Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a range of developments for its 2019 and 2020 itineraries.

The Norwegian Pearl will sail to Europe as the cruise line’s sixth ship in the region in summer 2019, while Norwegian Joy will join sister ship Norwegian Bliss in Alaska in 2019.

Norwegian Joy will also offer Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal voyages in winter 2019/2020.

The Norwegian Jade and Jewel will also expand Norwegian’s presence in Australasia in winter 2019/2020. For the Chinese cruise market, Norwegian Spirit will sail seasonally in China, beginning summer 2020.

Nick Wilkinson, Norwegian Cruise Line’s managing director and vice president UK, Ireland & MEA, told Cruise Trade News about the reasons behind adding a sixth ship to Europe: “We are constantly looking to see where the opportunities are, listening carefully to our travel partners and consumers.

“For me, this story today is about our commitment to Europe, where the demand is so strong. This will be our largest deployment ever in Europe. The itineraries complement our existing ones, and we’re opening a new homeport in Amsterdam.”

As for why the cruise line has seen this growth in Europe, Wilkinson added: “There’s a combination of reasons. In April 2017, we undertook a major change and introduced premium all-inclusive. That broke down the barriers between land guests and cruise.

“It’s all about listening to our travel partners.”

In April 2019, Norwegian Joy will reposition to Seattle to offer seven-day voyages to Alaska, replacing Norwegian Pearl as NCL’s third ship in the region – joining Norwegian Bliss and Jewel.

Prior to this, Norwegian Joy will undergo approximately $50 million in upgrades, and following her inaugural Alaska season, she will sail to Los Angeles for a season of Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal voyages in winter 2019/2020.

The ship’s new itineraries go on sale on July 24 2018.

Meanwhile, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Pearl will deploy to Europe, with new and varied itineraries from Amsterdam, as well as a variety of Mediterranean sailings from Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona, and Venice.

Norwegian Jewel will be refurbished and return to Australia/New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific for a third year of seasonal cruises from Honolulu, Papeete, Sydney, Auckland, Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo (Yokohama).

The 2,400 passenger Norwegian Jade will also offer a season of sailings throughout Southeast Asia departing from Singapore and Hong Kong in winter 2019/2020, as well as itineraries through the Suez Canal and Indian Ocean, featuring calls in Greece, Israel, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Maldives, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Norwegian Spirit will be deployed to the Chinese region, beginning in summer 2020. Prior to her arrival, the ship will undergo a bow-to-stern revitalisation as the final ship to undergo enhancements under the Norwegian Edge® fleet refurbishment programme.

In February 2020, her journey from Europe to Asia will feature several exclusive sailings with new calls for NCL, including South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles and Maldives.

Norwegian Pearl and Jewel’s new itineraries will be on sale beginning July 31 2018, while Norwegian Jade and Spirit’s new itineraries will be on sale August 6 2018.