NCL Reaches For The Sky: Return Of The Norwegian Sky

NCL Corp (NCL) announced plans today to reflag and rename Pride of Aloha and launch the ship under her original name: Norwegian Sky. Offering 3- and 4-day Bahamas cruises from Miami, the 2,002-passenger ship, built in 1999, will return to the NCL international fleet after being outfitted with NCL’s Freestyle 2.0 enhancements. Norwegian Sky will be the youngest and highest quality ship sailing 3- and 4-day Bahamas cruises from Miami beginning July 14, 2008.

“NCL pioneered the first Bahamas cruise from Miami more than 41 years ago and last had a ship in the 3- and 4-day cruise market from Miami in 2003. By reintroducing Norwegian Sky and positioning the ship in Miami sailing short cruises to the Bahamas, we are returning to our roots. At the same time, we are raising the bar by offering a modern Freestyle Cruising ship that features a variety of accommodations, including balconies and suites, a multitude of on-board amenities and a choice of six restaurants,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO. “In addition, we will outfit Norwegian Sky with the Freestyle 2.0 enhancements currently being introduced across our fleet.”

Norwegian Sky will depart Miami on Mondays sailing 4-day Bahamas cruises with full-day stops in Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. On Fridays, the ship will sail a weekend getaway 3-day Bahamas itinerary, departing Miami at 5 p.m. with all-day stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, returning to Miami at 7 a.m. on Monday mornings. These sailings are scheduled through April 17, 2009. The new itineraries go on sale today.

For complete details, and a “Kids Sail Free Summer Vacation” program, see CruiseDiva.com's Cruise News.