Norwegian Cruise Line is expanding its presence in Antarctica, South America, Africa, Asia, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand by 37% from next year.
The number of port-rich voyages planned between October 2024 until the end of 2025 is set to rise by 15% as part of a series of exotic itineraries.
Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky will sail in Asia for the first time, while new ports of call include Manama in Bahrain, Rarotonga in the Cook Islands; Sokhna, Egypt; and Akita, Japan.
The three-ship deployment in Asia will see cruises run for eight months until May 2025 covering the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan.
Norwegian Star will run the line’s first sailing from Ushuaia in Argentina with a 14-day itinerary to Antarctica and Brazil on March 1, 2025.
Norwegian Spirit is returning to Australia for its third season while Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun will run departures from Haifa in Israel.
Other itineraries include Norwegian Sky sailing from Dubai to Mauritius via the Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania and Oman for 16 days from December 2024. The ship will then sail from the Indian Ocean island to Singapore on a 17-day cruise.
NCL president and chief executive Harry Sommer said: “Our guests are craving longer, immersive and more unique itineraries that take them off the beaten path.
“These new sailings represent the most diverse itinerary programme to date and feature many brand firsts, including an extended Asia offering and new ports in Argentina, Bahrain, Japan and Egypt.”