NCL and Bermuda Sign 10-Year Agreement

NCL and Bermuda have announced that they have signed a 10-year agreement for ships to visit the popular island. Starting in 2009, NCL will have two of their newer ships designed for Freestyle sailing from Boston and New York to the Dockyards in Bermuda.

From Boston, NCL has an exclusive contract, and will sail the Norwegian Spirit. The schedule is for Friday sailings, with Sunday through Wednesday docked at King's Wharf.

Out of New York, the Norwegian Dawn will sail on Sundays and will be docked at King's Wharf Wednesday through Friday.

In addition, in 2009, the smaller Norwegian Majesty will sail a 7-night program from Charleston, Philadelphia and Baltimore to St. George's. There is no agreement to operate from those cities beyond 2009.

Beyond the fact this is a long-term agreement, the fact that Bermuda is actively seeking these larger ships, which can only dock at King's Wharf, signals a change in policy from wanting the ships to be in Hamilton and St. George's. The fact is that there are now few cruise ships of a size to enter those harbors, and they are tasked to other areas of the world during the summer season. Consequently, Bermuda is investing in a fleet of fast ferries able to make the journey from King's Wharf to Hamilton in just 15 minutes. But it will take a bit of adjustment for cruisers used to being docked right in town.

In addition to the Freestyle dining offered onboard the ships (which is actually a good fit to this type of itinerary), NCL will continue to partner with restaurants ashore to offer discounted dining around the island. If you choose to sail to Bermuda aboard NCL, I highly recommend you take advantage of these offers to enjoy the evening ashore. Yes, you've paid for the food aboard the ship, but you're missing something if you always head back to the ship when the sun goes down.

NCL is also making a committment to the island culturally through sponsorship of various activities. As part of the agreement, NCL will partner with Bermuda's Department of Tourism and Chamber of Commerce to be a sponsor for the annual Bermuda Music Festival, supporting the St. George's Foundation and the Bermudian Heritage Association with a contribution of $275,000, according to Bermuda's Premier, Dr. Ewart Brown. It's clear this is a long-term relationship between NCL and Bermuda, going beyond mere port calls.