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With Christmas just around the corner, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, is taking the stress out of the holidays, offering a variety of fantastic cruises during the festive season, including close to home sailings departing from Sydney, Honolulu and Singapore.

Guests sailing with NCL can feel free to switch-off and escape the hassles of the holiday season, while enjoying important quality time with family or friends. Whether you’re looking to sip champagne from your balcony as you enjoy the tropical vistas of the idyllic Nā Pali Coast on a 7-day Hawai’i cruise, adventure through the marketplaces of bustling Bangkok on a 15-day Thailand, Cambodia, Phuket & Penang cruise, or enjoy a stress-free Christmas dinner while sailing the Tasman Sea, NCL has an itinerary to suit all tastes.

Worried that it won’t feel like Christmas without your Santa sack and mistletoe? Fear not – NCL has got it covered, with the spirit of the season coming to life on board. Every ship in the fleet will be “decked” out in red and green Christmas decorations, including Christmas trees and a giant gingerbread house, baked by NCL chefs.

A special menu will be served, featuring an array of Christmas themed dishes including traditional favourites like roast turkey, baked ham, Christmas cake and pudding. Guests of all ages are also invited to keep an eye out for Santa as they explore the ship, with kids able to tell him what’s at the top of their wish-list while posing for a photo.

“Christmas is a magical time that should be spent celebrating with loved ones, making memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately for most, the holiday season is more stressful than relaxing, with Christmas shopping, spending time in the kitchen preparing a festive feast and cleaning-up all topping the to-do list,” said Ben Angell Vice President and Managing Director Norwegian Cruise Line APAC

“When sailing with NCL guests have the opportunity to enjoy our unrivalled freedom and flexibility so they can experience what is sure to be their most remarkable and relaxing Christmas yet. Cruising gives families the chance to enjoy an array of adventures together both on board and on shore, the ease of visiting multiple destinations without having to unpack and repack, as well as access to NCL’s quality dining and Broadway-calibre entertainment,” said Ben.

Guests who book a Christmas cruise with NCL before 30 October, 2019 – including itineraries departing from Sydney – can save up to $430 off their cruise fare per stateroom on select sailings. Those booking a Balcony or Mini-Suite will also receive all five ‘Free at Sea’ offers, including a free beverage package, free shore excursion credit, free speciality dining package, free Wi-Fi package and access to NCL’s ‘friends and family sail at a reduced rate’ on a wide range of departures across its 16-strong fleet, making that much needed vacay all the more enjoyable!

Some highlights from Norwegian’s Christmas season sailings include:

· Experience the beauty of your own backyard: Departing from Sydney on the 22nd December on board Norwegian Jewel – refurbished in 2018 – guests undertaking this 12-Day Australia and New Zealand sailing will be able to enjoy the festive season by exploring some of the region’s most beautiful ports. Cruise Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions, best described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, take a wine tour in Marlborough or visit Larnach Castle – the only castle in New Zealand – in picturesque Dunedin.

· Explore the excitement of the orient: Departing on the 21st December, this 15-Day Thailand, Cambodia, Phuket and Penang from Singapore itinerary is perfect for those wanting to discover the exotic sights and sounds of Southeast Asia onboard the recently refurbished Norwegian Jade. Departing from the cultural melting pot of Singapore, guests on this sailing will enjoy immersive overnight stays in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore. Cruisers can visit the local markets in idyllic Koh Samui where they can browse Thai silk and handicrafts, enjoy the beauty of Penang – known as the “Pearl of the Orient” – and sightsee in stunning Sihanoukville, situated in the island-studded Bay of Thailand.

· Hula in Honolulu: Departing from heavenly Honolulu on the 21st December, what better way to celebrate the holidays than from on board Pride of America. Voted the Best Hawai’i itinerary for 13 years by Porthole Cruise Magazine. NCL is the only cruise line offering an itinerary to four unique Hawaiian islands in seven days, with overnight stays in breathtaking Maui and Kaua’i, as well as having more time to explore, with nearly 100 hours ashore and no sea days. Guests on the 21st December sailing will enjoy Christmas day in Kona, renowned for its crystal blue waters, marine life and surf.

NCL’s fleet allows guests to enjoy award-winning entertainment and speciality dining options including amazing Asian fusion at Chin Chin and fabulous French fare at Le Bistro. Guests can choose from up to 22 bars and lounges, each with its own unique vibe, including Sugarcane Mojito Bar and Pink’s Champagne Bar. NCL also offers the best entertainment at sea, with award-winning Broadway productions and musicals including; Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Footloose, and Jersey Boys – with special festive season activities also on offer over the Christmas and New Year period.

Guests can relax with a variety of accommodation options including exclusive suites, concierge & butler service and private lounges in The Haven by Norwegian®, studio staterooms — designed for solo travellers with access to the private studio lounge and plenty of connecting staterooms, ideal for large groups and families wanting to celebrate this special time of year together.

For more information or to book a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, please contact a travel professional; call Norwegian in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283; or visit www.ncl.com.