Norwegian Cruise Lines 2021 itinerary features some truly spectacular voyages
With cruises looking out of the question for at least the next few months – cruise liners have suspended operations – due to the coronavirus outbreak, Trvl Trend continues to look into the rainbow on the horizon at what’s in store for next season.
This time around we are looking at Norwegian Cruise Line’s plans for the 2021 season which feature the exotically named Extraordinary Journeys – a lineup of momentous journeys taking in some of the world’s greatest sites and giving passengers “the freedom to see more, do more and create unforgettable memories.”
“The new Extraordinary Journeys itineraries are meant to stir a sense of wonder and encourage meaningful travel, whether you’re looking to disconnect or reconnect with the people and world around you,” Harry Sommer, president, and chief executive officer for Norwegian Cruise Line, said when the line was announced in February. “Travel broadens our horizons and allows us to reset. With cruises from 11 to 22 days sailing and calling to nearly every continent, we are inspiring our guests to discover their own extraordinary journey with us.”
Norwegian is offering a total of 21 itineraries stretching from Alaska to Antarctica, South America to the Seychelles, and Reykjavik to Rome. Trvl Trend takes a look at two of the highlights of the season.
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#1 The voyage of a lifetime
Take the newly renovated Norwegian Dawn with some of the largest suites at sea on a 21-day odyssey embarking from the desert pearl of Dubai with its spectacular architecture of the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, and the manmade island of Palm Jumeirah.
From there, after a stopover in the nearby emirate of Abu Dhabi, it’s on to Port Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, famous for its exports of vanilla and coconut oil, stroll the stunning white sands, clear waters and coral reefs at Beau Vallon Beach, and visit the colorful Navasakthi Vinayagar Hindu temple.
On to Nosy Be, the “Big Island,” off the coast of Madagascar famous for its natural splendor and Ylang Ylang trees that are distilled to make essential oil for perfume.
Next stop Port Louis, Mauritius, named after Louis XV, the French king known as “Louis the Beloved.” Visit the gorgeous gardens of Les Jardins De La Compagnie, stroll along the Caudan Waterfront to check out the shops, restaurants, and famous Chinese Pagoda.
A short sail down the Indian Ocean brings you to Pointe des Galets, Réunion, with its lush rainforests and beaches bordering coral reefs. This island in the Indian Ocean is a French department and is known for Piton de la Fournaise, a climbable active volcano that rises to 8,635 ft.
The final leg of the journey takes passengers on to South Africa, stopping first at Richard’s Bay, the deepest natural harbor in the Southern Hemisphere, where you can spend the day walking through the Umlalazi Nature Reserve where you might see one of the rarest birds of prey in South Africa, the Palm-Nut vulture; catch some sun at Aklantstrand Beach or learn about South African history and art at the Empangeni Museum.
Sail on to Port Elizabeth, nicknamed “The Friendly City,” where you can spot some big game at the Kragga Kamma Game Park nature reserve. Next stop, Mossel Bay on the Southern Cape, which boasts the second mildest all-year climate in the world and is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations.
The voyage of a lifetime ends in stunning Cape Town. Don’t miss out on a trip to the top of Table Mountain with its panoramic views of the surrounding city and harbor. Visit Robben Island to see the former site of the notorious former prison that held Nelson Mandela and stop by the V&A Waterfront for some shopping and entertainment.
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#2 Norwegian Cruise Lines 2021 – A journey to the edge of the world
Another of the highlights of the Extraordinary Journeys series is Norwegian’s 13-day cruise from Buenos Aires to Antarctica aboard the Norwegian Star.
Travel literally to the edge of the world from magical Buenos Aires, the birthplace of tango and a city known for its Latin passion and European flair.
From Buenos Aires, it’s a two-day sail to Port Stanley, the capital of the isolated and rugged Falkland Islands, where there are a lot more penguins than people. Take a trip to Volunteer Point with its incredible wildlife where you can see around 2,000 pairs of breeding King penguins, the second largest species of penguin, along with many thousands of Gentoo and Magellanic penguins.
There are no elephants on the next stop of Elephant Island off the coast of Antarctica, but the shores of the ice-covered island are home to colonies of giant elephant seals, fur seals and chinstrap penguins. Discovered in 1821 by the first Russian Antarctic expedition, Elephant Island is one of the most desolated and most beautiful places on the planet.
Deception Island is the next destination and is home to an active volcano and the largest colony of penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula who waddle in and out of the freezing waters. Feeling a little chilly? You can take refuge from the cold temperatures at a unique geothermal attraction. The active volcano geothermally heats the island’s black-sand beach and warms the nearby water.
From Deception Island it’s on to Cape Horn, Chile, the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of southern Chile where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Pacific Ocean and hundreds of ships were wrecked as they tried to ‘round the Horn. Visit the monument to the more than 10,000 seamen who perished over the centuries designed by Chilean sculptor José Balcells Eyquem which depicts an albatross in flight, symbolizing souls lost at sea.
Back to Argentina to Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world, where you can hike in the rugged beauty of Tierra del Fuego National Park and observe the massive and magnificent Andean condors gliding the air currents with their 10 feet wingspans.
The final destination on this journey to the end of the world is Punta Arenas, Chile. Located on the Strait of Magellan, it is considered the gateway to the Antarctic Peninsula and is often used as a base for excursions to Antarctica. The oil rich city’s Plaza Muñoz Gamero has a memorial to the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan known for organizing the first circumnavigation of the earth.
From there, it’s back to Buenos Aires for one last Tango!
For more on Norwegian Cruise Lines 2021 itinerary and Norwegian’s extraordinary voyages click here
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- 30% off all guests
- Kids sale free
- Free shore excursions
