I diasgree that its "overkill".
If you look at how many passengers from the NE region book typical package hols to the likes of Dom Rep, Jamaica, Caribbean & Mexico then a service from NCL should in theory work. The PUJ flight has been in fact very popular this season, with flights generally 100% full, though maybe the reason for the service getting pulled is that many pax are late deals, earning less revenue for Thomas Cook, Thomson etc.
This year we have had 2 Orlandos, 2 Cancuns and 2 Dom Reps (different airports - PUJ and POP), but I would say thats probably about right. Monarch have the right idea and alternating flights fortnightly - maybe that is the way ahead for regional long haul departures?!