Nintendo is taking advantage of their new console's widespread appeal by packing them into the ocean liners of the Norwegian Cruise Line. If you've booked a trip on one of these majestic vessels, odds are you won't have to leave Wii bowling behind, as it'll be waiting for you in the ship's recreation rooms. Sounds great, but passengers better keep those wrist straps sinched up, because I know someone will manage to cause the next Titanic disaster with a ballistic Wii remote.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE PARTNERS WITH NINTENDO TO FEATURE Wii - THE WORLD'S
HOTTEST VIDEO GAME SYSTEM - ON BOARD ITS FLEET
Now guests can bowl, box and more on every ship
MIAMI - March 29, 2007 - Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced it is
the first cruise line to offer guests a chance to experience Nintendo's
red-hot Wii(TM) video game system on board its ships. Since its launch in
November 2006, the Wii system from Nintendo has become one of the most popular
game systems. With an easy-to-use motion-sensitive controller, Wii draws new
players into the world of video games in a very 'real' way.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070329/LATH054 )
Wii systems are currently on NCL's newest ship -- Norwegian Pearl -- and
all NCL America ships. Wii will be rolled out on the rest of the NCL fleet by
next month. The systems are equipped with Wii Sports(TM), offering five
distinct sports experiences: tennis, golf, baseball, boxing and bowling.
Other games available on the ships include Wii Play(TM), WarioWare(TM): Smooth
Moves and Excite Truck(TM).
"With its active, engaging and inviting game experiences appealing to
every age from kids to parents to grandparents, the Wii from Nintendo is a
natural fit for Freestyle Cruising," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and
CEO. "With the addition of Wii to our on-board activities, we can now offer
bowling, boxing, golf, tennis and baseball across the entire fleet. Cheering,
yelling and high-fives will be highly encouraged."
"Millions of people around the world continue to discover the fun of
playing Wii with their friends and families," says George Harrison, Nintendo
of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications.
"Norwegian Cruise Line is a great partner, as they offer us direct access to
non-traditional gamers. Our partnership reinforces how Wii's social
phenomenon continues to grow, from the centerpiece of gaming parties, to a
workout supplement, to a fun facet of vacation cruises."
On each ship, Wii systems/setups will be located in the atrium and other
public rooms allowing guests to gather and play against each other while
viewing the game on large video screens. Each ship's Kid's Crew facility will
also feature two Wii kiosks providing kids-only fun. The ships will also host
tournaments and other activities around the games.
"This partnership with Nintendo is an industry first and another
innovation for NCL," Veitch said. "This continues our mission to dismantle
the traditional cruise experience and deliver the most exciting and most
customizable experience at sea."
