NCL reveals spa and dining offerings on newest ship

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed details of the dining and spa facilities on its latest ship Norwegian Aura, which launches next May.

 

The Prima Plus Class vessel is the line’s largest ship and will be able to host 3,880 passengers in 1,970 cabins.

 

It boasts the industry’s “most expansive” thermal suite, featuring 15 wellness experiences, and NCL’s first specialty restaurant dedicated to Indian cuisine, called Tamara.

 

The Panorama Room on deck six features LED displays, synchronised lighting and visuals that evolve throughout the day and evening, “transporting guests through ever-changing landscapes, artwork and scenic environments as they dine”.  

 

Other restaurants, bars and lounges have been redesigned and repositioned to create more space.

 

Gary Anslow, vice-president for the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa, said: “Norwegian Aura is all about giving guests more of what they love, with spaces and experiences that make vacations feel even easier.

“From Tamara, our new Indian specialty restaurant, which expands the already guest-favourite eatery in Indulge to an elevated culinary offering; to The Panorama Room’s immersive dining experience and our most expansive Thermal Suite to date, every addition has been purposefully designed to give guests more freedom, choice and opportunities to relax, recharge and enjoy their vacation their way, without compromise.”

The Mandara Spa, which includes the thermal suite, also offers a sensory rain pool, said to be the first of its kind at sea.

 

The 360-degree experience transforms from calm waters to a tropical rainfall and eventually a dramatic thunderstorm, with simulated lightning effects and the sounds of rolling thunder.

 

The culinary programme includes 22 food and beverage options spanning more than 10 distinct cuisines.

 

Norwegian Aura will also feature Ocean Heights, an activity zone for parents and kids.

 

It will offer six slides, the 82-foot Aura Ropes Course, a multi-level obstacle course, Moon Climber, and Aura Midway featuring carnival-style games and a nine-hole mini golf course.  

 

The ship will first set sail in Europe with a seven-day Mediterranean voyage from Trieste to Barcelona on May 21, 2027, followed by a 13-day transatlantic voyage to Miami.

 

In the summer of 2027 as well as the summer of 2028, Norwegian Aura will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyages. During winter 2027-28, Norwegian Aura will offer week-long Western Caribbean voyages.

Norwegian Sky Farewell Cruise Cancelled

Norwegian Sky Farewell Cruise Cancelled

Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled the farewell cruise of the Norwegian Sky, which was scheduled to depart from Greece on September 9, 2026.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the decision is related to security concerns in the Middle East region.

The 19-night voyage was scheduled to transit the Suez Canal and the Red Sea before arriving in Muscat, Oman.

“After careful review, and with the safety and security of our guests and crew as our guiding priority, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this sailing,” the company added.

“Given the ongoing uncertainty in the region, we no longer have the level of confidence needed to deliver the experience you expect and deserve.”

Norwegian stated that the decision to cancel the cruise, though difficult, was guided by the safety and well-being of its guests and crew.

After departing from the port of Piraeus in Athens, the Norwegian Sky was scheduled to sail to Greece, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia before arriving in Oman.

The itinerary included visits to Rhodes, Alexandria, Port Sokhna, Safaga, Sharm El Sheikh, Jeddah and Aqaba, as well as transits of the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.

Acquired by Cordelia Cruises in 2025, the Norwegian Sky is scheduled to be delivered to the India-based cruise line this October.

“We know this is not the news anyone was hoping to receive. Throughout this process, many of you have shown remarkable patience, flexibility, and understanding, and we are truly sorry that this voyage can no longer move forward as planned,” Norwegian added.

The company said that guests will receive a full monetary refund of the cruise fare paid to the original form of payment used at the time of booking.

Norwegian will also offer passengers a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) valued at 50 percent of the current voyage fare, which will be added to a 15 percent FCC issued earlier due to itinerary changes.

The company said that the new credit may be used toward any published Norwegian Cruise Line sailing through December 31, 2027.

Guests who purchased airfare through the company will have flights automatically cancelled and refunded.

For passengers with independent travel arrangements, Norwegian is offering up to $300 per person to cover airline change or cancellation fees that are not reimbursed by either the airlines or travel insurance providers.

Norwegian had already adjusted the itinerary of the cruise in July, cancelling visits to destinations in the Arabian Gulf.

Initially scheduled to end in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the cruise was also cut short from its original 21-night length.

Video- Norwegian Sky cruises into Liverpool

Norwegian Sky arrives into the Historic Port of Liverpool, on a misty morning. Sky is on her farewell tour before she leaves the fleet in 2027.

