MIAMI, July 2, 1996 -- Norwegian Cruise Line today announced plans to deploy its flagship S/S Norway for a six-month series of cruises throughout Europe and the Mediterranean from April 18 through October 24, 1998. With the exception of the Norway's two transatlantic crossings in 1996 and 1997, it will be the first time in more than a decade that the former ocean liner S/S France will ply the waters of her illustrious past.

Nine of the Norway's 1998 Europe/Med cruises, including two 14-day transatlantic crossings, will be marketed and sold in the United States. These specific itineraries will feature many of the regions most picturesque ports throughout France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Norway, Scotland and the Netherlands and will offer a wide variety of shore excursion options. Other programs on the Norway's 1998 Europe schedule will cater specifically to European markets and will be promoted overseas.

"Advance bookings for 1998 Europe cruises have been so strong that we are taking steps now to expand and diversify our schedules to meet the demand," said Bruce Nierenberg, executive vice president of NCL. "The S/S Norway is a classic ship with worldwide recognition and appeal, so she's 'a natural' to put into the European market. In addition, this is the ideal opportunity for NCL to take the Norway out of the crowded Caribbean and deploy her in an upscale market which is driven by quality rather than price."

The Norway will join the newly stretched and re-named M/S Norwegian Dream (former M/S Dreamward) which will sail in Northern Europe and the Med from the spring through late fall 1998.

The Norway's 1998 roster will include the following voyages:

-- April 18-May 2: 14-day transatlantic crossing from Miami, Fla. to

Marseilles, France

-- June 7-19: "Western Mediterranean Highlights" from Lisbon, Portugal to

Marseilles

-- July 8-23: "Western Europe Romance" from Marseilles to Le Havre,

France

-- Aug. 11-23: "Great Cities of Northern Europe" round-trip from

Southampton, England

-- Aug. 23-Sept. 4: "British Isles" round-trip from Southampton

-- Sept. 4-16: "Wine and Romance" round-trip from Southampton

-- Sept. 16-28: "Iberian Passage" from Southampton to Barcelona, Spain

-- Sept. 28-Oct. 10: "Treasures of the Med" round-trip from Barcelona

-- Oct. 10-24: 14-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Miami,

Fla.

The Norway's European vacation prices start at $2,149 per person, double occupancy, with air add-ons available from major U.S. and Canadian cities. NCL will begin taking bookings for the Norway's European sailings on July 7, 1997. Further pricing and itinerary information will be also be available at that time through NCL's Reservations department.

"There are few ships in history that have enjoyed more wide-spread appeal than the S/S Norway," said Hans Golteus, president of NCL.

The most beloved ship at sea, the Norway was built for the famed French Line and was originally christened the S/S France by Madam Yvonne de Gaulle in 1960. During its grand time of super luxury and ocean crossing, the France reigned as the world's most elegant ship afloat and served as a great source of national pride for the French. Now, the namesake of Norway and the last of the 1,000-ft. ocean liners in service today, she will make her grand return to its capital city Oslo next summer for the first time since 1984. The 1998 program also marks the ship's first time in the Mediterranean as the S/S Norway.

"Our passengers will have a unique opportunity to be aboard as the ship retraces her nostalgic voyages of yesteryear," Golteus said.

Since joining the NCL fleet, the 76,049-ton Norway has carried over 1.6 million passengers. For further information, contact a travel agent or NCL Reservations at 800-327-7030 in the U.S. and Canada; or 305-436-0866 in Dade County, Florida; or visit NCL's website at www.ncl.com.