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Norwegian Star Review [A 10 Day Mediterranean Cruise]

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  • Post last modified: November 2, 2020
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I’m not a newbie when it comes to cruising, but this was my first cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line. This was also my first European cruise, so I was excited to check it all out.

The Norwegian Star is a Dawn Class ship that holds about 2,300 passengers, making it a mid-sized ship among today’s standards. It was built in 2001, but it got a makeover in 2018 so it doesn’t feel like an almost 20-year-old ship.

In this post you’ll find my full Norwegian Star review including info about the staterooms, dining options, amenities, kid’s club, art auctions, and shore excursions.

Norwegian Star Review

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Norwegian Star Review: A 10 Day Mediterranean Cruise

A Mediterranean cruise is something I’ve wanted to do for a while. I was so excited when the opportunity finally arose to travel with my family to Italy to start our cruise through the Mediterranean.

The interesting thing about this cruise was that the first 2 days were in Venice, so the ship stayed in port on Day 2 so guests could explore Venice. We opted to stay on the ship that day and added 2 days in Venice after the cruise was over.

Day 1: Venice, Italy

Day 2: Venice, Italy

Day 3: Split, Croatia

Day 4: Kotor, Montenegro

Day 5: Corfu, Greece

Day 6: Santorini, Greece

Day 7: Piraeus, Greece (Athens)

Day 8: Mykonos, Greece

Day 9: Kefalonia, Greece

Day 10: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Norwegian Star atriuim

Norwegian Star Staterooms

Staterooms on cruise ships are small, and the rooms on Norwegian Star were no exception. We booked a balcony stateroom, and it was teeny — smaller than most other balcony staterooms we have had on other cruise lines.

Now, you can easily solve the small stateroom problem by booking a suite, but until someone else pays for it, I’ll stick to just a balcony.

The bathroom was small as well, but the layout was one of the better ones on a cruise ship. The shower was actually a decent size, and the toilet had a separate door.

Balcony Stateroom on Norwegian Star

Cruise Tip:

Bring a  hanging toiletry kit!   There is very little counter space in the bathroom and a hanging bag gives you easy access to your bathroom essentials without taking up space.

Norwegian Star Dining Options

I was nervous about the food on the Norwegian Star before we even boarded the boat (as nervous as you can get about food on a 10 day Mediterranean cruise!) Some of my family members reported that the food on previous Norwegian cruises was average awful.

Norwegian Star Review: Main Dining Room

The food ended up exceeding my expectations (although I admit those expectations were low). While the main buffet and dining room weren’t great, the specialty dining was excellent.

I’ve tried specialty dining on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas and I wasn’t impressed, but the specialty dining on the Norwegian Star was awesome.

Norwegian Cruise Line Dining Tip: Norwegian offers a specialty dining package as a special (often called “Free at Sea”) quite often, so I would suggest keeping a look out for that so you can have those restaurants included in your price.

Complimentary Restaurants:

Buffet: I detest buffets and cruise ship buffets are no exception. If, however, you enjoy elbowing strangers to grab 18 different types of food on the same plate then wandering around the crowded dining room to find a space, then you’ll love it.

O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill : This restaurant overlooks the main atrium and has a (shocker) Irish pub type of feel to it. I enjoyed it for breakfast, but it wasn’t awesome for lunch or dinner.

Versailles Main Dining Room: The main dining room wasn’t great. It wasn’t terrible, but I was really happy we only ate here twice.

Aqua Main Dining Room: We only ate here once because we didn’t realize it was a complimentary restaurant at first (oops!) It served the same menu as the main dining room (Versailles), but the atmosphere was so much better. Overall, not a bad place.

Ginza Asian Dining Room: I was surprised to see a specialty type restaurant that was complimentary. It was very good.

Specialty Restaurants:

These restaurants all had an additional charge, either a la carte pricing or a $39 flat fee. You can often find cruise packages that include specialty dining — do this (you won’t regret it).

Reservations are recommended. Especially if you are traveling with a large group, make your reservations on the first day. Restaurants can book up quickly.

Cagney’s: This steakhouse offers a la carte pricing, and was a crowd favorite.

La Cucina: A la carte pricing is offered at this Italian restaurant. It was good, but hard to compare to the Italian food we had in Venice!

Le Bistro: This French restaurant offers a la carte pricing and a delicious menu. We all enjoyed this one.

Moderno: This is a Churrascaria (think meat on a stick) restaurant that charged a flat $39 fee.

Sushi Bar: The sushi bar is within the Ginza Asian Dining Room and offers a la carte pricing. You can sit at the sushi bar or order sushi from your table at Ginza. They were very accommodating and made me a lovely veggie sushi. I ended up going back the next night.

Teppanyaki: This traditional teppanyaki restaurant charged a $39 flat fee.

If you are looking for a relaxing pool day without the crowds, stay on the ship while it’s in port. Most of the passengers will get off the ship leaving the pool much less crowded!

Norwegian Star Amenities

If you have been on a cruise before, you might notice the lack of amenities on the Norwegian Star. One of the big problems with this ship is that it only has 1 pool and it’s small!

Norwegian Star review: Norwegian Star Pool Deck

You won’t find the high-end amenities that you might see on some bigger or newer ships like rock climbing, a wave rider, water slides, or an ice skating rink.

What you will find is some bare-bones amenities (as far as mega cruise ships go) including:

  • Shuffleboard
  • Fitness center
  • Video game room
  • Golf driving nets
  • Walking track

Check to see if your cruise is going to a destination that has a  sunscreen ban . If so, you will want to be sure to pack some  reef-safe sunscreen, so you don’t have to purchase it at an overpriced gift shop.

Norwegian Star Kids Club

This was my daughter’s second cruise and I was thrilled to find the kid’s club! Free babysitting, y’all!!

The facilities and staff were great, and I felt totally comfortable leaving my 5-year-old in their care. They offered lots of themed events and you could even leave the kids there for meals (although there’s an extra charge for that.)

On the last day, the kids put on a show in the ship’s theater — it was a much bigger production than I was expecting. My daughter was thrilled to be able to do a show in the big theater.

Overall, I have zero complaints about the Norwegian Star kids club.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Norwegian Star Art Auctions

Cruise ship art auctions are my favorite onboard activity. I’ve always been artsy, so I gravitate toward these events easily. Once I bought my first piece of art (a Michael Godard onboard the Caribbean Princess) I was hooked.

Since then, I plan my cruise ship days based on art auctions and other art events. I think they’re fun even if you don’t buy anything (but, of course, I usually do!)

The auctions on the Norwegian Star are run by Park West Gallery . If you have ever been to an auction on a cruise, it was probably a Park West auction.

Park West Art Auction on Norwegian Star

Unfortunately, the art auctions on the Norwegian Star were the most unorganized and poorly run auctions of any ship I have ever been on.

The ship didn’t have a great space for the auctions, and the art team (while they were mostly lovely people) just seemed like they didn’t know what was going on half the time.

If this were my first experience with cruise ship art auctions, I think it would have been my last.

It can get windy on a cruise ship deck. Leave your big, floppy hats at home and instead opt for a cruise friendly hat like  this one .

Norwegian Star Shore Excursions

There are so many different shore excursions you can choose from during a cruise. There is some debate about whether or not it’s best to book through the cruise line or to book on your own.

On one hand, if you book through the cruise, you don’t have to do any research because it’s all laid out for you. Plus, you won’t get left behind if your tour runs late. But booking excursions on your own tends to be cheaper. So, there are benefits to both.

I tend to book through the cruise line because I like things easy, but I’m not opposed to booking separately if the occasion arises.

I tried out these tours on this cruise:

  • Charming Split Riviera & River Cruise: This tour involved a little boat ride, a small lunch consisting of prosciutto, cheese, bread, olives, and wine, and then a walking tour through Split. I enjoyed it, but this would also be an easy stop to get off and walk around Split on your own. Book your own Split river cruise here.
  • Best of Montenegro: Montenegro was so surprising to me — the scenery was gorgeous! What I liked about this tour is that we took a bus up the mountain, so we got killer views of our cruise ship in Boka Bay. Book your own Best of Montenegro tour here.
  • Corfu Beach Break: This was a nice half-day transfer to the beach. The beach was all rocks until you were well into the water, so you might want to invest in some water shoes. I really enjoyed this relaxing day on an otherwise very busy trip. Book your own Corfu tour here.
  • Charming Oia and Winery: The tour itself was good and I enjoyed the winery stop, but I really was disappointed with Oia! This was one of the main places I was interested in on this trip and it was the biggest let down — it was too crowded with people trying to get that 1 iconic shot of the blue roofs. (If you are looking for a charming Greek Island, stick with Mykonos). Book your own tour of Santorini here.
  • Best of Athens and its Scenic Coast:  This was a full-day tour that took us to the Acropolis, the temple of Poseidon, and included a drive through Athens. Plus the lunch that was included in this tour was AMAZING!!! I was shocked at how much I liked Greek food. Book your own tour of Athens here.
  • Cephalonia Highlights:  If you like sitting on a bus for 4 hours, then this is the tour for you…otherwise, I’d skip this one. Book your own Cephalonia tour here.