 

The Norwegian Sky is a 77,104-ton Sun-class cruise ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Launched in 1999, she is a more intimate ship compared to modern mega-ships, carrying just under 2,000 guests.

Ship Overview & Highlights

The Norwegian Sky is designed for a laid-back, traditional cruising experience. Despite its age, it underwent comprehensive refurbishments to keep up with modern amenities, including the addition of high-speed Starlink internet. 

• Guest Capacity: ~1,944 guests (double occupancy).
• Crew: 899 crew members.
• Length: 258 meters (846 feet).
• Decks: 9 passenger-accessible decks.

Onboard Dining

NCL's signature "Freestyle Cruising" means there are no assigned seating times or rigid schedules, letting you dine whenever and wherever you choose. The ship features a mix of complimentary and specialty dining options: 

• Complimentary Venues: The Palace and Crossings (Main Dining Rooms), the Garden Cafe (Buffet), and The Local Bar & Grill (casual pub fare).
• Specialty Venues: Le Bistro (French), La Cucina (Italian), and Cagney's Steakhouse. 

Bars, Entertainment & Activities

With numerous bars and lounges, there are plenty of spots to unwind or keep the party going.

• Nightlife: Champs Bar, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, and the Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar. The Bliss Lounge serves as a venue for trivia and games during the day, transforming into a lively nightclub late at night. 
• Relaxation: The ship boasts an award-winning Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite, as well as a central pool deck featuring jacuzzis and a stage for live music. 
• Family Features: The Splash Academy, a kids' pool/jacuzzi, a video game room, and teen hangout areas.

I have sailed on her sistership Norwegian Star and they are wonderful, friendly, and with a great crew, we wish Sky and the crew all the best in the Indian cruise market for Cordelia Cruise.

Norwegian Shifts Viva to PortMiami, Cancels Puerto Rico Season

Norwegian Shifts Viva to PortMiami, Cancels Puerto Rico Season

Norwegian Cruise Line will redeploy the Norwegian Viva to PortMiami for the 2027-28 winter season, cancelling the Prima-class ship’s previously planned Southern Caribbean cruises from Puerto Rico.

In a notice sent to guests, Norwegian advised that all itineraries the Norwegian Viva was set to operate from San Juan between late 2027 and early 2028 have been cancelled. The 2023-built vessel will instead offer getaway cruises to the Bahamas, joining the remainder of the company’s PortMiami-based fleet.

“We are committed to providing exceptional vacation experiences, both aboard our ships and by taking our guests to some of the most coveted destinations in the world,” Norwegian stated.

“Although we try to maintain original itineraries as much as possible, modifications are occasionally made to optimize voyages due to changes in port availability,” the company continued.

Guests affected by the cancellation will receive a full refund within 30 business days, in addition to a ten percent Future Cruise Credit (FCC). Norwegian said the FCC is being offered as a token of appreciation for guests’ patience and can be used for sailings departing through 2027.

For those wishing to explore other options from San Juan, the company said it will offer similar alternatives onboard the Norwegian Prima, which will continue to operate round-trip itineraries through the Southern Caribbean.

“These itineraries include many of the same highly requested destinations, as well as the same convenient and accessible departure point you originally chose,” Norwegian said.

The company also noted that the Prima and the Viva are sister ships and offer the “same high-quality amenities and experiences.”

From PortMiami, the Norwegian Viva will sail getaway cruises to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, which is currently undergoing a major enhancement project that includes the construction of a ship pier.

“At NCL’s premier destination, our guests will get to enjoy ‘The Great Life’ in a completely new way,” the company explained.

“These recent improvements include the Great Life Lagoon, a large pool area with two aquatic bars, as well as the Vibe Shore Club, an adults-only area,” Norwegian stated.

The company also highlighted its new Great Tides waterpark, which is scheduled to open on the private island this September. Norwegian said the attraction will feature 19 water slides, in addition to a dynamic river, water features and more.

“Everything was designed to make your shore stay just as memorable as your experience onboard,” the company added.

The Norwegian Viva had originally been scheduled to sail from San Juan every Sunday between November and April, joining the Norwegian Prima for seven-night cruises to destinations such as Aruba and Curaçao.

In addition to the Norwegian Viva, the Norwegian Aura, the Norwegian Luna, the Norwegian Jewel, the Norwegian Gem and the Norwegian Joy are scheduled to sail from PortMiami in 2027-28.

As the newest and largest ships in Norwegian’s fleet, the Aura and the Luna will offer weeklong voyages to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. The Jewel and the Gem will operate a series of theme charter cruises, in addition to longer ten- and 11-night itineraries to the Southern Caribbean and Central America.

