Why a Norwegian Spirit cruise is the perfect summer holiday

Imagine a holiday spending days poolside, peacefully reclining with cocktail in hand, or discovering a port at your own pace before returning to be pampered in a spacious spa.

Come nightfall, an intimate table for two awaits, where you can savour exemplary cuisine before enjoying a Broadway-style live stage production. And the next day, a brand new adventure awaits.

Enter Norwegian Spirit , the last of the major ships to return to Australian waters, arriving in Sydney Harbour on 21 December 2022.

Norwegian Spirit cruise line atrium — Marvel at the impressive bow-to-stern US$100 million refurbishment.

She’s the crowning glory in Australia’s great cruise comeback , marking the return of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) after an almost three-year absence from the region. Deliberately designed to be different, with an impressive bow-to-stern US$100 million refurbishment, NCL is taking cruising to the next level.

What’s on board Norwegian Spirit?

The revitalised Norwegian Spirit is quite unlike any other ship sailing in our waters. Appealing to the adult cruiser while epitomising the Australian laid-back lifestyle, the ship has recently undergone the most extensive makeover in NCL’s 55-year history.

There are 14 brand new venues, including Spice H20, an adults-only pool and lounge area by day that transforms into a cocktail lounge and open-air nightclub at night.

Onda by Scarpetta onboard Norwegian Spirit cruise line — Delight in contemporary Italian at the all-new Onda by Scarpetta.

Dining choices are vast – in fact, there are more dining options than cruise nights, including culinary theatrics at Teppanyaki, fine French fare at Le Bistro, and contemporary Italian at the all-new Onda by Scarpetta.

After dinner, take in a spectacular show; highlights of NCL’s award-winning entertainment line-up include Blazing Boots, a full-scale production showcasing the best of country and rock’n’roll, and Elements, a visual feast of acrobatics and dance.

Dedicate a day or more to recharge in the newly doubled-in-size Mandara Spa , which now features a thermal suite that includes a steam room, sauna and shower experience, as well as luxuriously warm heated-tile loungers that are positioned to enjoy endless ocean vistas.

Norwegian Spirit cruise line pool — Relax by the pool when your spa treatment is over.

In the thermal suite, herbal steam and sauna grottos cleanse the body with gentle heat, and you can also choose from an extensive spa menu, with over 50 specialty treatments offered by well-trained massage therapists. It’s no surprise that Mandara Spa was voted World’s Best Cruise Spa by The World Spa Awards.

At the end of the day, stretch out in style in your spacious suite, or take in the view from your private perch in a balcony stateroom featuring floor-to-ceiling glass doors. All staterooms have been completely reimagined and feature a fresh colour palette in modern blues, greys and wood finishes.

Norwegian Spirit cruise line stateroom — Take in the view from your private balcony when you stay in a stateroom.

The best NCL deals

Astute cruisers know to look for value deals in their fare upfront so there’ll be no nasty surprises when the final bill arrives, and NCL has fantastic new offers designed to allow Australian cruisers to sail with more included.

The Free At Sea bonus offers – including a beverage package covering spirits, cocktails, wines, draft beer, juice and soft drink, a wi-fi package, a US$50 shore excursions credit, and a dining package to savour meals at any specialty dining venue – mean all the pricing guesswork is taken out for you.

Norwegian Spirit cruise line Champagne Bar — Grab a drink at the Champagne Bar.

Step onboard knowing all you need to do is sit back and relax; there’s never been a better way to explore the wonders of our own backyard than aboard the reimagined Norwegian Spirit.

Norwegian Spirit’s incredible itineraries

For her debut season Down Under, Norwegian Spirit will sail a selection of open-jaw sailings between dual homeports of Sydney and Auckland between December 2022 and March 2023, exploring ports of exquisite natural beauty alongside cosmopolitan cities.

Visit 10 ports in 12 days, taking in the NSW south coast town of Eden, all that Melbourne has to offer, and the bounty of Burnie in Tasmania, before sailing across to marvel at the dramatic glaciers and cliffs of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park.

Norwegian Spirit cruise line, New Zealand — Sail around the dramatic glaciers and cliffs of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park.

Among Fiordland’s spectacular landscapes on the South Island you can experience the awe of Dusky Sound’s natural beauty. Cruisers can then discover the French heritage buildings of Akaroa, the many cultural delights of Wellington, the Art Deco architecture of Napier, and the bubbling geysers and mud baths of Tauranga, before disembarking in Auckland.

In March 2023, Norwegian Spirit will be sailing to Tahiti from Sydney, with highlights including the opportunity to dive into the turquoise waters of American Samoa, Fiji, the Isle of Pines and Mystery Island.

Norwegian Spirit cruise line in Sydney harbour — Norwegian Spirit is returning to Sydney Harbour in December.

Experience some of the world’s most incredible beaches and islands on the 15-day adventure, where soft sand, calm waters and cooling breezes through the palms await.

There are also incredible cultural experiences on offer, including the opportunity to visit markets and villages.

The journey ends in the idyllic waters of French Polynesia, stopping in at Raiatea and Moorea before disembarking in Papeete, Tahiti.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

Why Norwegian Spirit may be the summer holiday you’ve been looking for