Norwegian rolls out all inclusive cruising in the UK and Scandinavia markets

'Meaning what were once extras, including alcoholic and soft beverages and service charges as well as gratuities and tips, are all now covered in the ticket price,' Christian Böll, md EMEA, Norwegian Cruise Line told media at the UK launch in London Monday evening. The initiative was also announced for the Scandinavia market on Monday.

Adults can choose from branded drinks including spirits and cocktails (up to a value of $15 a drink) while children can fill up on juices, water and soft drinks.

Premium All Inclusive also includes complimentary bottled water(one per person per day) in staterooms and selected Lavazza specialty coffees served in all restaurants during meal times.

The offering adds values for guests of more than £1,200 per stateroom, remarked Böll and includes even more extras for guests staying in the line's luxurious suites and The Haven suites ranging from free internet to onboard credits for spa treatments and three complimentary meals in specialty restaurants on a 7 day cruise.

Example All Inclusive fares on a 12 day Norwegian Jade sailing from Southampton to Norway and North Cape departing June 2017, range from £1,849 per person for an inside to £5,559 for The Haven Suite. 

In response to questions posed that Norwegian Cruise Line fares will potentially command a higher price than other brands selling into the UK market, Nick Wilkinson, senior director biz development and gm for Northern Europe and MEA at Norwegian said: 'our competition is mainly land-based resorts offering all inclusive so that is what you need to compare the pricing with and we are finding the offer is attractive as it's clear and easy to understand as there are no surprises at the end of the cruise.'

The new product has already been introduced in several European countries including a debut in the German-speaking markets 15 months ago, France last October and recently in Portugal, Belgium and The Netherlands, informed Miami-based Francis Riley, svp sales and marketing international for Norwegian, currently over in Europe for the Premium All Inclusive launches.

'All Inclusive will make life easier for the travel agent as well as the consumer as it's a faster sales process and there is no need to worry about gratuities and services charges,' Wilkinson told Seatrade Cruise News.

Norwegian Jade, fresh from a makeover is due to arrive in the UK in May and will sail ex Southampton and Hamburg itineraries this summer and return again in 2018.

In total, Norwegian has five ships dedicated to Europe this year and again in 2018: Norwegian Epic is sailing out of Barcelona from April to October 2017/18 with one 4 day cruise from Civitavecchia in October, both seasons.

Norwegian Star sails from Venice to the Greek isles April to October, 2017 and again from June to October in 2018, while Norwegian Getaway is based in Copenhagen this summer sailing in the Baltic Sea and will be replaced next year by Breakaway.

Norwegian Spirit sails out of Civitavecchia on 10/11 day Med cruises from May to November with Canaries and Morocco ex-Barcelona in November/December 2017.