Norwegian Cruise Line Returns to Asia After Three

Norwegian Cruise Line (celebrated its long-awaited return to Asia when Norwegian Jewel set sail from Tokyo and began its extensive six-month season of voyages in the region.

As the first ship in the NCL fleet to return to Asia in over three years, Norwegian Jewel will offer 16 immersive, port-rich itineraries, visiting 11 countries and sailing from nine different departure ports, including Bangkok (Laem Chabang) Thailand; Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) Malaysia; Singapore; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Bali (Benoa), Indonesia; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan; and for the first time in NCL history Seoul (Incheon), South Korea. 

Cruises range in length from 10 to 14 days, with an average of less than two sea days per sailing, inviting guests to spend up to 13.5 hours in iconic destinations like Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as well as extended overnight stays in places that come alive at night, such as Phuket, Thailand; Osaka, Japan; and Bali (Benoa), Indonesia. The company will also make its first calls to Manila, Boracay, Palawan, and Salomague in the Philippines, Bintan Island in Indonesia, and Hualien in Taiwan. 

“We returned to Asia with the arrival of Norwegian Jewel in Tokyo,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We take pride in providing the best vacation experience and endless opportunities for our guests to explore the world…including Asia!”  This region has some of the most intriguing history, food, and culture for tourists to experience, and we are happy to offer a broad range of port-rich itineraries. This market is important to us, and we are committed to serving it long-term.”

NCL will have a record four ships positioned in the region during the 2024/25 season, giving travellers unrivalled choices. Norwegian Jewel isn’t the only one making stops at a wide variety of ports in the region; Norwegian Spirit, Sun, and Sky are all going to do so, giving passengers the chance to see both well-known and lesser-known parts of Asia, including Japan, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

Norwegian Sun makes its debut in Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Asia.

Norwegian Sun will debut a six-month Asia Pacific season, including 13 exotic itineraries from October 2024 to April 2025, four of which have never been offered before, including three departures from Melbourne, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand, to Bali, Indonesia, sailing in March 2025. Departure ports include Melbourne and Sydney, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Papeete, French Polynesia, with itineraries highlighting the stunning scenery of each bucket-list location.

Norwegian Spirit Returns to Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Asia

Following an extraordinarily successful debut season, Norwegian Spirit will return to Australian and New Zealand waters for a second consecutive season from December 2023 to March 2024 for a series of popular open-jaw sailings between Sydney and Auckland. It will sail several repositioning cruises in the South Pacific before returning to the region for 14 Asia voyages from September 2024 to April 2025, departing from Manila, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, and Seoul.

Norwegian Sky Offers Exotic Itineraries in Asia, Asia Pacific, and Africa 

Between December 2024 and March 2025, Norwegian Sky will cruise seven times from Manila, Philippines; Singapore; Taipei, Taiwan; Tokyo; and Port Louis, Mauritius. Itineraries range from 10 to 17 days and include several country-immersive voyages to discover fascinating destinations such as the Philippines and Japan.

NCL also offers Cruise Tours in Tokyo, Taipei, and Singapore that may be added to certain sailings to provide passengers with a more in-depth experience of the place.