Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) - Experts & Thought Leaders
Latest Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) news & announcements
In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) has announced a total contribution of $80,000 to the American Red Cross to help those in affected communities. In addition to the $30,000 it previously donated to the Red Cross to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts, it will match up to $50,000 more in public donations toward Hurricane Milton relief efforts. This contribution aims to provide immediate relief to the communities impacted by the storms. Hurricanes Milton and Helene relief efforts Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm on Florida’s Gulf Coast, impacting major cities Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm on Florida’s Gulf Coast, impacting major cities like Tampa, Fort Myers, and Orlando. Strong winds, heavy rains, and storm surges led to widespread flooding and power outages across Central Florida, with millions of residents affected. This followed Hurricane Helene’s destruction, which caused widespread devastation across the Florida’s Gulf Coast and several Southern states earlier this month. NCLH donates funds to American Red Cross "For decades, Florida has been home to NCLH, and we feel deeply connected to this community," said Harry Sommer, President and CEO at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, adding "Seeing the devastation in our own backyard and neighboring states has been heartbreaking." He continues, "’Strengthening Our Communities’ is a key pillar of our global Sail & Sustain program, and we are committed to helping those in need. Our donation to the American Red Cross is focused on providing direct relief, helping families rebuild their lives and regain a sense of stability and hope as they recover." NCLH and American Red Cross partnership For Hurricane Helene, disaster workers set up shelters, distributed food, and provided critical relief supplies The American Red Cross, working with partners, has been crucial in supporting communities affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. For Hurricane Helene, disaster workers set up shelters, distributed food, and provided critical relief supplies. In preparation for Hurricane Milton, 83,000 people sought refuge in Red Cross shelters where they found a safe place to ride out the storm. "With Hurricane Milton following closely in Hurricane Helene’s wake, the American Red Cross is on the ground helping families recover from these vicious storms," said Anne McKeough, Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross. NCLH’s vital support towards hurricane relief efforts Anne McKeough adds, "We’re thankful to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings for standing with us to provide help and hope as communities begin to navigate the long road to recovery." To join Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) in supporting the Hurricane relief efforts by the Red Cross and donate towards the $50,000 match, please visit the American Red Cross’ official website.
Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, has open for sale additional cruises for its 2026 spring/summer season with more port-immersive Europe sailings across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Greek Isles across eight ships, providing cruisers a variety of sailing lengths and embarkation ports to plan their dream European vacation; in addition to bucket-list itineraries through the South Pacific, warm weather summer voyages through the Western Caribbean, journeys to Canada and New England for the fall season, among other fascinating destinations. NCL offers additional seven-day itineraries across Europe As part of NCL’s guest-centric itinerary planning, the Brand is offering more seven-day itineraries throughout Europe As part of NCL’s guest-centric itinerary planning, the Brand is offering more seven-day itineraries throughout Europe with many voyages that include limited or no sea days, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves into each destination. Select seven-to-14-day sailings also offer overnight stays in Reykjavik, Iceland; Copenhagen, Denmark; Istanbul, Turkey and more. There are a total of 22 overnights in Europe this season, where cruisers can choose to enjoy late night dinners and nightlife on shore. Newly open for sale Europe cruises With 11 unique embarkation ports offering voyages across 10 different European countries, including Helsinki - a brand-new homeport for NCL – the company is providing travelers the opportunity to begin and end their vacation in the destination that best fulfills their European travel desires. Among the newly open for sale Europe cruises, NCL will call to Portree, Scotland; Leirvik (Stord), Norway; and Palamós, Spain for the very first time. "At NCL, we take pride in offering our guests various options to plan where they want to vacation," said David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line, adding "Whether they choose our seven-day sailings, longer immersive voyages, or cruises that begin and end in a new destination, we make it so our guests can vacation with ease with us from start to finish. From