NCL Will Require Cruisers to Fly in a Day Early if Flights Are Booked Through Them

Norwegian Cruise Line has made an important change for cruise passengers who book flights through them for their upcoming cruise.

Starting today, everyone who books a flight through Norwegian Cruise Line will have to fly in a day before their embarkation date. The cruise line stated that the reason for this change was due to guests missing the cruise due to flight delays and cancellations.

While cruisers will be required to fly in a day early, they will be responsible for their own hotel costs. This change only applies to guests who book their airfare through NCL and not on their own.

The cruise line sent out the following message regarding this change:

“Beginning today, January 26, 2026, all guests booking air travel through all NCL Air programs will be required to arrive at their embarkation port at least one day prior to sailing. This enhancement applies to all new air-inclusive reservations made on or after January 26, 2026, as well as existing reservations that are repriced on or after January 26, 2026.

“We know that flight delays (particularly day-of-sailing arrivals) have, in some cases, resulted in guests missing embarkation for their cruise and having to downline to embark at a later port of call. This update reflects our shared goal of protecting your vacations by allowing more time for unexpected travel disruptions such as flight delays or weather interruptions, ensuring a smoother, more relaxed start to your cruise journey.

“Important Note: To help set clear expectations, please note that as air booked through NCL will arrive one day prior to sailing, guests will be responsible for their own pre-cruise hotel accommodations.

As a reminder, guests may choose to book their pre-cruise hotel through NCL’s Hotel or Hotel Plus programs, launched this past September, offering a convenient option for securing accommodations.”