The Norwegian Spirit recently began its first summer deployment in Taiwan, sailing from Keelung and Kaohsiung and sourcing guests locally.

The deployment is part of a long-term charter deal between the Taiwan-based tour operator Lion Travel and Norwegian Cruise Line.

As part of the agreement, the Norwegian Spirit will offer over 25 cruises in East Asia between June and September 2024.

The operation includes two- to five-night itineraries from Taiwan to Japan and South Korea, with stops at ports including Penghu, Jeju, Busan, Ishigaki, Naha, Nagasaki, Okinawa and more.

After arriving in Taiwan on June 4, the Norwegian Spirit will continue to operate out of local ports until September 22, 2024.

In addition to Norwegian ship, other cruise vessels are set to operate out of Taiwan this summer, including the Costa Serena and the Resorts World One.

After concluding its charter operations, the Norwegian Spirit will continue to sail in Asia for Norwegian Cruise Line.

With cruises targeting the international market, the vessel offers a series of nine- to 14-night itineraries in the Far East and Southeast Asia during the 2024-25 winter season.

The cruises will include visits to ports of call in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines, as well as other countries in the region.

The ship’s 2025 deployment includes additional itineraries in the area, with year-round deployment scheduled in Asia.

Originally built for Star Cruises as the SuperStar Leo, the Norwegian Spirit was delivered by the Meyer Werft shipyard in 1999.

In early 2020, the 2,000-guest vessel underwent a major refurbishment that included significant updates to most of its public areas and staterooms.

The $100-million revitalization project also introduced new dining venues and features, such as Onda by Scarpetta, The Local Bar & Grill and the Spinnaker Lounge.