2013 with a "bang" by announcing that Norwegian Breakaway, the line's newest ship debuting this May in New York City, will feature an exciting fireworks show on every cruise. The environmentally-friendly pyrotechnics display will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week, after the ship departs Bermuda during her summer inaugural season.

Building on the electrifying theme of the ship's headlining Broadway show, ROCK OF AGES, the awe-inspiring fireworks will be the grand finale of a decadent 1980s-themed deck party and will be set to a specially-selected playlist of classic 1980s hits by artists like Madonna, Devo and Prince.

"All the incredible entertainment and amenities on Norwegian Breakaway are going to wow our guests," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's CEO. "We wanted one additional element that would really blow them away and this incredible fireworks show is going to take the cruise to a new level of excitement."

As guests party the night away at the high-energy party under the stars in the open-air Spice H20 venue at the aft of the ship, they will be transported to the 1980s, where music and fun reigned supreme. In a breathtaking finale, a mesmerizing color-filled fireworks show will light up the night sky, right above the ship. The fully-produced show is a visual masterpiece that is set to a playlist of classic 80s hits including "Come on Feel the Noise," by Quiet Riot; "Whip It," by Devo; "Cherish," by Madonna; "Final Countdown," by Europe; and "Purple Rain," by Prince. As the fireworks blast to the beat of the music, guests will enjoy an experience unlike anything else offered at sea on New York's ship.

The 4,000 passenger Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year-round homeport of New York City on May 7, 2013. The ship will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12, 2013 and the fireworks will be held on the second to last night of the cruise, after the ship departs Bermuda. From October 2013 through April 2014, New York's ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas & Florida and the Southern Caribbean.

To date, the company has revealed the ship's groundbreaking design, including The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests' connection with the ocean. Norwegian Breakaway's entertainment will include three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY. The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, and New York's own Slam Allen will also perform on the vessel. Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will also debut his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian.

The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.

The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship and 18 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; the re-introduction of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini- Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.

Ted Sykes joins American Queen Steamboat Company as President and COO

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 08 January 2013 08 January 2013

American Queen Steamboat Company Chairman and CEO John Waggoner announced the appointment of Ted Sykes as President and COO of the company. In his new role, Sykes will oversee all day-to-day operations of the company including sales, marketing, finance and vessel operations.

"Ted brings tremendous financial, sales and marketing skills to our executive team," stated Waggoner. "We are pleased to secure an executive with Ted's extensive knowledge and reputation in the industry to help us grow the business."

Sykes brings more than 20 years of senior executive experience to the American Queen Steamboat Company having previously held key operating roles with the river cruise operators Viking River Cruises and Vantage, as well as the deep sea cruise operators Saga Shipping (UK) and Royal Cruise Line.

Jeffrey Krida and Christopher Kyte will remain as active owners reporting to Ted Sykes on the long term direction and development of the brand.

New York City-inspired advertising campaign promotes Norwegian Breakaway

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 08 January 2013 08 January 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line yesterday debuted a New York City-inspired advertising campaign themed, "The Best of NYC Sails to Sea" to promote its new ship, Norwegian Breakaway which will be the largest cruise ship to homeport year-round in New York City. The new campaign includes an eye-catching, state-of-the-art digitally animated television commercial, print advertisements, various out of home elements, online media and new digital experiences on the Breakaway microsite that artfully render the New York City experiences found on board.

The Norwegian Breakaway television spot shows striking visuals of the Manhattan skyline cruising by the Statue of Liberty and out to sea atop Norwegian Breakaway, visually conveying that the best of NYC will sail to sea on Norwegian Breakaway. The new television spot will air on various networks throughout the winter and spring in New York, Boston and Philadelphia and can be viewed on the line's YouTube channel<http://www.youtube.com/nclfreestyle>. There is also a Spanish version of the television spot that will air on Telemundo and Univision in the New York market. In addition, Norwegian has enhanced www.breakaway.ncl.com<http://www.breakaway.ncl.com> with new digital experiences that highlight the New York City experiences found on board and demonstrate how Norwegian Breakaway brings the best of NYC to sea. Site visitors can watch as a theater on Broadway is transformed into the Breakaway Theater and as New York's popular SOHO Neighborhood transitions into The Waterfront on board Norwegian Breakaway. Additional transformations will be launched later in January including Central Park being morphed into the ship's Aqua Park.

"It's so exciting to be launching this dynamic advertising campaign promoting our new ship, Norwegian Breakaway, during the start of Wave Season, the best time to book a cruise," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "Our goal with the campaign is to show the ship's strong connection to New York City in a visually striking way that will inspire everyone to want to come aboard and experience all that Norwegian Breakaway has to offer beginning May 12."
Designed as New York's ship, Norwegian Breakaway will bring the best of NYC to sea when she arrives to her year-round homeport in early May 2013, offering the high-caliber dining and entertainment options that New York is known for worldwide. The line also announced that it is an official partner of the popular NYC & Company programs: NYC Restaurant Week and Broadway Week, further strengthening Norwegian Breakaway's strong ties to New York City. To generate additional awareness and buzz throughout the city, Norwegian, in partnership with NYC & Company, is creating four interactive "Breakaway Warming Stations" that will pop-up in different locations throughout the city in January.

