2 February 2001
Norwegian Cruise Line is to remove the casino from its renamed Norwegian Leo – formerly Superstar Leo – before it begins its Hawaii cruise programme from December 2001.
The move follows an amendment to a bill which now prohibits gambling on ships sailing round trip from Hawaiian ports.
The amendment was pushed through by a senior US senator from Hawaii who is well known for his strong opposition to gaming in any form within the boundaries of Hawaii.
However, the amended legislation was allegedly drafted by the Seattle law firm of an established Hawaii-based cruise company, raising speculation that the measure is intended to make life in Hawaii more difficult for NCL.
“Our position is that we will, of course, comply with the law, which means we will have to strip out the casino and do something else with that space,” NCL chief executive, Colin Veitch, told TravelWeekly East.
“Further, we have no intention of challenging the law or seeking to have it further amended or the amendment repealed.
“We have the greatest respect for Senator Inouye’s views on gaming and we wish to be seen as a positive addition to the tourism scene in Hawaii, rather than being embroiled in controversy because of a misperception of NCL as operating gaming ships.”
Veitch said that gaming on board NCL’s ships was one of many passenger amenities and one of many sources of passenger revenue.
“We would rather have the revenue than not, but the absence of it will not make the critical difference between success and failure in our new Hawaiian venture, especially if we replace the casino with other revenue generating amenities such as a shopping arcade.
“We believe the potential for cruising in Hawaii is very strong and that we will have a good success with Norwegian Leo, with or without a casino on board.”
NCL had planned to open the casino on the three days the cruise went into international waters.
Cruise analysts in the US have speculated whether the measure is aimed at keeping gambling out of Hawaiian tourism, or if it is meant to protect US-flagged local cruise lines.
“I think it is fair to say that Senator Inouye’s genuine concerns about gaming were certainly behind this legislation,” said Veitch.
“Did it also have anything to do with American Hawaii/United States Lines wishing to discourage us from entering the market?
“I don’t know for sure, except that the Senator’s Washington office advised us the amendment language was drafted by Preston Gates, the Seattle law firm of American Classic Voyages, the parent company of American Hawaii and United States
Lines.
“I leave that to others to
interpret,” Veitch added.
The NCL chief said that the Senator’s Hawaii-based chief of staff had been quoted as saying: “He (Senator Inouye) has had a long-standing opposition to gaming in any form, on land or off land, in Hawaii, for the potential social and economic impacts. NCL is free to operate here, just with no gambling.”
Parent company Star Cruises will deliver Superstar Leo to NCL in December 2001 in Hong Kong. As Norwegian Leo, the ship will be deployed in Hawaii on seven-day itineraries and will be the only large, new luxury ship offering weekly cruises in Hawaii.
Its maiden voyage under the NCL flag will depart Honolulu on December 16, 2001.