Luxury Golf Cruises

Whether you are looking for a short trip to a specific golf course or a longer tour that includes a golf tournament, luxury golf cruises have something for everyone. These cruises can be a wonderful way to experience the course and meet other golfers in a social setting. You can also choose to travel around the world on a cruise tour and play a round of golf at a variety of different courses.

Azamara

Guests on Azamara Luxury Golf Cruises can expect to play at some of the world’s best golf courses. The cruise line will offer play at a selection of courses in 23 countries. They will also be able to choose individual departures for a customized golf vacation.

Guests will be able to take advantage of Azamara’s Early Booking Bonus, which includes a $300 onboard credit, an unlimited wifi package and 20 percent off select European cruises in 2024. Golfers will also be able to partake in immersive shore excursions. Guests will be able to enjoy the opportunity to experience the world’s most famous cities as well as the natural wonders that make them unique.

AmaWaterways

Several cruise lines offer golf themed cruises. However, AmaWaterways luxury golf cruises will go the extra mile by offering the best in class golfing experience in addition to the usual perks. This 98 stateroom vessel offers a number of unique features including a pop-up sky bar, Water Sports Platform and bicycles. This vessel also offers a 20 percent increase in staterooms compared to other ships in her class.

AmaWaterways will launch a new and improved golf program for its 98 stateroom AmaMagna in May of this year. This program will include golf in some of the most spectacular and iconic golf courses in Europe. The ship will sail through some of the most recognizable sights on Earth, including France, Switzerland, and Germany.

Kalos Golf

Founded in 1994, Kalos Golf has been providing first-class service and small, exclusive golf and travel experiences for more than eight thousand lucky guests over the past two decades. The company offers golf cruises, jet tours and chartered air. It is now expanding to Cape Breton, Canada.

The company boasts an impressive list of itineraries spanning the globe. In 2014, it will offer 11 cruises, spanning the Mediterranean, the British Isles, Italy and the Adriatic. Kalos’s signature golf cruises are a five-star experience, featuring luxury yachts, world-class golf and first-class service. In fact, Kalos’s signature trips are so good that they sell out year after year.

Crystal Cruise Tours

Whether you’re a PGA professional or a golf enthusiast, Crystal Cruise Tours luxury golf cruises provide an incredible experience that’s sure to impress. Each cruise features a PGA instructor, providing private lessons or group clinics.

Golf themed cruises include play at world-renowned courses such as Scotland’s Gleneagles King’s Course, the Monte Carlo Golf Club in Monaco, and Dublin’s Kildare Hotel & Country Club. Guests on these cruises also have the opportunity to interact with PGA pros and play golf with golf celebrities.

Crystal Cruises’ golf program includes transportation to and from the course, club storage, post-round cleaning, and a VIP welcome reception. Guests also have the option of participating in Crystal Adventures, which are optional excursions to some of the world’s most exclusive courses. These excursions range in cost from $400 to $700 per guest.

Transatlantic Golf Adventure Cruise Tour

Taking a golf cruise is a great way to experience the world. You get to take in the scenery and visit a few different destinations. You also get to play golf at some of the world’s best courses.

Most cruise lines will provide you with a golf club for on-board activities and other golf related attractions. Most will also allow you to bring your own golf clubs on board. Some airlines will combine your golf club with your checked luggage.

If you want to see the best of the Caribbean without the hassle of traveling, then taking a cruise is the way to go. You can explore different destinations on a week-long excursion. Some cruises also offer in-suite entertainment and opportunities to swim in the Atlantic.

Land Of Legends Cruise Tour

Those seeking to play the game of golf on a larger scale can take their pick from golf ship cruises. These vessels offer guided golf excursions to the finest courses in each port. Moreover, you can find a plethora of other activities onboard. Moreover, cruise lines often provide their own golf clubs for on-shore activities. Hence, you can expect a memorable golfing vacation.

Those looking for a more structured golfing experience should take a look at the Azamara Journey. This luxury cruise line features a streamlined golfing program and a stellar worldwide portfolio. In addition, it offers free double stateroom upgrades until Dec. 9, 2022.

