NORWEGIAN Cruise Line (NCL) will introduce its first-ever taster cruises in Australia in 2026/27 on board Norwegian Spirit.
The much-loved local NCL ship, which is set to make her return to Australia later this year, will embark on two four-night ‘Tasmania Taster’ cruises, pitched at those who are new to either the sector or the brand.
The Sydney round trips will depart on 06 and 21 Jan 2027.
Spirit will also sail on nine departures from Sydney – the most ever for NCL – including two 11-day round trips featuring overnight calls in both Melbourne and Adelaide, offering plenty of time for an in-depth exploration of wine regions such as the Yarra Valley, Derwent Valley, McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley.
Additional season highlights will include calls in Hobart and Kangaroo Island, as well as NCL’s first-ever visit to Phillip Island.
The program will begin with a 12-day South Pacific sailing from Lautoka to Sydney in Nov 2026, featuring four Fiji calls, visits to Port Vila and Mystery Island in Vanuatu, and NCL’s first stop in Newcastle since 2019.
A series of 11-day open-jaw sailings between Sydney and Auckland will conclude the season, with scenic journeys through New Zealand’s fjords, vibrant cities, and coastal gems.
The new season release comes as Norwegian counts down to the return of Spirit to Australia for her 2025/26 season.
She will arrive in Fremantle on 09 Dec before sailing Southern Australia’s coast to Sydney. MS
