NCL ups Leonardo orders
NORWEGIAN Cruise Line (NCL) has confirmed orders for two additional 3,300-guest ships in its Project Leonardo Class fleet, due for delivery in 2026 and 2027. The 140,000 gross tonne ships will be built by Fincantieri in Italy and will become the fifth and sixth ships in the line’s next-generation Leonardo series.
“Following the Breakaway Plus Class… the highly anticipated Leonardo Class will fuel future growth with exciting and innovative offerings that will meaningfully drive demand from new and loyal returning guests alike,” said NCL president and ceo Andy Stuart.
Parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings now has seven ships on order for NCL and one for sister brand Regent Seven Seas Cruises, giving it eight vessels scheduled for delivery through to 2027.
Scenic Eclipse delayed
Problems at the Uljanik shipyards in Croatia have forced a delay in the launch of Scenic’s much-anticipated discovery yacht Scenic Eclipse, which will now make its debut in January next year.
“Despite the best efforts of our Scenic Eclipse build supervision team to make up construction time, we are not prepared to compromise the quality of the vessel and potentially impact guest experiences to meet the original late August 2018 launch date,” said Scenic founder and chairman Glen Moroney.
“We have apologised to affected guests for the inconvenience caused and confirmed that Scenic will provide a full refund for the cost of their Scenic Eclipse cruise and consideration of any other reasonable associated costs incurred with their travel plans.”
Affected guests will also receive a future cruise credit of 25%, while agent commissions on existing bookings will be honoured.
Seabourn mounts expedition
Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn will enter the expedition market in 2021 when it introduces the first of two new PC6 Polar Class vessels, capable of sailing the Arctic and to Antarctica. The 170m vessels will carry up to 264 guests each and have been ordered shipbuilders T.Mariotti and Damen, with the second ship to enter service in 2022.
“This is a ground-breaking moment for Seabourn and for luxury travellers, who will now find a new standard of authentic yet luxurious expedition adventures in new and amazing destinations few people will ever see,” said Seabourn president Richard Meadows.