Acropolis in Athens Greece

Ports Where You Can Explore On Your Own

1. When you’re in Mykonos, Greece you can just get off the ship and wander around the little town. It’s so charming and there are tons of restaurants and shops to check out. I LOVED this place!

2. Dubrovnik, Croatia is another city where it’s relatively easy to get off the ship and wander on your own. We purchased cable car tickets ahead of time (because they were cheaper online), but other than that we just winged it.

3. If your cruise is stopping in Santorini, Greece you can get off the ship and head up the cliff (you’ll need to take a cable car) to the town of Fira. Honestly, I liked this town so much better than Oia (which is what everyone associates with Santorini) — if I ever go back, I’ll stay in Fira. We also had an awesome dinner in town at Ouzeri. The food was incredible!

A word of warning: getting the cable car down to your ship in Fira can get super busy — we waited in line for about 1.5 hours!!! So, leave plenty of time to get back down so you don’t get left on Santorini!

4. Split, Croatia is another port that has a bustling town right at the cruise ship port. You can stop at a restaurant or walk through the old walled part of the city very easily without a tour.

5. Venice, Italy is another port where you can just hop off and walk around. I loved just wandering the charming streets, stopping in for pizza and wine along the way. If you’re traveling to Venice with kids, check out these ideas for things to do in Venice with kids.

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NORWEGIAN STAR CRUISE SHIP REVIEW | 10 Day Mediterranean Cruise | #cruising #norwegianstar #ncl #cruise

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Best Mediterranean cruises in 2024 and 2025

Fran Golden

Editor's Note

The Mediterranean region has it all — amazing food and wine, famous historical and cultural landmarks, scenic seaside towns and gorgeous island beaches.

You'd be hard-pressed to sample Spain , France , Italy and Greece on one land tour without transportation nightmares. A Mediterranean cruise, however, is the perfect way to get a taste of many coastal countries with ease as you transit between destinations while you sleep aboard your ship.

Whether they operate tiny ships with a few hundred passengers or giant megaships with several thousand people, most cruise lines have vessels summering in the Mediterranean. Some even sail the region year-round.

Most Mediterranean cruises focus on one region (usually the eastern or western halves of the coastline), but longer itineraries might encompass more. While choosing a ship is important, so is picking which route to take and which countries you want to see.

Consider what's on your bucket list. Cruise lines offer a variety of options, making it possible for culture vultures, beach lovers, history buffs and family travelers to prioritize different ports of call and onboard amenities.

Here are some of the best Mediterranean cruises departing in 2024 and 2025 to whet your appetite for a European adventure by sea.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Best cruise for romantics: Windstar Cruises in the rivieras

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

For romance seekers, few experiences beat a cruise that lingers along the French and Italian rivieras. France's Cote d'Azur, with its coastal mountains and crystal blue sea, has inspired artists and romantics for centuries. The equally stunning Italian coast is perfect for romantic strolls around secluded harbors or an indulgent, delectable lunch at a table for two overlooking the ocean.

Another popular port of call on Riviera itineraries is Monaco, where you might visit the royal palace of the Grimaldi family and stop by the glamorous Monte Carlo Casino to pretend you are James Bond enjoying a night on the town.

Related: Western Mediterranean vs. Eastern Mediterranean cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?

You'll find these cruises on small and luxury ships, but our pick for romance is Windstar Cruises ' seven-night "Yachtsman's Harbors of the Rivieras" sailing between Rome and Barcelona (or vice versa) on multiple spring, summer and fall dates in 2024 and 2025.

The five-masted Wind Surf is as picture-perfect as the ports you'll visit, and the 342-passenger ship can follow all the luxury yachts into smaller harbors and off-the-beaten-track destinations. Your onboard meals, with many dishes created by James Beard-affiliated chefs, might even rival the fresh Mediterranean cuisine you'll find in port.

Ports of call vary by sailing date but can include Port-Vendres, Sanary-sur-Mer and Cannes, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Portofino and Portoferraio, Italy. For the ultimate Riviera experience, book one of Windstar's Prix du Monde sailings with exclusive access to the Formula One racing events.

Best cruise for budget-conscious travelers: Celestyal Cruises in the Greek isles

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Visiting the Greek islands is a magical experience. Lessons in ancient history and the development of Western civilization come to life surrounded by astounding natural beauty.

Your jaw might drop as your ship navigates the sunken caldera that leads to Santorini, where whitewashed villages dot the tops of steep cliffs. In Mykonos, you can head to one of the island's famous beaches or catch a ferry to explore the ancient ruins of Delos, known as the birthplace of Apollo. Budget-conscious travelers can skip the tours and stroll the narrow streets and city walls of the Old Town of Rhodes.

Related: Best Mediterranean cruise tips to enhance your European vacation

For less pricey ways to see the Greek isles, consider Celestyal Cruises , which sails three- and four-night mini-cruises in addition to affordable one-week sailings. A four-night cruise packs a lot into a short sailing with visits to Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion and Santorini, as well as Kusadasi, Turkey. Don't forget to spend time in Athens, Greece, before or after your cruise.

Celestyal's two ships carry between 1,200 and 1,700 passengers, so you'll enjoy all the amenities of a large cruise ship — such as multiple pools, restaurants and bars, and spa and fitness facilities — without feeling inundated with many thousands of fellow cruisers.

Best cruise for history lovers: Viking in the Eastern Mediterranean

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Eastern Mediterranean cruises of a week or more immerse you in multiple ancient civilizations and take you to the historical places you have traveled to see, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Extraordinary itineraries visit Athens for the Acropolis; Istanbul for the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace; and Kusadasi for the impressive ancient city of Ephesus and sites associated with the Virgin Mary. In Dubrovnik, Croatia's medieval Old Town (a filming location for HBO's "Game of Thrones") will wow you; from Naples, Italy, you can explore the ancient city of Pompeii.

Cruises that start or end in Rome will treat you to such sights as the Roman Colosseum and the Vatican.

Related: Best Mediterranean cruise shore excursions

True history lovers will not be satisfied with only a week in this rich landscape. Choose Viking for your Eastern Mediterranean cruise, and look for longer itineraries, such as the 15-day "Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities" sailings throughout 2024. The one-way sailing between Rome and Istanbul hits most of the ancient civilization highlights: Naples and Sicily, Italy; Rhodes, Crete and Athens, Greece; and Ephesus, Troy and Istanbul, Turkey.

Viking also offers complimentary shore excursions in every port, so you'll have access to knowledgeable guides who can explain the historical sites you're touring. On board, you'll find a comfortable home base on Viking's 930-passenger identical ships, with multiple included dining venues, inviting lounges done in Scandinavian-inspired decor and comfortable cabins with thoughtful details, such as quiet-closing drawers and heated bathroom floors.

Best cruise for explorers: Celebrity Cruises in the Holy Land

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Travelers who really want to double down on the ancient civilizations should look for longer Eastern Mediterranean cruises that combine Greece, Turkey and Italy with port calls in Egypt, Jordan and Israel. Depending on the specific Holy Land itinerary, you might see Cairo and the pyramids of Giza, Jordan's ancient rose-hewed rock city of Petra and biblical locations in and around Jerusalem.

Celebrity Cruises is a terrific choice for your Holy Land cruise, as the company offers 10- and 11-night Egypt and Israel sailings. For example, a 10-night, round-trip Athens cruise visits Haifa and Ashdod, Israel (for Jerusalem) and Alexandria, Egypt, with overnights in each port except Haifa. The extra time in port allows for overnight tours, so you can venture farther into each country to see all the key sites. The 11-night version adds a stop in Kusadasi, Turkey, for a visit to Ephesus.

Celebrity's ships are known for their foodie culture, with multiple specialty restaurants, as well as a happening bar scene. (Do not miss the martini flights.) With a range of rooms, from windowless inside cabins to comfortable suites, you can tour the Holy Land at any price point.

