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NCL inks long term agreement with BVI

FIRELT5

By FIRELT5,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Demonyte

Demonyte

Posted
Posted (edited)

While Tortola is a nice place and I understand NCL's desire to call to port that is a bit closer to Miami, but still I'm sad about this (from the article linked in first post):

 

"As earlier reported here, the Miami-based Norwegian Getaway is scheduled to replace St. Maarten with Tortola on its seven-day eastern Caribbean program starting in summer 2015."

Edited by Demonyte
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Dave85

Dave85

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Posted
While Tortola is a nice place and I understand NCL's desire to call to port that is a bit closer to Miami, but still I'm sad about this (from the article linked in first post):

 

"As earlier reported here, the Miami-based Norwegian Getaway is scheduled to replace St. Maarten with Tortola on its seven-day eastern Caribbean program starting in summer 2015."

 

Yeah I don't think that's a great trade either. Nothing against Tortola, I just really love St. Maarten.

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gskimmel

gskimmel

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I am sailing in summer 2015 on Getaway and so excited because it's a full day in Tortola vs. the 1/2 day on some of the Gem sailings.

 

I just wish they were replacing Nassau with Tortola, but I'm looking forward to visiting Tortola for sure.

 

I agree. Nassau is our least favorite port, which is why we won't consider the Getaway if it includes that port.

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maja651

maja651

Posted
Posted
While Tortola is a nice place and I understand NCL's desire to call to port that is a bit closer to Miami, but still I'm sad about this (from the article linked in first post):

 

"As earlier reported here, the Miami-based Norwegian Getaway is scheduled to replace St. Maarten with Tortola on its seven-day eastern Caribbean program starting in summer 2015."

 

I wish they would trade Tortola with Nassau instead of St. Maarten. Now, that would be a great itinerary!

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3DBeach

3DBeach

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I wish they would trade Tortola with Nassau instead of St. Maarten. Now, that would be a great itinerary!

 

It would be an amazing itinerary for sure. Hopefully NCL is listening!!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

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Dave85

Dave85

Posted
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I wish they would trade Tortola with Nassau instead of St. Maarten. Now, that would be a great itinerary!

 

I often wonder what the cruise line obsession is with Nassau... I've lost count of the number of times I've been there and don't even bother getting off the ship anymore. Is it just that Nassau is really close to Florida? Is it really cheap to dock there? What is the secret?!! It's a crappy port that doesn't compare to most of the alternatives.

Edited by Dave85
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LrgPizza

LrgPizza

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I think it stinks mostly for Tortola. I hate that they are possibly going to become just another busy touristy crowded island. I've spent time there when no cruise ships were around the entire time. It was so lovely, peaceful and quaint.

 

On the other hand, there will eventually be more restaurant options, shops, etc, and more people will get to experience the beauty of the B.V.I.

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Sauer-kraut

Sauer-kraut

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I often wonder what the cruise line obsession is with Nassau... I've lost count of the number of times I've been there and don't even bother getting off the ship anymore. Is it just that Nassau is really close to Florida? Is it really cheap to dock there? What is the secret?!! It's a crappy port that doesn't compare to most of the alternatives.

 

Because all of NCL's ships have a Bahamian registry (exept Pride of America), so there might be incentive to port there, ie. cheaper port charges.

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Seanote

Seanote

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Follow the money. Its all about fuel costs and the uncertainty of the price in the future. Nassau is only 160nm from Miami. This port will never go away and quite possibly become more frequent stop with the cruise lines. Also, Road Town is about 100nm closer than Philipsburg. Folllow the money.

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GSLMOM

GSLMOM

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I've been to Tortola once before on a non-NCL ship. Our excursion to the Baths on Virgin Gorda (Ferry on our own) ranks within my top 3 favorite outings we have ever done. I would go back there in a heart beat.

 

A friend of mine ranked the Baths as highly as you. I didn't realize this was an option from Tortolla. Thanks for the info!

Edited by GSLMOM
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electricron

electricron

Posted
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I am sailing in summer 2015 on Getaway and so excited because it's a full day in Tortola vs. the 1/2 day on some of the Gem sailings.

 

I just wish they were replacing Nassau with Tortola, but I'm looking forward to visiting Tortola for sure.

 

Wishing isn't getting.

This is the fourth country NCL has long term agreements with. Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, and now British Virgin Islands. Looks like NCL really likes countries starting with "B":)

Don't expect NCL to drop ports in these countries, they are required by the agreements to provide many visits and many visitors. NCL can't do so if they drop ports in these countries. The reason NCL signed agreements with these countries is to get access to mostly new piers that the countries wouldn't have funded and built without the agreements.

Edited by electricron
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galliegirlie

galliegirlie

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A friend of mine ranked the Baths as highly as you. I didn't realize this was an option from Tortolla. Thanks for the info!

 

really easy on your own, just keep track of time and don't miss the scheduled ferries. When we went there were two major ferry companies traveling over to Virgin Gorda, and they really compete for your business (seriously, the two sales guys almost came to blows to get our CC group to book with them). There are many tour companies that offers charters over as well, but I've heard that most make you swim to the beach from the boat. The best experience is being able to walk from the "top" of the hill down and then through the rock maze before coming to the gorgeous beach.

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