Norwegian Cruise Line has announced it is launching a new campaign promoting its diverse and unique Freestyle Cruising offerings in Europe and its recognition of being named Europe’s Leading Cruise Line three years in a row by the World Travel Awards.

These awards recognise travel companies for delivering an outstanding customer experience and are voted by travel agents worldwide.

This spring, the line’s newest and most innovative ship, Norwegian Epic, will make her debut in Europe cruising seven-day Western Mediterranean itineraries departing from Barcelona from mid-May through October. 

The 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic offers the ultimate in Freestyle Cruising with more than 20 dining options; the largest suite complex at sea; award-winning staterooms for solo travellers, world-class entertainment featuring Blue Man Group; Legends in Concert; Nickelodeon at Sea; and Cirque Dreams and Dinner; along with the first ice bar at sea; among many other offerings. 

Norwegian Sun makes her debut sailing from Copenhagen, Denmark offering nine-day Baltic Capitals voyages, which is the only cruise itinerary of this length to include an overnight stay in St. Petersburg, Russia. 

In addition, Norwegian Jade, cruising year-round in Europe, offers seven-day Greek Isles and Adriatic itineraries from Venice, Italy through early October and 10-and 11-day Eastern Mediterranean and Holy Land itineraries from mid-October through April 2012 from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

In addition to having more dining choices than any other cruise line in Europe, all onboard restaurants on all three ships will have extended dinner hours on European sailings so guests will have more time to enjoy their day.

“Being named Europe’s Leading Cruise Line three years in a row is a prestigious honour and we are pleased that travel partners around the world have voted our Freestyle Cruising ships as the best of the best in Europe,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer.

“Freestyle Cruising is the perfect fit for cruising throughout Europe since it offers guests the freedom and flexibility to soak in the culture and rich history in our dynamic ports of call during the day and then come back to the ship to relax in the evening.”

Norwegian’s European campaign features a variety of new materials for both consumers and travel partners. 

Available in mid-April, a new dedicated Europe brochure highlights all of the company’s offerings in Europe, including detailed information on Norwegian’s three ships sailing in the region in 2011 from desired vacation destinations such as Rome (Civitavecchia) and Venice, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; and Copenhagen, Denmark. 

Consumers and travel agents can also view three videos – on Europe, Freestyle Cruising and one specific to Norwegian Epic – to give them an idea of what to expect from Norwegian in Europe.

These videos will be available for ordering on the company’s web site, along with being posted to social media sites. 

In addition, Norwegian’s ‘Free Upgrades For All’ promotion (www.ncl.com/upgrade), extended through March 31, focuses on European sailings and provides guests with a balcony upgrade for the price of an oceanview stateroom, or a spacious mini-suite for the price of a balcony on the line’s newest and most innovative ship, Norwegian Epic, and e-coupons in on-board savings worth more than $400.