Best cruise for culture vultures: Norwegian Cruise Line in the Western Mediterranean

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

For foodies, fashionistas and art lovers, it's hard to top a Western Mediterranean cruise to the renowned resort towns and famed coastal cities of Italy, France, Monaco and Spain.

This is your opportunity to see Antoni Gaudi's fantastical Sagrada Familia church and other creations in Barcelona; visit Michelangelo's David sculpture and other Renaissance treasures in Florence, Italy; hang out at the casino in Monte Carlo; and stop in dreamy Nice, France, for its Matisse and Chagall museums.

You can shop for Italian, French and Spanish designer fashion when you're not dining on the best Italian pasta and gelato you've ever tasted — or bouillabaisse and escargot in France, or paella and tapas in Spain. All are accompanied by local wines, of course.

Related: How I skipped the cruise ship tour in Italy and had a better, cheaper adventure on my own

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of Western Mediterranean cruises to key ports in Spain, Italy and France. The line's newest ship, Norwegian Viva, sails the Med in the spring, summer and fall of 2024 and 2025. Its nine- to 11-night cruises call on a variety of major ports. For example, an 11-night cruise on select dates in 2024 sails from Rome to Lisbon, Portugal, and visits Livorno, Italy (for Florence and Pisa); Villefranche-sur-Mer (for Nice and Monaco) and Marseille, France; Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Motril and Cadiz, Spain (for Seville); and Gibraltar in the United Kingdom.

It's a shame that the itinerary has no sea days because the ship offers plenty to keep cruisers busy on board. There's a wealth of dining options, from the Italian cuisine-serving Onda by Scarpetta to a trendy food hall, plus a go-kart track, multistory twisty slides and a bar serving sustainable craft cocktails.

Best cruise for families: Royal Caribbean in the Mediterranean

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

When looking at a cruise with children , you'll want to mix time exploring on land with playtime on the ship, whether in the kids club or with attractions like video arcades and waterslides. Look for an itinerary that includes one or more fun-filled days at sea.

Kids will enjoy such sights as the Roman Colosseum, where they might pretend that they are gladiators; the flower market in Nice, France; and the Leaning Tower of Pisa (on a shore excursion from Livorno, Italy). Take them to the beach in the Greek Isles, and eat pizza in Naples, Italy. If you can find a cruise that includes the Italian seaside villages of Cinque Terre (accessible from Genoa, Livorno and Portofino), fans of Disney's animated feature "Luca" will be ecstatic.

Family favorite Royal Caribbean has a variety of ships and itineraries sailing around Europe, but a top option is a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas. The round-trip itinerary departs from Rome. Additional ports of call include Naples and La Spezia, Italy (for Florence); Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Marseille, France. Sailings depart beginning May 2024.

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Family-friendly entertainment on board is plentiful. On sea days, you'll have access to three main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course and even a zip line.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • 15 ways cruisers waste money
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  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise – Everything You Need To Know

Wondering what it’s like to travel on a Norwegian cruise line? This is a complete review of the Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise, which takes you to six destinations around the Mediterranean.

In this review, you’ll learn about the suites, decks, restaurants, entertainment venues, and activities for both children and adults. Find the best tips to plan the perfect getaway to Europe on a Norwegian Epic Cruise.

This guide is ideal for families who want to go on an epic sea adventure in Europe. Read on to discover helpful tips to plan your Norwegian Epic Mediterranean getaway.

Table of Contents

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Our First Time Aboard Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise

It took a long time to convince my husband to try a new way of travelling, but I think he’s finally hooked.  We have done our research, read blogs, Norwegian Epic reviews and got some advice from expert cruisers. We finally decided that the Norwegian Epic cruise was the best cruise for us.  When choosing a cruise we first looked at where we wanted to go.

An NLC Mediterranean cruise was always on my bucket list, and with some amazing ports of call – we knew we had to book the Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise, one of the best Mediterranean cruise lines.

There are so many great Norwegian European cruises to choose from.  We had many misconceptions about cruising, and we were completely surprised. Check out my Instagram story highlights from my trip.

We booked our Norwegian Mediterranean Cruise with Air Canada Vacations as they offer so many advantages.  Air Canada Vacations guarantees the lowest airfare, reliable travel, flexible payment options, and other great features.  

You can also book hotel nights before or after your cruise with Air Canada Vacations and tailor your vacation with hundreds of worldwide cruise itineraries.  We arrived in Barcelona a day before our cruise and stayed at the Hotel HCC Regente .

CLICK HERE: Read more about our stay at Hotel HCC Regente

Air Canada Vacations Cruise Promise

  • Lowest Airfare or you fly free – If you find a flight with Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge at a lower price, we’ll pay for your flight!
  • Guaranteed return flight – If the ship is late, we’ll book you on the next available flight home.
  • Never miss your cruise – In the event that a delayed flight causes you to miss your cruise, you will be rebooked on the next available flight to catch up with it.
  • Flexible payment features – No deposit required for flights + All flights are 100% refundable up to 30 days prior to travel + One name change is permitted up to 30 days prior to travel

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

History Of NCL Epic

The Norwegian Epic was built in 2010 and was the 3rd-largest cruise ship in the world when it was built! With 4200 passengers and 1750 crew, it’s also the equivalent of a 16-story high building and has its own towering water slides on the top deck! The ship was refurbished in 2015.

We thought a cruise ship on the Western Mediterranean would leave us claustrophobic, with nowhere to go. This could not be further from the truth.  There is so much to see and do on the ship that you may not even get a chance to see everything!

Checking in with Norwegian Epic

We arrived at the Barcelona cruise port to check-in for our cruise. Check-in on the NCL Epic is similar to an airline check-in apart from getting your photo taken. We were issued a room key card which was also used for all purchases on board the cruise ship and was our ID card.  

We had a misconception that it would take hours to check-in on a cruise ship.  There were lineups but they moved quickly.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Norwegian Epic Rooms

When booking a room on your Norwegian Epic cruise of course you have many choices.  I always pictured cruise staterooms to be extremely small. We were lucky to stay in a mid-ship balcony stateroom that features floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony.  

This room can accommodate up to three people with two lower beds that convert into a queen-sized bed, and a sitting area that converts to additional bedding to accommodate one more passenger. We were so surprised how spacious our room was.

It had a closet and several compartments for storage. Our room had a unique bathroom layout where every area is separate, including the shower and vanity sink.  It’s a great layout, as my husband and I didn’t have to battle it out in the bathroom for space.

Our room was also equipped with a small coffee maker, great for that quick cup of java when you first wake up and a mini-bar fridge. (Careful, the items in the mini-bar fridge are usually not included in your cruise rate and are usually an additional charge).  

No need to pack the basics as the shower is equipped with a wall dispenser with body wash and moisturizing shampoo as well as a hairdryer, leaving more space in your luggage for souvenirs.  We were located on deck 14 mid-ship, the perfect location as we were one floor below the Garden Cafe.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

If you are looking to add a bit of luxury on your cruise, you can always opt for the luxurious Haven Suites. They have penthouse suites with balconies, the deluxe owner’s Haven Suite with a separate bedroom, living room and dining room, or the two-bedroom family villa with balcony.  

If you book a Haven Suite you get to use the Concierge Lounge and private restaurant and bar as well as butler and concierge services……sweet!!

We were really surprised to hear that they offer studios for solo travelers as well as their own lounge.  This is great for solo travelers, no more single supplementary charges.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

NCL Epic Deck Plans

The Norwegian Epic has 19 decks…….pretty much the size of a building!  The rooms are located on decks 8 – 17. There was so much to explore on this ship and we definitely got our workout in everyday exploring.  It’s important to know what is located on each deck as you can decide how close you want your stateroom to be to all the action or how far away.  

Also, because there is so much to explore you don’t want to miss anything…….trust me, if you don’t know about it you probably won’t find it on your NLC Mediterranean cruise.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Norweigan Cruiseline Freestyle Dining

My husband and I always heard stories of friends who have been on other cruises and they had set times for dinner every night in the same restaurant.  We did not like the idea of a set time to eat dinner. We wanted to have the option to eat when and where we wanted.

Norwegian Cruise lines offer freestyle dining.  There are no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating giving us the freedom on our vacation to try different places to eat on board and experience all of the dining options.

Norwegian Epic Restaurants

The food! We really had no idea what we were missing.  We always thought that cruise ship dining was all about the long lineups and mediocre food.  NCL is known for amazing dining and has over 20 different dining options on board but we had no idea that NCL Epic would be a foodie heaven.  

