Thread: NCL SUN to Homeport at Port Canaveral

Canaveral Chosen as Norwegian Sun's New Homeport

PORT CANAVERAL, FL— February 10, 2009 – Expanding upon its successful weekly port of calls, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced it will homeport Norwegian Sun at Port Canaveral offering Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises starting in October 2010. It is the first NCL ship to homeport at Canaveral since Norwegian Crown sailed Bermuda cruises in 1997.

"This announcement reflects an important milestone in the execution of our business strategy to expand Port Canaveral’s cruise offerings as we continue to expand our market," says Stan Payne, CEO, Port Canaveral. "We will strive to continue to build our relationship with NCL and welcome Norwegian Sun to our slate of homeported ships."

"By bringing Norwegian Sun to Port Canaveral, we are offering cruisers in Central Florida and to those vacationing in Orlando quick and easy access to Freestyle Cruising," said Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s president and CEO. "In addition, Port Canaveral offers our guests a wide range of pre- and post-cruise packages with the ability to visit a number of family attractions."

The seven-day cruises departing on Saturdays will be offered from October to April. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary features Nassau, Bahamas; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten while the Western Caribbean cruise calls on Cozumel, Mexico; Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala; Belize City, Belize and Key West, Florida. The two distinctive itineraries allow for an exciting 14-day cruise experience.

"Giving guests an NCL product from Port Canaveral for the Central Florida family market is exciting news for our large and expanding ‘drive-to’ and ‘fly-to’ customer base," says Bobby Giangrisostomi, Canaveral’s Deputy Director of Business Development.

Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Majesty, and Norwegian Gem have all made port of call stops at Canaveral. In 2010, Norwegian Jewel also will be added.

"Thousands of port of call passengers have experienced day visits found no where else in the world with Central Florida’s beaches, eco-tours, Orlando attractions, and the Kennedy Space Center and provides the foundation for today’s announcement," says Tom Goodson, Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners.

Hooray!!!

Another ship for the HOME port!!!