Norwegian Cruise Line is saying goodbye to two longtime fleet favorites. Norwegian Sky will leave the fleet on August 20, 2026, followed by Norwegian Sun in late 2027.
Both ships are being chartered long-term to Cordelia Cruises, a premium cruise line based in India. All scheduled sailings on Norwegian Sky from August 20, 2026, onward have been canceled.
Impacted guests will automatically receive a full refund and a 10% future cruise credit.
Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun have been fan favorites since the early 2000s. Sky debuted in 1999, originally ordered by Costa Cruises but acquired by NCL and completed at Germany’s Lloyd Werft shipyard.
It was the line’s first new ship in six years and introduced balcony cabins to more guests. Sun followed in 2001, helping pioneer the “Freestyle Cruising” concept that NCL is now known for (letting guests dine when and where they want).
The buyer, Cordella Cruises, was launched in 2021 and operates the former Empress of the Seas from Royal Caribbean.
“As much as I’m excited about the new ships, I’ll really miss Sky,” frequent cruiser Danielle Reyes told Cruise Radio. “It was my first cruise and made me fall in love with being at sea!”
This move is said to be part of NCL’s larger fleet evolution as it rolls out its next-gen Prima Plus Class ships, including Norwegian Aqua (just delivered) and Norwegian Luna (coming in 2026).
These newer ships will offer features like the Aqua Slidecoaster—a hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide—and a revamped gaming experience. Seven more new ships will join the NCL fleet by 2036.
