NCL’s Luna shows off next-generation design

NORWEGIAN Cruise Line’s (NCL) newest ship, Norwegian Luna, set sail on its inaugural voyage on April 4. A Prima Plus Class vessel and sister ship to Norwegian Aqua, Luna brings next-generation design to the Caribbean. According to NCL Country Manager Africa, Nirosha Sidat, Norwegian Luna was built with the kind of open- ocean sensibility that turns first-time cruisers into repeat ones. Norwegian Luna is to sail two distinct seven-day itineraries in the Caribbean from Miami. From April to October the itineraries will include Great Stirrup Cay, the Dominican Republic and Tortola. November and December itineraries take in Harvest Caye, Cozumel and Roatan. The new ship is also debuting the world’s first roller-coaster waterslide, the much-anticipated Aqua Slidecoaster. This dual attraction is billed by NCL as the wildest and fastest ride at sea. More options NCL’s ships sail worldwide with itineraries in the Caribbean, Asia, the Mediterranean and Alaska. But, according to Sidat, long delays in Canadian visa processing have made Alaska a difficult sell for South African passport holders because maritime law requires that Alaska-bound ships sailing from US ports stop at a Canadian port before sailing onward to Alaska, and this means South African passport holders would need Canadian visas whether they disembark or not. However, according to Sidat, this situation is benefiting sales to the Med, with many travellers opting to cruise there instead. Caribbean: Norwegian Prima operates a seven- day Caribbean sailing round-trip from Port Canaveral in July, serving the Orlando area and calling at Great Stirrup Cay and St Thomas. Mediterranean: NCL’s 2026 European season runs through October across multiple ships, with a strong emphasis on port- intensive itineraries and extended time ashore. Norwegian Dawn sails no-sea-day open- jaw voyages between Barcelona and Lisbon, with late departures from Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca giving clients genuine time to enjoy the islands. Norwegian Epic operates open-jaw voyages between Barcelona and Rome, calling at Nice/Monaco, Marseille, and Salerno, with extended port time in Livorno for day trips to Florence or Pisa. Norwegian Gem debuts in Palamós, Spain, before transitioning to no-sea-day voyages between Venice and Rome, calling at Greece, Montenegro and Croatia, with late evening departures from Dubrovnik on selected sailings. Norwegian Pearl island- hops through the Greek isles with late departures from Santorini and Mykonos, alternating between Venice and Athens as embarkation ports. Asia: Norwegian Jade’s 11-day Japan itinerary in October (Seoul to Tokyo via Osaka, Nagoya, Sakaiminato, and Hakodate) is a compelling option for clients with Asia on their radar. Added value NCL’s value packages simplify the selling conversation across all itineraries, says Sidat. Free at Sea includes an unlimited open bar featuring premium spirits, speciality dining meals scaled to sailing length, 150 minutes of Starlink- powered Wi-Fi per guest, and a US$50 (R815) shore excursion credit. Free at Sea Plus upgrades to top-shelf spirits, including Patrón Añejo and The Macallan 12-Year-Old, premium wines and champagne by the glass, unlimited Starbucks, and unlimited streaming Wi-Fi