Explore local waters with Norwegian Spirit

Sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Spirit is returning to Australian waters from December 2025 with new itineraries that local cruisers will love. These close to home cruises let you experience everything Norwegian Cruise Line has to offer with convenient departures from Sydney.
Following a US$100 million revitalisation, Norwegian Spirit feels like an entirely new ship and has been carefully designed for couples, solo travellers and mature explorers. This is where grown-up getaways begin.

The only choice you’ll have to make is this – quick break or extended exploration?

Four-day sailings

A short but sweet break on Norwegian Spirit offers the perfect long weekend escape and the ideal taster before embarking on a longer cruise. Get ready to enjoy a sophisticated escape at sea, soak in the views and discover how unforgettable a few days at sea can really be.

NCL’s brand new Tassie Taster itinerary combines onboard relaxation with an immersive exploration of the Tasmanian capital, Hobart. Stroll through the Salamanca Markets or visit the summit of Mount Wellington, with sweeping views over the city. Shore excursions take you into the surrounding countryside, let you taste local wines and ocean fresh oysters, and introduce you to the famous Tassie devils. A second sea day as you sail back towards Sydney gives you time to try restaurants you may have missed, book a treatment in the award-winning Mandara Spa or grab a sun lounger by the pool and watch the deep blue of the Pacific roll by.

There are two departures of this itinerary – 6 January and 27 January, 2027. Being at the peak of summer and during the holidays, staterooms will sell out fast. 

11+ day sailings

Want to spend more time exploring your backyard onboard Norwegian Spirit? Longer sailings of 11 to 14 days hop between Australian ports, cross the Tasman into New Zealand and visit the picture-perfect beaches of the South Pacific. Exciting ports are mixed with relaxed sea days, ensuring you get the best of both worlds. This is close to home cruising, reimagined for those who seek more than just a getaway.

Australia & New Zealand: Melbourne, Milford Sound & Wellington
11 days Sydney to Auckland – 17 January 2026

Sail from stunning Sydney, with a stop in cosmopolitan Melbourne. Then cross the Tasman Sea to take in New Zealand’s most breathtaking wonders. Marvel at the raw beauty of Milford Sound’s fjords, explore Dunedin and Christchurch, step into movie magic at Wellington’s Weta Workshop, home to many of the marvels from Lord of the Rings. You’ll enjoy the coastal charms of Napier and Tauranga. Your journey ends in Auckland, the vibrant gateway to New Zealand’s natural beauty and culture.

Australia: Melbourne, Adelaide & Tasmania
11 days round trip from Sydney – 12 December 2026 & 10 January 2027

A cruise for Aussie gourmets: you’ll taste fresh oysters and local wines in Hobart, then spend a full day immersed in Kangaroo Island’s fresh seafood, Ligurian honey, and a diverse range of award-winning wines, beers, ciders and spirits. You’ll overnight in Adelaide, so visiting wine regions of the Barossa and McLaren Vale is a must. Another overnight in Melbourne means you can take in the city’s legendary laneway bars and eateries. Four days at sea on the Norwegian Spirit leaves you plenty of time to relax, take in the Stardust Theatre’s live shows and eat at specialty restaurants like Onda by Scarpetta or Cagneys Steakhouse.

South Pacific: Fiji, Vanuatu & Lifou
11 days Sydney to Lautoka – 22 April 2026 & 23 April 2027

Golden beaches, colourful reefs and the laid-back tropical lifestyle await on this exploration of the South Pacific. Visiting nine ports across four countries – and spending full days in each – there are endless opportunities for relaxation time on pristine, tranquil beaches and rich cultural encounters. Sailing from Sydney, enjoy two relaxed days at sea before visiting Noumea and Lifou in New Caledonia. Continue across the South Pacific to Vanuatu and finally on to Fiji, calling at Dravuni, Savusavu, Suva and Lautoka. With more than 40 shore excursions to choose from, you can tailor this cruise to be perfect for you.

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5 reasons to sail on the new Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Spirit has been designed with the Australian cruiser in mind, with its US$100 million transformation turning it into one of the most stylish ships in the region. From its smaller size to the high crew-to-guest ratio, everything feels both relaxed and refined. Plentiful dining options, chic bars, an indulgent spa and the most inclusive value at sea make for a sophisticated escape.

1. New look, same legendary Spirit

Norwegian Spirit is the perfect blend of comfort and contemporary design.​ Staterooms have been given an elegant makeover, promising a secluded sanctuary. Reimagined restaurants and lounges ensure every corner exudes style and sophistication. The Mandara Spa has doubled in size and includes an indulgent Thermal Suite with steam rooms, sauna, a thalassotherapy pool and more.

2. Smaller ship, bigger experience​

Norwegian Spirit may be smaller than many ships you’ll find in Australian waters, but that’s what makes her shine. Expect easier embarkation, fewer crowds and a boutique feel — without sacrificing entertainment, service or amenities. It’s a more personal way to cruise. Refined, relaxed and designed to delight.

3. Unrivalled dining choices

Norwegian Spirit offers unmatched dining choice for a ship of her size. There are 14 dining options on board (including room service), half of which are included in your fare. Savour global flavours with specialty dining options like Cagney’s Steakhouse, classic French at Le Bistro, indulgent Italian at Onda by Scarpetta and a fun, interactive meal at Teppanyaki restaurant.

4. Curated for adults, crafted for calm.

When we say grown-up getaway, we really mean it. On Norwegian Spirit there are no waterslides and no kids’ clubs, just premium cruising without pretension. Its smaller size invites you to feel instantly at home, yet it’s spacious enough that you’ll never feel crowded. Enjoy quieter decks, upscale dining and an intimate onboard atmosphere ideal for couples, solo travellers, and those craving pure serenity at sea.​

5. The most inclusive value at sea

Enjoy unlimited premium beverages, a WiFi package to stay connected, all gratuities included, shore excursion credits in every port, incredible entertainment, and complimentary dining at a wide range of venues. Plus, indulge in NCL’s specialty dining package*, adding even more flavour to your journey at no extra cost*.

To book, contact your travel agent or visit ncl.com

* T&Cs apply