Here are the main changes that have occurred for Norwegian Cruise Line since March 2020:
Unaffected order book
In May, Norwegian said delays in delivery of new construction are expected due to the effects of COVID-19 on the shipyards. So far, however, none of the company’s new ships have been officially postponed.
After receiving Norwegian Encore in 2019, the company’s displaced capacity growth strategy saw its next new construction scheduled for delivery in 2022, with the Leonardo Project’s first ship, which is one of six.
Not selling ships
Norwegian did not sell any ships in its fleet during the pandemic.
Commenting on the matter, the CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holding said that his company already has a young fleet and there are no sales plans.
Healthy Sail Panel with Royal Caribbean
In July, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings partnered with the Royal Caribbean Group to create improved health and safety standards for cruises. According to the company, the new protocols were planned as a response to the global pandemic COVID-19 and would allow operations to resume safely.
Together, the companies created a group of experts, called “Healthy Candle Panel”.
In September, they released a more than 65-page report detailing 74 best practices for protecting public health and safety for guests, crew and communities where cruise ships call.
Ships in Drydock
While some major dry dock projects were suspended amid the pandemic, Norwegian took advantage of the operational break to send ships to the shipyard.
At least seven ships in the fleet have been in dry dock since March 2020, including Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway.
The ships saw major works in France, which included major renovations to bridges and cabins, the installation of purifiers and new propellers.
In December, the company also announced a partnership with AtmosAir Solutions to install continuous disinfection and air purification systems across the fleet. Filters must be installed before ships return to action.
Norwegian currently plans to resume service in June, with all trips canceled by May 31.
By the numbers:
Ships:
- Ship shed: – 0
- Ships added: + 0
Result: no change
Cribs:
- Bunk shed: – 0.000
- Cribs added: + 0.000
Result: no change