The return of Norwegian Cruise Line to Australia and New Zealand means plenty of fun. And as the only cruise line to sail Hawaii year-round, the line also offers international options for Aussies looking to book their summer cruises. continues to thrive around the world, treating cruisers to sensational itineraries across Africa, Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

However, right now NCL wants Aussies to feel the warmth and ease that can only be conjured by cruising close to home, with an assortment of appetising itineraries across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

With Norwegian Spirit paying a long-awaited visit to Australia and New Zealand later this year, we’ve
put together a few of the glittering itineraries in the region that you can look forward to, as well as what’s new after her extensive refurbishment.

If you want to escape Australian shores, a quick 10-hour direct flight will take you to the green mountains, blue waters and red-hot entertainment of Hawaii, where NCL cruises year-round.

Here’s everything you need to know about NCL’s summer Sydney, Auckland and Papeete departures and its year-round sailings in America’s gorgeous island state.

A new look 

In NCL’s rich 55-year history, there’s never been a makeover as expensive or glamorous as Norwegian Spirit’s $141 million refurbishment.

The adult cruiser craving effortless luxury will be delighted by the doubled-in-size Mandara Spa™, now fitted with Thermal Suite including a steam room, sauna, shower experience and heated-tile loungers. Equally elegant and opulent is Spice H20, a luxurious adults-only pool retreats that morphs in the evening into a spritely cocktail lounge and open-air nightclub.

At a slightly smaller size than others in the fleet, at 268 metres long and 10 decks high, Norwegian Spirit has the amenities of a big ship with a heightened intimacy and attention to service. You’ll still have your pick of nine bars and lounge, 14 dining options and Broadway-style entertainment, including acclaimed musicals Blazing Boots and Palace of Lights.

You can also stay in style in your balcony stateroom just gazing over endless ocean through floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

Where’s she sailing?

Norwegian Spirit will sail a series of six 12-day itineraries around Australia and New Zealand and five 7-, 12-, 14- and 15-day South Pacific itineraries.

A highlight itinerary departs from Sydney and will take you to taste delicious oysters of Eden and the European-style delicacies of Burnie in Tasmania, then to experience the culture of Melbourne before an epic New Zealand adventure.

There, you’ll sail Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds and get the chance to spot penguin colonies, kayak through gorgeous Fiordland and indulge in fine dining.

On a more direct voyage to the Land of the Long White Cloud, you’ll enjoy incredible activities ashore, like a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre in Dunedin, a trip into the historic Larnach Castle, soaking in Rotorua’s hot springs, learning about Maori culture at Te Puia and more.

For something different, cruise straight out of Sydney and just a couple of days later find yourself among the glowing green pine trees and astonishingly clear water of Isle of Pines, New Caledonia. This is just the first of many stunning stops across the Pacific, including Mystery Island in Vanuatu, two ports in Fiji, Apia in Samoa and four more days in French Polynesia.

Go Hawaii

Pride of America departs Honolulu 52 weeks a year, every Saturday, embarking on a seven-day Inter-Island round trip.

Voted the best Hawaiian itinerary by several publications, there’s a reason this cruise runs so often. It is the only cruise that visits four islands over just seven days, with zero sea days and port calls across Oahu, Maui, Big Island and Kauai.

You’ll have your choice of more than 70 shore excursions, but you’ll almost certainly see the waterfalls and brilliant beaches of Maui, the intersection of endless greenery and unique architecture in Hilo, the dramatic natural landscapes packed into Kauai and can even enjoy a special cruise to see the dramatic and towering cliffs of the Napali Coast.

For the moments you aren’t on land, you’ll have 14 dining options, 10 bars and lounges, two pools and more than 50 treatment options at Mandara Spa to keep you busy onboard your comfortable ship.

Ben Angell, Norwegian Cruise Line Vice President and Managing Director APAC says no one does Hawaii quite like Norwegian Cruise Line and now is the perfect time to go for it.

“With direct flights to Honolulu taking off once again and cruises sailing every Saturday, year-round, a heavenly Hawaiian holiday aboard Pride of America is the ideal close-to-home escape for cruisers who can’t wait to set sail again,” he said.

“Truly, no one does Hawaii like NCL. Now is the time for travellers to experience the difference for themselves.”

For more information, visit ncl.com/au