As it prepares to resume its services, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the premiere of the first episode of “EMBARK – The Series,” a docuseries chronicling the company’s highly anticipated return. The first of five episodes will be available on demand on April 16.
EMBARK: The Series is part of the company's editorial content platform “EMBARK with NCL” which will offer exciting content through:
- EMBARK – The Series. The first episode, “Great Cruise Comeback,” premiering April 16, chronicles the relaunch of the company’s 17-ship fleet. The episode focuses on the measures implemented for a safe and healthy return to sailing, including unscripted conversations with the executive team, including Frank del Rio, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line.
This first episode exclusively reveals the company's preparations for the resumption of its operations this summer, including the technology designed to improve the boarding process, how they have been working with the crew and onboard entertainment team over the past year, and how this temporary pause has affected key small business partners, including the iconic Miami-based Wynwood Brewing Company.
- EMBARK Spotlights. Prior to the premiere of the first episode of the docuseries, NCL launched EMBARK Spotlights with two special episodes, “Choir of Man: Live from London” and “NCL: Live from Broadway,” which premiered in late 2020 and garnered nearly 900,000 views. EMBARK Spotlights focuses on the exclusive shows and experiences that NCL offers on its fleet.
- EMBARK Stories. A virtual exhibition featuring a selection of vignettes that reflect the faces and voices of the brand, including the global crew, executives, partners, and guests. EMBARK Stories showcases the brand's greatest strength: its people.
“We are finally back,” said Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO Harry Sommer. “Yesterday was another pivotal moment for us as we announced the redeployment of the first ships to set sail again after a pause in our operations for more than a year. We look forward to reconnecting with our guests, crew, employees, and partners, as well as through the EMBARK with NCL platform, which will showcase our return to cruising through the people who make up NCL.”.
To achieve this important milestone, the company hired the Emmy Award-winning team at VIVA en Creative to produce the platform's content, adapting to the strict COVID safety protocols in place at the time of filming to capture spontaneous conversations and behind-the-scenes footage. In locations with travel restrictions, local film crews were hired, and interviews were conducted virtually.
“The idea for EMBARK with NCL arose from the need to reinforce our commitment to NCL’s extended family of guests, partners, and team members during this pandemic. The platform, in addition to allowing us to reveal some details about the process of returning to the seas, also gives us the opportunity to share news about upcoming productions, as well as the company’s offers and innovations,” explains Christine Da Silva, Vice President of Communications and Events at Norwegian Cruise Line.