transportation, air programming and so much more, we strive to offer the best service all around." Additional highlights from the 225 new and available sailings include: Northern Europe From June through October 2026, Norwegian Sun will offer a full Baltic season with seven- to 10-day sailings where guests can embark in Copenhagen, Denmark or Helsinki, and visit a port nearly every day including towns in Norway, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Sweden and more. On select nine-day voyages from Helsinki, Norwegian Sun’s itinerary includes an overnight stay in Copenhagen, Denmark where guests can explore the history of the city, visit the famous entertainment district of Nyhavn or stroll down Stroget, one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe. Norwegian Sky® ship to commence second full Europe season Norwegian Sky® cruise ship will commence her second full Europe season on April 19, 2026 Norwegian Sky® cruise ship will commence her second full Europe season on April 19, 2026 with four unique seven-day open-jaw sailings to the Northern Capitals embarking in Le Havre, France and Copenhagen, Denmark, offering an overnight stay in Hamburg, Germany and visiting Zeebruge, Belgium; Tilbury, United Kingdom; and Ijmuiden, Netherlands. The vessel will then cruise a series of 10- and 11-day British Isles voyages from May through Sept. 2026 where NCL will make its debut in Portree, Scotland on its May 17, 2026 sailing. Travelers looking to take advantage of the long hours of summer daylight in Iceland can embark on one of Norwegian Star's® 10- or 11-day Extraordinary Journeys between May and September 2026 embarking in Reykjavik, Iceland or Southampton, UK. With these open-jaw sailings, guests can choose to extend their vacation on land pre- or post-cruise. During the May 21, 2026 voyage, NCL will cruise to Leirvik (Stord), Norway for the very first time, and revisit the port on select 10-day cruises. Known for its attractive harbor, travelers can explore Leirvik's Sunnhordlandstunet, an open-air museum featuring several historical courtyards, and much more. Norwegian Star’s 11-day Iceland sailings also offer a unique opportunity – an overnight stay in Reykjavik, Iceland – providing more time in destination to explore nature's wonders. Mediterranean and Greek Isles Beginning April 2026 and through October 2026, NCL's newest ship, Norwegian Viva®, will cruise nine and 10-day Western Mediterranean and Greek Isles voyages. To further provide guests with more port time, a selection of the Greek Isles voyages will also include an overnight stay in Istanbul, Turkey for guests to discover the city late into the night. The itineraries visit popular towns in Turkey, Malta, Italy, Greece, Montenegro and Croatia Perfect for those searching for a warm European escape, the itineraries visit popular towns in Turkey, Malta, Italy, Greece, Montenegro and Croatia. These unique open-jaw cruises provide travelers more embarkation and disembarkation port options to choose from including Barcelona, Spain; Venice (Ravenna), Italy; Istanbul, Turkey; and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, allowing them the opportunity to continue their vacation with loved ones on land. Amongst the new seven-day Western Mediterranean sailings are: Norwegian Epic®: Sailing a variety of open-jaw voyages to and from Barcelona, Spain and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy between May 2026 and October 2026, with calls to Nice/Monaco (Villefranche) and Marseille, France; as well as Messina, Salerno and late-night departures from Livorno, Italy, offering between 10 to 17 hours in port to enjoy a longer shore excursion day trip into a nearby town such as Florence or Pisa, Italy. Norwegian Dawn®: These port-intensive open-jaw cruises between April 2026 and October 2026 offer no sea days and embark and disembark in Barcelona, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal. Ports of call include late departures from Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza, Spain allowing more time for guests to enjoy popular beach clubs on these Mediterranean islands; as well as visits to Portimao, Portugal; Gibraltar; and more. Norwegian Gem®: On May 10, 2026, the ship will start her Europe season with a sailing from Barcelona, Spain where NCL will make its debut in Palamós, Spain, known for scenic hiking paths and beautiful beaches, during the ship's voyage. Norwegian Gem will also call for the first time in Salerno, Italy and Nice/Monaco (Villefranche), France. Following this sailing, the ship will then embark on a series of cruises to and from Venice (Ravenna) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy with no sea days calling to Greece; Montenegro; and Croatia, where guests can fully enjoy Dubrovnik, Croatia as select itineraries offer a departure late into the evening. Norwegian Pearl’s® seven-day Greek Isles voyages Norwegian Pearl’s® seven-day Greek Isles voyages from May 2026 through October 2026 is the ideal cruise Norwegian Pearl’s® seven-day Greek Isles voyages from May 2026 through October 2026 is the ideal cruise for guests looking to island hop through picturesque Greece. Cruisers have the option to choose from varied itineraries with late departures in Santorini and Mykonos, Greece; as