Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) celebrated the forthcoming launch of its next cutting-edge vessel, Norwegian Luna, with an exclusive media event held in Dubai.
The debut of Norwegian Luna in March 2026 marks the next phase in NCL's revolutionary approach to onboard experience and builds on the success of her sister ship, Norwegian Aqua. Themed 'Shine Brighter,' Norwegian Luna promises a fresh blend of upscale design and groundbreaking innovation, including a variety of restaurants, a theatre that transforms into a nightclub and the return of the popular Aqua Slidecoaster - targeting all age groups. NCL's commitment to the Middle East and Africa (MEA) market was underscored by the attendance of Kevin Bubolz, Vice President & Managing Director of Continental Europe, MEA, and Rebecca Ransom, Business Development Manager, MEA, at the event. Bubolz tells TTN, "While the launch of Norwegian Luna is top-tier news, our strategy is much broader: our deployment is constantly evolving, and we are delivering more comprehensive offerings in the Caribbean than ever before." NCL is undertaking a significant transformation of its private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, headlined by the forthcoming Great Tides Waterpark set to open in summer 2026. The nearly six-acre waterpark is part of a broader expansion designed to elevate the guest experience. The enhancements will include both adrenaline-pumping activities, such as cliff jumps and jet karts and relaxing amenities like a huge new heated pool featuring multiple swim-up bars, and Hammock Bay. Norwegian Luna will set to sail on a myriad of Caribbean itineraries from March of next year. The new pier and pool launch in December, major attractions debut in March, and the final piece, the new water park, arrives in July, Bubolz shares. Younger audiences The cruise industry is clearly redefining its product to appeal to a wider demographic, actively targeting younger audiences who have been showing unprecedented interest in cruising. About 36 per cent of cruisers in the last two years were under the age of 40, according to the latest State of the Cruise Industry Report 2025 published by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) earlier this year. While Gen X (born between 1965 to 1980) are the most enthusiastic about cruising, the younger generations - Millennials and Gen Z - follow very close behind in their enthusiasm and intent to travel. As the millennial and Gen Z generations are reshaping the cruise experience, NCL has adapted its product to meet their preferences for variety, flexibility and a seamless vacation experience, Rebecca Ransom, Business Development Manager, MEA, explains. “Our flexible approach to cruising concept gives guests the freedom to choose their dining times and dress code, appealing to those seeking a less structured vacation and the choice to do as much (or as little!) as you like.” Millennials are not just chasing exclusivity - they want variety, she explains. “We offer a wide array of distinct dining options, providing a taste of cultures from all over the world. Millennials and Gen Z especially love the theatrics of our immersive, Japanese restaurant, Teppanyaki and the choice of stations in INDULGE, NCL’s upper contemporary food hall.” Ransom further adds, “Gen Z and millennials love the gaming facilities that NCL offers. On our Prima Plus Class ships, we’ve mixed the old with the new and a plethora of vintage fun awaits with Donkey Kong and Ms. Pac Man, as well as racing games, mini bowling and video poker.” “We recently launched an immersive LED ‘Glow Court’ on our Prima Plus Class ships, which serves as an interactive sports court in the day, and a nighttime adult and a nightclub at dusk,” she says. For those who desire an attainable luxury option, The Haven by Norwegian provides an exclusive ship-within-a-ship experience. It offers a private enclave with luxurious accommodations, personalised butler service and private access to a courtyard, pool, restaurant, and lounge. This caters to the desire for a premium experience while still being part of the wider ship environment. Itineraries for the region Not just in terms of age-related interests, NCL is also adapting its sailings based on feedback from guest and travel advisors, says Ransom. "Our winter sailings offer something for every kind of traveller, from sun-seekers in the Caribbean to those looking for a bucket-list experience chasing the Northern Lights. We are especially excited about the growth and interest we've seen in our Middle East and Africa itineraries, which offer a truly unique cultural experience." Ransom recommends three sought-after winter itineraries, providing guests with perfect escapes from the cold. These include sun-drenched Caribbean sailings with flexible 3- to 11-day options, often featuring a stop at their private island. For unique adventures, they offer 14-day cruises across Asia, connecting diverse destinations from Taiwan to Singapore. Guests can also embark on a winter cruise to Norway's North Cape to chase the Northern Lights. "We are constantly listening to our guests and travel partners in the region to curate the most appealing itineraries.” Ransom highlights the strong market performance of the trade-focused digital platform she was instrumental in establishing regionally. "The success of our Middle East trade site is a testament to the hard work of our partners and the growing passion for cruising in the region," she adds. "It has been an invaluable tool in providing our agents with the resources they need to confidently sell our product, and we are seeing that pay off in significant growth."Top three itineraries
This winter, Norwegian Cruise Line is offering some of its most sought-after itineraries, providing guests with the perfect escape from the cold. Their top three winter itineraries include:
The Caribbean: Guests can soak up the sun and explore pristine beaches on NCL’s Caribbean sailings. With flexible 3- to 11-day itineraries and embarkation ports across Florida, its Caribbean cruises are perfect for a quick getaway or a week of sun-drenched activities. Many of its Caribbean and Bahamas cruises include a stop at our private island, Great Stirrup Cay, which offers new private cabanas, a family-friendly water park, and an expansive heated pool.
Asia: For those seeking a unique adventure, NCL’s Asia cruises offer a chance to explore a variety of cultures. On a 14-day cruise from Taipei, Taiwan to Singapore, Singapore on the Norwegian Sun, guests can visit a mix of modern and historic destinations including Hong Kong, China; Coron and Puerto Princesa in the Philippines; Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; Muara, Brunei Darussalam; Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam; Bangkok (Laem Chabang) and Ko Samui in Thailand.
Northern Europe and the Northern Lights: For a truly magical experience, guests can embark on an all-inclusive winter cruise to Norway's North Cape to chase the Northern Lights.