NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE INVITES TRAVELLERS TO TRADE SEASONAL STRESS FOR SERENITY AT SEA WITH NORWEGIAN SPIRIT’S 2026-2027 FESTIVE SAILINGS
SYDNEY (06 January 2026): After the whirlwind of parties, gift lists and festive hosting, many Australians and Kiwis are craving calm. Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 59-year history of breaking boundaries, has the perfect solution: a serene escape aboard Norwegian Spirit®, where grown-up getaways begin.
Whether it’s a pre-Christmas retreat to recharge, a post-holiday voyage to recover, or even Christmas and New Year’s Eve at sea, Norwegian Spirit’s 2026–27 local season offers itineraries designed for relaxation and celebration.
On board, the festive spirit comes alive with enchanting decorations, seasonal menus, carols, and dedicated guest activities – all curated to make holidays truly memorable.
“Norwegian Spirit has become a firm favourite with Australian and New Zealand guests who love her immersive itineraries curated for adult cruisers,” said Ben Angell, VP and Managing Director, NCL APAC. “With premium dining, entertainment, and a boutique feel, a Festive season cruise aboard Norwegian Spirit is the ultimate way to trade seasonal stress for unforgettable memories and more time to be fully present with those that matter.”
Explore close to home with departures from Sydney, Auckland and Lautoka on itineraries that visit a new destination almost every day. Unpack once, relax, and let the festive magic unfold.
Highlight itineraries:
If an island-hopping voyage sounds like the perfect pre-Christmas prep, then the 12-day South Pacific: Fiji, Brisbane & Vanuatu cruise from Lautoka, Fiji to Sydney, departing on 30 November 2026, will truly recharge your battery before heading into the silly season. Visiting four laidback ports in Fiji and calls to vibrant Port Vila and exotic Mystery Island in Vanuatu before exploring Brisbane and Newcastle en route to Sydney. Highlights include volcanic hot springs and coral reefs in Savusavu, Port Vila’s pristine lagoons and famed Mele Cascades, and the beautiful botanical gardens and art-filled streets of Brisbane.
With departures from Sydney on 12 December 2026 and 10 January 2027, the 11-day Australia: Melbourne, Adelaide & Tasmania cruise visits Hobart, Kangaroo Island and Adelaide before an extended overnight stay in Melbourne before returning to Sydney. Memorable moments will include tasting local oysters paired with Tasmanian wines on an excursion to Barilla Bay from Hobart, exploring Adelaide’s world-class vineyards, or strolling through Melbourne’s iconic laneways to uncover hidden cafes and unique boutiques.
For the ultimate Christmas afloat, the 14-day Australia & New Zealand: Melbourne & Milford Sound round-trip sailing departs Sydney on 23 December 2026 – so while everyone else is battling crowded car parks and checkout queues you’ll be settling in with a cocktail, or two. After visiting Eden along the NSW Sapphire Coast, guests will spend a cultural Christmas Day, and overnight stay, in magical Melbourne before crossing the pond to cruise New Zealand’s spectacular sounds, with New Year’s Eve exploring Milford Sound a guaranteed highlight. Kick off 2027 in Dunedin (Port Chalmers), a true wildlife sanctuary and lively university town, before completing an immersive discovery of New Zealand’s coastal gems including Lyttelton, Tauranga and the beautiful Bay of Islands.
Looking for a quick recharge after the Christmas chaos? Norwegian Spirit’s new 4-day round-trip Tasmanian taster cruise departing Sydney for Hobart on 6 or 21 January 2027 combines picture-perfect coastal scenery with culture and heritage in Hobart, including the lively Salamanca Market, the charming streets of Battery Point and sweeping views from atop Mount Wellington.
Curated for adults, crafted for calm
Designed with a more refined cruising experience in mind – no waterslides, no kids’ clubs, upscale dining and an onboard ambience ideal for couples and solo travellers craving serenity at sea, Norwegian Spirit has been completely revitalised with every stateroom updated, every restaurant and bar reimagined, and sophisticated social spaces designed for entertaining evenings with like-minded guests.
Norwegian Spirit offers unrivalled dining choice for a ship of her size, with a choice of 14 dining options – including six specialty dining restaurants to savour such as Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, Onda by Scarpetta and Teppanyaki – and nine bars and lounges, including the adults-only Spice H2O.
Unbeatable Value with Free at Sea™
Every Norwegian Spirit sailing includes NCL’s one-of-a-kind Free at Sea™* package —giving guests the freedom to choose from additional perks including unlimited premium beverages; specialty dining package; high-speed Wi-Fi package and US$50 shore excursion credit at each port.
For those who want even more indulgence, Free at Sea Plus™ is available for only AU$54.99 / NZ$59.99 per person per day, adding ultra-premium spirits, wine and champagne, unlimited Starbucks®, unlimited high-speed streaming Wi-Fi, and upgraded specialty dining benefits.
For full terms and conditions, click here.
Best Price Guarantee:
Book with confidence! Should a lower price become available on your sailing before the final payment date, guests can take advantage of the new promotions and booking conditions at that time – NCL guarantee to honour the best fare. For terms and conditions, click here.
Availability is limited, and these itineraries are among NCL’s most popular – so don’t wait!
