| USA. NCL’s ship Norwegian Sun first to homeport in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina |
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| Monday, 16 October 2006 | |
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Cruising news: Norwegian Sun entered the Port of New Orleans yesterday as the first cruise ship to homeport in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. The ship docked at the city's new $37 million Erato Street Terminal, which is designed to accommodate larger cruise ships. Norwegian Sun calls the Crescent City home for the winter season sailing seven-day exotic Western Caribbean cruise with ports of call including Costa Maya, Mexico; Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala; Belize City, Belize and Cozumel, Mexico. "We're proud to demonstrate our commitment to the city of New Orleans by returning to the city with a big, new balcony-rich ship," said Bob Thye, senior vice president, revenue management and itinerary planning for NCL Corporation ("NCL"). "With 47 million potential passengers living within a 500 mile radius of New Orleans, this vibrant city is a key partner for NCL." "The cruise passengers returning to New Orleans will see that the city's historic beauty and charm is still alive and thriving," said Gary LaGrange, president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans. "With the addition of the Erato Street Cruise Terminal and Parking Garage, the Port is poised to continue to create new cruising opportunities for cruise lines and passengers." In 2004, New Orleans was one of the fastest-growing homeports in the US, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Cruise passenger embarkations and disembarkations in New Orleans grew an astounding 818 percent in the last 11 years prior to Katrina, from approximately 80,000 in 1993 to 753,000 in 2004. The cruise industry also contributes $226 million to the city in direct and indirect sales, and supports more than 2,500 jobs. Built specifically for NCL's signature Freestyle Cruising, which leaves regimented schedules, meal times and dress codes behind, Norwegian Sun accommodates 1,936 passengers and features 10 restaurants, two pools, a casino, a batting cage, and much more. The ship will sail seven-day exotic Western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans for the remainder of 2006 and through April 2007. In late 2007, Norwegian Spirit will drop anchor in the Big Easy sailing seven-day exotic Western Caribbean cruises through April 2008. |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 16 October 2006 ) |
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