Founded in 1966, Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), part of global cruise company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (which also owns Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises), is the third-largest cruise line in the world in terms of cruise passengers. NCL has become well-known for its colourful ships featuring a pop-icon style painted hull.
Melbourne's history is a tapestry woven with diverse influences, from its Aboriginal roots to European settlement in the 19th century. The city's gold rush era saw rapid expansion, shaping its grand Victorian architecture and cultural institutions. Famous faces such as Dame Nellie Melba and Rupert Murdoch have called Melbourne home, contributing to its vibrant arts and media scene. Today, Melbourne blends its rich heritage with contemporary living, boasting world-class dining, eclectic neighborhoods, and thriving arts and sports scenes. From historic laneways to cutting-edge architecture, Melbourne offers a true taste of Australia's past and present.
Days 5-6
At sea
Day 7
Day 7
Milford Sound
Milford Sound boasts a rich Maori heritage and vibrant local culture, reflected in its cuisine and traditions. Visitors can sample fresh seafood like crayfish and green-lipped mussels, caught from the pristine waters of the fjord. Pair these delectable dishes with a glass of New Zealand wine or a locally brewed craft beer for a true taste of the region. Cultural experiences can be found everywhere, with opportunities to learn about Maori legends and traditional practices through guided tours and performances.
Day 7
Day 8
Dunedin
Dunedin, a city on New Zealand's South Island, has a rich history as a tourist destination. Founded by Scottish settlers in the 19th century, Dunedin's Victorian and Edwardian architecture, such as the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, draws visitors seeking a glimpse of its heritage. The city's proximity to stunning natural landscapes, including the Otago Peninsula and the Catlins, adds to its allure. Dunedin's vibrant arts scene, historic attractions like Larnach Castle, and renowned wildlife encounters, such as viewing yellow-eyed penguins, seal colonies, and albatrosses, make it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring New Zealand's South Island.
Day 9
Lyttelton
Day 10
At sea
Day 11
Tauranga
Day 12
Auckland
Known as the "City of Sails," Auckland boasts a vibrant waterfront and rich Maori heritage, providing a quintessential Kiwi experience. Explore the iconic Sky Tower, wander through bustling markets, and immerse yourself in Maori traditions at cultural centers like Te Puia. Sample local delicacies like fresh seafood, hangi feasts, and world-renowned wines, showcasing New Zealand's diverse culinary scene. With its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and dynamic cultural offerings, Auckland captures the essence of New Zealand's spirit and serves as an ideal introduction to this captivating country.
Melbourne's history is a tapestry woven with diverse influences, from its Aboriginal roots to European settlement in the 19th century. The city's gold rush era saw rapid expansion, shaping its grand Victorian architecture and cultural institutions. Famous faces such as Dame Nellie Melba and Rupert Murdoch have called Melbourne home, contributing to its vibrant arts and media scene. Today, Melbourne blends its rich heritage with contemporary living, boasting world-class dining, eclectic neighborhoods, and thriving arts and sports scenes. From historic laneways to cutting-edge architecture, Melbourne offers a true taste of Australia's past and present.
Milford Sound boasts a rich Maori heritage and vibrant local culture, reflected in its cuisine and traditions. Visitors can sample fresh seafood like crayfish and green-lipped mussels, caught from the pristine waters of the fjord. Pair these delectable dishes with a glass of New Zealand wine or a locally brewed craft beer for a true taste of the region. Cultural experiences can be found everywhere, with opportunities to learn about Maori legends and traditional practices through guided tours and performances.
Dunedin, a city on New Zealand's South Island, has a rich history as a tourist destination. Founded by Scottish settlers in the 19th century, Dunedin's Victorian and Edwardian architecture, such as the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, draws visitors seeking a glimpse of its heritage. The city's proximity to stunning natural landscapes, including the Otago Peninsula and the Catlins, adds to its allure. Dunedin's vibrant arts scene, historic attractions like Larnach Castle, and renowned wildlife encounters, such as viewing yellow-eyed penguins, seal colonies, and albatrosses, make it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring New Zealand's South Island.
Known as the "City of Sails," Auckland boasts a vibrant waterfront and rich Maori heritage, providing a quintessential Kiwi experience. Explore the iconic Sky Tower, wander through bustling markets, and immerse yourself in Maori traditions at cultural centers like Te Puia. Sample local delicacies like fresh seafood, hangi feasts, and world-renowned wines, showcasing New Zealand's diverse culinary scene. With its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and dynamic cultural offerings, Auckland captures the essence of New Zealand's spirit and serves as an ideal introduction to this captivating country.
Ship was spotless and crew were fabulous. Entertainment lacklustre, food only OK. Itinerary 8 out of ten, however port timings disappointing. Booked complete package including hotels and transfers, these were all very good. Also had more at sea which worked very well for us, very good value for money overall
This was our 5th cruise with NCL (all on different ships) and whilst we had a good time, we were slightly disappointed with the Joy. The food was not as good as we have had on previous NCL cruises and the entertainment on offer was decidedly "underwhelming"
Having only cruised once before NCL was top of my list for our next cruise and it did not disappoint. But of a hairy start due to a flight delay but once we arrived at the terminal it was nothing but plain sailing from there. Beautiful ship couldn't tell that it was one of the older ones in the fleet. We had a balcony stateroom which was a lovely size. Pool area was great obviously got busy but there were plenty of beds on the other decks that it was never a problem finding one. Food was great in all the restaurants if you get the chance try the speciallity ones, but have to say the buffet was one of the best I've ever experienced and never had to queue. What made the cruise particularly special was the crew always friendly and helpful with the exception of guest services ironically!
Would love to sail on the Pearl again to see the changes after the scheduled refurb.
Norwegian Prima lived up to her name, providing us a great cruise experience from New York through the Carribean and back. Entertainment, dining, bars and restaurants all top notch as were cabin, crew and Ports O Call. Highlights ? From being perched on a steel girder 63 floors up Top of The Rock at Rockerfeller centre, recreating the iconic image of the steel crew at lunch during Rockerfeller construction in 1932 to the balmy breeze and warm beach days of St Thomas, St Kitts and Tortola, this cruise was a magical mixture of seasons and cultures. Fabulous.
Key issues included .... 1. Missed Two (2) Ports of call !!!! (excuses made) 2. our Son refused use of Golf & Gymn when days later any child was useing 3. Incompetent management of Complaints on board & worse with Head Office (refunded us just the Tips so staff suffered) No Escalation action. 4. Balcony Stateroom turned out very small - could not pass through without everyone on their bed / Bed Lamp was behind my head 5. Communications were always faulty included wrong locations ; wrong dates ; different on TV to announcements & hard copy 6. Health & Safety of Safety Briefing was a tick box ; buffet had boiling tea alongside children running past . 7. "Golf" was an old net and had three Left Handed clubs.
* What was good = Main Dining & Housekeeping.
We are Platinum members of NCL and have felt letdown by NCL. The standards have dropped. The privileges have been reduced and the shows are not as spectacular as before. We enjoyed the destinations and the food.
We were right by the engine which was very noisy and the extra money we paid for the outside cabin was a small rusty porthole not worth looking out of.
We were moved to a cabin away from the noise even though we were initially told that the ship was full.
Despite these issues we enjoyed the cruise.
Excellent itinerary, food good, bathroom no issue, even with 2 teenagers sharing the cabin, entertainment great, condition of the ship very good. We had a great time and would book again without a second thought...
