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Norwegian Spirit

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Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 1809 guests have reviewed Norwegian Spirit , giving it a rating of 3.6 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.

Great way to see a lot of Australia and New Zealand

Mar 20th, 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed every part of this trip. We may even do it again in a few years. Highly recommended. I really like this ship size. 2,000 people but never felt crowded. Other than embarkation and disembarkation, there was never a line to get on or off at port. The NCL excursions were mostly sold out, but we had great luck booking direct through the local visitor's center or online before we sailed.

Traveler Type

Alaskan Insight

Mar 13th, 2024

I really like Spirit overall. Unfortunately it didn’t return to Alaska for 2024 season. I booked a BTB on Jewel running similar route this year.

Singles/Friends

NZ/AUS 12 nighter

Mar 10th, 2024

Was a lot of value for what you pay. Biggest disappointment was the excursions. Choose carefully, some over priced, especially Eden. Time in ports to short to do much.

4-6 cruises

Worst NCL Cruise to date

Mar 7th, 2024

Nothing to say. Felt service was less than prior sailings. Probably wouldn't sail on this ship again.

This is a nice ship. The remodel of this ship is impressive and the Spiniker observation lounge is perfect for the New Zealand cruise. Our cruise missed Duneid due to bad weather and it was a HUGE disappointment. Staff on this ship is the only problem.

Jan 31st, 2024

Not the best cruise I’ve ever taken. The customer service staff were unkind, rude, and unhelpful (with the exception of Otto). Never even saw our cabin steward.

Delightful Cruise

Jan 18th, 2024

Loved doing this as a B2B from Hawaii. The longer I'm on a ship, the happier I am! Crew did a wonderful job.

Loved the Norwegian cruise experience!

Jan 13th, 2024

I will definitely cruise with Norwegian again. The only negative I can think of is that the itinerary changed from original plan (Several ports in Australia and one in New Zealand).

The ports were amazing, the cruise ship, not so much.

Jan 8th, 2024

The ports were amazing! The best I've ever been too. Was upset that Tasmania Australia was cancelled prior to boarding and that Wellington, NZ was cancelled while we were on the ship. We basically had 4 sea days in a row, which is crazy. The ship is well designed and has great staff but the entertainment is up and down. The speciality restaurants were very good but the main buffet can be hit or miss. And the ship can be very boring for kids and teens, as they don't have a dedicated kid or teen club. Overall we enjoyed our trip and again, the ports were INCREDIBLE.

Large Group

Great cruise

Jan 7th, 2024

It’s a great cruise though the weather wasn’t good but we did have a good time. Staffs are helping and nice. Unlucky we couldn’t visit few cities due to bad weather.

Family (older children)

2-3 cruises

From Up to Down

Jan 4th, 2024

The cruise is not clean and full of people. A lot of people got sick in the end.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Norwegian Spirit review: ‘Bucket-list memories’ - Why first-time cruisers should book this holiday

Heath Moore

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Fine dining, unapologetic game shows, adult-only cocktail pool lounges, entertainment worthy of selling out Eden Park, and elegant stingrays tickling your back in French Polynesia.

Welcome to a holiday on board Norwegian Spirit, whose cruise and itineraries ensure first-time cruisers with contrasting holiday styles can walk away with bucket-list memories being ticked off in a collision course of once-in-a-lifetime experiences and unusual thrills.

As my partner and I stepped on to my first-ever cruise, a holiday through French Polynesia’s Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora to Samoa and Fiji, the feeling of excited apprehension draped over me. Had this 31-year-old Kiwi bloke just booked a week on a floating retirement village or an eye-opening glimpse into the joys of cruise life? At the first turn, I was put at ease.

The Norwegian Spirit is the smallest of the ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, a blessing for a first-time cruiser. With a passenger capacity of 2018 and 911 staff on board the 13-deck haven, space was at a relaxing premium without taking away the bubbling energy of holidaymakers. This cruise newbie was positively overwhelmed, with something to do or experience at every turn. A recent US$100 million refurbishment turned a tired ship into an exciting floating city.

