Norwegian Cruise Line has received the World Travel Award as “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” for the fifth consecutive year.

The annual awards, in its 19th edition held in Portugal this year, recognise travel companies for delivering an outstanding customer experience and are voted by travel agents and consumers worldwide. Norwegian, which has been honoured with the accolade in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, had for the first time this summer deployed four Freestyle Cruising vessels in Europe offering an array of sailings ranging from four to fourteen nights and will next summer again deploy four ships in Europe.

Alex Busquets, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Senior Sales Manager Spain and Portugal, accepted the award during the gala ceremony held in Portugal, on October 6, 2012. “We are delighted that travel partners and consumers from around the world have chosen us for this award for the fifth year in a row,” said Francis Riley, Vice President and General Manager International, Norwegian Cruise Line. “This underlines that our wide array of cruises in Europe and our innovative Freestyle Cruising product are very well perceived by both guests and the industry professionals.”

Norwegian’s European sailings provide guests with the opportunity to visit the most beautiful places in Europe in a short period of time. Norwegian’s newest and most innovative ship to date, Norwegian Epic, sails the Western Mediterranean during the summer season, allowing guests to explore historic destinations such as Rome, Pompeii and Pisa in a seven-night round trip from Barcelona. In 2013, Epic will sail this itinerary on various dates between 5 May and 13 October.

During the winter season, two of the line’s modern cruise resorts sail European waters: Norwegian Spirit cruises to the Canary Islands and Madeira from Barcelona and Málaga and Norwegian Jade visits the Eastern Mediterranean and The Holy Land on 10- and 11-night cruises from/to Civitavecchia (Rome).

Other ships sailing in Europe throughout 2013/14 include Norwegian Jade, sailing the Greek Isles and Adriatic from/to Venice in summer; Norwegian Spirit, sailing the Mediterranean between Barcelona and Venice; and Norwegian Star sailing the Baltic Capitals out of Copenhagen.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is an internationally operating cruise line headquartered in Miami, Florida with two offices in Wiesbaden and London overseeing operations in Europe.

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 45-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility. In October 2011 the company launched its new brand platform “Cruise like a Norwegian” that celebrates the community of diverse holiday makers who are passionate about their experiences and highlights the key elements of Freestyle Cruising.

Today, Norwegian Cruise Line has 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing the guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise holiday on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea. The company has two 4.000-passenger vessels on order: Norwegian Breakaway for delivery in April 2013 and Norwegian Getaway for delivery in early 2014.

Norwegian’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010. In the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons, the cruise line will have four ships sailing in European waters. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, appearing for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert®, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos and Nickelodeon™, the number-one entertainment brand for kids. Cirque Dreams® & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top.

In October 2012, the cruise line received the World Travel Award as “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” for the fifth year running.

Source: ncl.eu