Completing the company’s lineup in South Florida, the Joy will offer three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas.

Norwegian Cancels Joy Cruise Due to Charter

Norwegian Cancels Joy Cruise Due to Charter

Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled the cruise that was set to take place onboard the Norwegian Joy on April 12, 2027.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the sailing will no longer go ahead due to a full-ship charter.

Sailing roundtrip from PortMiami, the vessel was set to offer a five-night cruise to the Bahamas and Mexico.

In addition to Cozumel, the itinerary included a visit to the company’s private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay, as well as two days of cruising in the Caribbean.

Norwegian said that guests will receive a full monetary refund of the fare paid for the cruise, which will be automatically returned to the original form of payment. In addition they will be getting a future cruise credit (FCC).

“We recognize this change wasn’t part of your original travel arrangements, and as a token of our appreciation for your patience, we’re pleased to offer you a 10 percent discount in the form of a Future Cruise Credit,” the company added.

The FCC can be used toward any of Norwegian’s published sailings through December 31, 2027, the statement added.

The company also said that its teams are available to book guests on alternative sailings, suggesting three similar cruises departing from Miami.

Highlighted cruises include two departures of the Norwegian Viva, sailing on April 13 and April 18, 2027.

The first sails to the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic over the course of five nights, while the second is a seven-night cruise to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Norwegian also suggested a four-night cruise to the Bahamas onboard the Norwegian Getaway on April 12, 2027. All of the options also include a visit to Great Stirrup Cay.

Following its new charter sailing, the Norwegian Joy is scheduled to reposition to the West Coast ahead of a summer season in Alaska.

Joining the Norwegian Bliss, the Norwegian Encore and the Norwegian Jade, the vessel offers a series of seven-night cruises departing from Seattle.

More Information

A full-ship charter for a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vessel generally ranges from £1 million to over £12 million ($1.3 million to $15+ million USD) for a week, depending on the ship's size, age, and itinerary. Chartering requires covering the equivalent of all stateroom fares, food, entertainment, and a 10% or higher initial deposit. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Considerations for Full-Ship Charters:

• Costs: Rates often base on roughly $150–$200+ per passenger per day, plus taxes and gratuities, which on a 4,000-passenger ship can exceed several million dollars in total.
• Capacity & Timing: Costs vary based on the ship class and season; smaller or older ships (e.g., Norwegian Sky) cost less than larger, modern vessels (e.g., Norwegian Encore).
• Payments: A non-refundable deposit is required at signing, typically with the full balance due 90 days to several months in advance.
• All-Inclusive Nature: The charter fee covers food, entertainment, and standard amenities, but usually excludes alcohol, spa treatments, and special excursions.
• Process: Companies like NCL Corporate Incentives handle these, requiring advanced planning (often 12–18 months). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

For exact pricing, you must submit a request for proposal directly to Norwegian Cruise Line's charter department.

Norwegian Targets Marketing Overhaul with New Leadership, Leaner Spend

Norwegian Targets Marketing Overhaul with New Leadership, Leaner Spend

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is moving to rebuild its marketing function at the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, bringing in new leadership and cutting overall spending, said Chairperson and CEO John Chidsey.

Speaking on the company’s first quarter 2026 earnings call, Chidsey acknowledged that marketing underperformance has been a significant part of the brand’s occupancy shortfall, and that correcting course will require both new personnel and a more disciplined approach to how dollars are allocated.

“We are looking to bring in new leadership in marketing at NCL and better align that function with revenue management, deployment, and sales,” Chidsey said. “This work is critical and will strengthen the business over time, but it may result in some near-term variability in top-line performance as we work through these initiatives.”

NCLH recently completed a search for a new chief people officer, and Chidsey said the company is continuing to build out its revenue management team, noting that new hires across both functions have not yet fully gelled, contributing to the wide guidance range the company issued for the full year.

On the spending side, NCLH expects to reduce marketing outlays as part of a broader spending cutback.

Chidsey said the company had lost its way on marketing efficiency, saying that spend had grown disproportionate to results over the past several years.

“Our spend increased dramatically, and we’re not nearly as efficient as our competitors,” Chidsey said.

CFO Mark Kempa offered a stark data point on the inefficiency, noting that NCLH had been spending approximately twice as much per berth as competitors.

“It’s about putting the dollars to work in the right places versus volume,” Kempa said.

Norwegian Reports 2026 Q1 Results

Norwegian Reports 2026 Q1 Results

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 and provided guidance for the second quarter and full year 2026.