Stateroom – Our nest away from home

Opening the door to my balcony stateroom on deck 9, I was pleasantly surprised by the cloud-like king-size bed waiting for me. Pulling back the curtain I was greeted by peach-orange sunset views of Tahiti as the crystal-clear ocean reflected a mirror image. Every morning we would draw the curtain back and gaze out at a different vista.

The storage space was plentiful, with a set of drawers, a wardrobe and cubes allowing me to unpack everything and hide the suitcase away - a truly underrated feeling while away from home. Our quiet haven away from the fanfare that is cruise life. We were ready to explore.

Pools, spas, cocktails and fun in the sun

Without hesitation, my partner and I made a beeline for Spice H2O bar and pool, which would become one of our favourite parts of the ship. The recently added adult-only cocktail pool/spa bar is kitted out with padded lounge chairs across three levels on decks 10 to 12, overlooking the sun-drenched stern deck. NCL completely removed the kids’ club to bring alive Spice H2O, creating the perfect place for my partner to soak up the rays while I, the water baby of the group, enjoyed a splash. No kids, no worries, and staff delivering your favourite cocktail the moment your glass reaches empty. And come sunset, Spice H20 transforms into a cocktail lounge and open-air bar.

Just when you think one pool isn’t enough, the bow of the ship on deck 12 is home to the largest pool on board, surrounded by the Wave Pools Bar and The Great Outdoors eatery. It became a morning ritual to head to the spa pools where we would be serenaded by musical duo Soul Inspiration, with classics like Hotel California and Brown Eyed Girl , as a big screen overlooking the pool played live sport in the background. For those who wanted an extra touch of pampering, the newly-doubled-in-size Mandara Spa has a thermal suite including a steam room, sauna and shower experience. The golf cage and basketball court on deck 13 added another element for the active holidaymaker. It was my escape when my partner wanted to tan and I needed to burn some energy. Hitting golf balls while glancing out into the rolling deep blue Pacific Ocean – for the go-getter, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Food to die for

While the top deck is the Insta-worthy photo op, the food is always a make or break for how successful your holiday is. In Norwegian Spirit’s case, the food - both speciality and buffet style - delivered on all fronts. The Garden Cafe buffet on deck 12 became a place we visited every day without hesitation.

We were welcomed by friendly staff standing by the hand sanitiser: “Hello sir, washy washy!”, a greeting we’d hear every time we dined and a timely reminder we are fortunate to be back travelling post Covid. The buffet was restaurant standard, with authentically themed lunches from Indian to Mexican, Italian, and Asian, pastries and omelettes, gourmet carvery meats and cakes and cheesecakes to add another 3kg to your weight.

Buffet aside, Spirit is known for its top-notch dining options. With seven complimentary dining eateries and five speciality dining restaurants, we were never short of a place to eat. The hardest part was making a decision.

Le Bistro (French), Cagney’s Steakhouse (American), and Sushi (Japanese) had me drooling but the showcase speciality was the Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant on deck 8 where the chef prepared our meal before our eyes. Our chef Jason created a masterpiece with shrimps, scallops, steak, chicken and fried rice, chopping and sizzling our meals into the shape of a heart. But it was the chef’s creative entertainment that won my heart. Where else would you find a food-throwing, egg-juggling, utensil-flipping, drum-playing comedic chef singing Apple Bottom Jeans by Flo Rida?

The other standout was the recently added speciality Italian dining Onda by Scarpetta, one of Norwegian’s signature restaurants. Appetisers, such as beef carpaccio, yellowtail crudo and short ribs were a hit, as well as Scarpetta’s signature pastas and pizzas. My favourite meal was Onda’s beef fillet - so soft you could cut it with a spoon. If you want the fine dining experience at no extra cost but the same level of flair, Taste and Windows, the ship’s two main dining rooms, were the places to visit where service was beyond brilliant.

