NCLH Fleet Update: Five Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Ships Set to Leave by 2028

Written By: Iram Firdosh

Iram Firdosh

I’m Iram Firdosh, a Content Writer at Travel and Tour World. Dedicated and detail-focused, I love turning travel ideas and creativity into engaging stories. Committed to growth and quality. In my free time I enjoy reading, photography, and exploring new places.

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August 7, 2026 11:41 PM

Major fleet rotation and expansion for Norway Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH). Between 2006 and 2008 five ships are to leave NCLH’s fleets to join other brands. Oceania Cruises, Norway Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises will say goodbye as their former cruise ships make their way to charter, regionally focused voyages or luxury residential cruising experiences.

Among the ships to leave the NCLH fleets are R egatta, Norway sky, Norwegian sun, Seven Seas Navigator and S irena. These ships will depart from NCLH operations but will still continue to transport guests under other operators creating fresh possibilities in new cruising territories such as India and Australia.

This has become a common occurrence in the world of cruising as established companies replace their older ships with more modern capacity, and up to date passenger features and designs.

Which Five Ships Are Leaving Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Fleet

The first ship scheduled to leave NCLH is Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, which will transition in August 2026. Built in 1998, the 30,200-ton vessel carries 684 passengers and will move into a two-year charter arrangement with Australia-based myCruises for its Explorations by Norwegian brand.

The ship has spent decades operating premium small-ship itineraries for Oceania Cruises. After its charter period, its long-term future remains uncertain, although the move allows the vessel to continue operating rather than immediately leaving commercial service.

In September 2026, Norwegian Sky will depart Norwegian Cruise Line after completing nearly three decades of operations. The 77,104-ton ship, built in 1999, carries around 2,000 passengers and will transfer to India-based Cordelia Cruises.

The acquisition strengthens Cordelia Cruises’ position in the Indian cruise market, where domestic and regional cruise demand has expanded significantly. Norwegian Sky is expected to operate itineraries focused on Indian travellers following its transition.

How Will Cordelia Cruises Benefit From Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun

Cordelia Cruises will also acquire Norwegian Sun, another 2,000-passenger vessel scheduled to leave the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet in September 2027.

Built in 2000 with a capacity of 78,309 tons, Norwegian Sun will join Norwegian Sky as part of Cordelia’s long-term expansion plans. Both ships were included in agreements featuring long-term charter arrangements and purchase options.

For India’s cruise sector, the arrival of larger international-standard ships could increase domestic cruising opportunities. Travellers may gain access to more sailing options from Indian ports, reducing dependence on international departures.

The transfer also highlights India’s growing importance as a cruise destination and source market. Government-backed initiatives to improve cruise infrastructure, including port development and coastal tourism promotion, are supporting the sector’s expansion.

Why Is Seven Seas Navigator Leaving Regent Seven Seas Cruises

There’s another huge development coming from the world of luxury cruising as the Seven Seas Navigator is set to be retired from Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The 490-passenger, 28,550-ton ship which launched in 1999 is set to make its departure from the line in December 2027, but rather than entering retirement in a traditional sense, it’s being transformed into a luxurious residential ship by a separate company called Avora Residences. The development highlights increasing popularity of residential cruising where passengers purchase or lease apartments for an extended period on board ships intended for global travel. Luxury cruise customers should expect some further decline in availability across Regent’s currently active fleet but the decision is one more indicator of shifting market trends.

What Happens to Oceania Cruises’ Sirena

The final ship scheduled to leave NCLH is Oceania Cruises’ Sirena, which will depart in April 2028 following its sale to an undisclosed buyer.

The 30,200-ton ship carries 684 passengers and was originally introduced as R4 before later becoming part of Princess Cruises’ fleet. Oceania Cruises acquired Sirena in 2016, expanding its small-ship luxury cruise offering.

The vessel will remain with Oceania Cruises until completing its planned spring 2028 deployment before being transferred to its new owner.

The departure of Sirena marks another step in NCLH’s fleet modernisation strategy, as cruise companies increasingly focus on newer ships with improved energy efficiency, passenger amenities and operational performance.

What Should Cruise Travellers Know About These Fleet Changes

Travellers planning future cruises should consider how these changes may affect availability, destinations and booking choices.

Key points for passengers include:

• Existing bookings are expected to continue operating normally until each ship completes its scheduled NCLH deployments.
• Travellers interested in smaller ships should book early, as older vessels leaving premium fleets may reduce available capacity.
• India-based cruise travellers could benefit from additional Cordelia Cruises capacity after Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun enter service.
• Luxury cruise customers may see itinerary changes as Regent Seven Seas Cruises adjusts its fleet after Seven Seas Navigator’s departure.
• Future operators may introduce new routes, creating different cruise experiences from previous NCLH offerings.

What Does the Fleet Change Mean for the Global Cruise Industry

NCLH’s decision to scrap five ships is illustrative of how cruise companies are responding to shifting market environments. Cruise lines are shifting away from an approach where older vessels are taken permanently out of the market to one in which them are being sold into the charter, residential or regional markets. The moves also represent an increasing focus on new cruise markets-the company has cited investment interests in India, Australia and residential. – with the industry searching for new passengers and business models. The transfers are likely to translate to mixed results for cruise passengers-loss of familiar ships from major brand but gain of new and expanded services for regional markets.