Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced the cancellation of 38 cruises scheduled between November 2025 and April 2026, affecting itineraries on the Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Star, and Norwegian Dawn.

Which Cruises Are Affected?

• Norwegian Jewel:

All sailings between Nov. 23, 2025, and April 5, 2026, are canceled. These included 16 itineraries ranging from five to 14 nights, departing from Tampa to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

• Norwegian Star:

The ship’s entire South America and Antarctica season—11 cruises between Nov. 20, 2025, and April 14, 2026—has been canceled.

• Norwegian Dawn:

All cruises from Nov. 2, 2025, to April 12, 2026, are affected. These voyages included an exotic mix of ports in Africa, Asia, and the Indian Ocean.

In addition, NCL has canceled two sailings on the Norwegian Sun and two on the Norwegian Getaway:

• Norwegian Sun: A 14-night South Pacific cruise scheduled to depart on Aug. 7, 2025.

• Norwegian Getaway: Sailings on Aug. 17 and Aug. 21, 2026, due to a ship charter.

What Happens Next for Guests?

Affected passengers will receive:

• A full refund to their original form of payment.

• A 10% discount as a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for a future booking.

• Protected commissions for travel advisors on fully paid bookings.

NCL has cited fleet redeployment as the reason for these changes. Replacement itineraries are expected to be announced soon, with guests notified directly about deployment updates.

Stay tuned for updates as NCL reveals its revised plans. If you’re impacted, be sure to explore the Future Cruise Credit options for a future sailing!

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A standout feature on both ships will be the cruise line’s first-ever Aqua and Luna Game Zone, an evolution of NCL’s popular Galaxy Pavilion and arcade. Guests can immerse themselves in cutting-edge virtual reality games like Space Racing and Beat Hero, alongside beloved retro arcade classics such as Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Down the Clown.

The ships will also introduce a redesigned Bull’s Eye Bar, offering interactive dart games and a full-service bar. With six different dart games ranging from beginner to advanced levels, this complimentary venue will feature video-game-style graphics and automated scoring for a modern twist on the classic dartboard.

For guests looking for outdoor fun, the sister ships will boast Tee Time, a spectacular 12-hole mini-golf course spanning two decks, themed around the Wonders of the World. Plus, in response to guest demand, there will be a dedicated Pickleball Court, separate from The Stadium, catering to pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels.

“We’re committed to providing our guests with more variety, fun, and elevated experiences for every kind of traveler,” said David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna will debut the brand-new Aqua and Luna Game Zone, feature redesigned spaces, and continue offering the best-in-class experiences our guests know and love—all inspired by their feedback.”

Wellness enthusiasts will be thrilled with the enhancements aboard both ships. The Mandara Spa and Salon will feature a new clay sauna, IV drip therapy, and thalassotherapy loungers for ultimate relaxation, while the redesigned Pulse Fitness Center will include a spin studio and an expanded range of yoga, Pilates, and stretching classes. The enhanced Thermal Suite will double the number of heated loungers and offer crowd favorites like the charcoal sauna, ice room, salt room, and the salt flotation pool—perfect for melting away stress.

The Norwegian Aqua will set sail in April 2025, offering seven-day Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, with stops at Puerto Plata, Tortola, St. Thomas, and NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Norwegian Luna will debut in April 2026, launching its inaugural Caribbean season from Miami.

These two sister ships are set to elevate the cruising experience, offering guests even more opportunities to create unforgettable memories.

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Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, struck Florida’s Gulf Coast, affecting cities like Tampa, Fort Myers, and Orlando with strong winds, flooding, and power outages. This followed the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Helene earlier in the month across Florida and the Southern U.S.

“As a longtime member of the Florida community, we are heartbroken by the devastation in our own backyard and neighboring states,” said Harry Sommer, NCLH’s president and CEO. “Our donation to the American Red Cross is part of our commitment to helping communities recover through our Sail & Sustain program.”

The Red Cross has been crucial in providing shelters, food, and essential supplies during both hurricanes. In response to Hurricane Milton, over 83,000 people took refuge in Red Cross shelters across Florida.

Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross, expressed gratitude to NCLH: “Their support helps provide hope as families begin the long road to recovery.”

To join NCLH in contributing to the Red Cross’s hurricane relief efforts and donate toward the $50,000 match, visit the American Red Cross website.

