Travel Guide to Cruising

Seattle, Washington:

• The Hub: The primary U.S. homeport for NCL's large, custom-built ships (like Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore), featuring convenient weekend departures out of Pier 66.

• The Packages: Includes premium downtown hotel stays near Pike Place Market. These 7- to 10-day round-trip packages are perfect for multi-generational families, combining smooth port transit with classic routes through the Inside Passage to Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.

Vancouver British Columbia:

• The Hub: The main Canadian homeport used for iconic Glacier Bay itineraries and scenic views along the northbound and southbound routes.

• The Packages: Includes luxury hotel stays right near the vibrant Canada Place cruise terminal. 

• Packages connect seamless transfers with breathtaking sailing routes through the protected Inside Passage, making it an incredibly smooth ride for both children and seniors.

Whittier Alaska: (Anchorage)

• The Hub: The primary northern turnaround port used for NCL's open-jaw, one-way "Glacier Route" voyages connecting Alaska with Vancouver.

• The Packages: Includes comfortable hotel stays in Anchorage or scenic wilderness lodges. These packages feature easy train or motorcoach transfers through the Chugach Mountains, offering a fantastic bridge for families who want to add land tours to Denali National Park before boarding.

Tokyo: Seasonal Repositioning Cruises

Small-Ship Luxury: (Paul Gauguin Cruises)

• The Experience: Sailing on the intimate, 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin—a luxury vessel built specifically to navigate shallow Tahitian lagoons that larger ships cannot reach.

• The Access: Features a retractable watersports marina right off the back of the ship for kayaking or paddleboarding. It docks directly at boutique spots and includes exclusive access to private beach islets in Bora Bora and Motu Mahana.

Large-Ship Voyages: (Norwegian Cruise Line)

• The Experience: Sailing on NCL’s beautifully updated mid-sized ocean liners, which offer extensive dining choices, broad entertainment venues, and great multi-generational spaces.

• The Access: The ship docks securely at the deep-water hub in Papeete (Tahiti) for seamless city hotel arrivals. For pristine lagoon stops like Bora Bora and Moorea, the ship anchors smoothly offshore in deeper water, utilizing comfortable tender boat transfers to take guests right to the island piers.

French Polynesia: Island Packages

• The Experience: Seamless multi-island itineraries that take you to the heart of the South Pacific. These custom packages combine the vibrant culture of Tahiti with the dramatic volcanic peaks of Mo'orea and the world-famous, crystal-clear lagoons of Bora Bora.

• The Logistics: Includes premium resort stays, effortless inter-island transfers, and tailored lagoon excursions. Whether you choose the intimate access of a luxury small ship or the extensive amenities of a premier ocean liner, every detail is expertly coordinated for a smooth, tropical getaway.

Papeete (Tahiti), French Polynesia

• The Hub: The primary homeport for deep South Pacific cruising, serving as the main base for round-trip island loops and cross-ocean sailings.
• The Packages: Includes premium resort hotel stays right on the lagoon. These packages are a favorite for multi-generational families, combining smooth transit to the ship with easy beach days, local market visits, and boat tours before departure.

Lautoka, Fiji

• The Hub: A vital island turnaround hub used for unique itineraries connecting Fiji with Australia, New Zealand, and the eastern islands.
• The Packages: Includes comfortable hotel stays surrounded by scenic coastal views. Packages combine simple pier transfers with choices for cultural village tours, beach breaks, or garden walks that work beautifully for all age groups.

Sydney, Australia & Honolulu, Hawaii

• The Hubs: The major grand entry gateways used for long, open-jaw repositioning voyages across the equator and the Tasman Sea.
• The Packages: Includes multi-night stays in world-class waterfront hotels. These packages link your cruise with seamless transportation and guided city or beach highlights before embarking on an epic cross-ocean journey.

Sydney, Australia

• The Hub: The primary Australian homeport for NCL’s cross-Tasman routes, featuring iconic sailings right past the Sydney Opera House.
• The Packages: Includes city hotel stays perfect for families. These packages combine easy port transit with excellent multi-generational activities, like guided trips to the Taronga Zoo, historic harbor walks, and easy access to local beaches.

Auckland, New Zealand

• The Hub: The main New Zealand turnaround port for one-way open-jaw cruises across the Tasman Sea.
• The Packages: Includes hotel stays in the heart of Auckland’s vibrant waterfront. It features seamless port transfers paired with great options for all ages, including scenic harbor lookouts, museum visits, and local food tours.

The Cross-Tasman Sailing Itinerary (one-way (open-jaw)

• The Route: Grand 10- to 12-day seasonal sailings connecting Sydney and Auckland across the Tasman Sea on mid-sized ocean liners (like the Norwegian Spirit). Ships sail through New Zealand's majestic fjords (Milford Sound) and call at accessible ports including Melbourne, Hobart (Tasmania), and Tauranga with direct pier docking for easy shore excursions.

• Southbound / Westbound: Auckland to Sydney
• Northbound / Eastbound: Sydney to  Auckland