NCL looks to Aus season

NORWEGIAN Cruise Line (NCL) is considering additional deployment in local waters as it prepares for its 2020 program, with its 2,000-guest Norwegian Spirit set to operate year-round within the wider region.

In Australia ahead of the Cruise360 conference tomorrow, NCL president and ceo Andy Stuart said the line was considering new itineraries for Australian waters as part of an increased presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Once we get into the winter of 2020, we’re planning a year-round deployment of Norwegian Spirit to the region,” Stuart told TD.

“We haven’t defined exactly where she’ll be sailing but it will be across Asia with a part season in China and possibly a season in Australia,” he said.

The line might also opt for additional local sailings by its 2,400-passenger Norwegian Jewel, which will return to Sydney in Nov after an extensive refurbishment.

Jewel is already scheduled to return in 2019/20 as part of a season of cruises from Honolulu, Papeete, Sydney, Auckland, Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

NCL has also released 2019/20 cruises aboard the 2,400-guest Norwegian Jade sailing from Singapore and Hong Kong, a deployment Stuart said had been part-prompted by confidence in the Australian market.

He said sales from the Australian market had doubled since NCL opened a local office three years ago, and that he expected up to 20% of passengers from Singapore and Hong Kong to come from the Australian market.