The Norwegian Sky has made a notable and symbolic call at Cape Verde as part of its final trans-Atlantic voyage under the Norwegian Cruise Line banner, marking an important milestone in the ship’s long and storied career. On December 14, 2025, the 2,000-passenger vessel arrived at the port of Mindelo on São Vicente Island, welcoming 1,468 guests who began their journey in Barcelona earlier this month. The visit offered travelers a memorable opportunity to experience Cape Verde’s distinctive blend of African and European culture, vibrant music traditions, and dramatic Atlantic coastline.
The port call formed part of a 16-night repositioning cruise sailing from Europe to the Caribbean, a carefully designed itinerary that blends cultural discovery with leisurely ocean crossings. For passengers on board, the stop in Mindelo provided a relaxed day ashore to explore colorful colonial architecture, local markets, and the island’s renowned musical heritage, which has earned São Vicente a reputation as the cultural capital of Cape Verde.
A Journey Connecting Three Continents
The trans-Atlantic voyage reflects Norwegian Sky’s versatility as a cruise ship capable of linking multiple regions in a single journey. After departing Barcelona, the itinerary included classic ports in southern Europe such as Málaga and Cádiz, followed by North African destinations including Casablanca and Agadir. The route then crossed the Atlantic, with Cape Verde serving as a strategic and increasingly popular stopover before the ship continued west toward the Caribbean.
Following its visit to Mindelo, Norwegian Sky is scheduled to call at several Caribbean destinations, including St. Maarten, Tortola, and St. Kitts. The voyage will conclude in La Romana, Dominican Republic, on December 22, 2025. This arrival marks the beginning of the ship’s final winter deployment in the Southern Caribbean, a fitting transition into warm-weather cruising as the vessel prepares for the next phase of its life.
Final Winter Season in the Southern Caribbean
Norwegian Sky’s last winter season with Norwegian Cruise Line will focus on seven- to twelve-night itineraries sailing from La Romana. These cruises will explore some of the most sought-after destinations in the Southern Caribbean, including Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, and St. Lucia. Known for their turquoise waters, distinctive cultures, and welcoming ports, these islands provide an ideal setting for the ship’s farewell season in the region.
These itineraries, scheduled to run through early April 2026, represent the final opportunity for guests to experience Norwegian Sky in the Caribbean under its current operator. The season is expected to attract both loyal Norwegian Cruise Line guests and travelers seeking a classic mid-sized ship experience that emphasizes destination-focused cruising.
Farewell Voyages in Europe and Beyond
After completing its Caribbean program, Norwegian Sky will return to Europe for a series of farewell cruises marking the end of its service with Norwegian Cruise Line. The ship has been part of the fleet since its debut in 1999 and has played a key role in the brand’s growth over more than two decades.
The farewell program begins with an 11-night cruise from Southampton, taking guests through Western Europe and the Mediterranean before ending in Barcelona. This will be followed by a nine-night Mediterranean itinerary visiting ports in Italy, France, and Greece, concluding in Piraeus near Athens.
The ship’s final voyage for Norwegian Cruise Line is scheduled for September 2026 and will be its most ambitious farewell yet. This 21-night journey will sail to Dubai via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, offering passengers a rare and historic routing that underscores the global reach of the vessel’s career.
Transition to Cordelia Cruises
Following its final sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Sky will be transferred to Cordelia Cruises, a fast-growing cruise operator based in India. Upon joining its new fleet, the ship will be renamed Cordelia Sky, signaling a new chapter focused on serving the expanding Indian cruise market.
The acquisition reflects the rapid growth of cruise tourism in India, driven by rising domestic travel demand and increased interest in sea-based vacations. With its size, amenities, and international pedigree, Cordelia Sky is expected to play a central role in expanding cruise offerings across India and nearby regions, including the Indian Ocean.
Boost for Cape Verde Cruise Tourism
The Norwegian Sky’s call at Mindelo highlights Cape Verde’s increasing significance as a cruise destination and trans-Atlantic waypoint. Strategically located off the west coast of Africa, the archipelago has become an attractive stop for cruise ships repositioning between Europe and the Americas. Its political stability, developed port infrastructure, and rich cultural identity make it a compelling destination for international cruise lines.
For Mindelo, visits by major cruise ships bring economic benefits through shore excursions, local services, and cultural tourism. The growing presence of cruise traffic supports broader tourism development goals across the islands, reinforcing Cape Verde’s position on the global cruise map.
A Lasting Maritime Legacy
As Norwegian Sky approaches the end of its service with Norwegian Cruise Line, it leaves behind a legacy shaped by decades of memorable voyages, loyal guests, and global itineraries. The ship’s transition to Cordelia Cruises ensures that this legacy will continue, allowing a new generation of travelers to experience cruising aboard a vessel with a rich maritime history.
For travelers, the remaining sailings offer a rare chance to be part of the ship’s final chapter before its transformation. From the Atlantic crossing and Caribbean sunshine to the historic Suez Canal passage, Norwegian Sky’s farewell season captures the essence of classic cruising while setting the stage for new adventures ahead.
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