All the restaurants were amazing, yes even the buffet!  The cruise fare includes two main dining rooms where you can order from a menu (they change nightly), a self-serve buffet that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a variety of casual cafes, grills and on-the-go choices.

In addition to all of the complimentary dining options available, Norwegian Epic also offers dining at specialty restaurants. For a cover charge, you can experience a world of different cuisines and atmosphere – from the finest French Bistro at sea to casual authentic Italian dishes served in a Trattoria-style setting to the first at sea Brazilian Churrasqueira.

We tried to enjoy as many of the restaurants as possible.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Garden Café Deck 15

The Garden Cafe is a buffet restaurant, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with wonderful views.  They have different themes every night so you are never eating the same meal again unless you want to. We loved the freshly prepared made-to-order omelets in the morning.

Great Outdoors Deck 15

The Great Outdoors is located just outside of the Garden Cafe but located outdoors to enjoy the fresh ocean air and a view of the Aqua Park This is a buffet that is open during breakfast, lunch or dinner.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Taste Deck 5

One of the twin inclusive al-a-carte restaurants we dined at was Taste restaurant that serves contemporary cuisine, with menus changing daily. This was a great restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

The Manhattan Room  Deck 6

We enjoyed dinner at another inclusive restaurant, the Manhattan Room.  The ambiance is like we were in a private New York City supper club with panoramic ocean views from the two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows. There was also nightly entertainment.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

O’Sheehans Deck 6

O’Sheehans is open 24 hours a day!  They have some great Irish pub classics as well as popular draft beers.  We enjoyed some of the popular comfort food menu items such as Prime Rib and All-You-Can-Eat Ribs.  You can also enjoy a game of pool, or relax while taking in a sports game.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

La Cucina Deck 14

At La Cucina, we enjoyed fine Italian dining with spectacular ocean views.  They offered some great Italian classics such as pasta carbonara and lobster fettuccine.   This was one of the specialty dining à la carte restaurants with a cover charge.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

We were looking forward to a steak dinner at the popular Cagney’s Steak House.  This restaurant has a selection of premium choice cuts of Angus beef perfectly prepared and we also wanted to try their famous Parmesan truffle fries.  This was definitely one of our favorite restaurants on the ship.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Moderno Churrascaria Deck 7

We loved the unique experience at the authentic Brazilian steakhouse.  We started with the large impressive salad bar. Honestly, I was pretty full after the salad bar so I would highly recommend pacing yourself, as you need to save room for the skewers of slow-roasted meats carved tableside by the Pasadores and of course the side dishes.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Atrium Café & Bar Deck 5

The Atrium was our go-to for pre-dinner cocktails and people watching.  It is a grand space that offers three-deck vertical views and a two-story tv screen.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Norwegian Epic Award-Winning Entertainment

Norwegian Cruise lines are known for their award-winning entertainment.  We were expecting the usual cheesy entertainment you would get while staying at an all-inclusive resort – but boy, were we wrong!  You can’t miss the entertainment, it will blow you away.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical (Complimentary)

This international hit sensation is based on the smash-hit movie. PRISCILLA is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they could have ever dreamed of.

With a dazzling array of outrageous Tony and Oscar Award-winning costumes and a hit parade of dance-floor favorites.

Burn the Floor (Complimentary)

Burn the Floor sizzles onboard Norwegian Epic! An international championship cast shows off their best ballroom dance moves with plenty of European flair. From Grand Viennese waltzes to the sensual Tango and provocative Rumba, experience all their passion as they heat up the stage.  

The dancers were so amazing and really make this one of the best Norwegian Epic activities.

Cirque Dreams Epicurean (additional fee)

We did not see the Cirque Dreams Epicurean show and now I’m kicking myself.  I have heard so many wonderful things about it and will definitely opt to see this show next time.  This dinner theater takes places in the SpiegelTent, a custom-designed venue that resembles a circus tent.

A three-course dinner is served prior to the main show. The NCL website describes the show as “An Avant-garde world of awe-inspiring feats and colorful eccentricities awaits your discovery in this captivating show.”

Norwegian Epic Activities

We thought a full day at sea meant we were going to be so bored… what can we possibly do?  Boy, was I wrong.

Norwegian Epic has enough onboard activities to fill every minute of your cruise. The best thing is that you can do as little or as much as you want.  Every night at turndown service, a newsletter is delivered to the room with a timetable of activities for the next day……for every hour of the day!! There is an Aqua Park with a 200-foot slide, the only bowl slide at sea.

There is also Spice H20, an adults-only beach club at the back of the ship. If you are really looking for some pampering then you can even book a session at the Mandara Spa.  There really is something for everyone.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Suit up and splash down at the first ever Aqua Park. There are two pools, five hot tubs, a kid’s pool, three multi-story water slides including the 200-foot Epic Plunge.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Bliss Ultra Lounge – Bowling Alley

During the day, all ages are welcome to bowl. At night, guests 18 and older enjoy funky lighting that illuminates the neon-colored bowling balls and decor to create an atmosphere that is full of energy.

Pulse Fitness Centre

Enjoy working out on vacation? Visit the Pulse fitness center with great workout equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, and free weights or even yoga, pilates and spinning.  We walked through and couldn’t believe how many people were in the fitness center…….love the dedication.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

The Epic Casino

Try your luck at the largest, elegant, full-action casino that offers high-roller ambiance. They offer poker, blackjack, roulette, craps and hundreds of slot machines.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Sports Complex

The Sports Complex has two decks to play on with a full-sized basketball court, rock climbing wall, the first-ever rappelling wall at sea and a 24-foot enclosed climbing cage.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Soak up the sun by day around the pool and enjoy the outdoor buffet at the adults-only Ibiza-inspired beach club at the back of the ship. The entertainment is non-stop, as the pool floor rises to become a dance floor at night.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary

Let’s not forget about the Norwegian Epic itinerary! Where else can you enjoy 6 dream destinations in one week without having to pack and unpack? It was refreshing to visit a new destination every morning, without having to pack up all of our belongings!

It was wonderful to leave and explore for the day and be able to return to the ship and relax in our state-room. The Norwegian Epic itinerary had all the stops we were looking for on a Western Mediterranean cruise that included some dream destinations. This is the ultimate Norwegian Epic Mediterranean cruise itinerary to see some of the top destinations in Europe.

Norwegian Epic Ports:

  • Civitavecchia (Rome)
  • Livorno (Tuscany)
  • Palma de Mallorca

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Day One: Barcelona, Spain

We embarked on the Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona. As soon as we got on board we set off exploring the cruise ship.  If you are starting or ending your cruise in Barcelona, make sure to check out the top sightseeing tours in Barcelona or our list of best day trips from Barcelona .

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Day Two: At Sea

Catching sunlight and lazing on the NCL deck is one of the most fun things to do during this cruise!

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Day Three: Naples, Italy

On day three, we docked in Naples and took a shore excursion out to Sorrento and Positano . It has always been a dream to visit this stunning coast – and it was beautiful! I would highly recommend stopping in Positano on your day trip as this is probably one of the best Amalfi towns to visit.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Day Four: Civitavecchia, Italy

Day four, we docked in Rome.  We took a guided excursion in Roma visiting landmarks, having lunch and trying the famous cacio e pepe pasta and touring the Coliseum. Although you may be limited on time, here are some great places to eat while in Rome.

(You might also like this 4 day Rome itinerary if you have a chance to stay longer.)

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Day Five: Livorno, Italy

From Livorno we traveled through the very scenic Tuscany region for our tour to our dream destination Cinque Terre (five villages). Our first stop to Vernazza was so colorful and cozy. Then to Riomaggiore which was so spectacular and so memorable. The Cinque Terre beaches are so beautiful. This is definitely a dream destination. 

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Day Six: Cannes, France

We strolled through the playground of the rich and famous, Cannes then onto a short train ride to visit one of our favorite cities in Europe, Monte Carlo. This city is incredibly scenic and easy to get around, with one city bus circling the entire center core.

Check out our luxury getaway to the   Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Day Seven: Palma de Mallorca, Spain

One short bus ride from this port and we were walking to the historic old town. This city, more than any other port of call on our 7 day Mediterranean cruise, was such a pleasant surprise because we didn’t know much about it.

As the name implies, the entire area is gifted with majestic palm trees and the most charming narrow streets lined with amazing cafes, restaurants, and shops. It is also one of the best destinations for winter sun in Europe .

