NCL to station $350 million cruise ship in Hawaii

HONOLULU, Hawaii (AP) -- Norwegian Cruise Line is entering the Hawaii cruise market with plans to station a cruise ship year-round in the islands.

The company will operate the 1,960-passenger SuperStar Leo, a $350 million vessel that will more than double the state's current cruise ship capacity. It is due to arrive in isle waters in December 2001.

Norwegian Cruise Line is making the first direct challenge to American Classic Voyages, which presently is the only cruise line offering year-round service in Hawaii.

"There is no doubt that Hawaii is one of the most attractive vacation destinations anywhere in the world," said Colin Veitch, Norwegian's chief executive officer. "Yet it is also a market that has not previously had a modern cruise offering available and, consequently, it has really not developed as a cruise destination."

American Classic operates the 867-passenger SS Independence and is adding the 1,212-passenger MS Patriot next month.

The arrival of the new vessels will bring Hawaii cruise capacity to 4,000 passengers. That number is expected to double to 8,000 passengers by 2004.

Cruise industry officials say Hawaii is becoming a popular cruise destination, and the entry of Norwegian Cruise Line could spark competition that improves quality and lowers prices.

Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Norwegian Cruise Line
American Classic Voyages Co.
Hawaii Tourism Authority

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