Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has officially opened sales for its 2028 cruise season, unveiling more than 450 itineraries aboard 20 ships, departing from 25 homeports and visiting nearly 150 unique destinations across 51 countries.

The new season will feature cruises ranging from three to 14 days, covering destinations from Alaska, the Caribbean and The Bahamas to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Bermuda, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia and Hawaii.

A key feature of the 2028 program is the amount of time guests will spend exploring destinations. Nearly 80% of cruise days will be spent in port, with average port calls exceeding 10 hours. The season will also include 175 overnight stays and extended calls in 53 destinations, including Santorini, Livorno — gateway to Florence and Pisa — and Juneau, Alaska.

Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said opening the 2028 season early gives travelers access to a broader selection of destinations, itineraries and accommodations.

Great Stirrup Cay takes center stage

One of the highlights of the new season will be Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s exclusive island destination in The Bahamas.

The island will feature the new Great Tides Waterpark, with 19 waterslides, including the Caribbean’s first side-by-side competitive Master Blaster-style slides.

Families will also find interactive water attractions and dedicated spaces for younger children, while adults will have access to the Vibe Shore Club.

Norwegian Aqua will operate its first full season in the region, offering three- and four-day round-trip cruises from Miami to The Bahamas.

New ships and new Caribbean itineraries

Norwegian Aura will offer seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from Miami, visiting Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola and Great Stirrup Cay.

Norwegian Prima will return to Galveston, Texas, with seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries featuring Harvest Caye, Belize.

Norwegian Luna will also operate a special 10-day repositioning cruise between Miami and New York, with inaugural calls in Aruba, Curaçao and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Europe brings new destinations

Norwegian Jewel will make its debut in Morocco, visiting Casablanca and Agadir during a 12-day Canary Islands itinerary departing from Barcelona.

The ship will also offer itineraries along the Atlantic coasts of Spain, France and Portugal, as well as Baltic Sea cruises calling at Tallinn, Riga and Klaipėda.

Norwegian Getaway will sail 10- and 11-day itineraries between London and Reykjavík during the midnight sun season, visiting Norway, Iceland, Belgium, the Netherlands and France.

The program will include inaugural calls in Grundarfjörður, Iceland, and Vik, Norway, marking NCL’s first visit to the latter destination.

Mediterranean highlights

Norwegian Dawn will make its first calls in Zadar, Croatia, and Cagliari, Sardinia, as part of 10- and 11-day Mediterranean itineraries.

Cruises will operate from destinations including Lisbon, Barcelona, Rome and Venice, combining stops such as Marseille, Salerno, Koper and Kotor.

Norwegian Viva will offer nine-, 10- and 12-day European itineraries between Rome, Venice, Barcelona and Istanbul, including overnight stays in Istanbul and extended calls in Santorini, Mykonos and Livorno.

Alaska, Bermuda and the South Pacific

Alaska will remain a major part of NCL’s 2028 program. Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy will operate seven-day cruises from Seattle, including glacier viewing on every itinerary. Norwegian Jade will sail between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska, with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay or past Hubbard Glacier.

Bermuda will also receive expanded service. Norwegian Gem will make its regional debut in Philadelphia in April 2028, offering seven-day cruises to Bermuda with an overnight stay at Royal Naval Dockyard. Norwegian Luna will operate five- and seven-day cruises from New York, while Norwegian Breakaway will return with weekly departures from Boston.

In the South Pacific, Norwegian Spirit will operate 11- to 13-day itineraries between Sydney, Lautoka, Papeete and Honolulu, connecting destinations including Fiji, Samoa, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Hawaii.

Early booking and added value

NCL is encouraging travelers to plan ahead to secure the widest choice of itineraries, destinations and accommodations.

As part of the 2028 launch, the company is currently offering up to US$1,500 off all cruises. The offer can also be combined with NCL’s Free at Sea program, which includes benefits such as unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursion credits and Wi-Fi.

With an extensive global program combining tropical destinations, European capitals, Alaska, Bermuda and the South Pacific, NCL’s 2028 season places a strong emphasis on giving travelers more time to experience the destinations they visit.