The upper end of the premium market and the luxury market differ markedly from the contemporary market in terms of what is focal, said Kevin Sheehan, president and ceo of Norwegian Cruise Line Holding.
In the contemporaty market segment, in which the group's Norwegian Cruise Line brand operates, the ship itself and on board activities are focal to the guests. However, in the higher end of the market, the picture changes.
"Ship is not the focal pointof the guest experience," said Frank del Rio, chairman and ceo of Prestige Cruises. In the upper premium and luxury markets, outstanding service, fine food and calls at ports that allow passengers to truly see the world are more important, he said at a webcast conference call related to the acquisition of Prestige by Norwegian.
"These ships age like fine wine, provided that they are well maintained," Sheehan said, referring to the upper end of the market vessels.
