Norwegian Cruise Line expands African and Arabian cruises for 2024 through 2026

Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2024/25 cruise season will feature several new ports of call on itineraries featuring the Middle East and Africa, with expanded African and Arabian offerings also included in its 2025/26 selection.

The line’s new ports of call for 2024/25 include Manama in Bahrain, and Sokhna, Egypt as well as other destinations such as Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, and Akita, Japan. These ports are available on itineraries sailing between October 2024 and December 2025.

The new Middle East itineraries feature a 16-day voyage aboard Norwegian Sun departing from Dubai, UAE on April 19th, 2025, featuring 10 ports of call, including a visit to Sokhna, Egypt, a first for Norwegian. 

There is also a 7-day UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain voyage onboard Norwegian Sky, with a visit to Manama in Bahrain, among other destinations, departing April 12th, 2025.

Norwegian Cruise Line has also created a selection of exotic and port-intensive Africa sailings for Norwegian Dawn starting November 2025 through March 2026 featuring multiple embarkation ports including Cape Town, South Africa; Port Louis, Mauritius; and Doha, Qatar. 

The season begins on November 2nd, 2025, with a 21-day repositioning cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa calling at sought-after destinations including Santa Maria, Cape Verde; Casablanca, Morocco; and Agadir, Morocco. 

Due to popular demand for more open-jaw voyages to start and end in Cape Town, South Africa and Port Louis, Mauritius, NCL is offering four 12-day sailings calling at popular ports in the Indian Ocean and Southern Africa.

These include Antsiranana, and Nosy Be, Madagascar, as well as an overnight stay in Richard’s Bay, South Africa, where guests can opt to explore the local wildlife by a safari tour, learn about South African history or enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Aklantstrand Beach.

“Our guests have spoken! The solid number of bookings this past month is a positive indicator of what to expect early in the new year during wave season, when many of our guests typically book their cruises with us,” said David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. 

“In recent years, we have begun to offer more diverse and longer itinerary options, and this positive momentum is a sure sign that our guests are delighted with our offerings and are looking forward to exploring the world with us,” he added. 

“Our new 2025 and 2026 itineraries will bring them more of what they want and more opportunities to enjoy their ideal vacation visiting their dream destination aboard any NCL ship.”