Norwegian Cruise Line Celebrates Landmark Birthday with Special Anniversary Cruises

To celebrate turning 50 this year, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a series of special, celebratory cruises to mark the occasion. The First 50 series of cruises from NCL will celebrate half a century since their maiden voyage from Miami around the Caribbean. The five special cruises will be held aboard Norwegian Breakaway, Getaway, Jade, Gem and Pearl, all embarking on 18 or 19 December.

The full dates are:

December 18

• Norwegian Breakaway from New York to Florida & The Bahamas
• Norwegian Getaway from Miami to the Western Caribbean
• Norwegian Jade from Tampa to the Western Caribbean

December 19

• Norwegian Gem from New York to the Eastern Caribbean (10-days)
• Norwegian Pearl from Miami through the Panama Canal (10 days)

These cruises will feature a series of great extras for passengers celebrating Norwegian Cruise Line’s birthday, including free on-board credit.

In addition to the special cruises, the line will also celebrate their half century by inviting passengers and loyal fans to post their favourite photos and memories of time spent on the NCL fleet, using the hashtag, #norwegiansfirst50.

It is 50 years since Norwegian Cruise Line’s maiden voyage from Miami to explore the Caribbean. It was the M/S Sunward who undertook that maiden voyage, becoming the first member of the NCL fleet when she joined from Kloster Sunward Ferries in 1966. The ship remained with the line for seven years, before embarking on a relatively nomadic career, sailing under the banners of more than ten different cruise, ferry, charter and shipping lines before being sold off to the breakers in 2004.

The line was originally known as Norwegian Caribbean Lines, and has steadily grown to become one of the world’s largest, best-loved and most-recognised cruise lines. Today, the cruise line operates a fleet of 14 ships (with another three set to join the fleet over the next three years) and itineraries which travel to more than 300 destinations in every corner of the globe.

With plans to extend more into the Chinese cruise market, and a strong showing in the recent World Travel Awards, Norwegian Cruise Line is looking healthy after 50 years. So, here is to the next 50!

Interested in celebrating Norwegian Cruise Line’s birthday aboard one of their ships? Head over to our dedicated page or call our friendly sales team on 0808 2746 777 for a great selection of NCL deals, cruising all around the globe.

Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credit: Arno Redenius