NCL and Bermuda reach new 10 year deal.

[Ron Clark]

The NCL press release:

http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/pressroom/...Code=PR_110707

In 2009, Norwegian Spirit will sail from Boston to Bermuda, departing on Fridays, calling in Bermuda at King's Wharf from Sunday through Wednesday. Norwegian Dawn will sail from New York on Sundays, calling in Bermuda at King's Wharf from Wednesday through Friday. Norwegian Majesty (the ship which has served NCL's Boston-Bermuda business for 15 years) will sail to St. George's, Bermuda from Charleston, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

I believe the Majesty's devotees will love the new amenties found on the Spirit on their Bermuda cruises, although some may be disappointed docking at King's Whaf vs St. George.

[LisaP]

This is indeed good news for the city of Boston. A larger ship will entice more people to the area.

I agree it's less than ideal that King's Wharf is the only port of call on the Boston-Bermuda cruises, but we saw that coming for a long time. The Friday departure is a bit odd, but perhaps that was to ensure that the ship can remain docked for the entire visit, rather than tendering for a day as they'll be doing in '08 on certain sailings from NY. And, I am thrilled to know that the Dine Ashore program will be continued. That is a wonderful deal for pax, and makes the visit to Bermuda even nicer.

Folks here (Boston area) tend to be split into two groups -- those who love N. Majesty, and those who have been hoping for a larger ship with balcony cabins. As many of you know, I am in the first group, so I was so relieved to learn that she will remain in service in 2009, even if it's not from her "home" of 15 years.