Boating News

SYDNEY (23 July 2024) – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 57-year history of breaking boundaries, is offering enhanced opportunities for guests to uncover the jewels of Asia with over 40 overnight stays available in 10 iconic ports during NCL’s extended Asia season between September 2024 through March 2026.

Key highlights of the overnight stays include four Japanese cities – Osaka, where guests can explore over 1,600 temples and fascinating heritage; Kobe, known for the country’s best beef and crisp sake; Tokyo, with its eclectic food scene, nightlife and insight into Japanese culture and history, and Tokushima, where guests can enjoy beautiful nature all year round, savour a diverse variety of culinary specialties, explore the pilgrimage route that winds through the Shikoku mountains and visit the Tatsue-ji Temple.

Other overnight calls include Hong Kong, Asia’s culinary capital where ancient traditions blend with modern marvels; Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam, famous for its flavour-packed street food, Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand, home to splendid golden temples and palaces and Seoul, South Korea, where pop culture meets Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets.  Additionally, for the first time, NCL will overnight in Bali and Lembar, Indonesia.

“Our extensive Asia season is unparalleled, and we are inviting travellers to sail with us and discover why we are one of the best kept secrets in cruising.  We deliver more of what we know Aussie and Kiwi cruisers want – a range of immersive port-intensive itineraries that offer a perfect blend of lesser-known gems like Matsuyama and Niigata in Japan, alongside iconic bucket list destinations,” said Ben Angell, Vice President and Managing Director NCL APAC.  “Plus, with over 40 overnight stays in 10 iconic locations, we provide a deeper exploration of cities that truly come alive after dark”.

Asia is an appealing destination offering warm weather all year round and NCL is encouraging travellers to ditch the winter weather woes and plan their next Asia adventure by taking advantage of its new “Winter Warmers Sale”* providing savings of up to AUD$2,500 per booking.  The special offer can also be combined with NCL’s popular ‘Free at Sea’ which includes a complimentary beverage package, shore excursion credit per port, specialty dining package and wi-fi – valued at up to US$3,874 and is available for bookings until 01 August.

According to a recent Expedia Holiday Value Guide, 81% of Aussies are prioritising destinations that offer good value for money with Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and South Korea named the top four destinations offering great value winter travel.

Recognising the global demand for travel to Asia, NCL recently expanded its itinerary offering launching its most extensive continuous Asia deployment to date, with nearly 60 country-intensive cruises aboard Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sun, and Norwegian Sky between September 2024 and March 2026. With key cities including Osaka, Japan; Seoul, South Korea and Bangkok, Thailand, NCL is living up to its commitment to deliver immersive port-rich itineraries to the world’s most sought-after and best value for money destinations.

These nine-to-19-day voyages not only offer guests ample time for exploration with an average of 10 hours in port in over 50 unique Asian ports across Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, they also provide a seamless and exceptional value for money holiday whilst visiting a new destination almost every day.

NCL Itinerary Highlights with Overnight Stays in:

Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam

This 13-day Southeast Asia cruise to the Philippines, Vietnam & Malaysia from Singapore to Taipei on Norwegian Sky departs on 08 February 2025 and visits 11 ports in 13 days including an overnight stay to explore the fascinating city of Saigon which offers an incredible blend of culture, history, cuisine and shopping.  Other highlights include the opportunity to enjoy some of the most stunning white sand beaches in Boracay and explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the world’s most impressive cave systems and one of the 7 Wonders of Nature.

Tokushima, Japan

This culturally rich 12-day round trip Tokyo sailing in April 2025 on Norwegian Spirit visits 11 ports including an overnight stay in Tokushima to enjoy the springtime flowers.  Other highlights of the voyage include the opportunity to view Mount Fuji whilst in Shimizu and a visit to the Akita, home to the deepest lake in Japan and known for its “onsen” or hot springs and a well preserved samurai village.

Bangkok (Laem Chabang)

This 15-day Asia Cruise to Hong Kong & Thailand from Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan on Norwegian Spirit visits 10 ports in 15 days and includes an overnight stay in Bangkok (Laem Chabang).  Highlights include a day to explore the picturesque Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, the stunning resort island of Ko Samui, Thailand and a unique opportunity to enjoy the outstanding natural beauty and laid-back charm of Sihanoukville, Cambodia with its evergreen mountain forests and palmed fringed coastline.

Phuket and Bali

Norwegian Sun’s 12-day cruise from Singapore departs on 28 March 2025 and is perfect for those eager to explore Southeast Asia in a unique way.This voyage includes calls to nine stunning ports across Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia including hidden gems such as Semarang and Surabaya in Indonesia. Overnight stays in Phuket and Bali (Benoa) provide plenty of time to enjoy both of those iconic destinations.

To explore NCL’s Asia itineraries, click here.