johnnypiano

Accorrding to PtzTV - the Norwegian Dawn has run aground upon sailaway and has launched their lifeboats.

Anyone have any further information?

A lot of good ideas here. Thanks.

Where is Clocktower Mall?

If you walk from the ship towards the pharmacy/rum cake factory, the Clocktower Mall is to the left.

Here is what we did for a three day itinerary last September:

Day 1 (Wednesday) -

Take 9:30am Ferry to St. George's.

Rent scooters upon arrival.

Drive scooters around St. George's - see many forts (including Fort St. Catherine), unfinished church, Lilly perfumery, shopping.

Return scooters in SG. Hop on bus.

Stop at Crystal Caves.

Lunch at Swizzle Inn (right next to Crystal Caves).

Bus to Hamilton.

Shopping in Hamilton.

Ferry back to Dockyard.

Day 2 (Thursday) -

Morning Jet Ski tour through Somerset Bridge Watersports.

Taxi to Elbow Beach.

Late Morning/Afternoon at Elbow Beach.

Taxi to Dockyard.

Late afternoon shopping in Dockyard.

Frog and the Onion in the evening.

Day 3 (Friday) -

Early morning horseback riding on the sand dunes.

Rest of the morning/early afternoon at Horseshoe Bay Beach.

Taxi back to Dockyard.

Afternoon shopping at Clocktower Mall.

The only thing I would probably alter, looking back, was I probably would not do Elbow Beach. There are no changing rooms or vendors there. I would probably pony up the $59pp and go to Coco Reef resort. (Or just do Horseshoe two days in a row).

John

I just heard on the radio on the webcam that Brilliance of the Seas is preparing to take on pilot. However, they also said that the port is still closed in all zones.

Sort of....there is a particular Travel Agent that has partnered with Norwegian to offer "myTime" benefits, including:

· Exclusive myTime branded electronic luggage tags (Please have these printed and attached to your luggage for arrival into Pier 88 in New York City to enjoy this benefit).

· Exclusive myTime expedited luggage delivery service.

· Exclusive myTime check in area located just after security at Pier 88 in New York City.

Utilizing "myTime" we were able to get from curb to cabin in about 15 minutes.

Works for me. Try using Chrome instead of Internet Explorer?

It looks like our friend Edouard (f/k/a 91L) is still predicted to turn to the north sometime in the next few days and have no impact on Bermuda....

Per the National Hurricane Center this morning:

Shower activity associated with a broad area of low pressure

centered about 750 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands has become

better organized during the past several hours. If current trends

continue, a tropical depression could form later today or tonight

while the low moves toward the west-northwest and northwest at about

15 mph over the open Atlantic.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...high...70 percent.

* Formation chance through 5 days...high...90 percent.

Looks like it's tracking towards Bermuda!

OP - check out our roll call. We've been discussing the weather forecast. It's also been discussed on the "Hurricane Zone 2014" board. Right now nothing has developed, so nothing to worry about. Even if it does develop the likelihood that it effects Bermuda next week is slim.

Roll call - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1824729

Hurricane Zone - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2098079

Nope. No one else. Just you. ;)

In all seriousness, check out the roll call. We have a pretty active one.

Also, the National Association of Travel Agents is having their annual global convention on the Breakaway that week.

Any update on 91L? Going to Bermuda next week!

Interesting financial news tidbit but unless you are a NCL shareholder (or debt holder) it's another "who cares" moment.

I'm sorry you feel that way.

While there will be no immediate impact among those who sail NCL, they spoke about potential cost savings and synergies among the brands. There is also potential for bringing some aspects and best practices from Oceania and Regent onto NCL. Specifically on the conference call they spoke about increasing the offerings and quality of the Haven.

