Are Norwegian cruise line launching a new ship called Norwegian Edge? It’s time to find out what all the hubbub is about…
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the Norwegian Edge is in fact a new ship soon to be unveiled by Norwegian Cruise Line. However Norwegian Edge is something different yet equally as exciting for lovers of the cruise line.
Norwegian Edge is an investment of $400 million which will see the Norwegian fleet undergo a series of dry docks to renovate and upgrade the on board décor and facilities with the aim of making the ships look even better than when they first left the ship yard.
Norwegian have spoken about the project, stating, “When you board one of our ships for the fifth time, but she looks as good as the first time you saw her, that’s The Norwegian Edge. When you savor an array of international tastes and gourmet dishes from our new enhanced menus in our renovated restaurants, you’ve tasted The Norwegian Edge. If you find yourself surrounded by natural beauty in Harvest Caye, our premier resort-style island in Belize, you’ve found The Norwegian Edge. And finally, when you’re sharing stories (and selfies) from your incredible vacation weeks after your cruise, you know you’ve felt The Norwegian Edge.”
Norwegian have already began work on the project and last October the Norwegian Epic emerged from a dry dock. Here are Cruise Nation we organised a press trip on the Epic to help share the story about the update which you can read about on the travel blog Ed Explores and The Mirror.
The Norwegian Epic updates include:
- The addition of an exciting new entertainment venue called The Cavern, inspired by the famous Liverpool Nightclub where The Beatles got their big break. The Cavern features low lighting, trendy red brick façades and plush leather chairs.
- The speciality restaurant La Cucina has undergone a complete transformation to create a more authentic Italian atmosphere.
- The Haven Courtyard, Lounge and Restaurant has been upgraded to create a more modern ambience with clean, sleek lines.
- Family spaces including Entourage, Splash Academy and SplashGolf in the kids Aqua Park have all been upgraded.
- A a library and card room has been added for guests seeking a little quiet time during their cruise.
- Several lounges and restaurants around the ship have been given new décor, furnishing and flooring to elevate the ambience.
The Norwegian Gem also emerged from a dry dock in November 2015 with upgrades including:
- A renovated Bliss Ultra Lounge with a new space for Casino games
- The photo gallery has been given a makeover with new computer displays, furniture and an open layout.
- The Haven Courtyard, Lounge and Restaurant has been upgraded to create a more modern ambience with clean, sleek lines.
- Several lounges and restaurants around the ship have been given new décor, furnishing and flooring to elevate the ambience.
- The Sundeck has been revamped to include more shaded areas by adding cabanas and loungers.
The Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Gem are just the beginning of this million-dollar project, the next ships in the dry dock schedule are:
- Pride of America – Q1 2016
- Norwegian Sun – Q2 2016
- Norwegian Dawn – Q2 2016
- Norwegian Spirit – Q1 2017
- Norwegian Sky – Q1 2017
- Norwegian Pearl – Q1 2017
- Norwegian Jade – Q1 2017
It isn’t just the ships being given a facelift however, Norwegian’s resort Great Stirrup Cay will also undergo a transformation making the eco-fun paradise even more of a highlight on a cruise itinerary in the Bahamas. They’ll be more beaches, activities and a greater variety of choices for places to relax and indulge.
Harvest Cay in Belize (Norwegian’s newest cruise destination) is being transformed also. The destination will become a 75-acre resort with a generously-sized pool, watersports lagoon, luxury private cabanas and an exclusive beach for Norwegian cruise line guests to explore.
Food is also undoubtedly a big part of the Norwegian cruise line experience, which is why they’ve carefully looked at the menus they offer and integrated a selection of new dishes and ingredients to ensure that their repeat guests always have something new to look forward to when they next cruise with Norwegian.
Now, more than ever, it’s an exciting time to book a cruise with Norwegian. Their commitment to delivering incredible on board experiences and their selection of great value packages like the Free at Sea deals we currently have available makes them a top choice for those seeking to explore the world in style.
If you’re a fan of Norwegian cruise line we’d love to hear what you think about Norwegian Edge. Chat with us in the comments below or over on Facebook and Twitter.