Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, is counting down the weeks until the eagerly anticipated return of the refined and elevated Norwegian Spirit®, making her debut in Western Australia on 9 December 2025. Departing from Singapore, she then arrives in Fremantle before continuing along Australia’s stunning coastline, with calls to Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Eden and Burnie, plus an overnight stay in Melbourne ahead of concluding in Sydney on 21 December.
Marking her third season in local waters, Norwegian Spirit redefines the cruising experience with a premium offering tailored for adult travellers – no kids’ clubs, no waterslides – offering a more grown-up way to cruise. Designed for guests seeking effortless exploration without compromising on world-class entertainment, service or amenities, Norwegian Spirit delivers the perfect balance of smaller ship intimacy and upscale onboard experiences that fill a distinct gap in the market.
From December 2025 through April 2026, Norwegian Spirit will sail a curated collection of 11 open-jaw itineraries, ranging from 11 to 19 days between Sydney and Auckland. Each voyage is uniquely crafted to showcase unforgettable destinations – from New Zealand’s dramatic fjords to overnight stays in vibrant cultural capitals like Melbourne and Auckland. The season also includes brand-first visits to Timaru and Gisborne, along with highly appealing ports such as Kangaroo Island, Bay of Islands, and Napier. With an average port stay of 10 hours across the season, guests will have ample time to explore each destination in depth.
Following her Australia-New Zealand season, she will then reposition to the stunning South Pacific for a series of 14 idyllic island itineraries ranging from 11 to 13 days departing from Sydney, Lautoka, Honolulu or Papeete. These dreamy voyages feature destinations including Papeete, Moorea, Fiji, Bora Bora and Nouméa as well as maiden calls to Rarotonga, Port Denarau, Port Vila, Aitutaki, and Savusavu.
“Norwegian Spirit’s return for a third season in Australia and New Zealand reflects our deep and ongoing commitment to the region – not just as a destination, but as a vibrant source market,” said Ben Angell, Vice President and Managing Director, NCL Asia-Pacific. “In response to guest feedback, we’re expanding our local footprint with more curated opportunities for Australians and New Zealanders to explore their own backyard. At a time when local cruise options are narrowing, NCL is proud to offer greater choice – giving both loyal guests and newcomers more flexibility in how, when, and where they cruise. Norwegian Spirit, fully reimagined and tailored for adult travellers, fills a unique gap in the market. With no kids’ clubs or waterslides, guests enjoy elevated dining, serene spaces, and over 50 immersive itineraries – from long weekend escapes to deeper journeys with overnight stays in Melbourne and Adelaide. With just eight weeks until she arrives in Fremantle, excitement is building. And with her return already confirmed for the 2026/27 season and beyond, close-to-home cruising across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific is here to stay.”
Looking ahead to her fourth local season during the summer of 2026/27, Norwegian Spirit will introduce a fresh collection of four to 14-day sailings, including nine departures from Sydney – the most ever for the brand. Among them are five round-trip Sydney voyages and NCL’s first ever four-night Tasmanian Taster cruises, offering a unique opportunity for local cruise fans to enjoy a premium long weekend escape on a smaller ship, without compromising on entertainment, service, or amenities. Departing on 6 & 21 January 2027, these round-trip sailings are the ideal introduction to cruising and to NCL, underscoring the cruise line’s commitment to giving guests more of what they want from their holiday.
The season will begin with a 12-day South Pacific sailing from Lautoka, Fiji to Sydney in November 2026, featuring four quintessential Fiji ports, calls to Port Vila and Mystery Island in Vanuatu, Brisbane and NCL’s first visit to Newcastle since 2019.
Further brand-firsts during Norwegian Spirit’s 2026/27 season will include two curated 11-day round-trip cruises departing Sydney on 12 December 2026 and 10 January 2027 featuring overnight calls in both Melbourne and Adelaide, offering plenty of time for a more in-depth exploration of celebrated wine regions such as the Yarra Valley, Derwent Valley, McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley. Additional highlights will include calls in historic Hobart, and Kangaroo Island, a bucket list destination for lovers of nature and native wildlife.
A series of 11-day open-jaw sailings between Sydney and Auckland will conclude the season with scenic journeys through New Zealand’s fjords, vibrant cities, and coastal gems – featuring the brand’s first-ever call to Phillip Island.
Premium without pretension – what’s on board?
Norwegian Spirit is designed for refined cruising – striking the perfect balance between contemporary elegance and serene comfort at sea, representing the best of NCL’s fleet. Revitalised from bow to stern, she features upgraded staterooms, stylish lounges, and elevated dining ideal for couples, solo travellers, and mature explorers. Guests can indulge in an unmatched variety of world-class cuisine across 14 dining options, including specialty favourites like Onda by Scarpetta, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, and Teppanyaki, alongside seven complimentary venues and nine distinctive bars and lounges – such as the adults-only Spice H2O. After a day of discovery ashore, guests can unwind at the award-winning Mandara Spa®, offering more than 50 specialty treatments and an adults-only Thermal Suite with heated loungers and panoramic ocean views. As night falls, entertainment options abound – from interactive game shows and music trivia to comedy and pop-country showcases, or guests can simply relax with a cocktail in one of the ship’s inviting lounges. This is close-to-home cruising redefined for those who seek more, it’s where grown-up getaways truly begin.
