The Norwegian Dawn entered service in 2002. It is 965 feet long, has a maximum beam
of 105 feet, has a top speed of 25 knots, has a gross tonnage of 92,250, has 15
guest decks with a double occupancy of 2, 224, and flies under a Bahamian flag.
Other fun facts about Norwegian Cruise Line . . .
- It was
established in 1966 when one of Norway’s most respected shipping
companies, Klosters Rederi A/S, acquired the M/S Sunward and repositioned
the ship from Europe to the then obscure Port of Miami. The name of the company, at that
time, was Norwegian Caribbean Line.
- NCL
was the first to launch a single-class atmosphere of informal luxury. This was a new concept in the
industry. It meant that
cruises to the Caribbean were no longer simply a means of transportation,
but the ship itself became a destination to offer guests an exciting and
affordable alternative to land-based resorts.
- The
company changed its name to Norwegian Cruise Line in 1987.
- In
2000, the company introduced the innovative “Freestyle Cruising,”
challenging the conventional model of the cruise product, allowing a more
relaxed, resort-styled vacation, with the option to eat when and where you
want, and to participate in the activities you want, when you want. It also eliminated many of the
“formalities” and “rigidity” of other cruise lines.
- From
June 20-24, 2005, Live with Regis and Kelly, hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa became the first
nationally syndicated TV program to broadcast a full week of shows from
aboard a cruise ship. It was
on the inaugural voyage of the Pride of America, which traveled from NYC
down the eastern seaboard.
- In
2011, CBS’ Undercover Boss featured
an episode with NCL’s CEO Kevin Sheehan.