As part of the partnership, Norwegian is prominently featured in the NYC Restaurant Week and Winter Broadway Week promotional booklets, on nycgo.com, and in advertising, including bus shelters and on light pole banners throughout the city. In addition, on select dates in January, New York City residents and visitors are invited to visit one of Norwegian Breakaway's "Warming Stations," where they have the opportunity to get a "break" from the cold weather and a hint of the warm weather and sunshine the ship will offer guests when she sails from New York year-round to Bermuda, Bahamas & Florida and the Caribbean. Guests can learn about the ship's exciting amenities or take a photo amongst a beach-themed setting, which can be uploaded and shared on Facebook right from the station. Photos from the Warming Station events can also be viewed on the line's Facebook<http://www.ncl.com/facebook> page. To add to the excitement, visitors can also win special prizes hourly, including tickets to see the Broadway smash-hit Rock of Ages, or dinner at Geoffrey Zakarian's restaurant, The National.

The Norwegian Breakaway Warming Stations will take place between 9 am and 4 pm on the following dates:
* January 14: Flatiron Plaza;
* January 22: Ninth Ave. & 14th Street in Chelsea Plaza;
* January 28: Times Square on Military Island.

For location updates and the chance to win additional prizes, everyone is encouraged to follow Norwegian on Twitter at @cruisenorwegian.

To celebrate the company's involvement in NYC Restaurant Week and Broadway Week, Norwegian is giving foodies and entertainment lovers the opportunity to win one of two cruises for two on the May 12, 2013 maiden voyage of Norwegian Breakaway as part of the "Best of NYC Sails to Sea Sweepstakes." The lucky winners will also receive a one night hotel stay in Manhattan, two tickets to a Broadway show and dinner at Geoffrey Zakarian's restaurant The National the night before departure. To learn more and enter to win, stop by one of Norwegian's "Warming Stations" or visit either nycgo.com/restaurantweek<http://www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek> or nycgo.com/broadwayweek.

The Breakaway advertising campaign, slated to run through May, is a continuation of the Cruise Like A Norwegian concept, developed by Norwegian Cruise Line and The Martin Agency in 2011.

Oceania Cruises celebrates 10th anniversary in 2013

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 07 January 2013 07 January 2013

On January 6, 2013, Oceania Cruises marked its 10th anniversary, kicking off a year of special events, designated sailings, engaging social media initiatives and onboard celebrations.

Founded by cruise industry visionaries Frank Del Rio, Bob Binder and Joe Watters in 2003, the line’s mission was to deliver destination-rich itineraries, “best in class” cuisine, an inviting country club atmosphere, and luxurious accommodations all at an extraordinary value.

With the addition of Marina in 2011 and Riviera in 2012 to the fleet of Regatta (2003), Insignia (2004) and Nautica (2005), Oceania Cruises has built an entirely new segment of the industry with its elegant, award-winning, mid-size ships and exceptional personalized service.

“Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Oceania Cruises is an achievement made possible by the loyalty of our guests, employees, crew and travel partners,” said Frank Del Rio, the line’s founder, and chairman and CEO of parent company Prestige Cruise Holdings. “Because of their support, the next 10 years – and beyond – are filled with just as much promise and opportunity to continue to evolve the Oceania Cruises experience and the modern cruise vacation for our guests.”

Guests will have the opportunity to sail with company founders and top executives on four specially designated “Anniversary Sailings.” Each voyage will feature a different executive who will host an anniversary cocktail reception, celebratory caviar brunch and gala dinner with private label 10th anniversary wine served complimentary. Frank Del Rio, Joe Watters, Bob Binder, vice chairman of parent company Prestige Cruise Holdings, and Kunal S. Kamlani, Oceania Cruises president, will sail. Anniversary sailings are:

Marina’s 14-day Scandinavian Serenade departing from London to Stockholm on June 11, 2013 with Bob Binder.  In addition to a 3-day stay in St. Petersburg, Russia, the cruise visits Amsterdam, Netherlands; Oslo, Norway; Copenhagen, Denmark; Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany; Riga, Latvia; Tallinn, Estonia and Helsinki, Finland.

Riviera’s Italian Escapade with Kunal S. Kamlani, departs on July 3, 2013, from Rome for a 10-day voyage to Venice. Ports include Florence/Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno), Italy; Sorrento/Capri, Italy; Amalfi/Positano, Italy; Taormina (Sicily), Italy; Corfu, Greece; Kotor, Montenegro and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Regatta’s 7-day Coastal Alaska with Frank Del Rio on July 5, 2013 from Seattle to Seattle with calls at Ketchikan and Wrangell, Alaska; and Prince Rupert, Canada.

Nautica’s Roman Legends with Joe Watters, departs September 6, 2013 for a 10-day voyage from Barcelona to Athens. Visits include Provence (Marseille), France; Portofino, Italy; Florence/Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Sorrento/Capri, Italy; Taormina (Sicily), Italy; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey and Santorini, Greece.

The company will celebrate fleet-wide with a special 10th Anniversary dessert called ZEN, a Manjari Chocolate Bar with Milky Gianduja-Yuzu and Hazelnut Croquant featured in the Grand Dining Room and a menu of Canyon Ranch SpaClub® 10th anniversary treatments available on all ships.

Throughout the year, Oceania Cruises’ fans will find profiles of crew members who will also pass the 10-year mark with the company on the line’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/OceaniaCruises. Nearly 100 crew members are reaching this milestone and past guests will find a number of pictures and stories from many of their favorite officers, staff and crew.

Oceania Cruises’ past guests will also be invited to share pictures and memories from sailings over the past 10 years on the company’s Guest Book on its Facebook page. The company will be tweeting 10th Anniversary updates and news throughout the year at #OceaniaCruises10.