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Rodger Rees, port director and CEO of Galveston Wharves, expressed excitement about the expansion: “We’re honored that this leading global cruise company is expanding its offerings in Texas. After limited sailings from Galveston over the last two years, NCLH has committed to a 10-year contract with renewal options well into the future at our beautiful, new terminal.”

Starting in 2025, NCLH will homeport full-time in Galveston after three years of seasonal sailings. The Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, two of the company’s newest ships, will be among the vessels sailing from the port in the coming years.

Juan Kuryla, NCLH’s senior vice president of Port Development & Construction, noted the importance of the contract. “We’re excited to announce this expanded long-term contract. It will also introduce new Saturday sailings from Galveston. This development allows us to continue serving our guests in the region. It also helps further strengthen our presence in this important market.”

NCLH plans to leverage Galveston’s strategic location as a turnaround port. This will expand opportunities for all three of its brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This move will bring significant benefits to the local community, supporting jobs, tourism, and economic growth.

The Port of Galveston recently broke ground on a new $156 million cruise terminal at Pier 16. It will include a 165,000-square-foot facility. There will also be a $55 million parking garage. This will be the port’s fourth terminal. It’s expected to help Galveston surpass 2 million passengers annually by 2026. This marks a new milestone in the port’s 24-year history as a cruise home port.

Now the fourth busiest U.S. cruise port and the only one in Texas, Galveston’s cruise activity in 2023 contributed to 4,547 jobs, $732.5 million in local business revenue, and $25.3 million in state and local taxes.

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is embarking on a major fleet expansion, with eight new ships scheduled to debut by 2036. These additions include four Prima-class vessels and an all-new ship class that will rank among the world’s largest cruise ships. With these ambitious plans, NCL is set to elevate the cruise experience for guests around the globe.

Here’s a closer look at the exciting new ships coming to Norwegian Cruise Line:

Norwegian Aqua

• Debut Date: March 2025

• Capacity: 3,571 guests

• Tonnage: 156,300

• Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy

Now under construction, the Norwegian Aqua is set to launch in March 2025 as the third Prima-class ship. Slightly larger than its predecessors, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, this 156,300-ton vessel will feature expanded public spaces and additional cabins. A highlight of the ship will be its groundbreaking hybrid waterslide/roller coaster—an industry first.

Norwegian Luna

• Debut Date: April 2026

• Capacity: 3,571 guests

• Tonnage: 156,300

• Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy

The Norwegian Luna will debut in April 2026 as the fourth ship in the Prima class. Like the Aqua, it will feature a variety of exciting amenities, including new specialty dining options and a tech-driven sports court that transforms into a nightclub. The 3,571-passenger ship will begin its service with itineraries in the Caribbean.

Prima Class V

• Debut Date: 2027

• Capacity: 3,650 guests

• Tonnage: 169,000

• Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy

Scheduled for 2027, the fifth Prima-class ship will boast increased size and capacity, able to accommodate 3,650 guests. This 169,000-ton ship will also be methanol-ready, aligning with NCL’s sustainability goals.

Prima Class VI

• Debut Date: 2028

• Capacity: 3,650 guests

• Tonnage: 169,000

• Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy

In 2028, the final ship in the Prima-class series will be delivered. Similar to its predecessor, this 169,000-ton vessel will have a capacity of 3,650 guests and will be methanol-ready to meet future environmental standards.

New Ship Class (2030–2036)

• Debut Dates: 2030, 2032, 2034, 2036

• Capacity: 5,100 guests each

• Tonnage: 225,000 each

• Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy

Also, to the Prima-class ships, NCL is preparing to launch an entirely new ship class starting in 2030. These massive vessels, each accommodating over 5,100 guests and weighing 225,000 tons, will be the largest ships in NCL’s fleet and among the largest in the world. Four ships of this class are presently on order, with deliveries spaced out until 2036.

Expanding NCL’s Fleet for the Future

With these eight new ships, Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet is expected to grow to 27 vessels by 2036. These expansions will not only increase the line’s capacity but also introduce cutting-edge technology, unique onboard experiences, and a continued commitment to sustainable cruising. Stay tuned as NCL sets the stage for a new era in cruising.

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Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed that its newest ship, the Norwegian Luna, will feature all the exciting new dining and bar experiences of the Prima Plus class. Set to debut in April 2026, the Luna will introduce a range of culinary concepts first seen on the Norwegian Aqua in early 2025.

