Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, has released a series of immersive, destination-rich itineraries for Norwegian Sun’s inaugural debut in the region for the 2025 season – including several brand-first voyages and ports.
Norwegian Sun will make her Australian debut in December arriving in Brisbane and Melbourne on 18 & 21 December 2024 following a leisurely 18-day French Polynesia and South Pacific sailing which departs Papeete on 03 December and visit 10 ports.
The new collection of voyages includes three Brand first itineraries to the Great Barrier Reef & South Pacific between Cairns and Lautoka, Australia, which is also NCL’s first turnaround in both ports; as well as three island-hopping French Polynesia cruises between Fiji and Tahiti, and two Asia sailings.
Commemorating NCL’s most extensive South Pacific offering to date, the season also entails several milestones for both NCL and Norwegian Sun, including debut visits to Port Douglas and Townsville in Australia, Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, and Suva, Fiji.
It will also be the first time that Norwegian Sun visits several other ports including Mystery Island and Port Vila in Vanuatu, Dravuni, Fiji, Noumea, New Caledonia, and the highly sought after port of Kushiro known for some of the most unspoiled scenery and wildlife habitats in Japan.
“This new collection of voyages provides even more choice for those who prefer to explore close to home with more South Pacific destinations than ever before, including Far North Queensland, where we will be returning for the first time since 2019,” said Ben Angell, VP and Managing Director of Norwegian Cruise Line APAC. “With this expansion we are thrilled to have two ships in Australian waters, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Spirit, further reinforcing our ongoing commitment to this region.”
These new voyages also feature a range of unique itineraries being offered for the first time including two departures from Cairns, NCL’s first sailing from Bali to Cairns, and extended port-rich itineraries exploring the South Pacific and Hawaii. These additional voyages further bolster Norwegian Sun’s close-to-home collection to a total 35 voyages from October 2024 through March 2026.
Guests on board one of Norwegian Sun’s sailings can also take advantage of NCL’s Free at Sea program, which delivers more value with holiday enhancing benefits including specialty dining credits, unlimited beverage package, shore excursion credits, Wi-Fi minutes and more.
Highlight voyages on Norwegian Sun, hand-picked by Ben Angell:
14-day South Pacific: Fiji, Vanuatu & Great Barrier Reef, Cairns to Lautoka
Offered for the first time, this incredible itinerary is available to book for departures on 23 April, and 20 August 2025. Departing from Cairns, guests will be treated to the ultimate tropical escape, enjoying 10 ports and visiting three South Pacific countries. Highlights include Airlie Beach in the pristine Whitsundays, Townsville in Far North Queensland, Noumea and Lifou in New Caledonia, two days to enjoy the swimming holes, beaches and traditional Pacific Islands culture in Vanuatu, and three destinations in Fiji – a firm favourite among Australian and New Zealand holidaymakers. With access to the boundless natural wonders of the South Pacific, guests can choose from many adventure-packed shore excursions including snorkelling at coral reef in Mystery Island, Vanuatu, or learning to windsurf in Nouméa, New Caledonia.
14-day Lombok, Komodo & Great Barrier Reef, Bali to Cairns
Setting sail from Bali on 9 April 2025, this unique itinerary features two overnight stays including Bali, and the first ever at the idyllic island of Lembark, Lombok and a full day at Komodo, home of the famed Komodo Dragon. The voyage then continues to inspiring Northern Australia destinations including Cooktown, Townsville, Airlie Beach, and Port Douglas enroute to Cairns. Cooktown is a gateway to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, where guests can snorkel amid a colourful array of wildlife. While visiting resort town Airlie Beach, guests can take a day-trip to the famous Whitehaven Beach and enjoy a swim or relaxing beverage amid turquoise water and sugar-white sand surrounds.
14-day French Polynesia, Fiji & Samoa, Lautoka to Papeete
With departures from Lautoka, Fiji on 7 May and 3 September 2025, these brand-first sailings showcase some of the South Pacific’s most sublime scenery and offers multiple opportunities to discover the region’s renowned hospitality and fascinating culture. Highlights include one of the world’s most gorgeous lagoons in Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, four stops in picturesque French Polynesia, an overnight stay in Suva, Fiji and the less discovered destination of American Samoa. The sailing’s shore-based activities cater to a variety of travel preferences. Adventure seekers can kite surf in the Cook Islands or paddle board across the translucent blue lagoon in Bora Bora, while indulgers of relaxation are able to marvel at the dramatic waterfalls at Colo-I-Suva Forest Park next to Suva or discover the artistic beauty of Moorea Island in an art gallery.
Additional itineraries now available to book include a 12-night Southeast Asia voyage between Singapore and Bali departing 28 March 2025, several immersive sailings between Papeete and Honolulu including overnight stays in Hawaii, Tahiti or Fiji between May and September 2025, and three ‘Fire and Ice’ voyages between Honolulu, Alaska, and Vancouver with departures in June and October 2025.
With a guest capacity of just 1,936, Norwegian Sun offers an intimate ambience on board combined with a choice of 15 dining options including the popular Cagney’s Steakhouse or Los Lobos Mexican Cantina alongside French, Italian, Brazilian, Asian and Japanese options. After dinner the Stardust Theatre plays host to signature show Rock you Tonight, a high-energy tribute to rock icons such as Queen and The Who or relax in one of the numerous bars on board. Families are well catered for, whether it’s Splash Academy for young kids, the Video Arcade for older children and for the parents, the relaxing Mandara Spa®.
