Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is celebrating the completion of its Great Cruise Comeback with the sailing of Norwegian Spirit, the 17th and final ship in its fleet to return to service.
NCL’s return to service after a 500-day pause began with Norwegian Jade’s 25 July 2021 sailing from Athens, Greece.
Since then, the brand has systematically relaunched its ships around the world, welcoming guests and crew members aboard its award-winning vessels.
“This is an incredibly important day in our history and a defining moment for our future,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“We are moving full speed ahead, having already welcomed more than half a million guests for an exceptional vacation at sea.”
Norwegian Spirit, which is sporting an extensive bow-to-stern USD$100 million revitalisation, departed 7 May 2022 and will be sailing through the deep blue South Pacific, visiting eight ports in 12 days, with departures commencing from Papeete on the beautiful Island of Tahiti.
Norwegian Spirit will then debut in Australian waters for the very first time on 22 December 2022 for her inaugural local sailing season, visiting ports across Australia and New Zealand, marking NCL’s return Down Under after an almost three-year interval.
“We are incredibly excited to have our 17 innovative ships back doing what we do best – delivering exceptional holidays at sea. But importantly, this is a special moment for Australia/New Zealand cruising, as we commence the countdown to NCL’s long-awaited return to our waters”, said Ben Angell, Vice President and Managing Director, NCL APAC.
“Designed to be different, her bow-to-stern makeover has created an adult-centric oasis at sea and for the first time, Australians will have the chance to experience the ship’s special brand of laid-back luxury sailing right from their doorstep.”
NCL says Norwegian Spirit now showcases 14 brand-new venues and is now quite unlike any other ship sailing in Australian waters.