well as Dubrovnik, Croatia; to fully immerse in the destination to enjoy a beautiful sunset, indulge in a lively evening dinner, and more. Embarkation and disembarking ports for these voyages alternate between Venice (Ravenna), Italy and Athens (Piraeus), Greece, providing guests much greater vacation choices. Western Caribbean, Canada & New England Norwegian Escape® will offer guests seven-day round-trip sailings to the Western Caribbean from New Orleans between April 12, 2026 through May 10, 2026, followed by seven-day round-trip sailings from Miami between May 24, 2026 and Aug. 9, 2026. Both itineraries will visit Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán (Bay Islands), Honduras; and Harvest Caye, NCL’s 75-acre resort-style destination in Southern Belize. To kick off her fall season, Norwegian Escape will offer a selection of seven-day roundtrip Canada & New England voyages from New York City between August 2026 and October 2026. During her Aug. 28, 2026 sailing, the ship will call to Boston for the very first time, making it the first Breakaway Plus class ship to visit the city. The itinerary takes guests through a journey to Portland, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada; to enjoy the fall foliage and bask in the cool fall weather. Immersive voyages with Norwegian Spirit® From April 22, 2026 through July 3, 2026 and Sept. 17, 2026 through Nov. 17, 2026, Norwegian Spirit® will offer a variety of open-jaw South Pacific sailings between 11- and 13-day voyages calling to New Caledonia; Fiji; Samoa Islands; French Polynesia and the Hawaii islands. Guests have a variety of embarkation ports to choose from including Sydney; Papeete, French Polynesia; Honolulu; and Lautoka, Fiji – a brand new embarkation port for Norwegian Spirit. For travelers looking for an once-in-a-lifetime cruising experience to explore Alaska and Hawaii, affectionately named NCL’s ‘Fire and Ice’ voyages, Norwegian Spirit will offer four unique 16-day sailings starting July 15, 2026 through Sept. 1, 2026. The voyages offer embarkation in Honolulu or Vancouver, Canada and visit bucket-list destinations such as the dreamlike and warm-weather islands of Kahului (Maui), Hilo and Nawiliwili (Kauai), Hawaii; as well as the majestic and cool-weather towns of Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau, Alaska.
Oceania Cruises®, the culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, is spotlighting an array of new 2025 Europe sailings, ranging from six to 34 days, to whisk guests to the most breathtaking destinations across the continent. The ultra-premium line's elegant boutique ships will set sail on a series of voyages taking in idyllic islands, dramatic fjords, well-loved European resort towns, and bustling cities, putting immersion in local communities and culinary excellence at the heart of each guest's travel experience. Gourmet European adventure Guests wanting a true gourmet European adventure will love sailing aboard Oceania Cruises' newest ships, Vista™, Allura™ and Marina™. The ultimate foodie ships offer true immersion in the epicurean arts thanks to hundreds of culinary-focused shore excursions, an unprecedented array of dining venues, guest lectures and demonstrations, and hands-on cooking lessons in The Culinary Center. Allura and Vista Vista, alongside Marina, will entice guests to enjoy the quieter early season with its lower temperatures One of the highlights of the 2025 Europe season is the debut of the line's newest ship, Allura, which will set sail from Trieste, Italy, on her maiden voyage in mid-July before a series of eastern and western Mediterranean voyages for her inaugural season. Meanwhile, her sister ship, Vista, alongside Marina, will entice guests to enjoy the quieter early season with its lower temperatures in Spain, Portugal, and Greece, before heading north to the British Isles, Iceland, and Scandinavia for the height of the summer. 670-guest Nautica™ For those seeking a smaller ship experience, the 670-guest Nautica™ will explore the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Aegean Seas throughout the summer of 2025; Sirena™ will head to Northern Europe, and Insignia will offer journeys to Iceland. Offering a more intimate onboard experience, these ships will be sailing true port collector voyages, with lesser visited stops such as Lulea and Lysekil in Sweden and the Finnish port of Vaasa. Line-up of Europe sailings "We are thrilled to have this rich line-up of Europe sailings on such a wonderful choice of ships for next year. We cannot wait to welcome Allura to the family in July; to have her, and her sister, Vista, which launched to global acclaim last year, in one of the most intriguing and well-loved cruise regions of the world at the same time is so exciting," stated Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. "Europe has always been a favorite for our well-traveled and curious guests, who eagerly seek to explore its hidden gems and create new memories aboard our elegant ships." Ultimate Europe - experiences ashore The chef-led tour includes a visit to the vibrant Olivar Market where guests can handpick their produce Travelers will have even more opportunities to discover Europe's natural wonders and unique local culture with hundreds