Del Rio has a big announcement early 2016

[Casino Comp Chick]

Whoopdeedoo in between another comment about jacking up prices he has another announcement to make.

I bet it's the "We are going to Cuba" announcement. From speaking to workers on the ship it's become an obsession of his. Can't say I have ever even wanted to go there but I think Delrio thinks no ones life is complete without it.

 

Those looking for breaking news from the exec’s interview got, if not that, at least a promise of news to come: He revealed that early in 2016, NCL would have “a major announcement” to make, although there was no indication as to what it might be. - See more at: http://cruiseradio.net/cruise-boss-tells-guests-pay-up/#sthash.XL4KzA8K.dpuf

[eroller]

I was hoping for a retirement announcement!

 

Well no such luck so probably Cuba. He has stated in the past that Oceania will likely be the first NCLH brand to sail to Cuba, on one of the original trio of ships.

 

Obviously this is significant to him being Cuban and Oceania Cruises his first born.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I was hoping for a retirement announcement!

 

Well no such luck so probably Cuba. He has stated in the past that Oceania will likely be the first NCLH brand to sail to Cuba, on one of the original trio of ships.

 

Obviously this is significant to him being Cuban and Oceania Cruises his first born.

 

Ernie,

 

Good thing i wasn't drinking anything when I read your post! :D

 

Bill

Edited December 29, 2015 by S.S.Oceanlover

[casofilia]

The other possibility is China.

 

Mike

[eroller]

The other possibility is China.

 

Mike

 

 

China is already announced. The former NORWEGIAN BLISS will be renamed (something in Chinese) and outfitted especially for the Chinese market. The 3rd Breakaway Plus newbuild will then likely be named NORWEGIAN BLISS and enter the North American market.

[marvholly]

Nope, not Cuba.

 

more likely they will now be charging for lido deck pizz, burgers, hot dogs & fries. For OUR convience of course.

[Froggitt]

All inclusive.

[FreestyleNovice]

Escape to Europe. :D

[EyeSeaEwe]

If you don't want to cruise to Cuba then do not book a cruise that sails there. I know you think that NCL plans everything they choose to do with your total approval in mind but unfortunately that is just not the case.

[roxette]

Probably Cuba.

 

Possibly Harvest Caye.

[flipper32]

He can't go to Cuba it's illegal, the President has loosened the ban he can't lift it, only the Congress can. There is virtually no shot of that happening in the near future especially in an election year. Americans can only visit Cuba on special "educational" tours by selected operators.

[bmwman]

Escape to Europe. :D

 

Great idea but more likely Epic to stay in North America and leave Europe!

[roxette]

Great idea but more likely Epic to stay in North America and leave Europe!

 

In that case NCL need to send a newer ship to Barcelona, to compete with Harmony of the seas or whichever Oasis class ship Royal sends.

[sc2011]

This article seems to provide more of a clue to what the announcement may be about.

 

http://www.travelweekly.com/Preview2016/Frank-Del-Rio-Norwegian-Cruise-Line-Holdings

[luvtheships]

Nope, not Cuba.

 

 

 

more likely they will now be charging for lido deck pizz, burgers, hot dogs & fries. For OUR convience of course.

 

 

No no no they don't announce when they will charge you for burgers and fries. Lol

 

They advertise constantly that those are free things ....and then after one cruise of them being free....they add a charge!! Lol

 

For our convenience of course

[NLH Arizona]

He can't go to Cuba it's illegal, the President has loosened the ban he can't lift it, only the Congress can. There is virtually no shot of that happening in the near future especially in an election year. Americans can only visit Cuba on special "educational" tours by selected operators.

I thought I read a week or so ago that the United States and Cuba agreed to restore commercial flights to Cuba. American Airlines said they hoped to be flying there as early as they can in 2016. Also, it is said that our government is expected to approve 20 flights a day to Havana and some to other cities as well.

[sjbdtz]

This article seems to provide more of a clue to what the announcement may be about.

 

http://www.travelweekly.com/Preview2016/Frank-Del-Rio-Norwegian-Cruise-Line-Holdings

 

 

 

Indeed. He's announced China, Cuba, new ships, all in that article.

 

So those won't be the upcoming announcement.

 

 

I suspect it'll be new British Isles itineraries with a dedicated ship homeporting there.

 

.

[NYcruzzer]

Probably Cuba.

 

Possibly Harvest Caye.

 

Not unless NCL is planning to offer people to people cruises like Carnival's Fathom. Under current embargo sun and fun trips to Cuba are not in compliance under U.S. law

[ESBMommie2]

Whatever it is I hope it will have something to do with Europe. The Epic is leaving and not coming back. Harmony of the Seas also hasn't said anything about it coming back to Europe past 2016. It would be nice to have a new mega ship here.

[eroller]

All inclusive.

 

 

I think you might be onto something here. In the Travel Weekly article he talks about elevating the Norwegian brand to the upper end of the contemporary market. He also mentions a major refit program for existing ships. Right after that he says there will be a major announcement in early 2016 so it's possible it might be related.

 

I'm guessing it will be NCL becoming more inclusive as a brand or something to do with even further ship enhancements that haven't been revealed yet.

 

Or perhaps more details on being the first to sleep in the highest priced suite on SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER! He seems especially proud of that accomplishment! LOL

[vicocala]

The context of the listed article seems to indicate that the major announcement will be in the refurbishment of existing vessels. Perhaps new restaurants and/or amenities.

[LMaxwell]

If I had to guess....redeployments of ships in the US. Not actually moving ports, but throwing a few 6 or 8 day itineraries in there to shuffle up the dates, or adding alternating itineraries. That way they can shake off everyone booked with promos from 2014 and 2015.

[keeponcruising]

From Del Rio article: "I believe that at some time in 2016 an American cruise ship will sail into Havana harbor."

 

Does that mean he plans on having an American flagged ship sailing there? A sister ship to POA?

[keeponcruising]

Fathom will be going there and I do not believe it is an American flagged ship. Also, I don't think he would refer to a Carnival ship in his article.

[paulh84]

I would think there is a ton of infrastructure work to be done in Cuba before it's ready for any kind of mainstream cruise line activity. Considering people complain about Tortola...let alone a place that hasn't been touched in nearly 60 years.