Among the highlights is the return of Sukhothai, a Thai specialty restaurant offering a fusion of traditional and modern flavors. The Indulge Food Hall, first introduced on Norwegian Prima in 2022, will also make an appearance, providing an upscale food court experience with both indoor and alfresco dining options. The hall will host ten food stations, including the plant-based Planterie.

The 156,300-ton Norwegian Luna will also feature Norwegian Cruise Line’s signature restaurants, including Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro, a renowned French specialty dining option. Onda by Scarpetta, a high-end Italian venue rolled out on five ships since 2022, will be part of the Luna’s lineup as well.

Other returning favorites include the Surfside Café (a casual self-service eatery), the Commodore Main Dining Room, and Nama Sushi & Sashimi.

The ship’s bar scene is equally impressive, with the popular Whisky Bar, Belvedere Bar, and the Metropolitan Bar, known for its eco-friendly Sail & Sustain cocktails, all making a comeback. New to the Luna will be Swirl, a cozy wine bar designed for relaxed, intimate gatherings.

The Norwegian Luna, the fourth vessel in Norwegian’s Prima class, will officially set sail on April 4, 2026. For its maiden season, it will offer week-long Caribbean cruises departing from Miami, making it a top choice for travelers seeking luxury dining and world-class service at sea.

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The Norwegian Spirit recently wrapped up a successful summer charter in Asia, sailing for Taiwan-based Lion Travel from June to September 2024. During this partnership, the ship completed over 25 two- to five-night cruises to Japan and South Korea, departing from Keelung and Kaohsiung.

Ports of call included popular destinations like Jeju, Busan, Okinawa, and Nagasaki, catering to local travelers. After concluding the charter on September 22, 2024, Norwegian Spirit kicked off its winter season with a nine-night cruise to Yokohama, Japan.

Now catering to international markets, the ship will offer a series of nine- to 14-night itineraries throughout East Asia and Southeast Asia for the 2024-25 winter season. Guests can look forward to visits to destinations across Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and beyond, with standout ports like Hakodate, Boracay, and Puerto Princesa.

In January 2025, the ship’s routes expand further into Southeast Asia, adding exciting ports like Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Brunei, and Singapore to the mix. The ship will continue its year-round deployment in the Far East through summer 2025, but the long-term partnership with Lion Travel is not set to continue next year.

After a winter season in Australia and the South Pacific, Norwegian Spirit will return to North America in July 2026, offering an adventurous lineup of cruises that span Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada.

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is continuing its legacy of offering endless options for travelers with the launch of the new ‘More at Sea’ package, an enhanced upgrade from the popular ‘Free At Sea’ offering. As part of NCL’s commitment to delivering more variety and value, this new package is designed to enrich every aspect of the guest experience.

600 Unique Itineraries & 450 Destinations

NCL’s ever-growing fleet of 20 ships offers over 600 unique itineraries through 2026, visiting 450 destinations worldwide. Whether you’re dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, thrilling adventures, or cultural explorations, NCL has something for every traveler. With over 80 onboard restaurants and endless activities, guests never have to choose between “this or that”—they can have it all.

What’s New with ‘More at Sea’?

Launching in 2025, the ‘More at Sea’ package adds more value with premium inclusions:

• Expanded selection of globally recognized premium beverage brands like Grey Goose vodka and Casamigos Tequila.
• More specialty dining meals on voyages of seven days or longer.
• Enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity through Starlink’s high-speed internet, with each guest receiving 150 minutes of Wi-Fi and a personal login.
• Still included: a $50 shore excursion credit per guest, free airfare for the second guest, and select sailings where the third and fourth guests sail free.

Seamless Dining and Entertainment

NCL is also transitioning from á la carte specialty dining pricing to a flat cover charge starting in 2025, making dining even easier. Additionally, they are boosting onboard entertainment by introducing exciting new shows, including the ‘Revolution: A Celebration of Prince’ debuting on Norwegian Aqua in 2025, and enhancing guest favorites like “Elements: The World Expanded” and “Syd Norman’s Presents: Rumours”.

More Fun with Technology

To streamline the guest experience, NCL is rolling out an all-new mobile app by the end of 2024. The app simplifies cruise planning, offering features like easy dining reservations, shore excursion bookings, and an intuitive check-in process.

