Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Norwegian Cruise Line's full 17-ship fleet back in service

CRUISE_Norwegian_Spirit.jpg
Norwegian Spirit's changes include new hull art
Norwegian Cruise Line's pandemic comeback is complete with its 17th and final ship, Norwegian Spirit, back in service.

Following a 500-day pause, NCL's first vessel to carry passengers was Norwegian Jade on July 25, 2021, from Piraeus and the ramp-up continued since then.

Half a million passengers carried

'This is an incredibly important day in our history and a defining moment for our future,' NCL President and CEO Harry Sommer said. 'We are moving full speed ahead, having already welcomed more than half a million guests for an exceptional vacation at sea.'

Norwegian Spirit, sporting an extensive, more than $100m revitalization, is sailing the South Pacific from Tahiti. The ship departed Saturday on a 12-day voyage to end in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Most extensive renovation in NCL history

As part of what NCL called the most extensive renovation in its history, the 1996-buiilt Norwegian Spirit now showcases 14 new venues, additional and updated staterooms, enhanced public areas and new hull art.

Enhancements include a doubled-in-size Mandara Spa with a new thermal suite and relaxation areas, an expanded Pulse Fitness Center and the second Onda by Scarpetta restaurant at sea.

New complimentary dining venues include an additional main dining room, Taste; 24-hour eatery The Local Bar and Grill, the all-day dining outlet Garden Café, the Great Outdoors Bar and Waves Pool Bar. Making their debut are The Social Comedy & Night Club and Spinnaker Lounge, which features the Humidor Cigar Lounge, as well as the adults-only retreat Spice H2O, a daytime lounge with two hot tubs and a dedicated bar. The space transforms into an after-hours entertainment venue.