The long-awaited brand-new Norwegian Spirit will finally dock in Sydney on 21 December. Norwegian Spirit’s arrival in Australia symbolises Norwegian Cruise Line’s long-awaited return to Australian waters after nearly three years of absence. The culmination of a USD$100m restoration was the most costly in Norwegian Cruise Line history.

The Norwegian Spirit has been renovated with 14 additional new venues, including nine bars and lounges, five speciality dining restaurants, and an enlarged Mandara Spa, all of which are aimed at the ship’s target demographic of adult cruisers.

Norwegian Spirit’s inaugural Australian and New Zealand season will feature nine departures from Sydney and Auckland to ports such as Hobart, Burnie, Melbourne, and Eden in Australia: Napier, Tauranga, Wellington, and Akaroa in New Zealand.

The Norwegian Spirit can only hold slightly more than 2,000 passengers, making it the smallest of Norwegian Cruise Line ships. The Spice 820 is an open-air cocktail bar and late-night nightclub catering to adults on the ship. The Mandara Spa’s thermal suite has expanded to include a steam bath, sauna, shower, and heated tile sun loungers.

Fun is abundant, and you may see a variety of aerial performances, dance routines, and magic tricks at Elements. The music and visuals of Blazing Boots celebrate modern country music.

Floor-to-ceiling windows have been installed in the balcony areas of the cabins to provide unparalleled ocean views.

Between December 2022 and March 2023, the Norwegian Spirit will sail ten routes, including eight 12-day voyages between its home ports of Sydney and Auckland, where it will visit smaller regional ports such as Hobart, Burney, Melbourne, and Eden in Australia, and Napier, Tauranga, Wellington, and Akaroa in New Zealand.

Two South Pacific voyages from Papeete to Sydney in December and Sydney to Papeete in March 2023 will be available before the ship returns to Australian waters in December 2023 for its second season.

“We can’t wait to continue our operations in Australia and assist local communities,” said Harry Somer, CEO and President of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Our last preparations are in full swing, and we’re counting down the days before an NCL ship sail into Sydney Harbour for the first time in three years.”

Between December 2022 and March 2023, the Norwegian Spirit will sail ten routes, including eight 12-day voyages between its home ports of Sydney and Auckland, where it will visit smaller regional ports such as Hobart, Burney, Melbourne, and Eden in Australia, and Napier, Tauranga, Wellington, and Akaroa in New Zealand.

Two South Pacific voyages from Papeete to Sydney in December and Sydney to Papeete in March 2023 will be available before the ship returns to Australian waters in December 2023 for its second season.

“We can’t wait to continue our operations in Australia and assist local communities,” said Harry Somer, CEO and President of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Our last preparations are in full swing, and we’re counting down the days before an NCL ship sail into Sydney Harbour for the first time in three years.”

“Forward bookings for Norwegian Spirit are incredibly strong as our passengers from all over the world vote with their feet – Australia-New Zealand cruising is back and better than ever.”

“My advice to local travellers thinking about a cruise is to book early to avoid disappointment.”