Norwegian Changes Itinerary of the Sky Farewell Cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line has made a significant change to one of its most anticipated sailings — the farewell voyage of the Norwegian Sky.

Norwegian Sky’s Final Voyage Gets a New Ending Port

The Norwegian Sky is set to depart Athens, Greece, on September 9, 2026. This 21-night repositioning cruise was originally supposed to wrap up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. However, NCL has now changed the ending port to Muscat, Oman.

The updated itinerary also trims the voyage by three nights, making it an 18-night sailing instead. The ship will finish with an overnight stay in Muscat.

Why NCL Changed the Itinerary

Norwegian Cruise Line cited safety concerns in the Middle East as the reason for the change. In a letter sent to booked guests, the cruise line explained its thinking:

“While the voyage is still several months away, we believe a proactive approach is appropriate given the evolving conditions in the Middle East.”

NCL also noted: “We are revising the voyage accordingly, and we will continue to monitor the situation for the safety and security of all onboard.”

Ports That Were Removed

With the new routing, three ports have been dropped from the schedule:

• Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Doha, Qatar

The ship will also no longer pass through the Strait of Hormuz. That waterway saw restricted transit earlier this year due to military conflicts in the region.

What the Itinerary Still Includes

Even with the changes, this voyage still covers a lot of ground. The cruise visits several stunning destinations across the Mediterranean and Middle East, including:

• Rhodes, Greece
• Alexandria, Egypt
• Port Sokhna and Safaga, Egypt
• Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
• Aqaba, Jordan
• Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The sailing also includes transits through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. That alone makes for a truly bucket-list experience.

What NCL Is Offering Affected Passengers

Norwegian Cruise Line is stepping up to take care of guests impacted by this change. Here’s a breakdown of what’s being offered:

Refunds and Credits

• A 15% refund on the original cruise fare paid
• A 15% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) as a goodwill gesture
• The FCC can be applied to any NCL sailing through December 31, 2027
• Prepaid packages, like drink and internet bundles, will be adjusted automatically

Cancellation Options

Guests who no longer want to sail can cancel for a full refund with no penalties. Shore excursion costs for the dropped ports will be refunded to the original payment method.

Travel Change Assistance

If you booked flights or transfers on your own, NCL will cover up to $300 per person for change or cancellation fees. This applies to costs not already covered by travel insurance or the airline. Guests who booked air or transfers through NCL will have their plans updated automatically.

The Norwegian Sky’s Next Chapter

This repositioning voyage marks the end of an era for the Norwegian Sky. The ship, built in 1999, was sold to Cordelia Cruises as part of a deal announced in early 2025. After the farewell sailing wraps up in Muscat, the vessel will begin a new life sailing itineraries out of ports in India, starting in late October 2026.

The Norwegian Sun is also heading to Cordelia, with its own repositioning voyage planned for October 2027.