Norwegian Cruise Line Returns To Australia

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has made its long-awaited return to Australian waters after three years.  Norwegian Spirit recently sailed into Sydney Harbor today for the very first time with guests from over 20 nationalities on board – including from the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, Australia and New Zealand – while showcasing a resplendent USD$100m bow-to-stern revitalization – the most expensive and extensive ever undertaken by NCL.

This maiden arrival marks a significant milestone for the Australian cruise industry’s comeback, as well as the opportunity for Australian cruisers to experience NCL’s unique Freestyle Cruising concept from their doorstep.  Guests on board Norwegian Spirit’s maiden voyage from Sydney to Auckland, which departed on December 22, had the opportunity to join a brand-first experience to ‘give back’ in the coastal community of Eden on NSW’s Sapphire Coast, where NCL’s new partner organization, “Take 3 for the Sea” hosted a special complimentary beach clean-up shore excursion. The new shore excursion initiative reflects NCL and Take 3 for the Sea’s shared commitment to reducing single-use plastics, with guests encouraged to ‘take 3’ whenever they go ashore in Australia and New Zealand during Norwegian Spirit’s maiden local cruise season.

A smaller ship at 2,032 guest capacity (dual occupancy), Norwegian Spirit is packed full of features and quite unlike any other ship sailing in the region. Completely redesigned in 2020 from bow-to-stern with the adult cruiser in mind, the ship boasts brand-new features like the Thermal Suite in the sought-after Mandara Spa, including a spa, sauna, shower experience and heated-tile loungers gazing over ocean views; the opulent Spice H20 pool retreat which transforms into a cocktail lounge and open-air nightclub when the sun goes down, and the finest contemporary Italian fare at the striking Onda by Scarpetta. No one does entertainment like NCL and Norwegian Spirit is no exception, from Broadway-style pop-country spectacular, Blazing Boots to the magic, acrobatics and dance of Elements.

With half the ship’s 912 crew members dedicated to delivering exceptional quality food and beverage, guests will enjoy a complete destination immersion experience with dishes tailored to the destinations visited, such as roasted rack of lamb and grilled barramundi. Supporting local growers and suppliers, guests can also expect to enjoy a vast variety of quality, locally sourced produce, including all barramundi, lamb, eggs, milk, yoghurt and fresh fruit and vegetables, such as berries, pineapples, bananas, lettuce and capsicum. The well-stocked local wine selection includes Australian and New Zealand favorites like Wynn’s Coonawarra and Wolf Blass from the Barossa Valley, 19 Crimes from South Eastern Australia, Matua Marlborough from New Zealand and Georg Jensen Hallmark Cuvee from Tasmania. Meanwhile local favorites such as Vegemite, Weet Bix, Milo, Four’n Twenty sausage rolls and Fountain mint sauce will ensure Australian and New Zealand cruisers feel at home while sailing on Norwegian Spirit.

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