Port of Boston Heralds NCL, Bermuda Pact

The Massachusetts Port Authority’s said the new 10-year agreement between Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and the Government of Bermuda will continue to fuel the growth of Boston as a cruise ship destination.

As part of the agreement, the 1,966-passenger Norwegian Spirit will sail the Boston-to-Bermuda itinerary in 2009. Norwegian Spirit will sail at least 22 cruises per season with a weekly itinerary departing Boston on Fridays with overnights in Bermuda from Sunday through Wednesday. The agreement also calls for NCL to continue through the 10-year term its tradition of being the exclusive line to sail from Boston to Bermuda.

“The news of the larger ship is tremendous, and proves the demand of the Boston-Bermuda itinerary,” Massport Director Mike Leone said. “Norwegian Spirit brings 33 percent more capacity to the Boston cruise market. We are extremely happy to continue our long-standing relationship with NCL, and look forward to continued growth and success.”

The 1,462-passenger Norwegian Majesty sailed the Boston-Bermuda itinerary since 1994. In 2008, the 1,747-passenger Norwegian Dream will replace Norwegian Majesty on the Bermuda run.

The Dream will operate the weekly Bermuda sailings Sundays from May 11 through August 24, and again from September 28 to October 26, 2008. A new itinerary of seven-day cruises to Canada/New England begins on August 31 through September 21, 2008.