At times after overindulging in four-course dinners we were craving a simple meal, and the newly added bar/restaurant The Local on deck 7 hit the spot, giving off a sports bar vibe with tasty pub grub in burgers, fish ‘n’ chips and pasta, the perfect place for when the Fifa World Cup was in full swing. The ability to go from fine dining to butchering musical classics at the karaoke lounge in the space of five minutes was an unexpectedly attractive highlight and a mash-up of contrasting holiday vibes.

Entertainment

After stuffing our faces with four-course meals every night, we made a habit of waddling to the Stardust Theatre, the 1000-seat auditorium on decks 7 and 8 where the showcase of the night happened. We saw four performances in four nights, including Blazing Boots , a first-class tribute to pop country music, World Beats , a tribute to the world of entertainment including African and Irish influences, and Rachel Dudt, an American “pocket-rocket showgirl” singer with a voice that could sell out stadiums across the world.

Buzzing from the shows we were itching for more, so the two-minute dash to deck 7′s Social Club for comedy and karaoke became our regular 9.30pm ritual. Comedian and songwriter Steve Womack was the hot ticket in town, spitting jokes at the expense of the predominantly American and British passengers on board. If you were wanting to sidestep the comedy and keep the party going, the English-styled Henry’s Pub offered live music and honest grog to lift your energy. Dancing more your thing? The Spinnaker Lounge on deck 12 overlooking the evening horizon is where the dance floor lit up. The ship’s rock band busted out 80s and 90s bangers, enticing punters as young as 20 and others as old as 70 to break generations and share the same dance floor.

For the more relaxed holiday-goer the mornings at sea were gently paced and the entertainment offered at that time of day was just the kick-start needed to get into cruising mode after a restful night. This is when the game show fans come out to play, with a variety of games to sink their teeth into. Bingo and Trivia proved popular but it was Deal or No Deal that was the draw card, and it was loud.

The casino was also a quiet place to pull up a chair, and due to the lack of players our Blackjack dealer gave us a free one-on-one lesson in the dos and don’ts of the game, an experience you wouldn’t get at any other casino.

Tropical paradise excursion - Moorea, French Polynesia

While ship life was a thrill, the joy for any cruiser both first-time and seasoned is the destinations you visit, often places you’d never experience booking family holidays. The Spirit’s journey through the Pacific was no different.

Stepping off the ship for an excursion at an island I knew nothing about, French Polynesia’s Moorea blew away my wildest dreams. Despite being the lesser-known French Polynesian paradise, Moorea, just 30km from Tahiti, is the tropical Milford Sound. Big praise, but the parting mountains that dwarf the cruise ship, mixed with “50 shades of blue” ocean colours and remote white sand beach islands had me declaring it the prettiest place on Earth. Local host Arii was taking us to our own private island, and along the way, the surprise of a lifetime glided past our boat - the chance to swim with stingrays and sharks. I blinked, and I was suddenly in chest-deep water surrounded by some of the world’s most misunderstood creatures. As I lowered myself to my knees to bask in the water, a stingray lifted its flaps and slid up my back giving a tickling massage.

In the distance, we saw smoke coming from a remote island and the waft of barbecue filled our noses. It was to be our final stop on our Moorea adventure. Arriving, we were welcomed by traditional French Polynesian music of ukuleles and bongos and the voices of Pacific angels. As we ate chicken, fish plucked from the ocean just hours before, and locally grown fruits, we saw more stingrays glide past. Not another human soul was within 30km of us. Complete isolation, our own heaven on Earth that no one else could experience at that moment.

Our five-hour excursion was finally over and we were transported back to the cruise. It was time for dinner, followed by another show at the theatre, before sampling cocktails as the sunset dropped behind the mountains and drew a curtain across the experience of a lifetime.