Also, the overall financial health of the company makes sure that your experience on NCL is always top quality.

http://investor.ncl.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=868467

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Agrees to Acquire Prestige Cruises International, Inc. for $3.025 Billion

Acquisition immediately accretive to earnings without synergies; initial $25 million of synergies will result in high single-digit percentage adjusted EPS accretion

 

Combination results in a diversified cruise operator with leading global cruise brands across market segments

 

Transaction enhances already best-in-class financial metrics

 

MIAMI, Sept. 2, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. ("Norwegian Cruise Line" or "Norwegian," (Nasdaq:NCLH)), a leading global cruise operator, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Prestige Cruises International, Inc. ("Prestige"), the market leader in the upscale cruise segment and parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, in cash and stock for a total transaction consideration of $3.025 billion, including the assumption of debt.

 

"The acquisition of Prestige represents an extraordinary opportunity for Norwegian Cruise Line to expand our market presence by adding two established, award-winning brands in the upscale cruise segment with loyal followings," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "Not only does this acquisition immediately enhance our financial performance, but it also deepens the bench of talent that we have been developing over the years. Our complementary strengths and skillsets will pave the way for new cross-selling opportunities, cross-brand collaboration, cross-business support, as well as joint partnerships which, coupled with meaningful synergies that can be quickly implemented, will provide solid accretion to earnings per share and drive long-term shareholder value," added Sheehan.

 

"We are excited to become part of the Norwegian family and start a new chapter for our company," said Frank Del Rio, chairman and CEO of Prestige. "With Oceania and Regent, we have built iconic brands with distinctive product offerings and strong customer loyalty. The combination is very compelling and will allow us to further enhance our renowned guest experience. We are looking forward to joining the Norwegian team and building upon the success that our three brands have already achieved."

 

Prestige operates eight ships and approximately 6,500 berths under two segment-leading brands. Oceania Cruises is the market leader in the upper-premium cruise segment with five ships offering destination-oriented cruise vacations to more than 330 ports around the globe, gourmet culinary experiences, elegant accommodations and personalized service. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the market leader in the luxury cruise segment and operates three award-winning, all-suite ships, with an additional ship on order for delivery in summer 2016. Regent offers the industry's most inclusive luxury vacation experience visiting over 250 destinations worldwide. Frank Del Rio will remain chief executive officer of Prestige.

 

"The combination of three distinct brands, each serving a different market segment, under one umbrella immediately creates an industry-leading cruise operator with an unmatched growth trajectory and a portfolio of products that allows us to appeal to guests at every stage of their life cycle," added Sheehan. "We are fully committed to retaining the brand propositions, guest experiences and cultures of the Norwegian, Oceania and Regent brands that have allowed each to realize such success."

 

Transaction Rationale

 

The compelling rationale to acquire Prestige includes:

 

The diversification of cruise market segments by adding upper premium and luxury brands;

The further enhancement of industry-leading financial metrics;

Opportunities for synergies and the sharing of best practices among brands;

An increase in economies of scale providing greater operational leverage;

The expansion of growth trajectory and global footprint; and

The opportunity to complement Norwegian's new build program with the existing Regent order that provides measured, orderly capacity growth through 2019.

Transaction Details

 

The total transaction consideration of $3.025 billion includes the assumption of debt. Additionally, a contingent cash consideration of up to $50 million to Prestige shareholders would be payable upon achievement of certain 2015 performance metrics.

 

In early July, Norwegian's Board of Directors formed a Transaction Committee and delegated it full authority to negotiate and approve a transaction. The Committee consisted entirely of disinterested directors. Genting Hong Kong Limited and certain funds affiliated with TPG Capital, each of whose consent was required pursuant to Norwegian's existing shareholders' agreement have consented to the transaction. The Transaction Committee, who retained its own financial and legal advisors, has unanimously approved the transaction. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014.

 

Norwegian will finance the acquisition with existing cash, new and existing debt facilities and the issuance of approximately 20.3 million shares of its common stock. Pursuant to the requirements of NASDAQ Rule 5635, holders of a majority of Norwegian's common stock have consented to the issuance of such shares.

 

Barclays is acting as lead financial advisor to Norwegian, Deloitte Consulting, LLP is acting as diligence advisor and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is providing legal counsel. UBS Investment Bank is acting as financial advisor to Prestige and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is providing legal counsel. Perella Weinberg Partners is acting as financial advisor to the Transaction Committee of the Norwegian Board of Directors and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is providing legal counsel. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Deutsche Bank are also serving as financial advisors to Norwegian. Barclays, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Deutsche Bank have provided committed financing to Norwegian to support the acquisition.

