Everyday is a New Day
Posted on 06/19/2024
New Immersive Asia Cruise Itineraries Include an Average of 10 Hours in Port; Over 30 Overnight Calls; Five New-to-Brand Visits in Australia and Japan; As Well As Seven Debut Great Barrier Reef and South Pacific Cruises
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.
1. Asia Cruises
Norwegian Spirit will debut in Asia on May 26, 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 Sept. 22, 2024 through Nov. 17, 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-to-14-day journeys to-and-between Australia and New Zealand.
Asia is of growing interest among travelers, with the Asia-Pacific region set to be the primary driver of travel growth, up 20% over 2031. With top destinations for U.S.- based travelers in 2024 being Tokyo and Osaka, Japan; Seoul, South Korea; Taipei City, Taiwan and Hong Kong, 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.
Tokyo, Japan Cruise through Asia and immerse yourself in every city you visit with full days — up to 16 hours — in port. Explore stunning temples in Thailand, travel to a picturesque rice paddy in Vietnam and enjoy late departure from Singapore. Or journey to Japan during cherry blossom season and have a picnic and sake under the delicate, pink sakura blooms. Then spend two days in Kyoto visiting classical Buddhist temples, imperial palaces and Shinto shrines, followed by a relaxing hotstone massage at Mandara Spa on your day at sea. Come aboard and immerse yourself in the wonders and history of Asia with Norwegian.
2. Australia & New Zealand Cruises
Discover an underwater world like no other as you snorkel Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Bask in serenity under the golden sun and swim in a crystal-blue lagoon in Bora Bora. The magic of your travels leaves an enduring mark through the memories you create and share.
This December, Norwegian Sun will make her Australian debut, arriving in Brisbane and Melbourne on Dec. 18 and 21, 2024, following a leisurely 18-day French Polynesia and South Pacific sailing, which departs Papeete on Dec. 3 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 May 21, 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.