of small-group, immersive shore excursions to choose from on each sailing, inviting guests to rediscover favorite destinations or explore new ones. For instance, a new not-to-be-missed exclusive Culinary Discovery Tour in Palma offers an in-depth exploration of Mallorca's rich culinary heritage. This chef-led tour includes a visit to the vibrant Olivar Market where guests can handpick their produce and a trip into the rugged countryside to visit the Treuer olive farm. Spanish cooking class Afterward, participants will enjoy a Spanish cooking class aboard the ship, utilizing the fresh seafood, cheese, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and olive oil gathered earlier. Led by Oceania Cruises' talented Chef Instructors, this tour immerses guests in Mallorca's gastronomic culture and concludes with a sampling of local wines. Shore excursions Beyond culinary experiences, Oceania Cruises offers a diverse array of shore excursions catering to various interests, truly bringing its tagline, "Your World. Your Way." to life. Guests can choose from multiple categories like Go Local, Go Green, and Beyond Blueprints, with focuses on adventure, community, sustainability, architecture, and beyond. A standout new collection of tours, "Capture the Moment," focuses on photography, providing tips and techniques for getting the best shots with cameras or phones while exploring local sights. 2025 Europe season highlights A number of the 2025 Europe sailings feature exclusive insider tips from Condé Nast Traveler editors who have handpicked their favorite ports on select 2025 and 2026 itineraries and share their invaluable insider knowledge on what to see, eat, and experience. Allura Allura features the largest standard staterooms at sea, a new onboard crêperie, a top-of-ship library Allura is the eighth vessel for Oceania Cruises and is the line's second 1,200-guest Allura Class ship debuting in the summer of 2025. Allura features the largest standard staterooms at sea, a new onboard crêperie, a top-of-ship library with breathtaking sea views due to its wall of glass, five specialty dining venues, The Culinary Center, the line's expansive hands-on cooking school, and so much more. Port visits The 2025 Europe summer season will include Allura's maiden voyage and first time visiting each port. Maiden Voyage: July 18 - July 24, 6 Days from Trieste, Italy to Athens (Piraeus), Greece: Allura's maiden voyage is an invitation to discover enchanting ports along the luminescent Adriatic Sea, from historic Ravenna with its renowned collection of mosaics to the charming walled medieval cities of Dubrovnik and Kotor. Iconic Mediterranean Shores: July 24 - August 5, 12 Days from Athens (Piraeus), Greece to Monte Carlo, Monaco: Stroll through Rome's hidden gem shopping streets, lose themselves in the Provençal countryside, and immerse themselves in the enchanting history and cultural wonders of Greece, Italy, Spain, and France on this 12-day sailing. Conde Nast Traveler Exclusive Editor's Tips include where to eat the best pasta in Rome, specifically carbonara. Bon appétit! Mediterranean Allure: August 5 - August 15, 10 Days from Monte Carlo, Monaco to Athens (Piraeus), Greece: Revel in visits to an enchanting range of Mediterranean jewels, from Florence's outstanding Renaissance treasures and Rome's everlasting grandeur to iconic cliffside Santorini and Antalya's soft-sand beaches. Greco-Roman Holiday: August 15 - August 27, 12 Days from Athens (Piraeus), Greece to Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy: Sail to the vibrant islands of Mykonos and Rhodes, where sun-kissed shores and azure waters beckon and indulge your eyes and senses during an overnight stay in Istanbul, a magnificent city astride two continents. Conde Nast Traveler Exclusive Editor's Tips include grabbing lunch at Restaurant Pandeli inside the Spice Bazaar and exploring the charming Çukurcuma neighborhood loved for its winding cobblestone streets, early 20th-century architecture, and rows of antique shops, while in Istanbul. Iberian Idylls: September 6 - September 16, 10 Days from Monte Carlo, Monaco to Lisbon, Portugal: Begin with a glittering introduction to the Côte d'Azur before immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of Iberia, home to astonishing Gothic and Moorish masterpieces like the famed Giralda Tower and Alcazar in Seville as well as the Museum of Portimão in Portimão and Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon. Appreciate illuminating visits to distinctive Gibraltar and Tangier. Vista and Marina Vista features all-veranda accommodations, plus eight bars, lounges, and entertainment venues Vista offers a staffing ratio of two crew members for every three guests, and like her sister ship, Allura, boasts the most spacious standard staterooms at sea – at more than 290 square feet. Setting new standards for comfort and residential-style luxury, Vista features all-veranda accommodations, plus eight bars, lounges, and entertainment venues, and the luxurious Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center and Aquamar Spa Terrace. 