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Day Eight: Barcelona

Finally, we got off at the Norwegian Epic Barcelona dock. I can’t believe we waited this long to experience our first-time cruise. It really is a wonderful way to travel and see so many different destinations as well as enjoying all the wonderful amenities available on the ship. This is one of our favorite Norweigan cruises !

Some of these amenities you won’t even be able to find at a resort, making this a truly epic cruise. The gourmet dining really was a highlight for us.  It didn’t matter where you dined, the food was amazing and the service outstanding!

Throughout our cruise, we were so surprised at the level of service from all the staff.  Everyone was so friendly and always smiling. We are most definitely cruising with Norwegian Cruise lines again and can’t wait to bring our daughters with us.  

Booking The Norwegian Epic Cruise

Norwegian Cruise has some great deals available, depending on when you book.

The best time to go on the Norwegian Epic cruise is between April to June, and September to October. This is when the weather is best and the sun is out! Traveling during winter will still be fun, as there are plenty of indoor activities to see, both on the boat and at each docking point, but nothing beats some vitamin D.

Remember to have your ID with you for booking in, and don’t miss the departure time!

Call 1 866 529-2079 or your local travel professional and one of Air Canada Vacations specialized cruise agents can help answer all your questions and help choose the right cruise package for you.

A Norwegian Western Mediterranean cruise is well worth it!

Final Thoughts On Our Norwegian Mediterranean Cruise

The Norwegian Epic Mediterranean cruise was such a memorable getaway that we will always remember and recommend highly to friends and family.  A big thank you to Air Canada Vacations and the Norwegian Cruise Lines for a memorable trip and the best Mediterranean cruise we’ve experienced so far.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Krisilee Murphy

Monday 20th of January 2020

I have been reading so many blogs to prepare for our upcoming trip on the NCL Epic and this is hands down the most informative. Great blog with a complete look at the trip. Thank you for all of the tips!

dianashealthyliving

Sunday 26th of January 2020

Thank you so much. Are you planning a NCL cruise?

Tuesday 10th of September 2019

Very detailed post and very informative! The Norwegian cruise line is definitely one of the best and needs to be talked about more.

Monday 16th of September 2019

We love cruising with NCL

Carmine Morena

Thursday 31st of January 2019

Been on 11 cruises with Norwegian...but have the memories of being on the Epic to be nothing but epic!!!!!! IF I HAD NEVER GOTTEN OFF THE SHIP, I WOULD STILL BE CONTENT!!!!! Combination of the live shows, Pricilla Queen performance ( ultimate by far) and people that l had met will last a lifetime!! Enjoyed it so much that when l returned home l booked it again 6 months later for a transatlantic crossing!!!!! And can you believe l went solo each time!!! Definitely going to do it again

Friday 1st of February 2019

Wow how amazing!! we loved it so much.....we went on another cruise a month later. We are looking to book another cruise with Norwegian. We had such a wonderful experience.

Tuesday 1st of January 2019

Thanks for sharing!! Looks like an amazing trip! Any chance if you know what time they closed the slides? This is such a busy itinerary....and we have 2 teen boys. Was hoping that the slides would still be open for when we return from ports at 6 and 7. Any idea?? Thanks!

Saturday 5th of January 2019

It was a busy itinerary but so much to see. I believe the slides are open 10am - 6pm

Monday 26th of November 2018

Wonderful article! I was wondering though as I have a Mediterranean cruise booked with Norwegian for summer and don’t see any excursions exclusively for positano and Sorrento - do you know the exact name of the excursion you booked?

Friday 30th of November 2018

I will find it for you

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6 Mediterranean cruise delights you need to see with Norwegian Viva

Villefranche sur mer village near Nice in France

--> BY Andrea Black

Last updated . 30 November 2023

Visit a new destination every day in the Med on the new upscale Norwegian Viva. With late stays and an array of shore excursions, you can truly immerse yourself in your European holiday.

Imagine waking up each day on a Mediterranean cruise in supreme comfort aboard a new upscale cruise ship, while outside, a glorious new view  greets you.

Norwegian Cruise Line  has recently announced their 2024 Mediterranean sailings  aboard Norwegian Viva , the second ship in the ground-breaking Prima Class. Just like Norwegian Prima , the new vessel will provide guests with elevated experiences  including more wide-open spaces, incredible design  and exceptional service .

the rush slide at Norwegian Viva

Be the first to try Norwegian Viva’s newest slides.

Adding to this, NCL offers  Freestyle Cruising  giving you the freedom and flexibility to cruise the way you want to  with no fixed dining times, set dining tables or formal dress codes, which is just the way many of us prefer to sail.

the main dining at Hudson's Norwegian Viva

Take in stunning sights at the dining hall of Norwegian Viva Hudson.

Tick off these incredible destinations on a Mediterranean itinerary.

1. Split, Croatia

A Mediterranean city with preserved architectural gems, a vibrant arts scene and a cafe-lined promenade, Split  is just one of the highlights of NCL’s nine-day Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos and Croatia  itinerary.

an aerial view of Split Croatia

Split features a mix of modern and ancient history in Croatia. (Image: Spencer Davis)

Choose to spend the day exploring two filming locations for Game of Thrones where pivotal scenes were shot depicting the Meereen slave rebellion and the dungeon that held fire-breathing dragons, or perhaps choose to visit three of Croatia’s  finest UNESCO World Heritage sites: St. Jacob’s Cathedral in the village of Sibenik, the medieval town of Trogir and finally, the Palace of Diocletian.

the infinity beach on Norwegian Viva

Swim-up on Infinity Beach onboard Norwegian Viva during a Mediterranean cruise.

Another option is to take an immersive shore excursion to a small Croatian village and together with locals, cook a traditional dish affectionately known as Dalmatian pizza. After a day of adventure, step back onboard Norwegian Viva and watch the sunset while swimming up to the horizon on Infinity Beach. Bliss!

two people soaking in the infinity beach pool on Norwegian Viva

Take a dip in Infinity Beach.

2. Corfu, Greece

Another stop on NCL’s nine-day Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos and Croatia voyage aboard Norwegian Viva, Corfu offers the perfect Greek Isles  experience. Think azure waters, secluded coves, sandy beaches and beautiful hillside villages dotted with lemon and olive trees.

an aerial shot of the island in Corfu, Greece

Norwegian Viva will stop by Corfu off the northwest coast of Greece.

There are a number of ways to spend the day exploring on a Mediterranean cruise, whether it be by horseback on the northern coast, dropping into villages by mountain bike or on a bus tour to reach the most photographed spot of the Island to capture the famous Mouse Island and the church of Vlaherena. Alternatively, simply find a patch of white sand and spend the day relaxing by the sea, maybe ambling to the closest taverna for a beer when the mood hits.

a man jumping off the boat in Corfu, Greece

Jump off the boat in Corfu.

Your brand-new ship will be awaiting nearby, where you can continue the Greek  experience by sitting down for dinner at Palomar, NCL’s first-ever Mediterranean seafood restaurant.

the elegant dining interior of Palomar at Norwegian Viva

Sit down for dinner at Palomar.

3. Istanbul, Türkiye

A mesmerising destination bridging Europe  and Asia , Istanbul  has a history as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. This is truly a city full of magnificent monuments where diverse cultures mingle.

vibrant lamps inside the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

Colourful Turkish lamps hang inside the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

On such tempting itineraries as the 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, France and Greece  sailing, and the nine-day Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos and Croatia voyage, cruisers can spend the day taking in all that this historic city offers.

the blue mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

Be mesmerised by the blue mosque in Istanbul.

Absorb the sights, food, colours and sounds on an NCL shore excursion taking in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market or choose to take the On the Steps of Ottoman Sultans excursion where you can explore three vastly different landmarks, the Blue Mosque, the German Fountain and Obelisk in the Byzantine Hippodrome and Hagia Sophia. You’ll come away with a broad understanding of Istanbul’s rich history and culture.

a huge mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is home to one of the largest mosques in Türkiye.

4. Nice, France

A cruise to Nice/Monaco (Villefranche) offers the chance to experience the glorious French Riviera . Stroll along the Old Harbour for majestic views of the Med, wander to Saint Michael’s Church which houses many incredible artworks or trek up to Fort Du Mont Alban, a 16th-Century structure overlooking the city.

Villefranche sur mer village near Nice in France

Experience the glorious French Riviera with Norwegian Viva.

Take in the highlights of Nice as well as wine tasting on a shore excursion which takes in the boulevards of Old Town followed by the chance to savour a selection of French wines and canapés in a traditional wine cellar.

