Norwegian Cruise Line Invites Guests to ‘Get in the Spirit’ as the 12-Month Countdown Begins to Norwegian Spirit's Inaugural Voyage Down Under
Travellers Can Break Free and Explore Local Treasures Aboard the Spectacular Norwegian Spirit – the Perfect Ship for Aussie and Kiwi Cruisers
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 53-year history of breaking boundaries, is celebrating the 12-month countdown to Norwegian Spirit’s first-ever local sailing season, during which she’ll showcase her recent bow-to-stern modernisation – reimagined with the adult cruiser in mind.
During her inaugural 2021/22 local summer sailing season, Norwegian Spirit will offer Aussie and Kiwi travellers the opportunity to break free and discover the sensational scenery of Australia and New Zealand through a collection of 10 and 12-day-port intensive itineraries departing from Sydney and Auckland.
From exploring the thundering waterfalls and mountain peaks of Milford Sound, to snorkelling off the coast of Eden or exploring Maori culture and natural wonders in Tauranga, there’s plenty to discover and enjoy ashore with an extensive range of immersive shore excursions on offer.
Delivering an ambience of laid-back luxury, guests will be delighted by Norwegian Spirit’s re-imagined staterooms, 14 new venues and intimate, adult-centric spaces, as well as the doubled-in-size Mandara Spa, expanded Pulse Fitness Centre and adults-only retreat Spice H20. Onboard, guests are given access to 10 bars and lounges as well as 14 dining options – from Teppanyaki to fine French fare - Norwegian Spirit offers something delicious for all tastes.
After busy days spent exploring the sights and sounds of Australia and New Zealand’s most scenic ports, guests can relax in one of Norwegian Spirit’s reimagined staterooms, with a variety of different accommodation options available. Come evening, entertainment options abound including ‘Palace of Lights,’ a vibrant musical set in 1950s Cuba, as well as ‘Elements,’ a visual feast of flying, dance and magic.
We’re delighted to be offering our Australian and New Zealand guests the opportunity to explore the beauty we are lucky enough to have in our own backyard with a cruise holiday aboard Norwegian Spirit. There’s been a definite surge in demand from local travellers looking for premium experiences closer to home and we believe our guests will love Norwegian Spirit’s refined onboard experience and immersive itineraries. Norwegian Spirit’s deployment to Australasia for her inaugural 2021/22 summer sailing season demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for the region’s loyal cruise fans.
Mr Angell’s ‘top three’ ports-of-call to discover as part of Norwegian Spirit’s inaugural 2021/22 AUNZ summer sailing season include:
- Timaru: A new destination for NCL, Timaru is one of the ports of call on Norwegian Spirit’s 12-day Australia and New Zealand from Sydney itinerary, which departs 23 December 2021, sailing over Christmas and New Year. Located on the Canterbury Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Timaru is an area of incredible natural beauty which is home to ancient rock carvings, fascinating history and phenomenal ocean views. Other voyage highlights include fine dining and local wineries in and around vibrant Melbourne, kayaking through the breathtaking Milford Sound with fur seals and dolphins, or discovering rich Maori culture at Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington.
- Napier: Often called the ‘art deco capital of the world,’ Napier is famed for its colourful architecture, tree-lined ocean boulevards and superb surrounding wineries – all of which can be explored on a guided tour when visiting Napier on Norwegian Spirit’s 10-day Australia and New Zealand from Auckland sailing, departing 21 February 2022. This itinerary also offers the opportunity to explore the many waterfalls and spectacular scenery of awe-inspiring Doubtful Sound.
- Eden: One of the undiscovered gems of Australia’s east coast, Eden is a natural wonderland nestled between national park wilderness areas and pristine beaches. A key spot for oyster farming and water sports, it’s the perfect spot to sample fresh local seafood and scenery. Visit Eden on Norwegian Spirit’s 12-day Australia and New Zealand from Auckland itinerary departing 28 January 2022, which also calls at New Zealand’s ‘chardonnay capital’, Gisborne, where you can sample some of the region’s finest wines; Gunn’s Plains in Tasmania, where you can see glow worms in limestone caves; as well as Victorian and Edwardian architecture, rare penguins and fur seals in Dunedin.
NCL is also inviting its Australian and New Zealand guests to plan their future getaway with its ‘Cyber Sale,’ which sees all stateroom categories* across all ships and destinations receiving all five of its popular ‘Free at Sea’ offers. Available until 10 December 2020, guests can enjoy a free beverage package, free shore excursion credit, free specialty dining package, free Wi-Fi package and access to NCL’s ‘3rd and 4th guest sail at a reduced rate’ offer (on select sailings), providing US$2,900 (nearly AU$4,000/over NZ$4,000) in overall value. NCL’s ‘Cyber Sale’ is available on Norwegian Spirit’s forthcoming Australia and New Zealand itineraries
Underlining its genuine commitment to being an industry leader when it comes to health and safety, NCLH established the Healthy Sail Panel in partnership with Royal Caribbean Group, which has developed comprehensive recommendations to guide the cruise industry’s response to the global pandemic, including 74 best practices which are behind the development of enhanced health and safety protocols to ensure guests can safely set sail to explore the world once again. Please find further details here.
To provide guests with even more freedom and flexibility, NCL recently extended its Peace of Mind cancellation policy. Guests with embarkation dates from 1 January 2021 to 31 October 2021 now have the flexibility to cancel their cruise 15 days prior to departure and receive a Future Cruise Credit, which may be applied to any sailing through 31 December 2022, or a full refund when they cancel up-to 120 days before their holiday. In addition, for all voyages through 31 March 2021, guests can provide final payment 30 days prior to embarkation versus the standard 120 days.