To pack or not to; what to take with you on a cruise.

We all love cruising. The fun of open waters, the beaches, the exotic aquamarine animals, the sun, the tan, the party; what’s not to love?

But not every cruise experiences are alike, and you can easily have a bad time in the best boats you can be. What do you do in those cases? There are more than a couple of things that can ruin your, otherwise perfect, getaway. It might be that awful seasickness, feeling down, having a hard time adjusting to the weather, or even worrying about things back at home. In any case, you want to come prepared because once you’re on board, literally, there’s no stopping the fun. 

That’s why we have come up with this simple list of things you should pack for your next cruise. Now keep in mind, we know there are lots of guides out there that tell you to pack batteries, flashlights, sunscreens, cocktail attire, etc. We think there’s enough advice on that but most of them leave out some essential stuff that you should also pack along with those. So that’s why we are listing some things that not many guides tell you but still come in handy most of the time when you are on a cruise. Let’s see them in detail: 

Motion Sickness Patches

It’s no fun to throw up or feel dizzy when there’s a raging party going on around you. It happens more often than you think but seasickness is real and can seriously dampen the mood. So, make sure you take a trip to the pharmacy and get some pills or medication to combat seasickness.

Hangover Relief Pills

Now let’s get real. Cruises are all about unleashing the fun and bringing the best out of your inner party animal. But once you had that awesome night, the mornings can be gloomy and painful. You can pack some hangover relief pills, or better yet, have a hangover relief remedy like fruit juices or healthy breakfast ready. It takes a huge load off your head; again, literally, to have a clear head and be fully charged once more for the day of fun in the morning.

Cooling Towel/blankets

Many people pack lightly with shorts and swimsuits for the cruise, but it can also get chilly in the open waters. So, make sure to pack some heavy clothes or blankets to keep you warm on chilly nights. Maybe you never have to use them, but it’s so much better to come prepared than to be surprised. Also, when you are out in the sun for too long with nothing to protect you except a thin layer of sunscreen, it’s good to have a cooling towel that you can use to soak and pat on yourself to cool off.

Underwater Camera

Cruises are not all about life on the boat. You also get to experience life underwater. So, if you want to make it memorable and take home some happy moments, bring an underwater camera. It’s so exciting to watch the elegance and beauty of the bustling aquamarine biome and you can have the memories in the form of pictures and videos with a decent underwater camera.

Water Shoes/slippers

Another perk of cruises is beaches. You get to spend time with crackling waves and dips in the cool waters when you’re close to the shore. But it’s a total no-go to wear socks and shoes to a beach. You’ll be destroying not just good shoes, but also your reputation when you’re the morons who wear shoes to a beach. So, take a pair of water shoes or slippers with you. They can protect you from corals or stones in the sand and you also get to walk it off without having to burn your feet in the hot sand on a sunny day. 

GPS Tracker

GPS Trackers are incredibly useful gadgets to take with you or buy for your home when heading over to a cruise. They can keep your luggage safe and protected when you are away on the beach or snorkeling in the shallow waters. You get instant notifications when your belongings leave a certain area with the GEO-Fencing feature, and you also get to contact authorities in case of emergencies with a dedicated SOS button in case you ever get lost. They’re also useful when you are away from the home. You get the same level of protection as if you were right there. It’s so easy to keep track of with the mobile apps.

So that seems like a good one to end this with. These items in the list are incredibly useful and your cruise experience can be hassle-free with a little bit of planning and preparation. We’d suggest you pack light, but it’s also important to ensure you have everything for a good time. We’d also suggest you look at our other articles and guides for cruises where we explain all the relevant details that you want to know about cruises and how to make the most out of it.

5 Alternative Cruises for Adventurous Cruise Lovers

5 Alternative Cruises for Adventurous Cruise Lovers

This pandemic has forced us to stay indoors for the longest period. Most people are eagerly looking forward to going out for a change of environment and scenery. This is soon to happen because more and more people are being vaccinated every day around the globe. 

