Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has welcomed the New Zealand Government’s decision to reopen its maritime borders to cruising as the line prepares for its inaugural Australasian season for the newly-refurbished Norwegian Spirit.
NCL’s Norwegian Spirit is all set to offer four sailings from Auckland between January and March 2023.
“As we mark our full fleet now back in the water, doing what we do best – delivering exceptional holidays at sea – we are delighted by this announcement which paves the way for our return to New Zealand waters after three years,” said Ben Angell, Norwegian Cruise Line Vice President and Managing Director, APAC.
“Our commitment to New Zealand both as a guest source market and as one of the most highly sought-after destinations on our global cruise map is steadfast and we can’t wait to resume our operations Down Under for the benefit of guests, our crew and the New Zealand economy.”
Norwegian Spirit’s upcoming Australasian deployment will see Auckland become a seasonal homeport with four turnarounds providing an additional economic boost through pre and post-cruise international visitor stays, as well as 45 visits to eight different New Zealand ports throughout the 2022/23 season: Auckland, Dunedin, Lyttleton, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, Bay of Islands and Akaroa.
NCL says Norwegian Spirit’s local voyages will showcase the magnificent coastal scenery and cosmopolitan cities of both Australia and New Zealand through a collection of eight to 12-day sailings with port-intensive itineraries departing from Sydney and Auckland between December 2022 and March 2023.
Her first departure from Auckland will be on 3 January 2023 followed by 27 January, 20 February and 16 March 2023. She will then return for her second local season from December 2023.
NCL’s sales team said they were thrilled to be back in New Zealand this week to celebrate the Great Cruise Comeback with their valued Kiwi trade partners.
The NCL team held a Great Cruise comeback event on Tuesday 10 May 2022 at Brew on Quay in Auckland to celebrate, thank the trade for their steadfast support and provide an update on NCL developments.
For more information visit www.ncl.com/au