Norwegian Cruise Line and the National Hockey League (NHL) have partnered in a multiyear deal making Norwegian Cruise Line the Official Cruise Line of the NHL. This marks a first for both organizations. The first time that NCL has partnered with a professional sports league and the first time the NHL has partnered with a cruise line.
NCL’s Chief Marketing Officer, Adam Malone, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with the NHL. The passion and excitement we see from their fans is truly contagious, and we share that same electrifying passion for traveling the globe and delivering more to see, more to do and more to enjoy for our guests. Through this partnership, the NHL has provided a fantastic platform for us to connect with their fans, and we cannot wait to show them how they can ‘Experience More at Sea’ with NCL.”
The affiliation, which is immediately effective, gives NCL exclusive marketing rights which connects NCL with the NHL and its fans through the hockey league’s marketing, digital and social media channels. Norwegian Cruise Line will be the presenting sponsor of the NHL’s weekly top goals content including the goal of the year. Fans who join in on the action will have the opportuity to win prizes including a free NCL cruise. Additionally, NCL will be represented at key hockey events such as NHL All-Star Weekend, NHL Stadium Series and NHL Winter Classic.
The partnership will also give NCL more national broadcast expsoure on ESPN and TNT. NCL branding will be feature on Digitally Enhanced Dasherboards during the NHL’s regular season as well as during the Stanley Cup Playoffs games. NCL will be the presenting sponsor during the first goal of the games and fans will see branding in virtual slot in-ice ads during games broadcast on ESPN and TNT in the United States.
NHL Vice President, Business Development, Jason Jazayeri said, “With the NHL regular season starting in North America today [October 08, 2024], we are thrilled to welcome NCL to the NHL family as a first-ever cruise line partner of the NHL. Leveraging our award-winning DED signage and connecting the NCL brand to some of our most celebrated in-game moments helps build more excitement for our partnership in a way that is authentic to our fans. We look forward to partnering with one of the world’s leading cruise lines and helping drive a deeper connection between their brand and our passionate fanbase.”