NCL “Freestyle 2.0″ Enhancements
December 20, 2007
On board the newly christened Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) yesterday announced a “Freestyle 2.0″ fleet-wide enhancement program, which is already being rolled out and will be completed in 2008. The enhancements include a major investment in the dining experience; an upgrade of staterooms; new onboard activities; additional recognition, service and amenities for balcony, suite and villa guests; and a relaunch of a tiered Latitudes past guest recognition program. NCL said the initiative has been driven by feedback from guests and travel agents and has been enabled by Apollo Management’s $1 billion investment in NCL and Star Cruises’ continued commitment and vision.
New Freestyle 2.0 dining highlights include an increased investment in food of $50 million, equating to a 20 percent increased investment in food per passenger per day plus major fleet-wide capital investments; “Lobster Galore,” which includes lobster in the main restaurant on multiple days and in one restaurant every night of the cruise; a signature specialty dish in every restaurant, such as a 48-ounce Porterhouse in Cagney’s Steakhouse; and a chocolate fondue tower in the action station buffet restaurant; tablecloths, muted lighting and enhanced service in the action station restaurant; lunch on sea days in one or two alternative restaurants; a new and expanded room service menu; a welcome aboard glass of sparkling wine; samplings from the specialty restaurants on embarkation day; major hardware investment on all buffets in the Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Pearl action station restaurant; and a back-of-house investment to refine the reservations process and system.
In staterooms, improvements include upgraded bedding, sheets, pillows, duvets, towels and bathrobes; upgraded amenities including coffee maker and expanded TV offerings; and the addition of sofa beds to suite categories. Balcony and mini-suites will get a colored key card for shipwide recognition; an “at-your-service” hotline; a separate check-in for balcony and mini-suite guests; a personal escort to accommodations; and priority disembarkation. Suites and Villas will get concierge and butler service; welcome champagne; upgraded canapés everyday; private breakfast/lunch in Cagney’s Restaurant; an exclusive concierge lounge; priority disembarkation and restaurant reservations; and butler presence and private breakfast/lunch in the Courtyard.
Onboard activity enhancements include additional educational, entertainment and lifestyle programs called “NCL ‘U’,” new classes such as Improv, organic cooking, bartending, sommelier, etc.; an enhanced health and wellness program; an enhanced pool deck experience; drink flags to call for service on all deck chairs; and Evian spritz, cold towels and quiet times by the pool. The Latitudes program will soon include various tiers rewarding spend and frequency; a new range of benefits; and a staffed concierge lounge for Latitudes members. Freestyle 2.0 enhancements will begin rolling out immediately and will be largely implemented by summer 2008.
