Norwegian Cruise Lines celebrates 10 years in Australia and pledges: “We’re here for the long haul”

• Norwegian Cruise Lines has opened a new Sydney office for 200 staff and pledged to stand by the Australian Market.
• With an Oceania ship here for 5 months and Norwegian Spirit coming back, the company is committed to the market.
• In 10 years, the line has grown its staff 20-fold.

Australian cruisers can look forward to more choice, more ships and more itineraries, as Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) marks 10 years in Asia Pacific with the opening of a brand-new Sydney office.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by industry partners, media and staff, senior executives pledged that the group’s three brands – Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises – are here for the long haul, even as some competitors are pulling back from the region.

A Strong Pledge to Stay

Steve Odell, Senior Vice President, International and Consumer Sales for Oceania and Regent, led the celebration and made it clear that Asia Pacific remains at the heart of the company’s global strategy.

“Some lines are downsizing in Asia Pacific, but Norwegian, Oceania and Regent are not,” Odell said. “This market is our third largest source market for luxury brands – and at the same time, Asia Pacific itself is a bucket-list destination for luxury travellers from around the world.”

Odell, who played a central role in establishing NCLH’s presence in Australia a decade ago, reflected on how far the company has come. “Back then we were a team of just 20, now we’re close to 200,” he said.

“The consistency of our management team and our strong partnerships with the travel trade have been key to that success. This new Sydney office shows our commitment to growth – we’re investing not only in our people but in our guests and our partners.”

The office will not just handle Australia, but also international bookings in a “follow the sun” concept that will see staff in Sydney taking over as others around the world clock off.

The Luxury Edge

For cruisers, that investment translates into a host of world-class ships sailing in local waters over the coming years. Oceania Cruises, known for its refined culinary experiences and mid-sized ships, will deploy the much-anticipated Vista through Sydney in April during her 180-day world cruise – a highlight for local ship spotters and guests alike.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, regarded as the world’s most luxurious cruise line, will also send a strong line-up: Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Mariner, and Seven Seas Navigator will all call in the region. These ships bring an ultra-luxury experience to Australian shores, combining all-inclusive dining, curated shore excursions and a reputation for indulgent service.

“This region is a magnet for luxury travellers,” Odell said. “To bring these ships here is not only about serving our loyal Australian guests, but also about attracting high-end travellers from overseas who want to explore Asia Pacific in style.”

He added that Oceania Riviera will also be based locally, offering Australians access to one of the line’s most acclaimed vessels with Oceania Riviera.

“There’s no reduction happening in our company, only expansion,” he said.

Norwegian Spirit’s Return

The contemporary side of the business is also gearing up for growth. Ben Angell, Vice President & Managing Director of NCL Asia Pacific, told guests that Norwegian Cruise Line will continue to build on its presence, with a special focus on both fly-cruise and domestic options.

Fly-cruise, a segment that allows Australians to pair international travel with a cruise holiday, is set to expand. “For years I’ve been asking why we don’t talk more about fly-cruise in Australia,” Mr Angell said. “Now, we’re seeing real momentum – and I believe we’re on the cusp of a reimagining of what cruising can be down here.”

At the same time, NCL is bringing back one of its most beloved ships, the Norwegian Spirit, for extended local deployment. She will return this year and then again in 2026 and 2027, when – for the first time – she will operate Sydney roundtrip sailings.

“She’s a perfect size for our demographic,” Angell said. “She’s adult-centric, sophisticated, and unlike anything else in the market. Norwegian Spirit is going to stand out as a unique option for Australians.”

The Power of Three

The new Sydney office not only gives NCLH a base for nearly 200 staff, but also symbolises what Angell called “the power of three.”

“For the first time, we’ve brought Norwegian, Oceania and Regent together on one expansive floor,” he said. “These brands each offer something different – from contemporary cruising, to upper-premium, to ultra-luxury – but together they form a powerhouse that reflects the strength of our group. This new office is exactly how it should be: united, strong, and ready for the next chapter.”

Angell also paid tribute to Odell’s vision in growing the Asia Pacific market. “When you think back to that first meeting in the Langham Hotel with just six of us, to now housing close to 200 staff, it’s truly phenomenal,” he said. “Steve’s foresight has positioned us as leaders in this region.”

What It Means for Cruisers

For Australian travellers, this expansion promises more variety, more homeport options and more luxury than ever before. Guests can expect to see new itineraries in both the luxury and contemporary segments, with Sydney round-trip sailings, world cruise stopovers, and fly-cruise opportunities all on the horizon.

It also means local travellers won’t need to look far to sample the newest ships at sea. Oceania Vista, a sparkling addition to the fleet, is set to make headlines when she sails into Sydney Harbour, while Norwegian Spirit’s return offers Australians a stylish and intimate way to cruise without having to fly overseas.

“This is just the beginning of the next chapter,” Odell said. “We’re committed to Asia Pacific, and our guests are going to love what’s coming.”

See more at ncl.com, oceaniacruises.com or rssc.com.