I started this trip across the Pacific as a cruise virgin, unsure of whether this way of holidaying was right for me. What did this 31-year-old cruise newbie from West Auckland learn about the Norwegian Spirit? Cruising is for everyone. The young, the old, the rugged or the sophisticated, from the active holidaymaker to the poolside tanner – the Norwegian Spirit has an experience for all. As we disembarked in Fiji I walked off the ship one last time and waved goodbye with life-long bucket-list experiences ticked off. This rugged Westie bloke had been converted thanks to a journey shared by all walks of life that’ll be treasured forever.

CHECKLIST: NORWEGIAN SPIRIT

For more information and upcoming itineraries, see ncl.com

To be in to win an exclusive tour and lunch on board Norwegian Spirit in Auckland, go to nzherald.co.nz/win

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12 Night Australia Product (Akl/Syd)

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered freestyle cruising with a variety of specialty dining restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities, including go-kart racing!

Exotic creatures, delicious cuisine and rich, traditional culture are ready to be explored on a cruise to the South Pacific and Tahiti.

The mild temperatures in Auckland enhance an outdoorsy cruise destination. Tour the many beaches, hike beautiful mountain ranges or just wander Auckland’s city streets.

• Norwegian Spirit - Passenger Capacity: 2,032 (double occupancy) Year Built: 1998 Last Refurbished: 2022

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Cruise Ship

Norwegian Spirit

Departing From

Auckland, New Zealand

Destination

South Pacific / Tahiti

Ports of Call

Auckland, New Zealand , Tauranga, New Zealand , Gisborne, New Zealand , Napier, New Zealand , Wellington, New Zealand , Melbourne, Australia , Burnie, Tasmania , Eden, Australia , Sydney, Australia

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12 Night Australia Product (Akl/Syd) sailing on the Norwegian Spirit

Departure dates: jan 2026 - mar 2026.

From $1,899

From $1,949

Stateroom prices for Jan. 28, 2026

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Based on Oceanview cabin prices

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Based on Suite cabin prices

Sailing Map

*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Cruise fare rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include NCCF. Government Taxes, Port Expenses & Fees are additional. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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About Norwegian Cruise Line sailings

Norwegian cruise line destinations, norwegian cruise line cruise prices, what is the best norwegian cruise line ship, what’s included on ncl cruises, ncl firsts in the industry: what is norwegian known for, ncl loyalty program: latitude rewards, norwegian cruise line credit card, what is ncl known for.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is one of the top players in large-ship cruising, and its fleet is seeing one of its biggest refits in decades with its new Prima fleet of ships. Norwegian Cruise Line ships are also known for their colorful hull art that makes them stand out in ports around the world.

The company dates back to 1966 when it got its start as a Norwegian shipping company. Today, it has become one of the more popular mainstream cruise brands and is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which also includes the Regent Seven Seas and Oceania brands.

If you’re scrolling through endless Norwegian Cruise Line reviews, let this complete guide to the cruise company give you the larger overview of what sets this brand apart from the rest. There are some interesting innovations from Norwegian that other cruise lines have since adopted, but they started here.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

NCL sails around the world with numerous routes from the U.S. to Caribbean destinations as well as around the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas.

Its loyalty program, onboard amenities and variety of cabin types offer something for every type of traveler.

Cabin types: You can expect a range of different cabin sizes and layouts ranging from solo-traveler interior studios and inside cabins for as many as four people to ocean view and balcony cabins. A wide range of suites are also available. The Prima class of ships feature the largest suites, some of which have private whirlpools on the balcony and as many as three bedrooms. 

Main U.S. routes: NCL has plenty of North America sailings from U.S. ports to Alaska, Bermuda, Canada and New England. There are also sailings to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal, among others. 

Loyalty program: NCL's Latitudes Rewards loyalty program, which issues one point for every night sailed as well as bonus points for booking suites or participating in certain promotions. At each elite tier, members earn onboard benefits like discounts, laundry service and special event access. The more you travel with NCL, the more benefits you can earn. 

NCL spans the globe with sailings to every continent (even Antarctica) on a wide range of ships. They leave from both U.S. coasts as well as from Hawaii — where NCL has operated inter-island Hawaiian sailing for almost two decades.