Highlights

• First quarter total revenue grew 10% to $2.3 billion. GAAP net income was $105 million, with EPS of $0.23.
• Delivered Adjusted EBITDA of $533 million in first quarter 2026, exceeding guidance, and representing an increase of 18% compared to 2025. Adjusted Net Income more than doubled to $108 million. Adjusted EPS increased $0.13 to $0.23.
• Company lowered full year 2026 guidance with Adjusted EPS expected to be $1.45 to $1.79.
• Company took delivery of Norwegian Luna, featuring an exceptional collection of venues and experiences, including its latest in house production ELTON: A Celebration of Elton John™.
• Announced Board refreshment with the appointment of five new independent directors effective March 31, 2026, further strengthening the Company’s governance and shareholder value focus.
• Executed targeted initiatives to enhance its SG&A profile, generating approximately $125 million of expected annualized run-rate savings.

“

We delivered strong first quarter results, and more importantly we have already begun taking decisive actions to strengthen execution and accountability across the company, which will enhance results over the longer term,” said John W. Chidsey, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

“During the quarter, we acted with urgency to simplify, optimize, and streamline the organization, including executing SG&A savings initiatives totaling $125 million in expected run rate savings. These are long-term structural actions that we believe will help offset near-term pressures and position the business for stronger performance over time. As we move through the year, we will continue to manage costs and focus on revenue growth to align resources with the high-growth, high value areas of the business. I remain confident and encouraged that we are building a leaner, more effective and nimble organization that positions NCLH for sustainable long-term value creation.”

First Quarter 2026 Highlights

• Generated total revenue of $2.3 billion, a 10% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025, driven by increased Capacity Days. GAAP net income was $104.7 million compared to $(40.3) million in the prior year, with EPS of $0.23.
• Gross margin per Capacity Day increased 4.0% versus 2025 on an as reported basis and increased 2.6% on a Constant Currency basis. Net Yield decreased approximately 0.3% on an as reported basis and 1.0% on a Constant Currency basis, above our guidance of a decline of 1.6%.
• Gross Cruise Costs per Capacity Day was approximately $287, compared to $297 in the prior year. Adjusted Net Cruise Cost excluding Fuel per Capacity Day was approximately $169 on an as reported basis and $168 on a Constant Currency basis, and was down 0.2% on an as reported basis and 1.0% on a Constant Currency basis compared to $169 in 2025, better than guidance.
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 18% to $533 million, compared to $453 million in 2025, exceeding guidance of ~$515 million. Adjusted EPS increased 121% to $0.23, exceeding guidance of ~$0.16.

2026 Full Year Outlook

The Company is experiencing headwinds related to disruptions in the Middle East, including higher fuel expense and signs of softer demand as consumers reevaluate travel plans, particularly to Europe. As previously noted, the Company entered 2026 behind its targeted booking curve, and these headwinds have hindered the Company’s ability to accelerate bookings and close that gap. These external pressures come as the Company continues to enhance its revenue management system and improve execution, resulting in additional pressure on the business and a reduction in its full year guidance. A summary of the updated full year guidance is provided below:

• 2026 full year Net Yield on a Constant Currency basis is expected to be down approximately 3% to 5% versus 2025.
• 2026 Adjusted Net Cruise Cost excluding Fuel per Capacity Day is expected to be approximately flat on a Constant Currency basis versus 2025, reflecting better-than-previously-guided performance driven by workforce optimization and other SG&A savings.
• 2026 full year Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately $2.48 billion to $2.64 billion.
• Adjusted Operational EBITDA Margin for the full year 2026 is expected to be 32.9% to 34.3%.
• Full year Adjusted Net Income is expected to be approximately $679 million to $838 million. Adjusted EPS is expected to be $1.45 to $1.79.

Q2 2026 Outlook

• Q2 2026 Net Yield on a Constant Currency basis is expected to decline approximately 3.6% versus 2025.
• Q2 2026 Adjusted Net Cruise Cost excluding Fuel per Capacity Day is expected to grow approximately 1.0% on a Constant Currency basis versus 2025.
• Q2 2026 Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately $632 million and Adjusted Operational EBITDA Margin for the quarter is expected to be approximately 32.5%.

 

Booking Environment Update

The Company remains below its optimal booking range following certain execution missteps, exacerbated by softer demand related to heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Recent events related to the conflict in the Middle East have impacted bookings across all three brands, especially in Europe during the summer season. While the near-term environment remains challenging, the Company is taking targeted actions to better align commercial strategy, including marketing, with deployment and revenue management, with the benefits of these actions expected to materialize gradually over time.

