Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing new ship Norwegian Epic to Southampton on June 22 next year for a two-night inaugural for trade partners.
The visit, announced on a live “inside NCL” online event yesterday evening, is part of a big programme of inaugurals planned to show off the ship to as many passengers and agents as possible before it starts its revenue cruises from Miami.
There will also be a two-night cruise from Rotterdam for trade partners and media on June 19-21 and a one-night revenue ‘taster’ cruise from Rotterdam to Southampton on June 21.
The naming ceremony is in New York on July 2 and will be followed by a three-night cruise, and there will also be a two-night cruise from Miami for agents and the media.
NCL UK general manager Stephen Park said he is expecting 2,500 trade partners for the Southampton event. Many will be invited, but agents interested in seeing the ship can contact NCL through the NCLU training programme.
He said: “This is a unique opportunity to showcase the ship to UK agents as it will be based in Miami year-round. It is a recognition of the importance of the UK and European markets that NCL is bringing the ship here even though it will be based in the US.”
Park said he is also planning to take a few top agents to Rotterdam so they can sail back to the UK and then spend another two nights on board in Southampton.
He said: “It’s such a big ship that two nights isn’t enough. I want our top-selling agents to be able to experience the Blue Man Group and as many of our dining venues as possible.”
NCL executive vice-president, global sales and passengers services Andy Stuart said: “This is a fantastic ship and we can’t wait to show it off. And then we are looking forward to filling it with passengers.”