Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced today that they are assigning the Norwegian Jade (formerly the Pride of Hawaii) to be deployed in Europe year round until the spring of 2010. This is the second deployment change in two weeks for the line. NCL recently announced that the Pride of Aloha would be transferred to parent company Star Cruises.

The 2,400-passenger Jade will sail a variety of itineraries, extending its inaugural season in Europe that begins on March 30.

As part of the year-round schedule, NCL is introducing three new itineraries – a series of 12-day Eastern Mediterranean sailings and nine-day Canary Islands and Morocco sailings, along with a 14-day Eastern Mediterranean holiday cruise, all round-trip from Barcelona.

Unfortunately the deployment change will disrupt many passengers booked on voyages to and from New York City for the upcoming winter season. NCL is offering guests that were booked on Jade’s 12-day transatlantic sailing or seven-, 10- or 11-day sailings from New York from mid-December through April 2008, the opportunity to move their reservations to comparable sailings on Norwegian Gem. Guests who make the change will receive full price protection and a $100 on-board credit per person (maximum $200 per stateroom). Additionally, NCL will pay for air changes fees (up to $100 per person) or hotel cancellations fees (up to $50 per room) for guests who booked air or hotels on their own. Air and hotel booked through NCL will be protected at the original rate. Guests who choose to sail on a different NCL sailing (other than the one offered) will receive a $50 on-board credit per person (maximum $100 per stateroom) on another voyage. Guests who instead wish to cancel will receive a full refund.