NORWEGIAN Cruise Line has marked its return to Australian waters after three years with Norwegian Spirit (pictured) sailing into Sydney Harbour today. The ship is making her Down Under debut following her USD$100 million bow-to-stern revitalisation, the most expensive ever undertaken by Norwegian. Spirit will offer a choice of eight...
NORWEGIAN Cruise Line has marked its return to Australian waters after three years with Norwegian Spirit (pictured) sailing into Sydney Harbour today.
The ship is making her Down Under debut following her USD$100 million bow-to-stern revitalisation, the most expensive ever undertaken by Norwegian.
Spirit will offer a choice of eight open-jaw sailings from Sydney between Dec and Mar, exploring destinations such as Melbourne, Burnie, and Eden, the latter at where she will launch Norwegian’s first-ever beach clean-up shore excursion (CW 12 Dec).
Spirit will then return for a second home port season next Dec.
In Sydney to welcome Spirit is President & Chief Executive Officer Harry Sommer, who reminded the Australian trade of the country’s importance as both a source market and a destination.
“I’m thrilled to be here in person to celebrate our return to Australia after a three-year hiatus, and to join the festivities as Norwegian Spirit spends an extended overnight visit in Sydney before she sets sail on her Christmas cruise tomorrow,” Sommer said.
“We are committed to this region for the long term.”
Joining Sommer was Vice President & Managing Director APAC Ben Angell, who agreed Spirit is well and truly worth the wait.
“We know Australians love our contemporary, laid-back style of cruising, as well as the outstanding value only an NCL cruise can offer,” he said.
“Importantly, we’re delighted to be part of an industry that contributes $5 billion to the Australian economy each year.”
New South Wales Minister for Transport David Elliott added his cheer, saying it is exciting to have Norwegian returning to the state’s shores to help re-anoint it as Australia’s capital of cruise.