Antarctica.

New Zealand.

Pacific Islands.

Panama Canal.

South America.

Depending on how long you want to sail and where you're going, you can find cruises as brief as two nights and as long as 21 days or more.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises

You'll find lots of good deals on Norwegian, but cruise fares will fluctuate based on the destination, time of year and other variables. You’ll want to keep these factors in mind when booking a cruise, as they'll affect the price of the trip:

Time of year.

Trip duration.

Destination.

Ship class.

Cabin type.

You can find cruise bargains for as low as $350 on four-night cruises, but if you want to splurge and do a longer cruise, expect to pay as much as $4,600 or more (especially if you book a suite or a Haven category room).

Of course, the fare will always vary depending on which cabin type you book.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

(Image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

When it comes to which NCL ship is best, that depends on what you're looking for in a cruise. If you're traveling with a family, for example, water slides, amusement park-style games and multi-bedroom suites may be important. This means you may prefer one of the line’s newest Prima Class ships: Norwegian Prima or Norwegian Viva.

If you're looking for a romantic vacation, perhaps you'll want a smaller ship or a cabin in The Haven, which is a hotel-within-a-hotel concept with more personalized service. The Haven is only available on select Norwegian ships, including Encore, Viva and Prima.

What is the newest NCL ship?

Norwegian Viva launched in the summer of 2023, making it the newest ship for NCL. It has special features like a three-tier race track, the fastest slides at sea, a food hall with 11 complimentary eateries and a sustainable cocktail bar.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

On any NCL cruise, these benefits are always included:

Accommodations in the category you select at booking.

All meals in snack and buffet restaurants, main dining rooms and, when available, the food hall. 

Free non-bottled water, juice, hot chocolate, and some coffees and teas.

Fitness center access.

Shows and entertainment.

Pools and kids pool play area.

Onboard activities.

Government fees and port taxes.

If you want to partake in specialty dining reservations, Wi-Fi, Norwegian cruise excursions or upgraded beverage packages, you'll have to pay fees (sometimes bundled for greater savings).

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered many features aboard its ships, some of which other cruise lines have imitated. These are some of the special features you'll find aboard some or all of the ships in NCL’s fleet.

Freestyle dining: open-seating in restaurants with extended hours and no reservations. 

Private island: Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas is a private island for cruise passengers. NCL was the first cruise company to offer access to a private island, and it spurred a growing trend in the industry.

Full Broadway theater productions.

Onboard internet cafe.

Bowling alley at sea.

Ice bar at sea.

Studio accommodations for solo travelers, with a private lounge.

Sustainability-focused onboard bar with zero waste.

Collection of NFTs from a cruise company, available for sale.

Race track at sea.

Latitude Rewards awards members with points based on each night they sail, and they can earn bonus nights when booking certain categories of suites.

Occasional promotions also offer double-night credit. You will only earn cruise points on eligible sailings where you are paying a traditional fare; promotional sailings with a heavy discount might not be eligible, although you would still receive the benefits at your tier. Also, sailings on sister lines do not qualify for Latitude Rewards cruise points.

As you accrue nights, you earn elite status that delivers onboard benefits that grow with each status tier.

Latitude Rewards levels

The loyalty program has seven levels, from Bronze to Ambassador. The full roster of onboard amenities can be found on the Norwegian Cruise Line website . There are some extra perks that come with certain tiers.

How to earn Latitudes Rewards points

Earn one point for every night you spend on a sailing and double points in suites or The Haven category accommodations.

How to redeem points

This program does not offer any points to redeem. Instead, you would earn benefits on future cruises related to your particular elite tier. Ambassador members (700+ points) earn a free 7-night cruise.

Spending on the Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard® won’t earn you Latitude Rewards points (the only way to do that is by sailing with NCL), but it will earn you WorldPoints. This currency can be redeemed for onboard credits on future sailings, Norwegian Cruise Line shore excursions and other travel experiences. The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for world travelers.

