Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is expanding its presence in Asia Pacific, Australia and New Zealand from September 2024 through March 2026 with more than 30 new port-intensive itineraries on three ships new to the region: Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky.
This will mark the first time NCL has deployed so many ships in this part of the world for an elongated season. The 85 total voyages will depart from 15 ports, including first-time turnarounds for the line in Cairns, Australia, and Lautoka, Fiji.
"Our Company is committed to delivering more opportunities for our guests to explore the world with remarkable vacation experiences," said David J. Herrera, president of NCL, in a press release. "With the increased interest in more immersive and exotic itineraries, we are excited to expand our season and offer additional ships to cater to travelers looking to uncover the most sought-out cities in the region, but also those less discovered."
With the increased interest in more immersive and exotic itineraries, we are excited to expand our season and offer additional ships to cater to travelers looking to uncover the most sought-out cities in the region, but also those less discovered.
The new nine- to 19-day sailings will feature an average of 10 hours in port at over 60 destinations across Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands. Highlights include NCL's first calls at ports including Albany, Busselton and Port Douglas, Australia; Matsuyama and Niigata, Japan; Aitutaki, Cook Islands; and Suva, Fiji. The cruises will also feature 36 overnight stays in ports like Osaka, Himeji and Tokushima, Japan; Hong Kong; Bangkok, Thailand and Melbourne.
"Countries in Asia Pacific provide unmatched diversity, from so many captivating cultures across Asia to island-hopping in the South Pacific and the rugged natural beauty of Australia and New Zealand," Herrera added.
Countries in Asia Pacific provide unmatched diversity, from so many captivating cultures across Asia to island-hopping in the South Pacific and the rugged natural beauty of Australia and New Zealand.
Norwegian Spirit will operate nine- to 15-day Asia voyages from September 2024 through November 2025 before transitioning to 11- to 14-day Australia/New Zealand cruises in late 2025. Spirit’s inaugural Asia cruise departs Tokyo on May 26, 2024.
Norwegian Sun arrives in Australia in December 2024, following an 18-day South Pacific cruise from Papeete. The ship will sail between Australia and New Zealand, including new Great Barrier Reef itineraries through May 2025. From November 2025 to March 2026, Sun moves to Southeast Asia.
Norwegian Sky joins the region in January 2025 offering 10- to 17-day Asia sailings through March 2025.
The new cruises can be combined with NCL's Free at Sea promotion which provides extras like specialty dining, beverage packages and shore excursion credits. Guests can also extend their vacations with NCL's cruise-tours in ports like Auckland, Taipei, Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Norwegian Cruise Line. It was reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
