It was good to hear from Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line's executive vice-president and chief product officer, this week that no matter what new stuff they put on the F3 ships, the basic cruise package, with food and entertainment included, will continue.
There have been rumblings that all the new to-be-paid-for nightclub venues suggest the traditional package, which is after all such a strong selling point for the cruise lines - even if they do charge for so much extra these days - could be on its way out at NCL.
Not so, says Stuart. The F3s will continue to include everything that was included but simply add more choice - but that additional choice will probably carry an price.
Example - the private beach club to be on the new F3 ships launching 2010, which will be free to for suite people but an extra for everyone else; likewise the Halo VIP club.
They will probably be great. but have to say my fav is the pool area at the back, which becomes an outdoor Bliss lounge in the evening with double beds, dancing in the pool - OK the bottom comes up to make a stage so it's more dancing on the pool - Chinese food and a big screen where they'll show a sunset if there isn't a real one. How cool is that!
Jane Archer
