– Amazing close-to-home experiences and voyages not to be missed –

 Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 54-year history of breaking boundaries has highlighted its top five Asia Pacific destinations for cruisers to add to their travel bucket-list for 2022 and beyond. From French Polynesia to New Zealand and Japan, NCL offers immersive voyages for Australian and New Zealand travellers keen to holiday closer to home, with guests able to visit multiple ports all with the ease of only unpacking once.

“Australian and New Zealand travellers are fortunate to have access to the delights of the Asia Pacific region right here on our doorstep, including some of the world’s most stunning ports. Our range of immersive itineraries allow guests to explore and experience the best our region has to offer, including these five must-see destinations”, said Ben Angell, Norwegian Cruise Line Vice President and Managing Director, APAC.

“We are delighted to have two ships sailing throughout the Asia Pacific in 2022 and beyond; Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sun. From snorkelling with stingrays in the turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora, to discovering the temples of Kyoto or the local markets of Mystery Island, our innovative, elegant and intimate ships – with capacity for just 2,000 guests – will take you to true bucket-list locations that offer a wide variety of unique and memorable experiences.”

NCL’s top five Asia Pacific destinations to explore in 2022 and beyond include:

Mystery Island, Vanuatu

• onboard

Norwegian Spirit

• Explore the clear blue waters of magical Mystery Island, located off the coast off Vanuatu’s Aneityum Island with

Norwegian Spirit’

• s 14-day

South Pacific: Fiji, Bora Bora & Moorea to Papeete

voyage departing Sydney on 23 April 2022. Perfectly petite, Mystery Island is known for stunning snorkelling – with the surrounding waters being a protected marine sanctuary – as well as its local marketplace where guests can stock up on homemade artefacts for the perfect memento of their trip. Other ports of call provide the opportunity to relax on the sandy beaches and swimming-pool-like waters of Ora Bay on New Caledonia’s Isle of Pines; enjoying a beach picnic on the stunning island of Bora Bora or roaming the bustling local markets of Papeete to experience its laidback local culture and colourful cuisine.

Raiatea, French Polynesia

• onboard

Norwegian Spirit

• Enjoy a spectacular seven days aboard

Norwegian Spirit

• taking in destination highlights with NCL’s 7-day

South Pacific: Bora Bora, Moorea and Raiatea

• itinerary departing Papeete on 31 October 2022. With overnight stays in Moorea, Bora Bora and Papeete, guests will have plenty of time to unwind and settle into island life. In Raiatea, guests can take an enchanting journey along the Faaroa River aboard a motorised canoe and sail through wild hibiscus, bamboo groves and local villages for a day they’ll never forget. Other highlights include the opportunity to explore the tropical marine life of Bora Bora’s magical lagoon and enjoying majestic mountain views from the waters of Moorea, where travellers can soak up the local culture with a traditional feast and authentic Polynesian dance show.

Akaroa, New Zealand

• • onboard

Norwegian Spirit

• • Departing Sydney on 3 March 2022, this

12-day Australia & New Zealand: Sydney, Melbourne & Tauranga to Auckland

• • voyage will call at a variety of ports, including the small town of Akaroa which is nestled in an ancient volcanic site, where travellers can view colonies of tiny penguins, browse boutiques and galleries and sample traditional local cheeses and old-fashioned fudge. Opportunities to explore other ports of call include Eden on Australia’s Sapphire Coast, taking in the geological wonders of Dunedin, visiting the majestic Milford Sound and discovering first-hand the rich history of Tauranga, set on the stunning Bay of Plenty.

Kyoto, Japan onboard Norwegian Sun
Explore the celebrated temples and enthralling food markets of Kyoto, as well as the vibrant bright lights of Osaka on this 12-day Japan: Osaka & Busan itinerary departing 27 October 2022. Often called the historic heart of Japan, Kyoto is one of the country’s most captivating cities and is a feature destination of any Japanese adventure. Other itinerary highlights include the hot springs and beaches of Busan, as well as exploring the sprawling gardens of Osaka Castle Park, which guests can enjoy at their leisure during an overnight Osaka stay. Guests will also be able to visit Shimizu, one of Japan’s most beautiful ports situated in the shadow of the famous Mount Fuji.

Phuket, Thailand

• • • onboard

Norwegian Sun

• • • Setting sail from Singapore on 17 February 2023, this 11-day

Asia: Thailand, Vietnam & Malaysia to Bangkok

• • • sailing aboard

Norwegian Sun

• • • explores the hidden gems of Southeast Asia including Phuket, home to beautiful beaches, vibrant boutiques selling teak trinkets, stunning silks and more, as well as providing the opportunity to explore Wat Phra Thong, renowned for its huge golden Buddha statue. Other memorable ports of call allow adventurers to sample spicy local fare on the scenic island of Ko Samui, explore the phenomenal fusion of local cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City and ride one of the longest cable cars in the world in Nha Trang.

Having undergone a recent bow-to-stern modernisation, Norwegian Spirit epitomises laidback luxury, with enhanced public spaces, re-imagined staterooms and 14 new venues all designed with the adult-cruiser in mind. Guests can be pampered in the new doubled-in-size Mandara Spa, the expanded Pulse Fitness Centre and the adults-only Spice H20 retreat; or dine and unwind in a choice of 10 bars and lounges or 14 dining selections. Entertainment options include Palace of Lights; a vibrant musical set in 1950s Cuba; and Elements, a visual feast of flying, dance and magic.

Onboard Norwegian Sun, guests will experience first-hand the line’s unique offering. After a day of exploring, guests can enjoy nightly shows in Spinnaker Lounge, while Windjammer Bar is a quiet little piano bar best known for its martinis. Norwegian Sun offers culinary delights to please every palate, ranging from complimentary dining in two main dining rooms, as well as access to several speciality restaurants including the popular Cagney’s Steakhouse and Los Lobos Cantina, a popular casual Mexican restaurant which offers a modern take on traditional favourites like guacamole prepared tableside, al pastor tacos, enchiladas de mole, and handcrafted margaritas.

Travellers can book their next cruise with confidence and peace of mind thanks to NCL’s Sail Safe Health and Safety protocols. From pre-cruise protocols to new and enhanced health and safety measures on ships and on shore, guests can cruise confidently.

For those planning a future travel adventure, NCL’s ‘Break Free’ offer is available from 23 July – 12 August 2021* and provides AU/NZ$250 off the price of the cruise fare on 2022 cruises. In addition, guests in all stateroom categories across all ships and destinations will receive all five ‘Free at Sea’ offers, providing up to US$2,900 in value with reduced deposits also available. Guests can enjoy a free beverage package, shore excursion credit, specialty dining package, Wi-Fi package and access to NCL’s ‘3rd and 4th guest sail at a reduced rate’ (on select sailings). Australian and New Zealand guests can utilise this incredible offer across any vessel in NCL’s innovative fleet, with over 300 stunning destinations to choose from including Europe, Hawai’i, Alaska, Asia, closer to home voyages in Australia and New Zealand, as well as the line’s Extraordinary Journeys itineraries.

*For additional information and terms and conditions for NCL’s ‘Break Free’ offer, please click here.

 For more information or to book a cruise with NCL, please contact a travel professional; call NCL in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283; or visit www.ncl.com.

SOURCE: NCL