Norwegian Cruise Line  is set to shake things up on its ships with a cabin recategorization aimed at improving access to its Mandara Spa and Salon’s Thermal Suite.

The move was communicated to booked guests via a statement obtained by Cruise Industry News, in which the cruise line said the decision is driven by a commitment to provide a better onboard experience.

All Spa Suites in the Haven by Norwegian, Spa Club Balcony, and Spa Balcony Staterooms will be reclassified as traditional Suites, Club Balcony, and Balcony Staterooms, with free access to the Mandara Spa and Salon’s Thermal Suite no longer included in the fare.

Spa Balcony aboard Norwegian Encore.

“We are committed to providing the best vacation at sea and work tirelessly to continue to elevate the quality of our offerings and overall guest experience,” Cruise Industry News quoted the cruise line as saying.

The statement added that the move will increase availability and access to the Thermal Suite, a popular feature among passengers seeking relaxation and wellness during their cruise.

“With the change, additional capacity at the Thermal Suite will be offered to all stateroom categories onboard,” NCL noted.

Previously, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway and Breakaway-Plus class ships, offered Spa Balcony category staterooms that are typically closer to the spa and come with unlimited complimentary access to the ship’s thermal suite onboard.

These perks will no longer be offered, although some cabins will of course remain closer to the spa than others.

Thermal Spa aboard Norwegian.

Implementation of the cabin recategorization will start on sailing from January 1st, 2024, giving passengers sufficient notice to adapt their plans accordingly for upcoming cruises, while those already booked will retain free access to the spa.

By making the Thermal Suite more accessible across different cabin categories, NCL aims to provide a more equitable experience for all passengers, but the decision will not be without controversy for those used to enjoying unlimited access to the Thermal Suite.

The move also removed Norwegian Cruise Line from the exclusive club of cruise brands that offer premium spa cabins, such as Azamara, Celebrity, Carnival, MSC, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Costa Cruises.

This is the latest shake-up of its accommodations announced by Norwegian Cruise Line, the company earlier in the month confirmed that it is rolling out more solo cabins across its fleet, including solo balcony cabins for the first time.