Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line

Enjoy more port time with Norwegian Cruise Line’s top European itineraries

Author: Daniel Edward

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With over 160 unique itineraries available across nine award-winning ships, a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage is the way to see Europe

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) sails across Europe throughout the summer season, with a myriad of options stretching from the northern reaches of the continent – the line’s birthplace – to the Mediterranean and further east to the Greek Isles.

With nine ships calling Europe home this year and a further two scheduled for 2024, NCL’s Europe season is undoubtably a highlight of the cruise line’s calendar.

And you can tell how much the line loves Europe, from its massive array of ports, from the major crowd-pleasers to smaller ports that other cruise lines don’t offer the chance to visit.

In total, NCL draws together a collection of over 150 ports of call in Europe – the largest selection of any major cruise line.

Plus, with an average stay of nine hours in each destination, and with many itineraries in a new destination every single day of the cruise, there’s plenty of time to get out and explore.

Even better, local partnerships with locals in over 70 of the line’s favourite destinations give guests authentic cultural experiences on ‘Go Local’ shore excursions.

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Extra bonuses with ‘Free at Sea’ upgrades

NCL’s innovative ‘Free at Sea’ upgrade package gives you access to a whole host of premium features onboard without costing you a penny onboard.

Starting at £149 per person on top of your cruise fare (on a six to eight day cruise), you’ll benefit from complementary onboard access to premium beverages, speciality dining and Wi-Fi.

If you’re sailing as a family or group, then the third and fourth guests in the room will pay taxes only on select sailings.

You’ll also be able to enjoy exclusive discounts on shore excursions in every port of call, helping your holiday budget stretch further.

Greece holidays: Athens is the historical capital of Europe. Credit: Shutterstock

Greece and Israel from Athens

Norwegian Dawn seven-day Greek Isles itinerary, cruises from Athens (Piraeus) to Turkey and Israel throughout the summer and autumn.

Explore the charming Greek Isles as well as Turkey and Israel’s Mediterranean-style coastlines.

From 365 churches and shrines in Patmos, to the ‘Wailing Wall’ and Temple on the Mount in Jerusalem, this trip promises to be moving and memorable.

Remodelled in 2022, Norwegian Dawn is a mid-size ship carrying 2,402 guests.

Onboard, you’ll find culinary favourites including Alizar and Cagney’s Steak House, as well as phenomenal entertaining from ‘Elements’ in the theatre to Soul Rockin’ Nights, a high energy party that celebrates the sounds of soul to the raw force of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

The classic Mediterranean

They don’t come any more classic than a nine-night round-trip cruise from Barcelona to the highlights of the Med.

Sailing aboard Norwegian Epic, one of the largest ships in NCL’s award-winning fleet, you’ll check into Livorno (for Florence and Pisa), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples, Palma (Majorca) and Ibiza.

Showcasing the Mediterranean’s celebrated balance of chilled-out beach vibes and cultured city gems, you’ll return home revived and inspired.

Prima-class ship Norwegian Viva is the line's newest ship. Credit: NCL

Two seas in one cruise

An alternative way to soak up some Mediterranean sunshine is to take a nine-night cruise aboard the brand new Norwegian Viva, which additionally includes a jaunt in the Adriatic Sea, visiting a new destination every day, across Italy, Greece, Croatia and Slovenia.

Sailing the newest ship in NCL’s fleet is an exciting experience in itself, with world class staterooms and state-of-the-art dining – just check out Onda by Scarpetta!

Built this year, Norwegian Viva is a beautiful ship, with countless activity and entertainment options for the whole family. Teens will especially love the multi-storey go-kart race track on the top decks.

Discover the beauty of Santorini. Credit: Shutterstock

Bastions of the ancient world

Norwegian Breakaway ties together the two major capitals of the ancient world in her 10-day Greek Isles and Italy itinerary, round-trip from Civitavecchia (the gateway to Rome).

You’ll be absorbed in the dramatic and varied landscapes of Italy, from the terracotta tiles of Tuscany to the sun-parched olive groves of Sicily.

In Greece, experience the picture-perfect magic of Santorini, and old-world mystique of Athens (Piraeus).

While at sea, have a laugh on the open deck high ropes course or maybe indulge in a spa therapy and ‘me time’ in the luxurious salt room.

The emerald isle from Southampton

Not feeling like flying these days? Not a problem. NCL has a wonderful no-fly option in Norwegian Star’s 10-day Northern Europe itinerary.

Departing from and returning to Southampton, this trip includes six stops in Ireland, plus a day in Belfast.

Remodelled in 2021, Norwegian Star features fabulous evening entertainment in the Star Theatre and a dedicated kids’ pool for the little ones to splash around out on deck.

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