Exciting New Ships & Attractions

In 2025 and 2026, NCL will debut two innovative vessels—Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna—complete with industry-first attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster, a thrilling hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, and a new Thai specialty restaurant. Both ships promise even more global dining options and unforgettable experiences at sea.

Plan Your Next Adventure

With a wide variety of itineraries, including shorter cruises in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Bahamas and bucket-list destinations like Alaska and Asia Pacific, NCL continues to offer unforgettable vacations for every type of traveler.

Don’t miss out on the exciting perks and endless possibilities with ‘More at Sea’. Visit NCL’s website to learn more and start planning your dream cruise today!

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Norwegian Cruise Line Bids Farewell to À La Carte Pricing at Specialty Restaurants

In a major shift sure to affect your next sailing, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced a change. They are moving away from à la carte pricing at their specialty restaurants. This change means that passengers can expect a more all-inclusive approach. This is available when dining at some of the line’s most popular restaurants.

What’s Changing?

Instead of charging by the individual menu item, NCL will now offer set pricing for its specialty restaurants. Whether you’re craving a perfectly cooked steak at Cagney’s or indulging in French cuisine at Le Bistro one flat fee will now cover your meal.

This change starts on October 1, 2024, and applies to popular specialty dining venues across their fleet. It’s part of NCL’s broader effort to simplify and enhance the guest experience.

What Does This Mean for Cruisers?

• Simplified Dining: No more calculating how much each dish or dessert will cost guests can now enjoy their meal without worrying about how much they’re spending as they go.
• Premium Experience: With a fixed price, the focus shifts to the dining experience itself. You’ll be free to try new dishes without the added pressure of pricing each course.

Why the Change?

This shift in dining policy aligns with NCL’s commitment to delivering a high-end, all-inclusive experience. Norwegian hopes to remove guest frustrations. They are simplifying the way they charge for specialty dining. This will solve fluctuating prices and surprise bills.

NCL isn’t the first cruise line to adopt a flat-fee approach for specialty restaurants. It’s certainly one of the biggest players in the industry to make the move. The line has a reputation for offering diverse dining options. This makes it easier to plan your onboard dining budget.

What About Dining Packages?

For those who already opt for NCL’s dining packages, this change won’t drastically alter the way you plan your meals. Dining packages will still be available. They’re often the most economical way to experience multiple specialty restaurants during your cruise.

This change shows NCL’s ongoing efforts to enhance guest satisfaction by making dining more streamlined and enjoyable. Whether this leads to better value remains to be seen. It’s certainly worth keeping in mind as you book your next cruise.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils New Norwegian Luna, Now Open for Booking

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its latest addition to the Prima Plus Class, the brand-new Norwegian Luna, which is now available for booking, according to a recent press release.

Set to embark from Miami on April 4, 2026, the Norwegian Luna will offer stunning Caribbean cruises through November 2026. The ship’s inaugural season will feature two exciting Western Caribbean itineraries, with stops at Roatan Island (Honduras), Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico), and the breathtaking Harvest Caye (Belize).

Following this, the Norwegian Luna will begin seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean, with calls at Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), and Great Stirrup Cay—Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, which will showcase a new pier by late 2025.

At 1,056 feet in length and weighing 156,300 gross tons, the Norwegian Luna is 10% larger than the Prima Class ships. With a capacity for approximately 3,550 guests at double occupancy, the Luna will offer even more space and amenities for passengers. This ship is being constructed at Fincantieri, one of the world’s premier shipbuilding companies.

David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, shared his enthusiasm for the new vessel, saying, “Inspired by the connection between the moon and ocean tides, Norwegian Luna will perfectly complement her sister ship, Norwegian Aqua. The introduction of this new ship highlights our ongoing commitment to offering guests more of what they love—cutting-edge ships with innovative features, sailing to some of the most beautiful tropical destinations. We’re excited to give guests more to see, more to do, and more to enjoy as they embark on unforgettable journeys.”

Norwegian Luna’s hull will be adorned with striking artwork by renowned street artist ELLE from Napa, California. Known for collaborations with global brands like Nike, Reebok, and Ralph Lauren, ELLE’s piece titled La Luna will grace the ship’s bow, symbolizing humanity’s deep connection with the moon and the forces of nature. This vibrant dreamscape will lead passengers on a voyage of wonder and discovery.

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