Del Rio has a big announcement early 2016

[LMaxwell]

I would think there is a ton of infrastructure work to be done in Cuba before it's ready for any kind of mainstream cruise line activity. Considering people complain about Tortola...let alone a place that hasn't been touched in nearly 60 years.

 

There's no Dairy Queen or McDonald's at the pier, but Havana doesn't really need infrastructure to be able to accept tourists. They already get tourists from all over the world, just not the U.S.

[barnacle_boy]

I think the general consensus here is that Sheehan was a great leader that brought NCL back from the brink of bankruptcy to profitability. That's true, but it's also true that he reduced spending in certain areas and cut some corners to help achieve those financial goals. There are definitely a lot of issues that arose (deferred maintenance, botched improvement projects, etc.) because of general ineptness and an unwillingness to spend on the part of his executive team. It's also true that FDR is in the process of cleaning up some of these messes.

 

Sheehan wasn't a saint by any means, but overall he was effective and beneficial to NCL in the long run. He was the man that needed to be there during the dark days of 2007 and 2008. It's a shame that he was pushed out by FDR and his cronies, but that's just business. It's not always pretty.

[ColinIllinois]

I would think there is a ton of infrastructure work to be done in Cuba before it's ready for any kind of mainstream cruise line activity. Considering people complain about Tortola...let alone a place that hasn't been touched in nearly 60 years.

 

 

Funny. Cuba is a nation of over 11 million residents that gets about 2.5 million tourists visiting a year. Besides possibly port facility upgrades they are plenty ready for the dreaded American tourists. ;)

[eroller]

There's no Dairy Queen or McDonald's at the pier, but Havana doesn't really need infrastructure to be able to accept tourists. They already get tourists from all over the world, just not the U.S.

 

 

Very true. The great thing about cruise ships is they are pretty self sustaining. A decent pier to dock at or one that can handle tender operations and you're good to go. Shore excursions would be limited at first but likely expanded rather quickly. I do think a smaller ship at first is what is needed. NORWEGIAN SPIRIT or SUN might be a good fit. I think Cuba will really open up in 2016. Personally I want to see it before there is a Starbucks and McDonalds on every corner. Big business can't wait to invade and when it does the charm will be lost forever. Now is the time to go!

 

Royal Caribbean is bringing back EMPRESS OF THE SEAS from sister brand Pulmantur in Spain. Initially they have announced short cruises out of Miami for the first three months, but we all know that isn't why she was brought back. She is the right size for Cuba and I'm sure that is on the horizon.

[mugtech]

Very true. The great thing about cruise ships is they are pretty self sustaining. A decent pier to dock at or one that can handle tender operations and you're good to go. Shore excursions would be limited at first but likely expanded rather quickly. I do think a smaller ship at first is what is needed. NORWEGIAN SPIRIT or SUN might be a good fit. I think Cuba will really open up in 2016. Personally I want to see it before there is a Starbucks and McDonalds on every corner. Big business can't wait to invade and when it does the charm will be lost forever. Now is the time to go!

 

Royal Caribbean is bringing back EMPRESS OF THE SEAS from sister brand Pulmantur in Spain. Initially they have announced short cruises out of Miami for the first three months, but we all know that isn't why she was brought back. She is the right size for Cuba and I'm sure that is on the horizon.

Boomers would love it, shore excursions in vehicles from the 50's.:D

[TifffanyD]

I'm going to make some guesses on what the announcement will be.

 

Entertainment Upgrades:

Adding a dinner show to older ships

Upgrading the shows (maybe getting a broadway show?) for the older ships

 

Stateroom Upgrades:

Conversion of some cabins to studios

 

Common Area Upgrades:

Something flashy.... ice bars on all ships? Casino upgrades?

[ColinIllinois]

I think he is going to make all eating except the buffet a charge.

 

 

No.

[luvtheships]

Boomers would love it, shore excursions in vehicles from the 50's.:D

 

 

Not this boomer. Too many Cuban friends who escaped in 1959. They don't want to set foot back on that island. Don't blame them

[Froggitt]

Indeed. He's announced China, Cuba, new ships, all in that article.

 

So those won't be the upcoming announcement.

 

I suspect it'll be new British Isles itineraries with a dedicated ship homeporting there.

 

That would be great. I would guess that in the UK there are 20 Royal Caribbean cruisers for every one NCL cruiser......the main reason being that Royal have maybe four or five ships sailing ex UK every summer. NCL have virtually no brand recognition in the UK outside of existing customers.

 

Could do round Britain cruises, Norwegian Fjords, Baltics (like the Sun did a few years ago), France/Spain/Portugal without encroaching on the standard Western and Eastern Med routes.