After a break of three years, cruise operator Norwegian Cruise Line has returned to Asia, with the debut of a six-month season of itineraries in Asia that began from Tokyo.

With the sailing of Norwegian Jewel from Tokyo, leading cruise operator Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has returned to Asia with  itineraries in the region for the six months.

According to a press statement by NCL, 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, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Taipei, Bali, Tokyo and Yokohama and for the first time in its history, NCL will also reach Incheon in South Korea.

The statement adds that the 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, Osaka, and Bali.

The brand will also make its first calls to Manila, Boracay, Palawan and Salomague in Philippines, Bintan Island in Indonesia and Hualien in Taiwan.

“Today is a celebratory moment, as we return to Asia with Norwegian Jewel’s arrival to Tokyo. 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 travellers 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,” says David J Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line.

The statement adds that 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 during 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, Philippines and Malaysia.

Norwegian Sun debuts

Making its premiere, Norwegian Sun will offer a six-month Asia Pacific season including 13 itineraries from October 2024 to April 2025, four of which have never been offered before, such as three departures from Melbourne a sailing from Auckland to Bali in March 2025.

The cruise firm says that after a successful maiden season, Norwegian Spirit will return to Australian and New Zealand waters for its second consecutive season from December 2023 through March 2024 for a series of popular 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 month season from September 2024 to April 2025, departing from Manila, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo and Seoul.

Norwegian Sky’s four-month long Asian season includes seven sailings says the statement, adding that the ship will call at  Manila, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo and Port Louis between December 2024 and March 2025.