Start planning now for your well-deserved vacation, or should I say adventure. If you are the kind who loves bodies of water and everything in it, we have featured 5 amazing cruise options. Brace yourselves for the ride of your life as we present you with these five amazing cruises to choose from.

The Amazon River Cruise

As the longest river in the world, the Amazon River is home to the most biologically diverse regions on the planet. This river spanning across Peru and Brazil prides itself on an amazing variety of plants and wildlife you will only see in this part of the world. 

The Amazon River Cruise is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Your adventure’s highlight is discovering the mysterious realm of exotic creatures in the Amazon Rainforest. The other parts of your adventure include swimming with pink dolphins, interacting with native communities, and enjoying sumptuous local food. 

You can choose between 5 to 10 days of travel experience in popular cruises such as Peru River Amazon River cruises, Amazon cruises in Brazil, or Amazon cruises in Ecuador.

The Croatia Island Hopping Cruise

Aside from its stunning beaches, sparkling seas, white sands, and turquoise waters, Croatia is known for its historical landmarks. Croatia island hopping cruise combines history and scenery. 

During this trip, you can visit UNESCO’s world heritage sites as you hop from one island to another. You’ll also get the chance to sail along with the historic ancient hamlets of Hvar. 

It doesn’t end there; you can admire the Venetian architecture of Korcula to Dubrovnik’s iconic Old Town. You can also immerse yourself in Mljet Island’s dense woods and beautiful beaches. 

You can do all these with Croatia’s small cruise ships, located either on the Mediterranean Coast or the popular cheaper alternative Dalmatian Coast in Croatia. Other places to discover in Croatia are uninhabited islands, fishing villages, streets with charming cafés’ and many more amazing places.

The Galapagos Yacht Cruise

Galapagos cruise combines idyllic cruise experience with wild activities. Galapagos cruise tours offer choices ranging from active adventure trips to interacting with amazing wildlife. Experience snorkelling with playful sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and ancient tortoises. 

If interacting with these amazing creatures is not enough, you can ride with the tide through surfing activity or go deeper with scuba diving. Depending on your budget and your choice of adventure, you can hire a small yacht, catamarans, or small cruise ship.

Travel duration can range from 5 to 15 days of fun and adventure. The popular places to visit in Galapagos are:

  • Experience up close and personal marine turtles in Tortuga Bay (Santa Cruz Island).
  • Get a one a life snapshot with one of Galapagos’ well-known creatures, the giant tortoise at Rancho Primicia (Santa Cruz Island).
  • Whether you want sea lion watching, snorkelling or surfing, you can do all of them in La Loberia (San Cristobal Island)

The UK Canal Cruise 

The UK canal scene is known for its canal boat stay weekend cruises, where you combine the luxury of a narrowboat with a cruise adventure. Enjoy a relaxing river journey in the quaint, scenic countryside through the River Thames. After that, you can marvel at the royal palaces, riverside towns, and villages while relishing a breath of fresh air. 

This enchanting waterway offers recreational activities such as rowing, kayaking, and boating. You can also rent a canal boat a weekend and cruise the canals of Warwickshire. Famously known as the Warwickshire Ring, this journey is a discovery to the West Midlands into the heart of Birmingham via Stockton, Napton, Braunston, Hawkesbury, Fazeley, and the North Stratford Canal to Kingswood returning to Warwick. 

The highlights of this journey include: 

  • relive the Shakespearian era in the town of Stratford
  • descend to Foxton flight of locks and visit Market Harborough
  • visit the site of the battle of Bosworth Field
  • wander through the Blisworth tunnel in the waterways Museum

Miami

Renting a yacht in Miami offers a plethora of benefits, from the luxurious experience to the opportunity to explore Miami from a unique perspective. Some benefits of renting a yacht in Miami include:

Luxury and Comfort
A yacht rental in Miami offers a luxurious and comfortable experience that cannot be matched by other forms of transportation. With plush seating, high-end amenities, and stunning views, you can relax in style while exploring Miami’s coastline.

