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23 May, 2024

Norwegians adds Cairns to departure ports as it grows its Asia footprint

Fujiyoshida, Japan at Chureito Pagoda and Mt. Fuji in the spring with cherry blossoms.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has grown its footprint in Asia with the introduction of 24 new cruises for 85 Pacific Voyages from September 2024 through March 2026. Its ships Norwegian Spirit, Sun and Sky will be joining the region for the first time.

NCL will deploy its ships from 15 departure ports, including Auckland, Sydney, Bali, Singapore, Korea, Melbourne and, for the first time, Cairns.

NCL already heads to Singapore.

The move is the first time NCL will be offering Asia cruises during the European summer.

The strategic move is led by growing demand amongst Aussie and Kiwi travellers for Asian destinations, especially Japan. The Asia Pacific region is set to be the primary driver of global travel growth, up 20 per cent over 2023.

These new nine-to-19-day voyages offer guests an average of 10 hours in port to over 60 locations, including Albany, Busselton, Fremantle, Port Douglas and Townsville in Australia; Matsuyama and Niigata in Japan; Aitutaki in the Cook Islands; and Suva in Fiji.

NCL likes the lights of Tokyo.

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; Himeji, Japan, home to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle; and Tokushima, Japan, where guests can savour a wide variety of culinary specialties.

Other overnight calls include Hong Kong, Asia’s culinary capital where ancient traditions blend with modern marvels; and Bangkok (Laem Chabang), home to the golden temples and palaces, including the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the opulent Royal Palace. Additionally, for the first time, NCL will overnight in Bali, Indonesia and the idyllic island of Lembark, Lombok.

NCL ships are well-recognised in Sydney but rarely during the European summer.

NCL has launched a limited-time Close to Home Sale where guests can enjoy additional savings of $500 on select Asia, Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific sailings , which is also combinable with NCL’s popular Free At Sea offer*.

“In response to the strong demand for Asia as a destination, we are thrilled to launch 24 new immersive itineraries as part of our most extensive Asia-Pacific offering to date. Demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the region as both a destination and source market, NCL is now offering 85 Asia Pacific voyages from September 2024 through March 2026 across three ships and fifteen departure ports including Bali, Papeete, Tokyo and Singapore.” said Ben Angell, vice president, and managing director Norwegian Cruise Line APAC.

It’s the first time NCL will be offering Asia cruises during the European summer.

NCL is also offering a partners first rewards incentive where partners have the opportunity to triple their money on select Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific or Asia sailings booked and deposited during NCL’s close to home sale.

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