Norwegian Dawn will depart Bermuda at 6 am tomorrow, Tuesday, August 26.

If conditions prevent Norwegian Gem from anchoring at Great Stirrup Cay, tomorrow, Tuesday, August 26, the ship will proceed to Nassau and stay overnight through 6 pm on Wednesday.

Norwegian Breakaway will modify her Bermuda itinerary and sail south to arrive in Port Canaveral, Florida on Wednesday, August 27 and will call in Nassau on Thursday, August 28.

Bill -

As to your first question, Breakaway always docks head first into the NY pier.

I can't speak much to the NY side, but on the NJ side, Liberty State Park would be a great vantage point, as well as Pier A in Hoboken. Liberty State Park opens at 6am. I think Pier A is open 24/7.

Liberty State Park - take the NJ Turnpike extension to exit 14B and follow signs to the park.

Hoboken Pier A - Take US 495 East to the Hoboken exit. Make a right onto Park Ave and follow that into Hoboken. Pier A is on Sinatra Drive at 1st Street.

John

We have an early morning horseback ride and need to be in Warwick by 6:30am on a Friday. If we get off the ship at 6am, will there be taxis ready and waiting? Or should I call a dispatch company the night before to schedule a taxi to pick us up?

I wonder if Breakaway or Summit will alter their course to Bermuda to avoid the path of the storm.

I would suggest staying at the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor in Weekhawken, NJ. The ferry departs right in front of the hotel and goes to Pier 80 in midtown. Then it is an easy 10-minute walk up the "Hudson River Greenway" to Pier 88. You don't even have to deal with the city streets. The Sheraton will likely be cheaper than anything you'd find in midtown Manhattan.

I will be on the 9/28 sailing to Bermuda. Does NCL allow you to bring a bottle or 2 of wine on board in your carry-on? How about water?

You may bring bottled water and soft drinks on board at no cost. You may bring wine onboard, subject to a corkage fee of $15 for 750 mL or $30 for 1,500 mL. Any other alcohol is not permitted to be brought onboard.

http://www.ncl.com/faq#alcohol-consumption

http://www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/prepare-for-your-cruise/what-to-pack

Without wishing to decry you from the amazing value of $650 in on board credits, I am staggered as to where these amounts come from. I have never had as much as $1 in OBC's and am curious as to how you obtained $500 from a NCL promotion.

This time I booked over a year in advance through a travel agent and was charged the full rate with no discount or OBC's. Where am I going wrong?

Don't book over a year in advance. Most promotions seem to apply for cruises within the next 6-9 months. Also, keep an eye on the promotions. "Wave Season" (January-ish through March-ish) tends to have the best deals. NCL usually seems to put out a pretty good promotion in the summer. (For example, right now, you could get Kids Sail Free, Free Upgrades and up to $250 OBC). Also, they tend to have a lot of last minute deals for cruises during non-peak times.

Just curious--how did you learn of this little boy's condition? Hoping he will be OK. It would be nice if the family could rejoin the cruise; however' date=' as a parent (and grandparent), I think I might be too shook up after this incident.

 

Agree with other posters--a 4-yr. old is too young to be left alone up on a bunk, even with rails. A lesson learned the hard way for these folks.[/quote']

 

An earlier posted had shared this link to the article in the AC Press - http://www.nj.com/south/index.ssf/2014/07/cruise_ship_coast_guard_rendezvous_near_atlantic_city_to_rescue_4-year-old_boy_with_head_injury.html

 

The boy was reported to be in stable condition, according to the Coast Guard.

Good to hear that the boy is stable. Maybe they'll be able to rendezvous with the ship in Bermuda and make the best of the vacation!

Shoot - I missed it! Thanks for those who got the screen shots!

I'll be keeping an eye on the ship webcam, which should get interesting if they do an evac.

http://www.ncl.com/shipcams/bawaycam/fullsize.jpg?browser_popup=640x480