Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will return to Asia on October 19 following a three-year absence.
Norwegian Jewel will begin a six-month Asia season with 16 itineraries visiting 11 countries and sailing from nine different departure ports, including Tokyo, Yokohama, Taipei, Bangkok, Bali and Kuala Lumpur.
Cruises range from 10 to 14-days and feature several “brand firsts”, including NCL’s first departures from Manila, Philippines and Seoul, as well as six new ports of call: Manila, Boracay, Palawan, Salomague, Bintan Island and Hualien County.
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The line said Norwegian Jewel will focus on “destination immersion” and will offer “country immersive” itineraries which allow passengers to book-end their sailing with land tours.
On average, the itineraries have no more than two sea days per sailing, and include overnight stays in destinations such as Phuket, Osaka and Bali.
An 11-day Asia: Singapore, Thailand & Indonesia cruise sails from Kuala Lumpur to Bali, calling at Langkawi, Sabang, Penang, Singapore, Jakarta and Lembar, and including an overnight stay in Phuket.
The lead-in price is £2,371 based on a January 27, 2024 departure.
The 10-day Asia: Osaka, Jeju, Nagoya & Mount Fuji itinerary marks the brand’s first departure from Seoul, and calls at Jeju, Nagasaki, Beppu, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kochi, Nagoya and Mount Fuji before concluding in Tokyo.
Prices start from £3,360 based on a March 21, 2024 departure.
Gary Anslow, director of sales in the UK and Ireland, said: “After more than three years, Asia is back in a big way.
“We know our guests can’t wait to return to this incredible region and, as a smaller ship, Norwegian Jewel is the perfect size to explore Asia’s lesser-known ports while offering all the features we know local cruisers love, including the hit disco and burlesque show Velvet.”