Jade first ‘fully loaded’ Freestyle 2.0 ship

**Ally** · 03-18-2008, 01:05 PM

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Passengers on Norwegian Jade’s March 30 ‘Classic Mediterranean’ cruise, Barcelona to Istanbul, will be the first to experience NCL Corp.’s full Freestyle 2.0 initiatives. The product and service upgrades are going fleetwide by June 1.

The former Pride of Hawaii, which was reflagged, renamed and gained new hull artwork last month in Los Angeles, is currently undergoing a second wet dock in Spain, where a casino is being installed.

Freestyle 2.0 enhancements include new menus with expanded choices in every restaurant, lobster available every night of the cruise, a signature specialty dish in each restaurant, Elemis bathroom amenities in all accommodations, memory foam mattress toppers, upgraded pillows and linens, and expanded mini-bar options and room service menus.

Balcony and mini-suite categories come with additional extras, as do suites and villas.

Norwegian Gem debuted in late 2007 with many of the Freestyle 2.0 amenities, but Norwegian Jade will provide the full complement, said NCL president and ceo Colin Veitch.

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**Ally** · 04-22-2008, 08:46 AM

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The Freestyle 2.0 program of product and service enhancements is now in full swing on board Norwegian Jade, the first NCL Corp. ship to roll out the complete offerings.

From bubbly at embarkation to bedding upgrades to extended hours for youth programs, the wide-ranging initiative aims to elevate the entire experience.

The upgraded bedding -- mattress toppers, duvets and new pillows in all accommodations, with brand-new beds and pillow menus in suites and villas -- is being particularly well received, Norwegian Jade hotel director Armando Da Silva told Seatrade Insider. Also, passengers ‘love the bubbly on embarkation day,’ he said. It may not be French champagne but ‘It’s the gesture. You feel special because you’re getting that.’

Another appreciated addition, for passengers in balcony and mini-suite categories and up, is the personal escort to staterooms at embarkation, Da Silva said.

Among the many other elements in the Freestyle 2.0 program are a coffee/tea setup in the library and an honor system for borrowing books, Elemis bathroom amenities, expanded room service and mini-bar selections, NCL-U educational programs (from mojito mixing to digital photography labs, some for a fee) and a more sophisticated pool deck ambiance. Lounge chairs now come with drinks flags and sunbathers are treated to cold towels, Evian spritzes and more tranquil, Buddha Bar-style music instead of a band and pool games.

Dining upgrades include a signature dish in every specialty restaurant, such as a 32-ounce Porterhouse in Cagney’s steak house. Such dishes carry an extra charge above the cover in pay-dining venues. In the buffet restaurant, a more elegant evening ambiance with tablecloths and muted lighting is offered.

Color-coded key cards designate balcony/mini-suite and suite/villa guests, who get a host of extra perks. Also, there’s now a lounge for Latitudes members, NCL’s repeat customers.

On its second Mediterranean cruise as Norwegian Jade, the former Pride of Hawaii still sports its colorful Hawaiian décor. It also now offers a casino, installed during last month’s wet dock in Cadiz.

Pride of America will emerge from drydock on May 10 with all the Freestyle 2.0 enhancements. All NCL ships are scheduled to implement the upgrades by June.

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GEORGESEERLIJK · 11-11-2008, 12:31 PM

I am going on a cruise in april 2009. I have a lot of questions about the fees they asking for the beverrages on the ship. Is it possible that somebody inform me?

**middy** · 11-11-2008, 01:11 PM

Hi Georgeseerlijk

Welcome aboard CruisingTalk

Will this be your first cruise ? are you sailing on NCL Jade?
Are you asking re alcoholic drinks and/or tea/coffee.?