Liquidity and Financial Position

The Company is committed to optimizing its balance sheet and reducing Net Leverage. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had total debt of $15.2 billion and Net Debt of $15.0 billion. Net Leverage ended the quarter at 5.3x.

As of March 31, 2026, liquidity was $1.6 billion including approximately $185.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and $1.4 billion of availability under our Revolving Loan Facility.

“During the quarter we delivered better-than-expected cost performance across the business,” said Mark A. Kempa, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “As we navigate a more uncertain macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, we are acting diligently to offset those pressures through targeted SG&A savings and broader efficiency initiatives. Based on the actions taken during the quarter, we now expect full year Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel to be approximately flat to last year, which should help support margins as we continue to strengthen execution across the business.”

Outlook and Guidance

In addition to announcing the results for the first quarter of 2026, the Company also provided guidance for the second quarter and full year 2026, along with accompanying sensitivities, subject to changes in the broad macroeconomic environment. The Company does not provide certain estimated future results on a GAAP basis because the Company is unable to predict, with reasonable certainty, the future movement of foreign exchange rates or the future impact of certain gains and charges. These items are uncertain and will depend on several factors, including industry conditions, and could be material to the Company’s results computed in accordance with GAAP. The Company has not provided reconciliations between the Company’s 2026 guidance and the most directly comparable GAAP measures because it would be too difficult to prepare a reliable U.S. GAAP quantitative reconciliation without unreasonable effort.

Norwegian Aura Floated Out at Fincantieri

Norwegian Aura Floated Out at Fincantieri

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) floated out the Norwegian Aura during a ceremony held on April 16 at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

Now that the external hull construction is complete and the ship has touched water for the first time, work will continue on the ship’s interior development, according to a statement.

Said to be the largest vessel in company’s history, the ship is set to debut in May 2027.

“Norwegian Aura’s float out is a proud and meaningful moment for our entire team. She builds on the legacy of our award-winning Prima Class while taking our commitment to thoughtfully designed guest‑first experiences even further,” said NCL President Marc Kazlauskas.

“Created in close partnership with Fincantieri, the ship is purposefully constructed to deliver an elevated, multi‑generational vacation experience, with expansive outdoor spaces like Ocean Heights, that bring families and friends together for fun-filled days.”

Nearly 1,130 feet long and weighing approximately 170,000 tons, the ship will feature over 1,970 staterooms accommodating around 3,880 guests at double occupancy.

“Norwegian Aura’s float out marks a highly symbolic and operationally significant milestone in our shared journey with Norwegian Cruise Line,” noted Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division.

“This vessel reflects the strength of a long-standing partnership and our ability to turn design vision and innovation into tangible solutions, helping to redefine onboard experience for future generations of guests.”

The Norwegian Aura will set sail on her maiden voyage on May 21, 2027, with a seven-day Mediterranean voyage departing from Trieste, Italy and calling to ports in Italy and Malta.

After that, she will embark on a 14-day transatlantic crossing to the United States.

Starting June 10, 2027, she will homeport in Miami and offer seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean during her inaugural season.

Cruise Industry 10-Year Timeline: 50+ Million Guests, 20% Growth

Cruise Industry 10-Year Timeline: 50+ Million Guests, 20% Growth

The global cruise business is on course to grow at least 20 per cent between 2026 and 2036, with big new ships driving growth to an estimated 50 million guests, according to the 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

That is compared to just over 23 million guests 10 years ago, and an estimated 39 million this year.

The bulk of the growth is coming from the industry’s major players, which have numerous new large ships on order, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line.

Together, these five brands have 34 ships on order, totalling just over 150,000 new berths.

The most growth is coming from MSC, with 10 newbuilds set to debut. The new ships from the industry’s fastest-growing will include more World-class vessels built in France, and an entirely new class of vessel set to be constructed in Germany at Meyer Werft.

Norwegian Cruise Line is close behind with eight ships on order, adding more than 36,000 berths through 2037 as the brand continues to scale its large-ship fleet at Fincantieri in Italy.

Royal Caribbean International has six newbuilds scheduled, building on the success of its Icon-class platform with additional vessels from both Meyer Turku in Finland and Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France.

Carnival Cruise Line has five ships on order totalling nearly 30,000 berths, with new tonnage coming from both Meyer Werft and Fincantieri.

Disney Cruise Line, meanwhile, is accelerating its own expansion with five ships set to debut through 2031, more than doubling its current fleet size and extending its reach into new global markets.

The combined orderbook across all cruise lines stands at 78 ocean ships valued at approximately $80 billion, reflecting the industry’s confidence in sustained long-term demand.