NORWEGIAN Cruise Line (NCL) has marked its return to New Zealand after three years, with Norwegian Spirit (pictured) sailing into Dunedin on Thu. The cruise called at ports including Lyttelton, Wellington, Napier, and Tauranga, as well as Auckland, where New Zealanders yesterday embarked on their first local Norwegian voyage since...
NORWEGIAN Cruise Line (NCL) has marked its return to New Zealand after three years, with Norwegian Spirit (pictured) sailing into Dunedin on Thu.
The cruise called at ports including Lyttelton, Wellington, Napier, and Tauranga, as well as Auckland, where New Zealanders yesterday embarked on their first local Norwegian voyage since the pandemic.
Spirit’s maiden arrival marks a significant milestone for the New Zealand cruise industry’s comeback, with a number of open-jaw sailings between Dec 2022 and Mar 2023 set to explore destinations like Napier, Tauranga and Fiordland.
New Zealand departures will also visit Melbourne, Burnie, and Eden in Australia.
Spirit will then return for a second homeporting season from Auckland in Dec.
“We’re thrilled to finally welcome Norwegian Spirit to New Zealand – she is well and truly worth the wait,” said Vice President & Managing Director APAC Ben Angell.
“We know New Zealanders love our contemporary, laidback style of cruising, as well as the outstanding value only an NCL cruise can offer.
“Importantly, we’re delighted to be part of an industry that contributes a significant amount to the New Zealand economy each year.”
Added President & Chief Executive Officer Harry Sommer: “New Zealand is an incredibly important market for us, both as a source market and a destination, and we are committed to this region for the long term.”