Adventure and Exploration
Renting a yacht in Miami provides the opportunity to explore the city’s beautiful coastline, pristine beaches, and clear blue waters. You can anchor at one of the many secluded coves and enjoy a swim, snorkel, or even scuba dive.

Entertainment and Fun
A yacht rental in Miami is perfect for hosting events and parties. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion, throw a party, or entertain clients, a yacht rental offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Miami yacht rental offers a unique and unforgettable experience, allowing you to explore the city’s stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters in style and comfort. With various yacht types available and endless opportunities for adventure and entertainment, renting a yacht in Miami is a must-do activity for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience.

The North Pole Expedition Cruise

Not many people choose the North Pole as a travel destination, but little do they know that being in the North Pole is like standing on the top of the world, literally. This ice-covered region located in the middle of the Arctic Ocean is constantly shifting ice. That is why there is no permanent habitation because the ice moves every year. If you prefer an expedition-like and exploration adventure cruise tour, you will never regret the North Pole. This uninhabited land offers an adventure of a lifetime. 

  • Marvel at the immense universe where every direction you look is south.
  • Navigate through the thick sea in a nuclear-powered icebreaker
  • Feel a sense of pride in standing in a remote spot where very few have set foot.

Here is an idea of your itinerary to the North Pole:

  • Helsinki, Finland. Capture the beauty of Finland’s extraordinary architecture
  • Murmansk, Russia. From Helsinki, this is where you will embark on your way to your expedition.
  • Northbound in the Arctic Ocean. Experience the view from atop of the expansive Arctic Ocean, boarding the ship’s helicopter.
  • Arrival in the 900 North Pole. Join the festive celebration with a toast and barbeque on the ice. Relish the moment, and don’t forget to take a picture of you standing on top of the world
  • Southbound in the Arctic Ocean. Sit back and relax. Watch out for Polar bears.
  • Franz Josef Land and the Arctic Ocean. Explore more islands in this 200-islands arctic circle
  • Southbound at sea. By this time, you have seen a lot. Carry everything you’ve experienced to tell your family and friends.
  • Disembarkation in Murmansk
  • Back to Helsinki, Finland.

Final Words

These 5 recommended cruises offer you adventures ranging from relaxing journeys to extreme exploration. Whichever you choose, make the best of it; experience everything, do the activities, try things or food you haven’t tried before, enjoy the presence of people around you, and take pictures. 

Cruise Tips For Post-Pandemic Seagoers

Being locked inside our homes over the last year has been tough on everyone. So, it’s only right that

you should be excited to enjoy a holiday once we are out of this pandemic.

A great first holiday to get involved with, are cruises. Cruise ships offer all the comforts of holiday resorts but with the added bonus that you get to travel at the same time. You can be laying by the pool as you sail to Spain.

So let’s consider some tips before you board after the pandemic is over.

What Cruising Will Look Like

Whether you’ve been cruising before or not, it’s likely that you’ll need to brush up on the cruising lifestyle.

It may just be lightly different to how we used to cruise. For example, it’s very likely that the ships themselves will be much cleaner than before. Not that they weren’t before, you’d do well to find a cruise ship poorly maintained, but with extra COVID-19 regulations in place, there will be extra demands by staff to clean and keep to the new regulations.

On a similar note, it’s likely that there will be less crowds both on the ship and at inner-port destinations. Due to people being worried about going on holiday and also social distancing rules that will probably remain post-pandemic, for a while.

There will also be contactless embarkation for most cruise ships, so make sure you have a modern phone ready for the change and enjoy seamless boarding.

Changing Situations

It’s an ever-changing world during this pandemic. With that in mind, consider keeping tabs on what’s going on with your holiday provider. They will be the experts when it comes to safety around your cruise.

As of now, the situation is that post-lockdown we will see cruise ships coming out but in smaller fleets. They won’t expect to be overly busy, which is good for you as more space, but they won’t have every cruise ship in operation.

