NCL continues $400M fleet refurbishment

Norwegian Cruise Line is continuing with a significant two-year $400 million investment through 2017, from ship hardware to culinary enhancements and exclusive private destination developments.

Dubbed The Norwegian Edge, the centerpiece of the program is an extensive ship refurbishment initiative which began in October with a full refresh of Norwegian Epic and followed by Norwegian Gem in November; a total of seven additional ships will go into dry dock for both guest-facing and technical enhancements: Pride of America and Norwegian Sun in spring 2016; Norwegian Dawn in summer 2016; Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Pearl in winter 2017; and Norwegian Jade in spring 2017.

Norwegian has further expanded plans for the line's privately-owned destinations including the development of the cruise line's resort-style experience at Harvest Caye, Belize. This resort-style port of call will feature an expansive pool, exclusive beach, shallow lagoon for watersports, private luxury cabanas and more.

Considerable new features are also in store for the line's private Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay. The island was recently enhanced in 2014 and will debut several new offerings and high quality amenities for guests by spring 2017, including private spaces, luxury relaxation areas, multiple food and beverage outlets and interactive activities.

New for 2016, all ships in Norwegian's fleet now offer upgraded complimentary dining room menus and the addition of optional à la carte priced items in the main dining rooms. Beginning on Jan. 31, Norwegian will also be expanding the new specialty dining menus that debuted on Norwegian Escape across the fleet.

These new menus will be offered on Norwegian Breakaway as of Jan. 31; Norwegian Getaway on Feb. 14; Norwegian Epic on March 6; Pride of America after her dry dock on March 15; Norwegian Gem on April 1; and Norwegian Dawn after her dry dock in June.