Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is set to launch over 24 new port-intensive cruises across Asia. This ambitious expansion will see a total of 85 Asia Pacific voyages from September 2024 through March 2026, featuring new-to-the-region ships: Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sun, and Norwegian Sky.
Historic Deployment and Expanded Itineraries
For the first time, NCL will deploy its largest fleet in Asia, offering an extended season of must-see voyages from 15 departure ports. These ports include major cities like Auckland, Bali, Bangkok, Manila, Papeete, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, Yokohama, Vancouver, Sydney, Melbourne, and for the first time, Cairns and Lautoka. This expansion also marks NCL’s inaugural Northern Hemisphere summer cruises in Asia, providing guests with more opportunities to explore the diverse landscapes, cultures, and cuisines of the region.
Growing Interest and Immersive Experiences
With Asia being a top destination among Southeast Asian travelers—particularly Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia—NCL is meeting the rising demand for travel in the Asia-Pacific region, projected to grow by 20% over 2023. The new itineraries, ranging from nine to 19 days, offer guests an average of 10 hours in port, visiting over 60 dream locations. These include first-time calls for NCL to destinations such as Albany, Busselton, Fremantle, Port Douglas, and Townsville in Australia; Matsuyama and Niigata in Japan; Aitutaki in the Cook Islands; and Suva in Fiji.
Extended Stays and Unique Experiences
Spanning 18 months, this season will feature 36 overnight port stays across 11 unique locations in the Asia Pacific. Highlights include Osaka and Himeji in Japan, where guests can explore ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites; Tokushima, Japan, known for its rich history and culinary delights; and Hong Kong, Asia’s culinary capital. Additionally, NCL will offer overnight stays in Bangkok and, for the first time, in Bali and Lembark (Lombok), Indonesia.
Norwegian Spirit’s Asian Debut
Norwegian Spirit will make her debut in Asia on May 26, 2024, with a 10-day Japan cruise departing from Tokyo. She will continue with a season of nine to 15-day voyages through Japan and Southeast Asia from September 22, 2024, to November 17, 2025. These itineraries include visits to both well-known and off-the-beaten-path cities that come alive after dark, such as Himeji, Osaka, Tokyo, Tokushima, Hong Kong, Incheon, Taipei, and Bangkok. From December 2025 to March 2026, she will sail 11 to 14-day journeys between Australia and New Zealand.
Norwegian Sun’s Australian Debut
Norwegian Sun will arrive in Brisbane and Melbourne in December 2024, after an 18-day journey from Papeete. She will offer 12 to 15-day voyages between Australia and New Zealand, including new itineraries to the Great Barrier Reef and South Pacific. Additionally, she will operate island-hopping cruises in French Polynesia and Asia until May 2025, and from November 2025 to March 2026, she will explore Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Korea.
Norwegian Sky’s Entry into Asia
In January 2025, Norwegian Sky will make her Asian debut with select Japan and Southeast Asia cruises ranging from 10 to 17 days through March 2025.
With these new itineraries, NCL is set to offer unparalleled experiences, showcasing the best of Asia Pacific’s cultural and natural beauty. For more details and to book your voyage, visit the Norwegian Cruise Line website.
