Gems In-Depth - St.Maarten Roundtrip
Date: 10 Jan 2025
Duration: 16 nights
Ship: Seabourn Ovation
Line: Seabourn
Norwegian Cruise Line was the original pioneer of the Caribbean fly cruise way back in 1968, and it has been at the forefront of mainstream cruising pretty much ever since. It was the first line to ever introduce a mega ship to the cruise industry, in the form of the SS Norway, and has also always been noted for its cutting edge entertainment and range of amenities for families of all ages. Indeed, where Norwegian has typically gone, other companies have not been long in following.
It was Norwegian that first introduced the concept of the 'private island' for Caribbean cruise passengers way back in 1977, and the company has been by far the prime mover of the open seating dining revolution which has swept cruising by storm. The company's signature 'Freestyle Dining' programme allowed passengers to dine where, when, and with whom they wished, rather than at one of two set times each evening. The impact this had on the industry as a whole has been nothing less than seismic.
This dining revolution gradually evolved to include a conga line of diverse, more intimate restaurants across the Norwegian fleet. For a small supplement, passengers can now dine in French or Italian style, at a genuine Brazilian steakhouse, or even at a venue that offers free comfort food, twenty four hours a day. By adding choice and character to massive change, Norwegian regained the place at the head of cruising's innovators that it had tended to let slip in the 90's. Though it does not have as many ships as either Carnival or Royal Caribbean, the company is once again expanding, and up there batting with the big boys.
The feel of cruising with Norwegian is very different to many other mainstream lines. For a start, the evening dress code is far more 'resort casual' in style, though of course there's nothing to stop you putting on your glad rags for that special occasion. And, as of 2017, all of the ships in the company's fleet now operate as all inclusive products, allowing you to budget your on board spend well in advance. Expect some of the other big cruise lines to go this same way in the near future.
From Alaska to Australia, the Baltic to Bermuda, Norwegian has a ship and a schedule that will suit your needs and whims. From summers in the Mediterranean to winters in the Caribbean, this one cruise line- still the pioneering brand on so many levels- offers a whole ocean of choices to entertain, thrill and amuse passengers of all ages.
Date: 10 Jan 2025
Duration: 16 nights
Ship: Seabourn Ovation
Line: Seabourn
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£10,879 BALCONY
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