In August, on Norwegian Cruise Line’s first sailing back from Alaska, Harry Sommer, the brand’s president and CEO, discussed what the resumption means to the company, when travel agents should encourage travel and what to expect onboard the upcoming Norwegian Prima.
How is Norwegian resuming sailings safely, and how do guests feel about vaccination protocols?
We convened the Healthy Sail Panel originally with Royal Caribbean Group. Now we have our Sail Safe panel, where we’re continuing on our own. I think the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was sort of looking for someone to take a leadership position on that. We said, fine, we'll take a leadership position.
The overwhelming majority [of our guests] prefer to travel on a ship that's fully vaccinated. So, we think that this is a big win for us.
The CDC came in with what we thought was a weaker cousin, which was a 95% [vaccination] mandate. We went in with a really strong position — 100%. We surveyed our guests. Over 90% of them have been vaccinated already. The overwhelming majority prefer to travel on a ship that's fully vaccinated. So, we think that this is a big win for us.
With 100% vaccination standards and face coverings not required for guests onboard, when do you foresee masks no longer being necessary onshore, as well?
That's really not up to us. That's up to each local authority. If I was speculating, it's really based on a combination of the safety consciousness of the local authorities, as well as the prevalence of COVID-19.
Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line
Credit: 2021 Norwegian Cruise LineAre you planning on ramping up guest capacity as previously scheduled?
I don't think it's going to be quite as quick as [we thought]: 60% by month one, 80% by month two, and 100% by month three. I think we're going to quickly get up to the mid-60s and -70s, and I think we're going to stay there for a while.
Given that COVID-19 is going to be with us for at least the next few months, I want to err on the side of keeping the capacity low. I think that's for the best of everyone. So, while we could ramp up higher, I don't think we will.
Given that COVID-19 is going to be with us for at least the next few months, I want to err on the side of keeping the capacity low... So, while we could ramp up higher, I don't think we will.
What does the updated Florida ruling mean for Norwegian?
It means that we can keep our guests as safe as we possibly can. We disagree with Governor Ron DeSantis’ position that asking for vaccines is — in any way, shape or form — discriminatory. We ask guests lots of things about their health before we allow them to come onboard the ship. I think it's important, especially in this unprecedented time, to err on the side of safety.
How does it feel to be sailing from the U.S. again in general, and particularly here in Alaska?
It's wonderful. It’s awesome. To some extent, the period from March to June felt a bit like a nightmare. This period starting in July sort of feels like a dream. It’s real. It’s here. And the ship looks magnificent. I’m humbled, and I’m thankful — thankful to my entire team and the politicians around the world.
Now that Norwegian has celebrated the opening of its latest Alaskan facilities in Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan, what are the line’s plans for Juneau?
It’s in early stages. In Juneau, all we've done is buy a piece of land. There's a very small Coast Guard facility. It’s immediately behind and adjacent to the facility. And then right next door is a beach, which you can't develop because it's protected wild land. So, it's between the protected area and the Coast Guard station. It's not a huge piece of land, and nothing's been approved yet. But we’re planning to build something nice.
Do you have a particular message you would give to travel advisors during this time?
I think people who are bold really could make an investment now and do very, very well for themselves.
Past that, I wouldn't push people to travel right away. I like to get the message clearly out there that cruising today, you can do it in a safe and effective manner. And if people are traveling next week, they should feel comfortable about going, but I wouldn't push people to go.
I would suggest travel agents focus on cruises in the first and second quarters of next year. I think the general belief is by then, COVID-19 will be much better than it is now. I don't think there's any benefit to rushing people back. Send out the word that it's safe and effective, and then when you want to go book your cruise in January or February, that’s fantastic. We'd love to have you then.
I would suggest travel agents focus on cruises in the first and second quarters of next year … I don't think there's any benefit to rushing people back.
When in the future are you seeing the biggest bookings currently?
Right now, I would say the second quarter of 2022 and beyond is off-the-charts fantastic.
What are you next looking forward to on the upcoming new Norwegian Prima?
I think what's the most interesting to me is we're upgrading the decor and ambiance even further. When you see the renderings, it really takes it to a new level.
I also love the outdoor space. Every ship has outdoor space on the top, but what we've done on Deck 8 with this Ocean Boulevard with 44,000 square feet of outdoor space is just huge. You got these infinity pools like full pool decks on both sides of the ship, plus this Indulge Food Hall with 11 dining venues with both indoor and outdoor seating.
I think that Deck 8 is what really makes the ship different.
The Details
Norwegian Cruise Line
