Norwegian Cruise Line has deployed a ship in Asia for the first time since before the pandemic.
Norwegian Jewel is the first ship in the 19-strong fleet to return to the region in more than three years.
The vessel departed from Tokyo at the start of the six month season including debut departures from Inchon for the Korean capital of Seoul.
The ship’s 16 itineraries cover 11 countries with sailings from nine ports, including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Taipei, Bali, Tokyo and Yokohama.
Cruises range from ten to14 days in duration with an average of less than two sea days per sailing and extended overnight stays in destinations such as Phuket, Osaka and Bali.
The line will also make its first calls to Manila, Boracay, Palawan and Salomague, Philippines; Bintan Island, Indonesia; and Hualien, Taiwan.
The return comes ahead of NCL having a record four ships in the region in 2024-25 with the addition of Norwegian Spirit, Sun and Sky covering Japan, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia.
Norwegian Sun will sail from Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Honolulu and Papeete in French Polynesia on 13 itineraries from October 2024 to April 2025,
Norwegian Spirit will return to Australia and New Zealand for a second consecutive season between December 2023 and March 2024 before running 14 Asia voyages across an eight-month season from September 2024 departing from Manila, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo and Seoul.
Norwegian Sky’s four-month season in Asia includes seven sailings of ten to 17-days from Manila, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo and Port Louis, Mauritius between December 2024 and March 2025.
NCL president David Herrera said: “Today is a milestone moment, as we return to Asia with Norwegian Jewel’s arrival to Tokyo.
“We pride ourselves in delivering the best vacation experience and providing endless opportunities for our guests to explore the world, including Asia.
“This region delivers some of the most intriguing history, cuisine, and culture for travellers to discover, and we are thrilled to deliver a diverse selection of port-rich voyages.
“This market is important to us, and we are committed to servicing it in the long term.”