NCL’s Norwegian Epic to homeport in...

The move reinforces the line’s commitment to the Israeli cruise market

Norwegian Cruise Line has marked the debut of its vessel, Norwegian Epic, in Haifa, Israel.

The Norwegian Epic has become the first of the cruise company’s 18 ships to homeport in the Middle Eastern country.

The celebration included a traditional opaque exchange ceremony onboard the Norwegian Epic and was attended by vice president of Israel's Ministry of Tourism, Kobby Barda.

Commenting on the occasion, Barda said: “Minister Yoel Razvozov has worked tirelessly to bring back cruising to Israel, to increase tourism to the country, particularly to the city of Haifa and the north. Norwegian Epic’s debut sailing out of Haifa today, as well as the line’s commitment to Haifa, is a celebratory moment for Israel’s tourism.”

Norwegian Cruise Line regional vice president of Israel, Middle East and Africa, Nick Wilkinson added: “The Israeli market is hugely important to us, and we know that our Israeli guests have been longing for embarkations out of their beautiful country for a while.

“We are delighted to offer our guests the opportunity, signifying the beginning of a long-standing partnership between NCL and the region. What’s more, we’re thrilled to announce that none other than the newest ship in our Prima Class, Norwegian Viva, will be visiting Haifa in 2025, reaffirming the significance of the Israeli market to us at NCL.”

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The 155,873-tonne ship departed from Haifa on its 11-day maiden voyage, visiting Cyprus, Turkey, Greece and Italy. The Norwegian Epic will then embark on a variety of 10-, 11-, and 12-day cruises with calls in Ashdod, Israel, Limassol, Cyprus, Rhodes, Greece, Naples, Italy, and Civitavecchia, Italy.

Norwegian Cruise Line also announced that its newest Prima Class ship, the Norwegian Viva, will visit Haifa in the summer of 2025.

For more information, visit www.ncl.com