NCL introduces major rule change for cruise passengers travelling from overseas

Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) has introduced a major policy change for anyone who will be flying in to board any of their cruises, and it means you might need to book an extra day off work.

The cruise line will now require passengers who are flying from overseas to arrive at their cruise embarkment city at least one day before the ship sets sail.

This major change to NCL's air programme came into effect yesterday (26 January) and applies to any new bookings, as well as any existing reservations that are repriced on or after this date.

While many passengers might see the change as an inconvenience, the new policy is designed to have the opposite effect, in a bid to prevent delayed flights from causing havoc for passengers who might be forced to board at the ship's next stop instead.

Passengers will need to fly into their embarkation city the day before (Getty Stock Images)

It's also hoped the move will stop any embarkment day delays by ensuring all passengers have plenty of time to get on the ship.

"Beginning today, January 26, all guests booking air travel through all NCL Air programmes 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 that are repriced on or after January 26, 2026," the cruise line told travel advisors in a statement, as per Cruise Critic.

"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 clients’ vacations by allowing more time for unexpected travel disruptions such as flight delays or weather interruptions, ensuring a smoother, more relaxed start to their cruise journey."

The new rule should avoid delays getting everyone on the ship (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

The change means that passengers will have to sort their own accommodation in the embarkation city between landing and setting sail, which may be off-putting for a lot of travellers because of the added expense.

Fortunately, experienced cruisers seem understanding of the new rule, with many taking to online forums to reveal they would always choose to fly in the day before to avoid any disasters.

Meanwhile, if you do happen to have a cruise booked, with NCL or any other cruise line, Martin Lewis has warned of the importance of having travel insurance from the moment you book rather than leaving it until the last minute, to ensure you're covered for any issues that may prevent you from being able to go on your trip.

LADbible Group has contacted NCL for further comment.