Farther afield, choose to explore the medieval village of Eze or discover the beauty of hilltop Saint Paul de Vence, where medieval walls enclose a village of architectural gems and quaint cafes and shops.

Overlooking the beach, promenade and boardwalk in Nice, France

Taking in the sights of Nice is a must.

Nice/Monaco (Villefranche) is a port stop on such Mediterranean Norwegian Viva itineraries as the 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, France and Greece voyage and the 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, France, Spain and Gibraltar  sailing.

a vibrant dining interior at The Local Bar, Infinity Beach, Norwegian Viva

The Local Bar onboard serves frozen cocktails and culinary delights.

5. Barcelona, Spain

The capital of Catalonia has it all : colourful Gaudí architecture, a vibrant food and wine scene, museums and galleries dedicated to great artists, and beaches. There’s so much to explore, whether it’s touring Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia, or treating yourself to Patatas Bravas or simply rambling down La Rambla.

a famous attraction in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is known for its art and architecture.

Consider booking into one of NCL’s Mediterranean cruise special Gourmet Tour shore excursions which takes in Montrubi Winery in an extraordinary dining experience paired with organic wines at a family-owned winery. Or try the Seasonal Gastrocultural Experience where you can wander through a historic food market, join a Mediterranean cuisine workshop and savour local dishes with organic wine pairings. Barcelona is a stop on the 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, France, Spain and Gibraltar sailing, and with a late departure at 7pm, it means you can linger at one of the many galleries or tapas bars before reboarding.

an outdoor dining setup at Los Lobos, Norwegian Viva

Pull up a chair onboard and sip margaritas at Los Lobos.

6. Florence (Livorno), Italy

Resplendent in art, history, glorious views and culinary delights, a visit to Tuscany in Italy  is a definite highlight.

a scenic landscape of Florence, Italy

Florence is notable for its Renaissance charm.

NCL can make the visit even more spectacular with an appreciation for the influence of Andrea Bocelli’s family at a private piano concert at their acclaimed Tuscan restaurant , followed by a tasting of Bocelli wines during lunch.

an elegant dining at Onda by Scarpetta, Norwegian Viva

Opt for Italian fine dining at Onda by Scarpetta onboard Norwegian Viva.

There’s also a superb Tuscan Organic Farming Experience on offer, where you can spend the day at a farm in Tuscany that produces a multitude of organic foods, many of which will be used as ingredients in your lunch. Or choose to take a gourmet tour of the Chianti Region and San Gimignano which includes a visit to a winery for a tasting.

a couple on the balcony in Florence, Italy

Spend a romantic day in Florence.

Continue the gourmet experience back onboard Norwegian Viva where the cuisine is as enticing as the destinations visited. The range of food and beverage offerings  from casual fare to fine dining, together with carefully crafted libations and an extensive wine list on all NCL ships is bound to impress. There are more dining options than sea days.

a dimly lit lounge and bar onboard Norwegian Viva

Pull up a chair for some booze at the observation lounge and bar.

Visit Livorno (Florence) on Norwegian Viva’s 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, France, Spain and Gibraltar sailing as well as the 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, France and Greece voyage.

people dining on the indulge outdoor lounge of Norwegian Viva

Dine with panoramic ocean views at the Indulge Outdoor Lounge.

Call 1300 255 200, visit ncl.com  or contact your travel agent to book.

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Cheap Mediterranean Norwegian (NCL) Cruises

  • Europe    
  • Norwegian Cruise Line

10 Night Cruise to the Mediterranean

  • You like your ships and entertainment options super-sized
  • You are traveling solo and want dedicated single cabins
  • You are looking to stay in Norwegian's Haven suite area
  • You want a standard oceanview room; there are none onboard
  • You like ships small and intimate, with quiet spaces galore

11 Night Cruise to the Mediterranean

  • You want a big, reasonably sized ship with lots of amenities
  • You like having fun diversions like an onboard bowling alley
  • You're traveling as a family and want fun options for all
  • You're looking for the biggest, newest cruise ships at sea
  • You want thrill-seeking options like ziplines and racing tracks
  • You are looking for a quiet, subdued onboard experience

10 Night Cruise to the Western Mediterranean

  • You want a cruise with tons of fun for the entire family
  • You like dining outdoors and chilling out by the pool
  • You want some of the best cruise entertainment options at sea
  • You dislike crowds or lines; you can find both on Norwegian Escape
  • You don't want to pay extra for the ship's coolest features
  • You're after a romantic couples cruise or a laid-back trip

9 Night Cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean

  • You want to sail on one of Norwegian's slightly smaller but more spacious next generation of ships
  • You seek the greatest selection of activities, bars, dining (al fresco included) and entertainment options
  • You like a refined social atmosphere with places to escape to like a traditional observation lounge
  • You prefer a smaller ship with fewer fellow passengers
  • You are turned off by The Haven exclusives separate from public amenities
  • You want even more included without the need to pay for extras

7 Night Cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean

  • You want a bevvy of dining, lounge and entertainment options
  • You love being outdoors; The Waterfront promenade is a winner
  • You like lavish suites and well-appointed cabin options
  • You don't want to pay extra for some of the ship's best features
  • You dislike crowds for shows and popular top-deck activities

4 Night Cruise to the Western Mediterranean

9 night cruise to the western mediterranean.

  • You want a big ship that's still manageable in size and scale
  • You like having plenty of choices, from dining to activities
  • You dislike dressing up and prefer to dine when you wish
  • You don't like additional-cost items; there are plenty here
  • You want the latest technological features and amenities
  • You want a quick, fun cruise with inclusive alcoholic beverages
  • You appreciate value-added inside and oceanview cabins
  • You like plenty of organized activities by day and night
  • You're looking for a cruise vacation lasting a week or more
  • You want the latest and greatest megaship experience at sea
  • You want luxury cabins and suites with lavish amenities

12 Night Cruise to the Mediterranean

10 night cruise to the eastern mediterranean, 12 night cruise to the western mediterranean, 7 night cruise to the mediterranean, explore mediterranean.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Mediterranean (Eastern)

Eastern Mediterranean cruises may visit ports in eastern Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro or Slovenia. Holy Land cruises usually combine Eastern Mediterranean cruise ports with Israel and Egypt.

Tour the multitude of ancient sites in Greece, from the Acropolis in Athens to the temples of Zeus and Hera in Olympia. Walk along the beautiful beaches in Mykonos and Corfu, explore the medieval town of Korcula in Croatia, and marvel at architectural wonders such as the Blue Mosque and the Chora Church in Istanbul.

  • The Eastern Mediterranean cruise season is from late April to October, although a few ships cruise this region year-round.  
  • Eastern Mediterranean cruises are typically 7 to 14 nights in length.  
  • Because you'll need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your cruise. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Norwegian Cruise Line

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line |

norwegian cruise in mediterranean

Find a Cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line

with a cruise advisor

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its fun, laid-back ambiance and inventive "freestyle cruising" concept, which features no enforced dress codes, no fixed dining times, and a plethora of onboard entertainment and family-friendly activities. Norwegian's 19-ship fleet sails all over the world, with itineraries lasting anywhere from three to 21 days. The cruise line is also planning to add longer sailings, fewer sea days and more days in port in the winter 2024 and 2025 seasons and in the summer of 2025. Norwegian’s destinations include Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and more.

During your voyage, you can catch live shows like "The Choir of Man," the award-winning musical “Six”  and “Beetlejuice: The Musical” on the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Viva.  Meanwhile, youngsters and teens can spend time at onboard aqua parks, race tracks, and kids clubs, and play virtual reality games at Galaxy Pavilion.

When it comes to dining, Norwegian's options are varied. The cruise line's Freestyle Dining program allows you to nosh in globally inspired eateries, such as a French-style bistro, a Brazilian Steakhouse and a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. You can also choose to have your meals at a traditional cruise buffet or dine in a formal dining room. Notably, the main dining rooms don't feature fixed dining times or assigned seating. Guests on board the new Prima class ships, Norwegian Prima and Viva, will also find Indulge Food Hall. The complimentary internationally inspired venue features dishes from India, Italy and Latin America along with comfort food like hearty Texas barbeque.

Norwegian Cruise Line's ships are large mass-market ships, carrying between 1,936 and 4,266 passengers, but they also offer an element of luxury, especially in The Haven, the line’s ship-within-a-ship concept. While Norwegian's vessels can feel crowded in certain venues, such as the main pool deck and at the buffet restaurant, they maintain a ratio of approximately one staff member per every two or three passengers – even when ships are filled at double occupancy.