With the uncertainty of what will happen once you step on the cruise ship, consider investing in quality protection. For example, you can purchase travel insurance by Insure and Go preparation for when cruise ships will start embarking.

One of the best reasons to get your coverage by InsureandGo, is that they offer travel insurance covering coronavirus, meaning that you’ll be covered if you were to catch it, and all at no extra cost. Helping you feel safer when getting back onto the sea.

Check Destinations

Generally, cruise ships will have a pre-set list of stops along the journey. This list will most likely be ever changing depending on local situations. Hopefully, by the time you embark, everywhere will be back to normal.

But it’s worth contacting your holiday provider as they will have constant up to date information when it comes to destinations.

Away from logistical and health reasons, you should also consider what sort of cruise you want to enjoy. Traditionally, when thinking of cruise holidays, you picture the Caribbean or somewhere near a beach.

That’s not always the case, in fact, there are so many different places to cruise, depending on if you’re going for culture, food, beaches, families or scenery. There’s pretty much no limit when it comes to potential destinations.

This year, the most popular ones will probably be the European Christmas market cruise. This will most likely be the cheapest as it’s the closest to British ports and will only last a few days stopping by northern French ports and Belgium cities.

Otherwise, why not try a UK based cruise? Circling the British Isle, you can stop by major cities and locations you might not have visited before all whilst on a budget. It’s perhaps the best way to get back into holidays if you’re feeling anxious.

Port Everglades Welcomes Royal Princess

Port Everglades and public officials welcomed Princess Cruises’ new Royal Princess to the South Florida cruise port today and presented Captain Tony Draper with traditional plaques and keys to Broward County and the Cities of Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood.

“We are honored that Princess Cruises has once again selected Port Everglades to homeport the line’s newest and most sophisticated cruise ship, Royal Princess,” Port Everglades Chief Executive & Port Director Steven Cernak told Captain Draper; Anthony Kaufman, Princess Cruises Senior Vice President of Commercial Affairs; and Steve Nielsen, Princess Cruises Vice President of Caribbean & Atlantic Shore Operations. “Princess has a long, successful history at Port Everglades and we look forward to welcoming Royal Princess in grand style.”

The new 141,000-ton, 3,600-passenger Royal Princess, the first of two new-generation ships for Princess built by Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, made her U.S. debut this week at Port Everglades. Royal Princess will sail to the Eastern Caribbean every Sunday from Port Everglades through the end of April 2014.

Broward County Vice Mayor Barbara Sharief and Broward County Commissioners Chip LaMarca and Stacy Ritter presented Captain Draper with a key to Broward County along with City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler and City of Hollywood Vice Mayor Richard Blattner who presented keys to their cities. In addition, Port Everglades Deputy Director Glenn Wiltshire presented the captain with the Port’s “challenge coin,” a customized medallion bearing emblems that represent the Port’s three main business lines – cruise, cargo and petroleum – and the Port’s landmark Harbormaster Tower.

“As we are all aware, the cruise industry is a major contributor to the economic health of our tourism-based community. Not only do cruise lines such as Princess bring jobs and revenue to our area, but they also bring guests who visit our hotels and resorts, and support the small businesses and attractions that are the lifeblood of our economy,” said Vice Mayor Sharief.

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Elderly Passenger Disappears from Cruise Ship

Update, October 39, 2013: Authorities found CCTV footage showing that the man jumped overboard.

(12:28 p.m.) — An elderly man disappeared from Sun Princess yesterday while it sailed up the Kimberley Coast in Western Australia on its way to Darwin. Extensive searches onboard and at sea have found no trace of the man.

Sun Princess’ crew conducted an extensive search for the man onboard after his wife reported him missing, Princess Cruises told Cruise Critic.

“Public address announcements were made onboard but there was no response. A missing person’s procedure was initiated and Sun Princess turned around to retrace the ship’s course. Search and rescue at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority were also informed,” Princess’ Lorraine Sadowski said.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the ship twice retraced its route and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority conducted an aerial search, but called it off after medical authorities determined the man could not have survived falling off the ship.

