Norwegian Cruise Line Amends Air Program: No More Embarkation Day Flights

In response to feedback from its travel advisor partners, Norwegian Cruise Line has made a significant change to its air program. As of Jan. 26, 2026, passengers who book their air through NCL will no longer be permitted to fly in the day their cruise departs.

NCL informed travel advisors of the change via email.

“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,” the email said.

“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 email said.

The change comes after a recent spate of massive air delays caused problems for cruise lines, first from the shutdown of air space over the Caribbean and, most recently, when more than 10,000 flights were canceled due to winter storm Fern.