Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will inaugurate a new homeport in Helsinki, Finland, beginning in June 2026. This expansion will see the Norwegian Sun depart from Helsinki for the first time, alongside its existing departure point in Copenhagen, Denmark.
New Baltic Cruises Details
Starting June 2026, the Norwegian Sun will offer cruises across the Baltic, with itineraries ranging from seven to ten days. These voyages will feature nearly daily port stops, including destinations in Norway, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, and Sweden. Additionally, select nine-day cruises from Helsinki will include an overnight stay in Copenhagen.
Company Statement
David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line, highlighted the company’s commitment to providing diverse vacation options. “At NCL, we take pride in offering our guests various options to plan where they want to vacation,” Herrera stated. “Whether they choose our seven-day sailings, longer immersive voyages, or cruises that begin and end in a new destination, we make it so our guests can vacation with ease with us from start to finish.”
Season and Ship Information
The Norwegian Sun, built in 2001 and refurbished in 2021, will operate these Baltic cruises from June through October 2026. The ship, which accommodates 1,878 passengers, features amenities such as two outdoor pools and game shows including “Deal or No Deal” and “Wheel of Fortune.”
Expanded European Itineraries
In addition to Helsinki, Norwegian Cruise Line will enhance its summer 2026 European season with 22 overnight stops and 11 embarkation ports across ten countries. New destinations will include Portree on the Isle of Skye in Scotland and Palamós in Spain.
Additional Homeport Launch
Helsinki is not the only new homeport for Norwegian in 2026. Starting April 2026, the cruise line will resume sailing from Philadelphia, marking the first time in years that a cruise line will operate from the city. This service will include routes to Bermuda, Canada, and New England.
Recognition and Awards
Norwegian Cruise Line was recently recognized as one of Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite mega-ship ocean cruise lines for the year. The accolade highlights the cruise line’s excellence in cabins, facilities, dining, service, itineraries, and more.
Conclusion
The introduction of Helsinki as a new homeport marks a significant expansion for Norwegian Cruise Line, offering travelers new and exciting Baltic destinations. With a robust summer season and additional homeport launches, NCL continues to enhance its offerings and deliver exceptional cruise experiences.