Today marks six months until the arrival of the Norwegian Spirit in Australia, only after a $ 144 million renovation, making it the most expensive in the Norwegian Cruise Line’s history.

The Norwegian Spirit is scheduled to arrive in Australia on December 22, 2022 and also marks the return of the NCL to Australian waters. NCL APAC managing director Ben Angell said: “Australia, it’s time to get into the spirit."

“Our final preparations are underway and we’re counting down to the moment we celebrate an NCL ship sailing into Sydney Harbor for the very first time in three years.”

The Norwegian Spirit is smaller than other NCL boats, with a capacity for just over 2,000 guests. It is aimed at the adult cruise with the adult-only Spice 820, which also functions as an open-air cocktail lounge and late-night nightclub. The Mandara Spa, which has a thermal suite with a steam bath, sauna, shower and sun loungers with heated tiles, has doubled.

There is a lot of fun on board, including Elements, which presents a visual assortment of flying, dancing and magic. Blazing Boots is pop country music and visual extravaganza.

The cabins have been redesigned to be more spacious with balconies on the balcony including floor-to-ceiling windows for superior ocean views.

The Norwegian Spirit will sail ten routes between December 2022 and March 2022, including eight 12-day voyages between its home ports of Sydney and Auckland where it will visit smaller regional ports, including Hobart, Burney, Melbourne and Eden in Australia; and Napier, Tauranga, Wellington and Akaroa in New Zealand.

Two voyages from the South Pacific from Papeete to Sydney in December and Sydney to Papeete in March 2023 will be available before the ship returns in December 2023 for its second season in Australian waters.

Harry Somer, CEO and President of the Norwegian Cruise Line, said: "We can't wait to continue our operations in Australia and once again support local communities.

“Our final preparations are underway and we’re counting down to the moment we celebrate an NCL ship sailing into Sydney Harbour for the very first time in three years.”

“Forward bookings for Norwegian Spirit are incredibly robust as our guests from all over the world vote with their feet – Australia-New Zealand cruising is back and it’s more popular than ever. 

“My advice to local travelers thinking about a cruise is to book early to avoid disappointment.”