The missing man, a 73-year-old Australian, may have been suffering from dementia the Daily Telegraph reported. Princess would not confirm this saying as policy it does not release details about passengers.

Princess also said there is no CCTV footage of the man falling overboard, adding the line is cooperating with local authorities in Darwin with their investigation.

–by Dori Saltzman, News Editor

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Rostock Closes Record Year

The port of Rostock has just about closed a record year in Warnemünde. Three calls remain, including the Marco Polo, Black Watch and Boudicca, which calls in the German port on a Christmas cruise.

The year ended with some 198 calls by 41 different ships, making it Germany’s most popular port, according to Ulrich Bauermeister, port managing director.

The calls accounted for 365,000 passengers from 28 different cruise lines.

Of the total of 365,000 cruise travellers the majority were Germans (120,000 passengers), followed by 74,000 Americans, 47,0000 British, 21,000 Spaniards, 19,000 Canadians, 12,000 Italians, 9,000 Australians and 63,0000 tourists from 142 other nations.

The ships also carried just under 140,000 crew members from 126 countries, more than one third of whom also went on shore leave.

“Fourteen percent of all cruise guests in Warnemünde, that is around 50,000, went on a day trip to Berlin by train or coach this season,” said Ulrich Bauermeister. “About 197,000 passengers set out to discover Warnemünde, Rostock or Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and 118,000 started or ended their cruise in the passenger port at the mouth of river Warnow.”

Based on a study of the spending behaviour of passengers and crew members made by Rostock University in 2010 one may assume that the cruise travellers and crew members spent at least Euro 14 million especially in local and regional shops, hotels and restaurants, on public transport, taxi rides and car parking in Warnemünde, Rostock and their environs.

Adding to this is the turnover realised through cruise shipping by coach operators, railway companies, travel agents for shore excursions, utilities, supply and disposal companies, shipping agents, pilots and port operators.

First time callers into Rostock for 2013 included the AIDAstella, which was christened in the port in March, the AIDAmar, the Voyager, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, Costa Pacific, Azamara Quest and Norwegian Star.

Eighteen of 41 ships discharged grey water at the port during 114 port calls, adding some 30,000 cubic meters of waste water to the public sewer system.

“We again expect a large number of port calls by cruise liners next year even if, in all probability, we will not manage to notch up another record for port calls”, Ulrich Bauermeister added, satisfied with the high international acceptance that Warnemünde cruise port has achieved for a number of years now.

100 Cruise Ship Passengers’ Cars Damaged in ‘St. Jude’ Storm

(10:30 a.m. EDT) — Scores of cars owned by cruise passengers onboard two Fred. Olsen ships were damaged by high winds and water in a parking facility at the port of Dover during yesterday’s (28 Oct.) storm.

The so-called “St. Jude’s Day” storm — which caused deaths, widespread damage and travel disruption across the UK — wreaked havoc on cars in Dover’s Western Dock car park when hurricane-force winds caused heavy seas to breach protective breakwaters during the night.

Damage to the vehicles included “flooding, smashed windscreens and significant dents,” according to a statement from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and the Port of Dover authority.

The cars belonged to passengers onboard both Fred. Olsen’s Braemar and Black Watch cruise ships, and the line said all guests were informed of the damage as soon as it was discovered.

“For those who had their cars parked at the Port, we provided them with a free phone call to allow them the chance to contact their insurance companies and/or family and friends,” said Mike Rodwell, Managing Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

Representatives from both Fred. Olsen and the Port of Dover said they would assist customers with making onward transport arrangements and making insurance claims upon their return.

Braemar is due back in to Dover on Tuesday, 5 November, and Black Watch will return Saturday, 16 November. Braemar is currently on a 22-night cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Watch is on a 28-night round-Mediterranean cruise.

After being closed for a brief period, the Port of Dover reopened on Monday and resumed ferry services from the Eastern Docks with the port’s tugboats providing assistance. According to a statement from the port, further work is necessary to assess the full extent of the damage to the Western Docks. Cruise Critic has contacted the port to determine whether future cruise sailings will be affected.

