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Norwegian Spirit heads back to Australia with more Sydney departures than ever before

Katie Dundas Katie Dundas
Norwegian Cruise Line offers adult cruisers the ideal way to travel with unrivalled choice for a ship of her size, plus the dining, excitement and spa amenities typically found on a much larger ship.

Cruising close to home with Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL) has never been better. Norwegian Spirit® is returning for its biggest Australian season yet, and it’s ideal for adults seeking an elevated local cruising experience that packs a big punch with entertainment, personalised service and premium amenities.

With convenient Sydney departures, these refined itineraries will equally appeal to cruise newcomers or veteran sailors. From enriching days in port leading into world-class dining at sea, here’s how Norwegian Spirit  has been curated just for discerning travellers.

About the ship

NCL norweigian spirit in phillip island
Explore Australia with Norwegian Spirit.

Norwegian Spirit offers something not often seen: a smaller ship reimagined to appeal to adults. With numerous convenient Sydney departures, enjoy a boutique feel from the moment your holiday begins – from faster embarkation to plenty of open space onboard and plenty of special touches designed to make your holiday even more meaningful.

In port, discover the delights of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. But sea days will be just as memorable. Norwegian Spirit has been tailored to suit the interests of adult cruisers, with splash pools and kids’ clubs replaced by elevated relaxation spaces.

Get lost in a good book on a plush daybed within the adults-only Spice H2O, soak away the tension at the award-winning Mandara Spa® with Thermal Suite, or meet up with new friends for the evening’s world-class entertainment.

Everything onboard has been crafted for calm and relaxation; an oasis at sea where entertainment, exceptional service and an array of upscale dining experiences.

A culinary adventure at sea

Onda by Scarpetta inside the Norwegian Spirit.
Indulge in culinary excellence at Onda by Scarpetta.

Onboard, enjoy unrivalled dining options with 14 dining options and nine bars and lounges. Freestyle Dining has tossed aside structured dining room meal times, so guests can walk in when it suits them, or use the NCL app to easily make a booking.

Classic pub fare at The Local is perfect for a casual bite after returning to the ship, or plan a romantic dinner for later that evening, taking in the ocean views and golden sunset.

International flavours delight when you try out Norwegian Spirit ’s specialty dining, including Onda by Scarpetta, Le Bistro and Cagney’s Steakhouse, each with a curated wine menu to enhance each restaurant’s signature dishes.

All of the onboard specialty dining options have been enhanced to suit adult palettes who seek premium cuisine that incorporates the freshest local ingredients and modern design.

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New offerings

The pool on Norwegian Spirit with stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Swim in a cruise pool with ever-changing Australian coastal views.

NCL has reimagined Norwegian Spirit to offer something innovative in the crowded cruising industry: premium cruising catered to adults, but on a smaller ship that doesn’t sacrifice on entertainment.

Both the amenities and the ship’s itineraries were carefully planned to suit adult travellers drawn to the ease of departing from Sydney. During the 2026/2027 summer season, Norwegian Spirit will return with 10 Sydney sailings – more than ever before – including five round-trip itineraries.

Get the most from a long weekend at sea or take an immersive East Coast adventure, with a selection of four- to 14-day itineraries across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Each taking curious travellers to a new destination almost every day.

The long weekend of a lifetime

The Mandara spa inside the Norwegian Spirit.
Fall into relaxation at the award-winning Mandara Spa.

Sometimes, a few days at sea can be just what you need to reset and recharge, which is why NCL has released its first-ever four-day Tassie taster cruise departing from Sydney. It’s designed as the ideal long weekend escape for adults seeking a reset, where guests can do as much or as little as they please.

Sea days can be spent relaxing. Perhaps an Aroma Stone Therapy massage at the award-winning Mandara Spa, or an afternoon taking in the vibrant deckside energy at Waves Pool Bar.

In Hobart, an array of shore excursions will showcase the rugged beauty and history of the island. From oyster and wine tasting, strolls through the eclectic Salamanca Market, or spotting the iconic Tasmanian devil, make the time in port your own.

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11 days around the country

The Norwegian Spirit with stunning views of the Sydney Opera House.
Wake up to Australia’s iconic sights.

Explore some of the country’s most iconic locations, enjoying the comfort of your stateroom between stops on this unique 11-day itinerary . You’ll discover the beauty of South Eastern Australia, including Kangaroo Island, each delivered right to your doorstep.

This sailing is designed to be completely relaxing yet immersive, with overnights† in both Adelaide and Melbourne. For tennis fans, the January departure is timed to pair with a day at the popular Australian Open.

As a longer itinerary, find a great balance of sea and port days. It’s ideal for adults seeking serious unhurried exploration and foodies looking forward to the opportunity to try out more of Norwegian Spirit ’s many dining options.

To book, contact your travel agent, call 1300 255 200 or visit ncl.com

†Applies to select sailings. 

Katie Dundas
Katie Dundas is a freelance travel journalist based in Sydney but originally from the US. She’s passionate about the outdoors, adventure travel, and sustainability and can often be found hiking or swimming. Happiest near water, she loves getting off the beaten track and discovering somewhere new, often with Apple, her tiny pup.
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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig Tansley Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.