U.S. News Insider Tip: For time away from the kids and the crowds, look for adults-only or mostly adult venues (these vary by ship) like Vibe Beach Club, Spice H2O, Infinity Beach (Prima class ships) and Mandara Spa. If you book accommodations in The Haven (the line’s ship-within-a-ship concept), the Haven Sundeck is reserved for guests 16 and older. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

Pros & Cons

No fixed dress codes

Wide variety of onboard restaurants, entertainment and activities

Some ships offer stateroom options designed for solo travelers

Long lines may occur at dining venues and venues for evening entertainment

Some onboard activities are not included in cruise rates

Meals at specialty restaurants cost extra

  • Expert Rating » 3.9
  • Traveler Rating » 3.8
  • Health Rating » 4.6

Norwegian Cruise Line has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.

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  • Deposits for Norwegian cruises vary by cruise length and cabin category. Final payments for all cruises must be made 120 days prior to sailing.
  • Cancellation policies vary greatly by room type, cruise length and timing. All requests for refunds must be made in writing to Norwegian Cruise Line. For more information about cancellation policies, visit  ncl.com . 
  • Passengers with medical issues or special needs should notify Norwegian between 90 days (for those who need an interpreter) and 45 days prior to departure. Those with service dogs must notify the cruise line at least two weeks in advance. You can call 1-866-584-9756 or email [email protected] for more information.

Before You Board

  • You must provide all necessary travel documents depending on the itinerary, including a passport valid for six months after the completion of your cruise or a government-issued photo ID coupled with a birth certificate, an original certificate of naturalization or an original U.S. citizenship certificate if you are visiting non-U.S. ports of call. If your port of call requires a visa, it is your responsibility to secure it beforehand. It’s important to know that even on a close-looped cruise (a cruise sailing roundtrip from a U.S. port) if you had to depart unexpectedly from a foreign port, you would need to have a passport. Refer to NCL’s website to make sure you have the proper documentation before booking your cruise.
  • You must complete your online check-in at least three days prior to sailing to view and print your eDocs. The documents will no longer be available within 72 hours of your sailing. Vaccinations may be required for travel to certain international destinations. For updated information on required immunizations, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  and  World Health Organization . 
  • You should arrive no earlier than one hour before your scheduled embarkation time and should board the ship at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time (both times will be noted in your eDocs). You can complete your online check-in and reserve your port arrival time as early as 21 days prior to your sail date. Keep in mind that check-in must be completed prior to arriving at the terminal.
  • Norwegian allows cruisers to bring up to two pieces of luggage on board. Suitcases may not exceed 50 pounds each. Be sure to have luggage tags attached that are clearly marked with your name, address and contact information.
  • You can pre-request shore excursions up to six months in advance of your scheduled sail date on Norwegian Cruise Line's website or by calling 1-866-625-1167.
  • You can make reservations at specialty restaurants on Norwegian's website starting 90 days before you board.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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  • Norwegian Cruise Line

Mediterranean ship excursions review

littlelulu01

By littlelulu01 , January 21, 2020 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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littlelulu01

We did a two week med sailing in October/November of 2019 on the Jade.  Had a great time and met some wonderful new friends.  We usually book our shore excursions independently however this sailing had some extra perks and obc which made booking excursions through the cruise line too inexpensive to pass up.  We had done versions of this sailing a few times before so I’ll comment/compare independent excursions we have taken in the past to the NCL shore excursions.  Some were a bust but most had at least something worthwhile and some of NCL’s excursions were down right excellent.     

Here’s the itinerary:  Rome(Civitavecchia), Italy; Santorini, Greece; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Argostoli, Kefalonia, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy; Venice, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; Messina (Sicily), Italy; Naples, Italy; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.     All things equal, I would say independent excursions are generally a much better deal financially and they are often smaller groups, less waiting and just more pleasurable.  A side effect I noted on this sailing – there were a few sick passengers onboard at the beginning of the sailing.  Towards the end of the sailing the tour busses were chock full of coughing, ill passengers.  DIY would avoid this extra layer of exposure.  We got our flu shots a couple weeks prior to sailing and somehow avoided getting sick.  We used the stairs whenever possible to avoid sharing elevators with sick passengers.  We also never visited the buffet. We had great weather starting out the vacation.  Up till the last couple days the weather held out.      When  we booked this sailing almost two years in advance it had some really good perks.  At the time they were offering the “distinctive voyage perk” which is extra shore excursion credits on top of the free at sea perks, ship to shore phone call package and additional internet packages along with a discount on airfare and hotel.  We were gone almost a month and are not retired so husband took full advantage of the ship to shore phone call package to get some work done.  We also upgraded for not much to the unlimited internet.  Husband was able to get some work done in the evenings while at sea.  We passed on the air and hotel credits.  We opted to stay closer to the action in Rome.  NCL also offered us a good chunk of extra obc for booking a suite so I justified a Haven suite on this sailing by using the shore excursions with the ship.  Most excursions were truly free or near free after factoring the lattitude discount and double excursion credits. We had a lot ports on the sailing so it was a great savings using NCL’s excursions.  We also had the luxury of the concierge getting us to the busses.. so we didn’t need to wait in the theater prior to excursions.  Omission of this layer of herding might have made the ship excursions a little more palatable?     For airfare I booked almost a year in advance to get the British Airways Avios (Mileage) flights from Seattle to Heathrow and then Heathrow to Rome.  I was able to snag what appear to be two of only two first class mileage seats for our flights.  We took a stopover on the return in London.  British Airways charges a hefty fee on their award flights through LHR but the first class security, concord room, massage before flight… is pretty slick at Heathrow. if only I could afford this type of travel regularly!   We also used miles for our hotel stay.  We ended up at the Argentina Residence near the Pantheon.  It was a fantastic stay.  Pretty much walking distance to everything.  Clean, a nice quiet room, comfortable bed, great staff and really good breakfast.  The hotel set up pickup at the airport and also a ride to the ship on embarkation day.  50 euro for someone waiting at the airport with a sign was money well spent.  On embarkation day they pulled into the courtyard at the hotel and took us right to the ship for 130 euro.  After the cruise we set up a transfer from port to airport with Romecabs and split the fee with a couple on our roll call.  I think it was 75 euro per couple for door to door service.

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There was a grocery store right around the corner from our hotel with yummy stuff and great restaurants everywhere.  I’m crazy about Italian food.  I also love how nice the romans are to tourists.  We had a fantastic time there with each meal better than the last. 

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We did a lot of typical touristy Rome things while in Rome.  Top of the list was the Scavi Tour of the Vatican.  I highly recommend this tour underneath St Peter’s Basilica.  I booked this about a year out.  The other couple I had booked this tour with had to cancel at the last min but we picked up a last min replacement couple on our cc roll call to take the extra tickets.  We otherwise spent our days pre cruise adjusting to the time difference, trying some fantastic foods in the Trastevere area of Rome and also near our hotel and just having fun.  I felt very safe and comfortable walking around at night and early morning.  We also rented bikes at Bobli gardens one day and enjoyed the park and neighborhood around the gardens.  Future visits I would be equally happy staying at a hotel in Trastevere or Ludovisi Rome neighborhoods.  Both neighborhoods had a welcoming fun vibe. 

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By the time we embarked on the ship the jet lag was gone and we were able to take full advantage of the ship and tighter schedule of touring.  I know many would prefer not to spend the extra $ on a Haven for these port intensive sailings but husband and I really enjoy the quiet and typically empty area of the Haven to return to after long days.  For the prices ncl charges we could do just about any land or sea vacation.  I think ncl knows they are pushing the limits on what they charge for their Haven on some of these Europe sailings so in return they try to deliver a product worth the cost.  I enjoy the specialty venues over the inclusive venues so I purchased an additional specialty package to supplement the FAS  perk and latitudes free diners. We had two meals outside specialty.  One was in Jasmine which was pretty bad and one was in the MDR which was pretty good.  We had one bad specialty meal in La Cucina.  We returned a subsequent night and it was probably the best meal and service we have had at sea to date so go figure.  Our meals in the other specialty venues varied from outstanding to good enough to stay in business as a standalone land based venue. All in all we found food and dining service to be better than years past.  Very appreciative for the return of lobster and jumbo shrimp along with higher quality cuts of meats to the menu.  

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I am reliving our cruise with your review!!

Just now, TSUmom said: I am reliving our cruise with your review!!