The storm also affected the itineraries of a handful of cruise ships, with Princess Cruises delaying Crown Princess’ departure out of Southampton by two nights, forcing the ship to cancel port calls in Le Havre, Vigo and Ponta Delgada. Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas also made minor adjustments to scheduled sailings, though the line did not disclose details of the changed itineraries.

–by Jamey Bergman, U.K. Production Editor

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Norwegian Reports Q3, Net Revenue Increases 20 Percent

Norwegian Cruise Line today reported results for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, and provided guidance for the fourth quarter and full year 2013.

Quarter Highlights

    – Adjusted Net Income growth of 42.1% to $182.2 million with Adjusted EPS of $0.86

    – Adjusted EBITDA increase of 21.2% to $271.0 million

    – Net Yield increase of 4.1% (3.9% on a Constant Currency basis)

Third Quarter 2013 Results

“While the environment this year has become more challenging than anticipated, we demonstrated once again our ability to execute and post solid earnings. Our results for the quarter are the product of a summer season which was bolstered by the premium pricing from Norwegian Breakaway in her first full quarter of operation,” said Kevin Sheehan, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Improved ticket pricing and onboard spend, along with better than expected results from business improvement initiatives drove incremental EPS in the quarter.”

The Company reported Adjusted Net Income for the third quarter of 2013 of $182.2 million and Adjusted EPS of $0.86 compared to $128.2 million and $0.72 in 2012, respectively.

On a GAAP basis, net income and diluted earnings per share were $170.9 million and $0.82, respectively for the third quarter of 2013.

A 14.9% increase in Capacity Days from the addition of Norwegian Breakaway to the fleet, coupled with a 4.1% increase in Net Yield, (or 3.9% on a Constant Currency basis) resulted in a 19.6% improvement in Net Revenue for the period. The improvement in Net Yield was a result of higher pricing and onboard revenue in the period.

Adjusted Net Cruise Cost excluding Fuel per Capacity Day increased 4.6% (or 4.3% on a Constant Currency basis) over prior year. Fuel price, net of hedges, increased 2.4% to $695 per metric ton compared to $679 in 2012. The increase was partially offset by fuel consumption efficiencies particularly from the addition of Norwegian Breakaway to the fleet.

Interest expense, net for the quarter decreased significantly to $26.6 million from $47.2 million in the prior year mainly due to lower rates, resulting from the benefits of the redemption of higher rate debt and refinancing transactions completed earlier in the year.

Newbuild Update and Other Highlights

The Company is building on the success of its latest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, with the introduction of her sister ship, Norwegian Getaway, in January 2014. To be positioned year-round in Miami, Norwegian Getaway will bring to sea many of the elements that make Miami one of the world’s top vacation destinations. Along with the previously announced Aqua Park, Illusionarium and the Waterfront, the Company recently announced the addition of South Florida-themed restaurants and lounges The Tropicana Room, Flamingo Bar & Grill along with the Sugarcane Mojito Bar and an Ice Bar. Buddy Valastro, who operates a branch of Carlo’s Bake Shop on Norwegian Breakaway, will introduce the concept on Norwegian Getaway.

The Company also looked to a local Miami institution for the selection of Norwegian Getaway’s godmothers, tapping the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders to christen the ship in a ceremony in February. “Norwegian Getaway’s Miami touches, from dining to lounges, will bring the best of the Magic City to sea,” said Sheehan. “With her sister ship Norwegian Breakaway, which brings the sights and sounds of New York City to sea, we are bringing the cruise industry a one-two punch of vessels inspired by two of the world’s most exciting destinations.”

Following Norwegian Getaway will be the introduction of two of the Company’s Breakaway Plus vessels in 2015 and 2017. A recent naming contest with over 100,000 entries from across the world resulted in the selection of the names Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss, keeping with the Company’s trend of ship names which describe and support its unique proposition of freedom and flexibility. Slightly larger than the two Breakaway-class ships, Norwegian Escape and Bliss will have approximately 4,200 berths, making them the largest in Norwegian’s fleet. The ships will include fuel scrubbers, which reduce emissions to comply with regulations for vessels sailing near coastal areas.

