Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the third-largest cruise line in the world, controlling approximately 8.7% of the total worldwide share of the cruise market by passengers, celebrated its first season of cruises from the Netherlands, Amsterdam with the European debut of Norwegian Pearl.
The international cruise liner said that with this maiden call it is growing the brand’s presence to six ships in the region for the first time.
On Saturday, 8 June, Norwegian Pearl’s Captain, Paul von Knorring, and the ship’s officers were honored with a plaque and key to the city of Amsterdam from local officials from the Port of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cruise Port and Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, as part of the maritime tradition.
On 11 May, the 2,400-passenger Norwegian Pearl embarked on her first summer season in Europe, where she became the largest ship to sail on the Thames River at Tilbury in Essex, England. She will cruise the North and Baltic Seas until end of June, before repositioning to Rome (Civitavecchia) for a season of varied Mediterranean voyages.
"We were very pleased to welcome Norwegian Pearl as her new homeport for the 2019 summer season," said Alma Prins, Commercial Manager Cruise at Port of Amsterdam.
Alma added: "Amsterdam is uniquely positioned in the heart of Western Europe, offering international guests the opportunity to combine a cruise with a land-based discovery of the Old Continent and its many treasures."
During her first season in Europe, Norwegian Pearl will sail 10-14-day cruises to the Greek Isles; the Mediterranean; and the French, Spanish and Italian Riviera’s from Amsterdam, Netherlands; Barcelona, Spain; and Venice and Rome Italy through 14 October.