1,250-guest ship The 1,250-guest ship Marina underwent an expansive refurbishment in May 2024 including the addition of two new dining options: Aquamar Kitchen, the new wellness-inspired dining venue which debuted on Vista; and the al fresco evening Pizzeria, serving spectacular Italian dishes including pizzas and burrata with stunning seascape views from Waves Grill. There is also an expanded poolside ice cream parlor serving milkshakes and smoothies. All Penthouse Suites and bathrooms as well as the ship's public areas were completely reinspired. Voyage details Soul of Civilization: May 26 - June 4, 9 Days from Barcelona, Spain to Athens (Piraeus), Greece aboard Marina: Sail the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas to a kaleidoscope of classical temples, mosques, and archaeological sites that are the cradle of Western civilization. Take in the drive along the scenic coasts of Greek islands and enjoy an overnight stay in fascinating Istanbul. Iberia to Wine Country: June 16 - June 30, 14 Days from Barcelona, Spain to London (Southampton), United Kingdom aboard Marina: Sail through Spain, Morocco, Portugal, and France and explore their distinctive architecture, soulful cultures, and acclaimed culinary scenes, with overnights in a dazzling trifecta of cities: Barcelona, Bordeaux, and Paris. Fairytale Isles & Fjords: June 15 - June 29, 14 Days from London (Southampton), United Kingdom to Oslo, Norway aboard Vista: Discover the dramatic beauty of Norway and the British Isles' rugged landscapes. Pet the Shetland Islands' adorable ponies, stroll through Oslo's intricately carved Gol Stave Church, and sail breathtaking Sognefjord, Scandinavia's longest fjord. Scottish & Nordic Voyager: June 30 - July 11, 11 Days from London (Southampton), United Kingdom to Reykjavik, Iceland aboard Marina: Enjoy the bustling city of London before sailing to the historic charm of Edinburgh and the rugged beauty of Invergordon and Lerwick in Scotland. Adventure on to majestic fjords and the enchanting villages of Seydisfjordur and dive deep into the natural and cultural splendors of Northern Europe. Conde Nast Traveler Exclusive Editor's Tips for Ålesund include spending a day at Godøy Island and leaping from a floating sauna in the heart of town. Vibrant Northern Capitals: July 21 - August 4, 14 Days from London (Southampton), United Kingdom to London (Southampton), United Kingdom aboard Vista: Immerse themselves in the alluring ambiance of several cosmopolitan capitals, with three overnight stays: Berlin, Stockholm, and Oslo. In Tallinn and Bruges, explore enchanting historic districts and architecture. Celtic Classics: August 15 - August 25, 10 Days from London (Southampton), United Kingdom to London (Southampton), United Kingdom aboard Vista: Rejoice at the British Isles' stirring scenery, where baronial estates tower over immaculately tended gardens, flocks of fluffy sheep roam luxuriantly green pastures and age-old castles hold invaluable treasures such as the fabled Blarney Stone. Nautica Elegantly charming, Nautica carries just 670 guests, served by 400 crew members. Boasting luxurious, residential furnishings and decks of the finest teak, custom stone, and tile work, Nautica features four specialty restaurants, the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, eight lounges and bars, and a casino. Echoes of Antiquity: July 27 - August 8, 12 Days from Istanbul, Turkey to Athens (Piraeus), Greece: Appreciate the intriguingly intertwined histories of Greece and Turkey as you experience some of antiquity's most fabled sites. Highlights include visits to Cyprus, Crete, and whitewashed Santorini, the quintessential Greek Isle. Eternal Rivieras: August 8 - September 11, 34 Days from Athens (Piraeus), Greece to Athens (Piraeus), Greece: One of Oceania Cruises' Grand Voyages, this sailing takes advantage of one of life's greatest luxuries: time. Sail the great seas and chart a continent on this more than one month-long sailing. Mingle among the jet-set in Monte Carlo, Portofino, and Capri, roam the narrow streets on sun-drenched Mykonos and Santorini, and delve into the timeless allure of momentous cities such as Venice, Florence, Rome, and Istanbul. Civilization's Dawn: September 11 - September 25, 14 Days from Athens (Piraeus), Greece to Valletta, Malta: Experience two glorious weeks roaming the Eastern Mediterranean, absorbing the distinctive cultures and timeless shores of luminous Greece and enigmatic Turkey. With an overnight stay in Istanbul, visit the beautiful Topkapi Palace, the awesome Hagia Sophia, and the impressive Blue Mosque before leisurely strolling through the spice market and the famous Grand Bazaar. Alternatively, cruise the Bosphorus to see the city and its surroundings from another perspective. Ultimate value Oceania Cruises offers guests the ultimate value in ultra-premium cruising thanks to a host of always-included amenities, such as dining at all specialty restaurants; unlimited WiFi; butler service for all guests in Penthouse Suites and above; juices, still and sparkling Vero Water®, plus coffees and teas. "Great value for money and choice are cornerstones of what Oceania Cruises offers; exemplified beautifully by the free seating in our always included specialty dining venues, and our wonderful espresso bar Baristas, where you never need to swipe your room card for your caffeine fix, as all our coffees are included for every guest," added Del Rio.