NCL Becomes First Cruise Line to Home-Port In Houston With New 'TEXARIBBEAN'

Seven-Day Cruises

HOUSTON, Jan. 15 -- Norwegian Cruise Line and the Port of
Houston Authority announced today they are joining forces to offer the first-
ever, year-round cruise product from the Port of Houston. Beginning in May,
1997, NCL will offer seven-day "Texaribbean" cruises on the M/S Norwegian Star
-- the newest vessel to join the NCL fleet -- to the Western Caribbean,
calling at Cozumel and Calica in Mexico and Roatan in the Bay Islands,
Honduras.

"The cruise market potential offered by Houston is tremendous," said Ned
Holmes, Chairman of the Port of Houston Authority. "The city is the Gulf
gateway to a 10-state primary and secondary market of 75 million potential
cruise passengers. We're excited about partnering with the cruise line best
known for its product innovations and pioneer spirit. NCL is helping us to
develop the Port of Houston into a major cruise ship hub for the Southwestern
United States."

Houston is Major Gateway to Cities in Southwest, West and Pacific

Northwest

According to demographic studies, the southwestern U.S. has the highest
growing concentration of 45-75 year olds in the country, a prime target group
for the cruise industry. As a gateway to this region, which contains 25
percent of the nation's total population, Houston's three airports already
handle over 32 million travelers yearly. And in addition to being a hub for
Continental and SouthWest Airlines, Houston has direct air service from 110
U.S. cities and 36 cities in 17 countries.

By offering cruises from the Port of Houston, NCL executives say the company
can better serve potential passengers from the western region of the U.S.,
including key markets such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Phoenix,
Denver, San Francisco, Vancouver, St. Louis and Salt Lake City. An additional
31 million potential passengers live within a 500-mile driving radius of the
Port of Houston.

"The Western Caribbean itinerary remains popular with cruise travelers, but
it's currently available primarily from Florida," said Hans Golteus, president
of Norwegian Cruise Line. "This means passengers from the western U.S. must
travel long distances at greater cost before they finally arrive on board.
We're taking the ship closer to where our passengers live and cutting their
flying time by about half. We've built our reputation on product innovation
and we're excited about introducing an exclusive product that brings added
value to the market."

Port of Houston is One of the Busiest in the World

The Port of Houston is a 25-mile-long complex of diverse public and private
facilities along the 50-mile, man-made Houston Ship Channel, a few hours'
sailing time from the Gulf of Mexico. As one of the top three ports in the
country in foreign and total tonnage, the Port of Houston is the eighth
largest in the world. Its public facilities are owned and operated by the
Port of Houston Authority, which is currently working toward developing the
port's cruise ship capacity.

At Barbours Cut, a 15-acre site located 32 miles from the open Gulf at the
head of Galveston Bay, interim state-of-the-art facilities are being built to
accommodate the Norwegian Star. A permanent terminal will be completed at
Barbours Cut by the end of 1998. In the long term, additional port facilities
will be developed at Bayport, about 27 miles from the open Gulf.

Norwegian Star Introduces Seven-Day Itinerary to Western Caribbean

Prior to its introduction into the Western Caribbean, the elegant 28,000-ton
Norwegian Star will undergo a multi-million dollar refurbishment to increase
its capacity from 775 to 848 passengers, based on double occupancy. The ship
will sail on its maiden voyage as the Norwegian Star from Houston on May 25,
1997, and dock directly at the ports of Cozumel and Calica in Mexico and
Roatan in the Bay Islands, just off the coast of Honduras. Each port provides
ample time for shore excursions including trips to local beaches and the Mayan
ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza in Mexico. The ship's Sunday departures will
be especially convenient for honeymooners.

Passengers will enjoy NCL's trademark innovations such as the Le Bistro
restaurant, fully-equipped health and fitness club, nightclub, a wide variety
of entertainment, Sports Bar & Grill, kid's program, state-of-the-art casino,
and midnight buffets including NCL's signature Chocoholic Buffet. On-board
programming will be tied to the popular Tex/Mex theme, featuring regional
foods and drinks, an on-board Mexican Festival, and special entertainment.
Pricing is competitive with NCL cruises from Miami that follow a similar
itinerary.

Traditional air/sea packages will also be offered to passengers. Texas
residents can take advantage of a complimentary bus program that will
transport them to the Port of Houston from select cities in the state.

Pre- and Post-Cruise Packages Serve Up "The Real Texas"

With over 43 million visitors each year, Houston is a tourist destination in
its own right and offers diverse opportunities for pre- and post-cruise
excursions of one-four days. For example, Six Flags AstroWorld, the Astrodome
USA Complex, NASA Johnson Space Center, and a plethora of museums are all
within easy reach of Houston.

In addition, passengers can enhance their cruise experience with a glimpse
of the "real Texas" at many of the guest ranches located within a several-hour
drive of downtown Houston. Rodeos, trail riding, campfires, and old-fashioned
Texas barbecue are just a few highlights of programs that cater to Texas
visitors throughout the year.

"Houston hosts more than 650 conventions with over a half million attendees
every year," said Holmes. "Besides our powerful airlift capacity, our ground
transportation systems are highly developed and can easily support the cruise
industry. Catering and entertainment talent are also plentiful. The
infrastructure is already in place. Houston is a natural to succeed as an
important cruise ship hub."

Houston's Historical "Can Do" Spirit Continues

In the 1800s, Houston's forefathers had the vision of a channel that would
bring ocean vessels to this inland town. In partnership with the federal
government and a supportive community, these "practical dreamers" built a port
which has become one of the leading ports in the U.S. Throughout Houston's
history, community vision and support has prompted other marvels -- a world-
renowned medical center and manned space center.

"Because of the $5.5 billion a year generated by the terminals along the
channel, we believe that the Port of Houston provides the City with the
commercial synergy which makes Houston a vibrant international city," said
Holmes. "Equipped with foresight and fortitude, the Port Authority is forging
into a new century with a continuing spirit of partnership to develop the Port
of Houston into the leading cruise ship hub in the Southwest," Holmes added.

Heavy Promotion Planned for New Itinerary

The Norwegian Star's new "Texaribbean" itinerary from Houston will be
promoted heavily by NCL through advertising, direct mail and travel agent road
shows. A joint marketing campaign between NCL and the Port of Houston
Authority is part of the program. "We're helping Houston develop their port
and they are helping us introduce a strong product that fills a market niche,"
said Bruce Nierenberg, NCL executive vice president. Both partners say they
are confident the partnership will quickly prove successful.

"NCL is on the move once again," said Nierenberg. "Rather than play 'follow
the leader,' we are breaking new ground with our 'Texaribbean' cruises and
taking the first major step towards diversifying the NCL product. NCL will
regain its reputation as the cruise line consumers and travel agents look to
for product innovations and new vacation concepts. 1997 will be the start of
a new generation of 'firsts' for NCL."