Norwegian Encore - Mexican Riviera - Composite. Photo: Norwegian Cruise Lines The "innovator in global cruise travel with a 59-year history of breaking boundaries", Norwegian Cruise Line, has announced its bold plans for the winter 2027–28 season. According to the official statement, the company will set sail on more than 370 voyages between September 2027 and April 2028.
The list of options will include anything from two-day getaways and voyages lasting up to 22 days, with the return of the iconic Free at Sea Plus package as a highlight.
The cruise line will cover 144 destinations across 47 countries. The primary focus will be on popular warm-weather locations, including the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Mexican Riviera, together with longer-haul options in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. NCL is also committed to increasing its port stays, with an average of 9.5 hours, alongside late departures and overnight stays to provide travelers with additional time ashore.
Norwegian Luna. Photo: Norwegian Cruise LineHarry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd: “We're thrilled to unveil our new immersive winter season, giving travelers the ultimate freedom to create their own adventure. Whether it's an exotic Asia voyage, a quick Bahamas escape or a sun-soaked Caribbean getaway, our itineraries are designed for flexibility and choice.” Sommer added that longer stays and overnight calls are meant to let guests explore at their own pace, while many Caribbean and Bahamas sailings will again include stops at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island, which is set to add a new pier, a large heated pool, and a waterpark.
For the first time, two of the cruise line's newer Prima Class ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, will be based in San Juan. The two ships will provide alternating week-long Southern Caribbean itineraries, calling at destinations such as St. Maarten, Barbados, St. Lucia, Aruba, and Curaçao.
Mount Fiji. Photo: Norwegian Cruise LineFlorida has preserved its place as a central hub for the winter, with seven ships scheduled to depart from Miami, Port Canaveral, and Jacksonville for the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal. Philadelphia will be kept as a seasonal homeport, offering a mix of Bermuda, Bahamas, and Caribbean cruises, including longer Southern Caribbean sailings.
On the Gulf Coast, Norwegian Escape will depart from Galveston, while Norwegian Getaway will depart from New Orleans, with scheduled routes in the Western Caribbean. On the West Coast, Norwegian Encore will operate Mexican Riviera cruises from Los Angeles weekly.
In Asia, Norwegian Jade will serve Japan and Southeast Asia, while Norwegian Spirit will return to Australia and New Zealand.
In exchange for an additional daily fee, the Free at Sea Plus option will bring guests more drink options, including Starbucks, improved Wi-Fi, and additional dining choices, keeping costs predictable while simplifying the experience onboard.