In a significant fleet shake-up, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has announced that four cruise ships across its three brands will soon leave their respective fleets under long-term charter agreements.
While two vessels will be transferred to a new Indian cruise operator, the other two will join a luxury residential cruise brand.
The standout news for Norwegian Cruise Line fans is that Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, the line’s two oldest ships, will be departing the fleet in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
But this is far from a retirement story – both vessels are embarking on an exciting new journey with Cordelia Cruises, a premium cruise operator based in India.
Cordelia Cruises, which already operates Empress (formerly Empress of the Seas from Royal Caribbean), is now expanding its fleet with the acquisition of Sky and Sun via long-term charter agreements with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
The agreements also include options to purchase the ships outright.
“It’s official. We started with one – and now, we’re a fleet,” Cordelia Cruises shared on social media, proudly welcoming the two veteran vessels into its growing operation.
Norwegian Sky will be transferred to Cordelia Cruises in late 2026, followed by Norwegian Sun in late 2027. Both ships will continue sailing for NCL until then, giving loyal guests the opportunity to book a final voyage or revisit a favourite ship.
These ships, known for their vibrant hull art – the tropical blooms of Sky and the radiant sun of Sun – are expected to retain their visual flair while being refurbished to better suit the Indian cruise market.
Specific updates have yet to be announced, but Cordelia has teased new destinations, longer itineraries, and an “immersive, proudly Indian” experience.
With the changes now public, NCL will be in contact with booked passengers whose sailings may be impacted.
Refunds or future cruise credits are likely, but since the first transfer is more than 15 months away, most guests will have time to rebook or adjust their travel plans.
Norwegian Sky is currently offering itineraries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Southern Caribbean, while Norwegian Sun is sailing a diverse range of voyages in Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, and North America.
Both ships originally joined the NCL fleet in the late 1990s and early 2000s and have been key players in the brand’s evolution – from short Bahamas cruises to exotic global itineraries.
As newer vessels like Norwegian Aqua (launched in 2025) and Norwegian Luna (set to debut in 2026) join the fleet, the transition of Sky and Sun reflects NCL’s ongoing efforts to modernise and optimise.
Luxury brands also bidding farewell to ships
In addition to the two NCL vessels, Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Insignia from Oceania Cruises will also depart their respective fleets.
Both luxury ships are being chartered to Crescent Seas, a new residential cruise brand offering long-term, liveaboard-style cruising. These transfers are likewise set for 2026 and 2027, although full details on Crescent Seas’ deployment plans remain under wraps.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings President and CEO Harry Sommer explained that the deals are part of a wider strategic approach to fleet optimisation:
“By strategically repurposing these vessels into markets and uses outside of our core business, we continue to generate value for our shareholders while focusing on a modernised fleet that enhances our guests’ vacation experiences.”
Despite the departures, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings remains committed to fleet growth. The company currently has 12 new ships on order through 2036 across its three brands – seven for NCL, three for Oceania, and two for Regent.
This includes additional Prima Plus-class ships and a new class of NCL vessels set to launch from 2030 – tipped to be the largest ships ever built for the brand.
As the cruise industry evolves, NCLH is demonstrating that while some vessels will leave, the next generation of ships will continue to push boundaries, innovate experiences, and welcome even more guests around the world.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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