Norwegian Cruise Line expands its presence across Asia Pacific, Australia and New Zealand with over 30 new itineraries

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 57-year history of breaking boundaries, launches over 30 new port-intensive cruises across Asia Pacific,  Australia and New Zealand, for a total of 85 voyages from September 2024 through March 2026 on new-to-the-region ships – Norwegian Spirit, Sun and Sky.

For the first time in its history, NCL will deploy the most ships in this part of the world for an extended season of bucket-list worthy voyages from 15 departure ports, including Auckland, New Zealand; Bali (Benoa) Indonesia; Bangkok (Laem Chabang); Manila, Phillippines; Papeete (Tahiti), French Polynesia; Seoul (Incheon), South Korea; Singapore; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan; Vancouver, Canada; Sydney, Melbourne and for the first time, Cairns, Australia, and Lautoka, Fiji.  This will also mark the Brand’s first summer cruises in Asia, offering guests more choices to discover the diverse scenery, culture and culinary delights of the region.

Asia is of growing interest among travelers, with the Asia-Pacific region set to be the primary driver of travel growth, up 20% over 2023¹. With top destinations in Asia like Tokyo and Osaka, Japan; Seoul, South Korea; Taipei City, Taiwan and Hong Kongin, NCL is living up to its commitment to deliver  immersive port-rich itineraries to these cities and more.  These new nine-to-19-day voyages offer guests an average of 10 hours in port to over 60 dream locations, including Brand-first calls to Albany, Busselton, Fremantle, Port Douglas and Townsville, Australia; Matsuyama and Niigata, Japan; Aitutaki in the Cook Islands; and Suva, Fiji.  Spanning 18 months, this season will also feature 36 overnight port stays in Asia Pacific to 11 unique places.  Some of the highlights include Osaka, Japan, where guests can explore over 1,600 temples and fascinating heritage; Himeji, Japan, home to Himeji Castle, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site; and Tokushima, Japan, where guests can savor a wide variety of culinary specialties, as well learn about the town’s deep history and culture, and even visit the Tatsue-ji Temple.  Other overnight calls include Hong Kong, where ancient traditions blend with modern marvels, making it Asia’s culinary capital; Bangkok (Laem Chabang), home to splendid golden temples and palaces, including the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the opulent Royal Palace; and Melbourne, Australia, where guests can spend extra time exploring striking architecture, chic galleries and even encounter native wildlife at nearby parks.  Additionally, for the first time, NCL will overnight in Bali and the idyllic island of Lembar (Lombok), Indonesia.

“Our Company is committed to delivering more opportunities for our guests to explore the world with remarkable vacation experiences…and having lived in Asia with my family, I can attest to it being one of those unforgettable places,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.  “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.  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. Now, with more voyages, choice of ships and departure ports to choose from, guests can curate their vacation to this region their way.”

Norwegian Spirit will debut in Asia on 26^th May, 2024 for a 10-day Japan cruise departing from Tokyo. Then, in the fall, she will return for a season of nine-to-15-day voyages to Japan and Southeast Asia, from 22^nd September 2024 through 17^th November, 2025, exploring both well-known and off-the-beaten-path cities that invite a deeper exploration, and truly come alive after dark, such as Himeji, Osaka, Tokyo and Tokushima, Japan; Hong Kong; Incheon, South Korea; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; and Bangkok (Laem Chabang).  From December 2025 to March 2026, she will return to offer a series of 11-to14-day journeys to-and-beween Australia and New Zealand.

This December, Norwegian Sun will make her Australian debut, arriving in Brisbane and Melbourne on 18^th and 21^st of December, 2024, following a leisurely 18-day French Polynesia and South Pacific sailing, which departs Papeete on 3^rd December and visits eight ports. She will sail a section of 12-to-15-day voyages between Australia and New Zealand, including a new collection of Brand first itineraries to the Great Barrier Reef and South Pacific between Cairns and Lautoka, Australia, which is also NCL’s first turnaround in both ports.  She will also sail six island-hopping French Polynesia cruises between Fiji and Tahiti and two Asia cruises through 21^st May, 2025. From November 2025 to March 2026, Norwegian Sun will sail a selection of 11-to-15-day itineraries exploring Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea and other highly sought out destinations in Southeast Asia. In addition, Norwegian Sky will debut in Asia in January 2025, offering select Japan and Southeast Asia cruises ranging from 10-to-17 days through March 2025.

Guests looking to maximise their Asia Pacific cruise adventure can take advantage of NCL’s Free at Sea program, which delivers more value with holiday enhancing benefits including specialty dining credits, unlimited beverage package, shore excursion credits, Wi-Fi minutes and more; as well as extend their holiday with one of NCL’s Cruisetours in Auckland, New Zealand; Taipei, Taiwan; as well as Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney.