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Norwegian completes upgrades of three ships

Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star were all revitalized as part of Norwegian Cruise Line's 'Norwegian Edge' program.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

August 10, 2018

3 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

They feature new designs and venues including Los Lobos Cantina and the adults-only enclave Spice H2O. Syd Norman’s Pour House, an American rock ‘n’ roll bar and lounge, makes its debut aboard Norwegian Breakaway.

The  2013-built Norwegian Breakaway also gained upgraded accommodations, public spaces and more during a two-week dry dock in Brest, France.

Syd Norman’s Pour House

Syd Norman’s Pour House replaced Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club, and is a tribute to the grandfather of 'Rock of Ages' playwright Chris D’Arenso and modeled after influential rock houses such as CBGBs, The Rainbow and the Fillmore. Vintage décor, diner-style seating and a playlist of classic rock from the late 1960s to 1980s are offered.

Three times a week, cast members from 'Rock of Ages' will treat patrons to specialty cocktails named after rock ‘n’ roll classics like 'The Witchy Woman' in the interactive 'Syd Norman’s Experience.' Patrons also can rock out to a five-person band playing classics six nights a week.

Additional Norwegian Breakaway upgrades included enhancements to Bliss Ultra Lounge with new, premium furniture, new carpet in all 2,014 staterooms and suites, a full transformation of the gift shop and new carpet in the staircases, elevators and lobbies.

A modern take on traditional Mexican favorites

The 2001-built Norwegian Sun underwent a three-week bow-to-stern renovation in Victoria, BC. Three new venues–Los Lobos Cantina, Bliss Ultra Lounge and Spinnaker Lounge—joined the refreshed staterooms and public spaces.

Los Lobos Cantina offers a modern take on traditional Mexican favorites like guacamole prepared tableside, tacos al pastor, enchiladas de mole and handcrafted margaritas. Replacing Las Ramblas Bar and Restaurant, the Cantina features leather banquettes, dark wood tables and seating and ranchero-style design accents.

Bliss Ultra Lounge, formerly Dazzles, is the new bar and nightclub where passengers can begin or end their evenings. Enhancements include an updated look with new plush seating, cocktail tables, bar stools, chandeliers, wall sconces, wall coverings, ornamental ceilings and a wooden dance floor.

The Spinnaker Lounge replaces the Observation Lounge and showcases a fresh design with a natural color palette in blue, beige and tan. New to the venue are leather chairs, carpet, chandeliers, wall coverings and a stone-top bar.

All 968 staterooms were upgraded with smart televisions and USB ports as well as new carpet, artwork and select furniture. The revitalized accommodations have a palette of cool blue hues and silver and turquoise accents. Abstract art adorns the staterooms and suites for a modern feel.

The renovations also touched dining outlets and public spaces including Cagney’s, La Cucina, Le Bistro, Teppanyaki, Mandara Spa, Stardust Lounge Theater, Splash Academy and other areas.

New nightlife spots

Following a nearly three-week dry dock in Barcelona, Spain, Norwegian Star emerged with enhancements to its staterooms, public spaces, restaurants, bars and lounges. The 2001-built ship also unveiled three new venues: Sky High Bar, Bliss Ultra Lounge and Spice H2O.

Sky High Bar showcases a new design complete with an updated bar and seating for close to 120. Replacing Bier Garten, the outdoor bar and lounge offers the best views on board.

Bliss Ultra Lounge replaces Spinnaker Lounge for late-night entertainment and now has a light, neutral color palette and a complete redesign with new carpet, custom loungers, seating, an upgraded bar and artwork.

For the first time, Norwegian Star offers the adults-only Spice H2O. This venue features a private pool, hot tubs, full bar and uninterrupted ocean views. During the day, it makes an ideal spot for sunbathing, and at night it transforms into an open-air lounge with live entertainment, DJs and themed parties.

Updated staterooms and Garden Villas

All 1,174 staterooms and suites were outfitted with USB ports, enhanced with over 1,500 artworks and upgraded with new carpet, headboards and select furniture. The three-bedroom Garden Villas, which feature private deck areas and can accommodate up to seven people, were also remodeled in a light and airy design.

Additional enhancements were made to the bars and lounges, restaurants and public spaces including Atrium Café & Bar, Garden Café and the main dining rooms. A VIP section was added in the casino.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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