Norwegian Sun will be taking over from Norwegian Spirit for its Australian itineraries for the 2024-2025 season after a reshuffle of ships.

Norwegian Spirit’s itineraries have all been cancelled, which is not expected to affect planned Australian itineraries but will affect scheduled sailings in Alaska, Hawaii and the South Pacific.

The cruise line shared the following statement: “Due to increased demand for charter business in Asia, we have canceled Norwegian Spirit’s Alaska, Hawaii, South Pacific and Australia & New Zealand sailings from May 2024 – November 2025 and redeployed the ship to accommodate this strong demand. Norwegian Spirit will remain in Asia between scheduled charters to offer our guests the opportunity to explore some of the most sought-after destinations in the region.

“In addition, to ensure that our guests continue to have an expansive array of itinerary options to choose from, we will be redeploying Norwegian Sun to the South Pacific and Australia & New Zealand in 2024-2025.

“All changes are being communicated to impacted guests accordingly. We understand the inconvenience this may cause to affected guests, and we appreciate the understanding of our loyal guests and travel partners as we navigate this fleet redeployment and optimization.”

Norwegian Sun and Spirit are similar ships, with Sun being built in 2001 and Spirit in 1998.  Both have had  significant refurbishments in recent years. Norwegian Sun carries only 100 fewer passengers, meaning capacity differences will be minimal.

Norwegian Sun last year hit the headlines when it hit an iceberg the size of a truck.

It was headed to the Hubbard Glacier when it struck a growler – a piece of ice that has broken off from a larger glacier.

One passenger told the Juneau Empire that the ship came to a complete stop from the impact. “Then all sudden, boom, the whole ship shakes,” said Benjamin Talbott, who was aboard the ship with his family.

Apart from some bow damage, the vessel escaped unscathed.

Norwegian Sun was previously slated to make its first visit to Asia from October 2024 to May 2025 as part of a historical triple-deployment in Asia Pacific for the line.  It remains to be seen if those sailings will be replaced after Sun takes over the Australian sailings.

Our Content Director sailed Norwegian Spirit last year – read her review here.