With the Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard, you earn WorldPoints as follows:

3x points on NCL sailings.

2x points on eligible airfare and hotel purchases.

1x point on everything else.

Earn 20,000 WorldPoints, which is good for a $200 onboard credit or discount toward a future cruise, if you spend $1,000 or more in the first 90 days the account is open.

How to redeem WorldPoints

Each WorldPoints point is equivalent to one cent, which you can then redeem for things such as:

Stateroom upgrades.

Travel discounts.

Last-minute cruises.

Onboard credits.

Car rentals.

Hotel stays.

Gift cards.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

No, but you can pay for a Wi-Fi package, which starts at $29.99 per day per device.

No, but all sailings do include accommodations, activities, food and beverages, and entertainment. There is the ability to purchase extra benefits on each ship.

There are several drink package options on NCL sailings:

Non-alcoholic

The Unlimited Soda package includes all fountain soda drinks for $9.95 per person per day.

The Unlimited Starbucks package includes all Starbucks drinks for $12.95 per person per day.

An adult over the age of 21 could opt for a non-alcoholic drink package, but that means everyone else on their reservation must also get non-alcoholic drink packages.

Premium offers most drinks that cost $15 and under. You can pay the difference if you choose a more expensive drink. This unlimited package costs $109 per person per day.

Premium Plus offers even more drink options, mostly premium and top-shelf category labels, bottled water, Starbucks drinks and energy drinks for a flat price of $138 per person per day.

Keep in mind that alcoholic drink packages must be purchased for all people above the age of 21 in the same reservation, and those under 21 must pay for the soda package. The policy is intended to prevent people over the age of 21 from getting alcoholic drinks for other members of their party that did not pay for the alcoholic drink package.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers sailings at different price points to a global range of destinations. It is also known for its beautiful hull art, pioneering Freestyle Dining and adding buzzworthy amenities like ice bars and race tracks to its ships. NCL cruises are fun for all types of travelers, and its loyalty program can provide added perks along the way.

(Top photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

F or Kylie Herd, an Australian passenger on Norwegian Dawn’s Feb. 25 southern Africa itinerary, cruising has been the best way to check places off her bucket list.

“I just go with whatever cruise line has the itinerary that I want to do at the time that I’m available. It tends to be Norwegian, and when I saw that Norwegian had all these African cruises, I just thought, ‘I’m going to spend summer in Africa,’ because it’s an amazing itinerary,” she told USA TODAY.

When it comes to cruising, most Americans probably think of bopping around the Caribbean or checking out the wilds of Alaska if they’re feeling especially adventurous, but that’s really just scratching the surface. Cruise lines are increasingly offering diverse itineraries including expedition cruises to remote parts of the globe and introductory sailings to help travelers explore countries and regions they might never visit otherwise.

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Madagascar was the real draw for months of consecutive cruises on the Dawn for Herd.

“I’ve been trying to go to Madagascar for years. I always wanted to go there way before the movies ever came out. It’s one of those places that’s really difficult to get to,” she said. “When I saw Madagascar on a cruise itinerary I was like, ‘I have to do it.’ ”

Although the Feb. 25 sailing had to skip Madagascar for logistical reasons after a delay departing Mauritius, Herd said that she was able to visit the country earlier on her trip and that it was a real highlight.

Norwegian’s Africa itineraries had various changes and missed ports throughout the season. Passenger contracts give cruise lines some leeway to alter itineraries on short notice for reasons including weather or conditions on the ground that prevent ships from reaching or being accommodated safely in a scheduled port. Such changes can be especially common in regions prone to political unrest or that lack sophisticated port facilities.

Even so, Herd said she understood why passengers who missed out would be frustrated, but she encouraged her fellow travelers to keep an eye on the positive. “I understand the disappointment. I was disappointed, too, but we’re still having a great time.”

The Feb. 25 cruise still stopped at Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, which has an active volcano, as well as ports in South Africa where travelers could spot local wildlife.

