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Port of New Orleans, Norwegian reach multi-year agreement

Port of New Orleans, Norwegian reach multi-year agreement
Norwegian Cruise Line officials and Port of New Orleans commissioners signed a new four-year berthing agreement with three one-year options. The agreement will keep at least one Norwegian ship sailing seasonally from New Orleans through 2018 with the ability to extend the agreement through 2021.

'Our partners at Norwegian Cruise Line are a pleasure to work with and we are elated to sign a long-term agreement to retain the Norwegian brand in the Crescent City,' said Gary LaGrange, port president and ceo. He noted Norwegian has sailed from New Orleans since 2003, 'and we look forward to working closely with their team to ensure their success for many years to come.'

'Our guests love sailing from the Crescent City and we’re thrilled to have the beautiful Norwegian Dawn beginning her inaugural season here,' said Norwegian president and chief operating officer Drew Madsen.

The agreement follows Norwegian Dawn’s maiden voyage to New Orleans on Nov. 21. The 2,340-passenger ship sails seven-day cruises to Cozumel, Belize City, Roatán and Costa Maya.

Norwegian Dawn began service from the Julia Street Cruise Terminal Nov. 23.

Mark Romig, president and ceo of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp., expressed his delight at the news.

'With the vast majority of cruise visitors spending an average of two additional nights in New Orleans and spending additional dollars with our restaurants, hotels, attractions and retailers, the importance of this partnership cannot be overstated,' Romig said.

Stephen Perry, president and ceo of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, also welcomed the continued relationship with Norwegian and said the romance and culture of New Orleans paired with an exciting cruise provides 'two vacations in one.'