Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and its 56-year history of breaking boundaries celebrated its long-awaited return to Asia as Norwegian Jewel set sail from Tokyo and commenced its extensive six-month season of voyages in the region.

As the first ship in the NCL fleet to return to Asia in over three years, Norwegian Jewel will offer 16 immersive, port-rich itineraries, visiting 11 countries and sailing from nine different departure ports, including Bangkok (Laem Chabang) in Thailand, Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) in Malaysia, Singapore, Taipei (Keelung) in Taiwan, Bali (Benoa) in Indonesia, Tokyo and Yokohama in Japan, and for the first time in NCL history, Seoul (Incheon) in South Korea.  

Cruises range in length from 10 to 14 days with an average of less than two sea days per sailing, inviting guests to enjoy up to 13.5 hours in iconic destinations like Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, as well as extended overnight stays in places that come alive at night, such as Phuket in Thailand, Osaka in Japan, and Bali (Benoa) in Indonesia. The brand will also make its first calls to Manila, Boracay, Palawan, and Salomague in Philippines, and Bintan Island in Indonesia, and Hualien in Taiwan.  

“It was a celebratory moment, as we returned to Asia with Norwegian Jewel’s arrival in Tokyo,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.  “We pride ourselves in delivering the best vacation experience and providing endless opportunities for our guests to explore the world, including Asia!  This region delivers some of the most intriguing history, cuisine, and culture for travelers to discover, and we are thrilled to deliver a diverse selection of port-rich voyages.  This market is important to us, and we are committed to servicing it in the long term.”

Firmly underlying the brand’s commitment to Asia, both as a source market and destination, NCL will have a record four ships deployed in the region in the 2024/25 season, providing travelers with unrivalled choice. In addition to Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sun, and Norwegian Sky will also visit the area’s most diverse ports, offering guests the opportunity to explore iconic and less discovered destinations, including Japan, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

Making its premiere, Norwegian Sun will offer a six-month Asia Pacific season, including 13 exotic itineraries from October 2024 to April 2025, four of which have never been offered before, including three departures from Melbourne in Australia and an Auckland, New Zealand to Bali, Indonesia sailing in March 2025. Departure ports include Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, Auckland in New Zealand, Honolulu in the US, and Papeete in French Polynesia with itineraries showcasing the sublime scenery of each bucket-list worthy destination. 

After an incredibly successful maiden season, Norwegian Spirit, meanwhile, will return to Australian and New Zealand waters for its second consecutive season from December 2023 through March 2024 for a series of popular open-jaw sailings between Sydney and Auckland. It will then sail a number of repositioning cruises in the South Pacific, before returning to the region for a series of 14 Asia voyages during an eight-month season from September 2024 to April 2025, departing from Manila, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, and Seoul.

Norwegian Sky’s four-month Asian season features seven sailings departing from Manila, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, and Port Louis in Mauritius between December 2024 and March 2025. Sailings range from 10 to 17 days and include several country-immersive voyages for a deeper discovery of fascinating destinations, such as the Philippines and Japan.

For guests looking to fully immerse themselves in the destination, select sailings can also be combined with a three night/four day land exploration with one of NCL’s Cruise Tours in Tokyo, Taipei, and Singapore. www.ncl.com