Safari from a cruise

Norwegian Dawn stopped at four ports in South Africa, three of which offered safari experiences as shore excursions.

▶ From Richard’s Bay, passengers could visit the iSimangasilo Wetland Park , home to elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, zebras and other classic African big game. The park is about an hour and a half drive from the port, and Norwegian’s shore excursion included two game drives, snorkeling and a traditional South African braai, or barbecue.

Just as cruise itineraries can sometimes be subject to last-minute changes, safaris are at the whim of wild animals. Sightings are not guaranteed, but patience and vigilance are often rewarded.

▶ In Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Norwegian Dawn’s passengers could visit Addo Elephant National Park, also about an hour and a half drive from the port.

As the name suggests, Addo is home to a huge and docile population of more than 600 elephants. These animals often congregate around watering holes accessible from well-worn safari tracks.

Even after a strong rainfall the night before the excursion, which allowed elephants to retreat into the bush and temporarily lessen their reliance on overtaxed wells, dozens of the creatures greeted visitors coming from the ship for two-hour game drives.

▶ In Mossel Bay, passengers could also access private game reserves, which often have a higher concentration of wildlife roaming free but can include animals that are not directly indigenous to the area.

Cape Town and the winelands

There’s more to Africa than safaris, and Cape Town is an especially good place to experience metropolitan life and other kinds of outdoor activities on the continent.

South Africa’s legislative capital offers excellent hiking, a great foodie culture, beautiful (if slightly chilly) Atlantic beaches, penguins and more.

For travelers willing to explore beyond the city, South Africa’s wine country is close at hand in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and many vineyards offer tastings and meal experiences. One Norwegian excursion took passengers to the Blaauwklippen wine estate in Stellenbosch, which is best known for its Zinfandel.

Is an Africa cruise worth it?

From a financial standpoint, a cruise around Africa can be an excellent way to explore. For American travelers, however, flights to and from the ship are often more expensive than the cruise itself.

For example, a 13-day Norwegian itinerary that begins in Cape Town on Dec. 7 and ends in Mauritius on Dec. 20 has prices that start at $899 per person for an inside stateroom, but flights can be well over $1,000 round trip. The current cheapest itinerary from Detroit, for example, is a 42-hour slog on multiple airlines via Montreal and Dubai to Cape Town. The return trip is a bit shorter, at 31 hours, also via Dubai and Montreal. That routing would cost $1,694 per person in economy as of March 18, according to Google Flights.

Logistically speaking, though, it can be much easier to book a cruise and rely on the line’s shore excursions to expand one's horizons than to coordinate one's own safari.

“With multiple diverse ports of call within one coastal continental area, our Africa voyages provide our guests the opportunity to explore lush rainforests or volcanoes, experience captivating wildlife tours, learn about the rich culture on the South African coastline, indulge in Cape Town’s incredible wine regions, and so much more,” Brian Gilroy, vice president of revenue management and itinerary planning for Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the African cruise market is less mature than the Caribbean – at many ports, there just aren’t comparable facilities to handle big ships. That doesn’t mean the cruises can’t or don’t happen, just that sometimes the operation is a little less fluid than the well-oiled Miami machine.

“Our 11- and 12-day cruises start and end in either Cape Town, South Africa, or Port Louis, Mauritius, and include an overnight stay in one of those magnificent cities, giving our guests the chance to fully explore what these regions offer. The variety of adventures our guests can experience in these destinations are endless, which makes for a truly unforgettable cruise experience," Gilroy said.

Travelers may be more likely to encounter a hiccup on their Africa cruise, but that’s all part of traveling to a new and exciting place. A missed port or an extra sea day can be a great time time to take stock, focus on the highlights, enjoy the experience of unlocking a new destination, and maybe take another sip of the wine your onboard sommelier recommended.

Just take a page out of Herd the Australian’s book. Despite some schedule changes, she said, “I’ve loved every single thing.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Norwegian. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

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