As Norwegian Cruise Line christens its latest vessel at a ceremony in Miami, Lucy Huxley gets the low-down on the ship’s offering from five UK agent champions
A
gents have hailed the newest addition to Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet,Norwegian Luna,
after attending the ship’s naming ceremony in Miami. The 3,500-passenger ship is the
fourth in the Prima Class and was praised by UK trade partners for the variety it offered family, luxury and solo clients, as well as its “West End- level” shows, “sensational” dining and “epic” rides, including the Aqua Slidecoaster and drop slide. After the christening, five UK
agent champions chosen this year to work with NCL on trade strategy joined a three-night sailing to the company’s private Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay. The destination is undergoing a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, which is expected to be completed this summer. The renovation will add a
two-ship pier, a 1.4-acre pool area, adult-only Vibe Shore Club, family-friendly Splash Harbour and Great Tides Waterpark with 19 waterslides and an 800ft “dynamic river”, among other changes. Great Stirrup Cay is to feature on
itineraries from 17 ships throughout 2026, including Luna, which will
10 9 APRIL 2026
Angela Perkins Designer Travel
So many things stood out for me
and there’s so much on offer, especially for families. Decks 16 and 17 in particular are sensational for families, with the Aqua Slidecoaster, mini golf, children’s club, pickleball court and more. The speciality dining is sensational, which is great for families who want to cruise without compromising on quality. It’s definitely a premium family experience. The spa is as good as award-winning spas I’ve been to on land, and when you’re in there, you know there’s loads for your kids to be doing elsewhere. When I get back I’ll share the experiences I’ve had on board with Designer Travel’s Fab Bank [the agency’s in-house database]. I already have clients in mind for this ship. I really hope I sell a lot of it because it’s a fabulous product.
sail seven-day Caribbean itineraries between April and October from Florida, alongside sister ship Norwegian Aqua. In an onboard interview, NCL’s
new president Marc Kazlauskas stressed the private island was the biggest of any cruise line, which meant there was “room to grow”, and promised Great Stirrup Cay would be “better even than our neighbours”. He said: “The new NCL is
about strategising for the future and collaborating on what we are going to do with this fabulous island as we continue to build it out, address the multi-generational audience and make sure we are always there for advisors.” Kazlauskas called Luna “a
magnificent ship” and “a dream come
Onboard sculpture
true”, adding he would “not make a lot of changes” with future ships including Norwegian Aura. This comes as NCL also plans to reprise its 1990s strapline It’s Different Out Here in a UK campaign this month. Three 30-second adverts are
designed to “set NCL apart in a sea of sameness”, according to chief marketing officer Kiran Smith.
John Ryrie Travel Counsellors I have a lot of high-end customers who would love The Haven on this ship. The ship-within-a-ship has
everything you would want as a luxury client: spacious suites, butler service and private facilities including a concierge, restaurant, two-level sun deck and private pool, sauna and steam room. It’s perfect for those who want the benefits of more variety on a larger ship, such as the choice of entertainment, activities and dining, with the exclusive feel of small-ship luxury.
travelweekly.co.uk
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