Norwegian Cruise Line Crown

The Crown ship started out as a part of Royal Cruise Lines before that company was purchased by Norwegian Cruises in 1989. It was first launched one year earlier as the Crown Odyssey, only to be renamed the Norwegian Crown after the new owners reorganized their fleet to accommodate the new additions. In 2000, it was transferred to NCL's sister company, Orient Lines, and then back to Norwegian in 2003. The company's owners viewed the vessel as too small for their future ambitions, however, and sold it to Fred.Olson Cruise Lines in 2006. After an extensive period of refurbishing, it was relaunched in 2008 under the name Balmoral.

As the Norwegian Crown, the ship traveled mainly to Caribbean destinations such as Bermuda and the Bahamas. Fred.Olson has it slated largely for European duties, with an emphasis on the Mediterranean and several northern European ports of call aimed primarily at British passengers. A world cruise is slated for 2009. The vessel holds about 1,300 passengers, making it somewhat smaller than Norwegian Cruise Lines' current average and a little larger than Fred.Olson's other four vessels.

Last-Minute Deals on the Former Norwegian Cruise Line's Crown

The Norwegian Crown engendered a fair amount of loyalty from passengers during its run, and NCL praised the capacities of the vessel despite its small size. Former passengers curious to see its stats as the Balmoral may wish to contact Fred.Olson for more information. Direct Line Cruises can help provide information and organize any last-minute vacation plans.