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For those of us not particularly familiar with ports of registration, US maritime law the history of cruising to Hawaii, could someone please explain in SIMPLE terms what NCL is planning to do in these waters, why and how?
I'm sure a number of our less-regular cruisetalker are confused by this issue? I've been following it and I'm confused!
Archaic and outdated protectionist legislation prohibits forigen flagged vessels from cruising between US ports.
So NCL has obtained the necessary government approvals to build two new US flagged ships and re-flag sevarl more which will allow them to cruise the Hawaiian islands as well as cruises between US ports.
--Tim
quote:Originally posted by SoBe Tim:Archaic and outdated protectionist legislation prohibits forigen flagged vessels from cruising between US ports.
Specifically, in part the regulations prohibit a "foreign" vessel from emarking and disembarking passengers without first stopping at a "foreign/non-U.S. port.
For example, on Norway's "final" transatlantic voyage she left Miami, then stopped in New York before heading across the Atlantic. The regulations (and NCL as well maybe) prohibitted booking the segment from Miami to NY. I know because I looked into taking that segment.
Joe at TravelPage.com
Have other cruise lines applied? If not, why not?
Is this a monopoly?
I assume NCL regard the Hawaiian islands as an important destination? Why?
quote:Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:Has NCL exclusively got approval?
At this point only NCL has approval to operate reflagged foreign built ships in what is defined by the Passenger Services Act of 1886 as "coastwise service" (that is, service between US ports).
quote:Have other cruise lines applied? If not, why not?
I believe Carnival and RCI mounted a short-lived campaign against the decision, but I don't think either are really interested in competing in this market.
quote:Is this a monopoly?
Yes. The only alternative for other companies would be to:
a. Use existing eligible tonnage (ENCHANTED ISLE or UNIVERSE EXPLORER), orb. Build a brand-new ship here in the US
quote:I assume NCL regard the Hawaiian islands as an important destination? Why?
I suppose it is because they have been quite successful there with their year-round deployment of NORWEGIAN STAR. When AMCV went under, they saw an opportunity and took it...
Hawaiian cruises also offer U.S. west coast passengers something different than the typical Mexican Riviera or Alaska cruise and I don't think that the flying time is that much longer than if they were to fly to Miami. I predict that U.S. west coast residents (California, Arizona, Nevada, ect) will make up a big percentage of the passengers on these cruises.
Are they less optimistic than NCL? Were they less prepared to take a risk? Or did they just miss the proverbial ‘boat’?
I think Carnival Corp. and RCI at the last minute saw what could be and perhaps that is why they both tried to get some addendum on the legislation (the whole Project America deal in Hawaii) to get their foot in the door. As it turns out they were both late and the door has already closed.
I think Star/NCL saw an great opportunity and went for it. I can not remember anytime in the last 20 years or so that the timing was so good for this type of a venture.
The NCL of several years ago is gone, replaced with a stronger, bolder, more innovative and aggressive company.
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