The Company’s year-round, Hawaii-based ship, Pride of America, is in the final phases of installation of its own fuel scrubbers, making her the first of Norwegian’s vessels to utilize this technology. In September the ship opened to guests a new set of suites, inside and studio staterooms, thirty-two in all. The addition of these new staterooms enhances the returns on one of the Company’s highest-yielding ships.

Also in the quarter the Company completed a Secondary Offering of 23 million ordinary shares previously held by the Company’s Sponsors. The Company received no proceeds from the offering.

Holland America Redeploys Noordam to Central and West Med for 2014

Holland America Line’s Noordam will now sail cruises with central and western Mediterranean itineraries in spring and summer 2014.

The new itineraries will allow for longer voyages, including the introduction of three new 11-day itineraries with several departures each and numerous Collectors’ Voyages up to 33 days.

The new Noordam itineraries replace the previously published cruises that included Egypt, which was cancelled due to continued unrest in the area.

From April through October 2014, the ship will sail between Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, and Barcelona, Spain, or Venice, Italy. The 11-day itineraries feature a combination of calls in Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Tunisia, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and Turkey. Guests who want a longer vacation can combine two or three back-to-back voyages to form a 22- or 33-day Collectors’ Voyage. These extended itineraries offer a more in-depth cruise and allow for extra time ashore to become immersed in the culture and history of the Mediterranean.

“The central and western Mediterranean cruises feature a variety of popular ports in 10 countries so our guests can explore the top highlights of the region,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president of sales, marketing and guest programs. “For travelers with more time, the different itineraries can be combined into an ultimate Mediterranean cruise experience with few, if any, repeated ports.”

Departing April 4, May 18, July 1 and Aug. 14, the “Mediterranean Explorer” voyage sails from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome). The cruise begins with an overnight at Barcelona and continues on to Marseille (Provence), France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Calvi, Corsica; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy; La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia, and Palermo and Naples, Italy. The ship sails the reverse itinerary, ending with an overnight at Barcelona, May 7, June 20, Aug. 3 and Oct. 8.

The “Adriatic Dream” itinerary departs April 15, May 29, July 12 and Aug. 25 from Civitavecchia (Rome) and sails to Venice, where guests enjoy an overnight before disembarking. Along the route the ship calls at Messina, Sicily, Italy, after scenic cruising along the Strait of Messina; Valletta, Malta; Argostolion and Kerkira (Corfu), Greece; Kotor, Montenegro, and Dubrovnik, Korcula and Split, Croatia.

The “Mediterranean Dream” cruise departs April 26, June 9, July 23 and Sept. 5 from Venice and sails to Civitavecchia (Rome). This itinerary features six calls throughout the beautiful Greek Isles, including Katakolon (Olympia), Navplion, Piraeus (Athens), Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini. The ship also calls at Kusadasi, Turkey, home to Ephesus, and Naples, Italy.

The Sept. 16 “Venetian Adventure” voyage sails round-trip Civitavecchia (Rome) with an overnight at Venice mid-voyage. The ship also calls at Messina after scenic cruising along the Strait of Messina, Valletta, Kotor, Split, Dubrovnik and Kerkira (Corfu).

A round-trip Civitavecchia (Rome) “Mediterranean Dream” cruise departs Sept. 27 and calls at Katakolon (Olympia), Navplion, Piraeus (Athens), Mykonos, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Santorini and Naples.

Travelers looking to explore more of the Mediterranean can book a longer Collectors’ Voyage that combines two or three of the 11-day cruises. For example, the 33-day “Best of the Mediterranean” cruise departs April 4 and combines the April 4, 15 and 26 departures. The 22-day “Mediterranean and Adriatic Explorer” combines the May 18, 29 and June 9 sailings. Each month through September will offer a combination that features 22- to 33-day Collectors’ Voyage options.

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