Wasn’t this just a fantastic vacation! It was so much fun planning the vacation and meeting you guys. Was the best roll call.  Figures the one time ship excursions made sense was the one time with the independent planners extraordinaire.    

A few more pictures of the Haven area.  We really did enjoy coming back to this after long days.  There was rarely anyone around.  The courtyard butler Renaldo was awesome.  He was happy to serve breakfast or drinks... did a great set up for snacks and grab and go breakfast items.  He also set up the upper deck every day even though it did not seem to get much use. Tepenaki was fun but it’s probably a little too loud for me.  It’s hard for me to enjoy casual conversation with table mates with all the noise. Moderno has an incredible salad bar this time around.  Wasn’t crazy with the sides and the meats but the salad bar was fantastic. 

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We did pretty much zero ship shows.  In fact I can’t even tell u who the cruise director was.  I’d usually run into friends when walking past a bar and ended up dining with a few couples we met onboard or with the roll call but with one sea day at the start of the cruise, going to a theater show wasn’t in the cards for us.  Shore excursion staff were really good.  They had been on all excursions and were great at suggesting or getting us on a waiting list... 

I am not a fan of the new “just water.” The taste was really off to me.  I REALLY wish they’d come out with a premium plus non alcoholic beverage package for those who don’t drink alcohol. 

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So onto the ports – Santorini.  We booked Ancient Akrotiri and wine tasting.  We tendered to the alternative port where the ncl sponsored tour busses load.  Our tour guide was outstanding.  Filled us with fun and educational facts along the way to the winery.  We don’t drink alcohol but appreciated the venue for the peaceful setting and beautiful views.  Then onto Akrotiri for the tour which our guide made come alive.  He then dropped us off in the center of Thira.  Having been a few times before we wandered around a little and then made our way back down to the ship with the provided cable car tickets.  This day had an easy factor of super easy.  No thinking about what when and where.  Just enjoyed being taken around and educated.  In years past we have done Oia diy and via the ship and also booked Alex boat tours full day excursion on our own.  Of all these “Alex boat tour” was more fun but the Akrotiri tour was more educational.  I wouldn’t hesitate to book Alex boat tours again but it was a lot more $ than the ship excursion.  Being one of the last sailings of the season, Santorini had great weather and much lower crowds than in the past.  For a shoulder season visit to Santorini I would also venture a DIY to Oia but not when multiple ships in port and major crowding. 

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Some finds from the archeological site like this goat are in Thira.  Other good stuff like the boxer mural we saw later in the archeological museum in Athens.   

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Athens – We booked the Amazing Athens HOHO bus through the ship.   We had been to Athens a few times before but had yet to visit the Archeological museum. I actually enjoyed the at our own pace touring and taking in the sights and neighborhoods of the city.  The HOHO busses loaded right in port and we were off pretty quickly.   The Archeological museum is probably one of the best museums I have seen to date.  Lots of murals and finds from Akrotiri  and subsequent sights seen on this sailing are housed here.  If you visit don’t forget to hunt down and see the Antikythera mechanism housed here. It’s a computer that dates from the first century B.C.  I had done quite a bit of reading prior to our visit so we skipped a tour guide.  I could have spent days inside this museum.  Had this option cost us $, I would have opted just to take a taxi to sights but since it was no cost with all our credits it was not a bad way to spend the day. 

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Mykonos – We booked Delos.  I warmed up to our tour guide as the tour progressed.  The ferry ride over was a little rough but not too bad.  I found it simply amazing that their cisterns from 3rd century BCE still hold water.  Also found it fascinating how they kept peace and control for so long.  From an educational standpoint a 5 star day.  Upon return to Mykonos the town was celebrating Oxi day and getting ready for their parade. I found it strange that we were walking along paths with pottery just sticking out of the ground. 

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Argostoli.  Well the good luck with excursions kind of took a turn here.  I didn’t see anything really jump out at me. In hindsight I should have booked the tour to the caves but we did the Robola winery and St Andres Monastery.  The Monastery was pretty and we purchased some good Kefalonian honey at the winery.  We did not partake in the wine tasting but those that did said it was not the best wine.  In addition we stopped in a little town where a dog came out to greet us and some lady had ducks squawking.  It was a pretty comical stop.  Our guide showed us a restaurant that used to be open but the owner got sick so it closed a couple years ago.  I would think this was a stop to at least offer a bathroom break or chance to purchase some souvenirs but no such luck.  To top it off we somehow lost a passenger at this stop.  It was a pretty island and very lush.  I would not mind returning someday but would probably avoid the St. Andres Monastery and Robla Winery shore excursion.   For free I can’t complain.  

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Dubrovnik – we had also visited here a few times in the past.  Diy is very easy.  I only booked a tour because it was free. We booked the GOT tour.  Got a little spin on the filming of GOT and some actual history thrown in.  We really enjoyed this tour but having walked the walls on our own in the past and also visited the town without a tour, I would say this tour was fun but definitely not necessary.  We somehow got separated from our tour guide at some point in the tour.  We found him sometime later and gave him our headsets.  Purchased some good chocolate and took the bus back to the ship.  Basically if you have a sticker on your shirt just hop on a bus going back to the ship. Just don’t hop on the wrong ship shuttle.  The walls have a lot of stairs.  I would not say I am in the best of shape but also not the worst of shape.  I was able to do the stair climb but in the heat of summer it would be a little challenging.

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Venice – we overnighted here on Halloween.  NCL had candy set out, pumpkins carved and it was cute to see groups of passengers dressing up a little here and there.  We booked the Venice hoho with Leonardo Da Vinci Museum.  Not recommended even for free.  We did not have a terrible time but there are  much better ways to see Venice.  I had read reviews of this excursion prior to sailing so my expectations were tempered.  We took the boat to Murano, got off, walked around the island and had lunch and then took the boat back to the port.  I had planned to get off at St. Marks Square on the return but it started raining pretty hard so we went back to the ship.  It served a purpose for free so I couldn’t complain.  Had I actually spent $49 pp on this it would have been a waste of $49 pp.  We have also spent time in Venice in the past so had no burning desire to see all there was to see here.  The next day we took the people mover and then got lost wandering around Venice, the Jewish ghetto, did some shopping, had a great lunch somewhere and then found our way back to the ship.  The sail away was fantastic that evening.  It was a national holiday in Italy on November 1stand they had lots of celebrating going on. 

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More of Venice and Halloween on the ship.    

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Kotor – The sail in is as fantastic as they say.  Our first visit.  We did the Tuk Tuk tour.  Highly recommended!  Our guide was a local and was great.  We had fun exploring the island and after the tour  he volunteered to take us to the walled city.  Extremely charming city and all around great tour guide.  Our first visit but I hope not our last.  Long tender ride here.  The princess ship we were tagging along with was anchored much closer to town.  It was a much smaller ship so that may have been why they got such a close in anchor spot. I did hear a little rumbling about wait for tenders.  We had zero wait each way.  Likely because we were on an excursion and also stayed in Kotor till well after dark. 

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Corfu – Best of Corfu.  I would not recommend this tour.  Didn’t help that it was pouring rain this day but Cici’s palace has likely not had a dime of investment since the filming of the James Bond movie in the 80’s.  To top it off, this crumbling palace is jam packed with tour busses.  The lunch was in a cute town and the food was good.  After the lunch we got dropped off in Corfu town for a little while and then taken back to the ship.  Fun seeing the pretty island but would definitely pass on Cici’s palace in the future.  One can easily diy here.   

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Messina – We did the Godfather tour.  HIGHLY  recommend this tour and was happy we booked through the ship.  It was a great day.  Saw some beautiful mountain towns and also some newer seaside towns.  The winding hills and hairpin turns are a bit unnerving - it’s  a showdown coming down the mountain on a large bus with other busses trying to go up the mountains.  If you’re ok with your bus driver backing up the hills around hairpin turns with about an inch clearance then I’d say definitely go for this tour.  The jaw dropping beauty and that classic feel of Italy here.  Of course anything we ate this day was the best ever. 

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Naples – Herculaneum through the ship.  Again a fantastic day, fantastic tour guide.  Could not have asked for better with our tour guide.  He was engaging, and educated. He was a fantastic story teller and could not have done any better bringing the city to life.   After this tour ended we walked to a restaurant our Concierge recommended for Pizza.  I had read much about Gritty Naples but I did not concur with what I had read.  It felt safer and nicer there than many cities here in the USA.  We visited Naples on a Tuesday so the museum was closed. Some of the stuff here was in the Archeological museum in Athens. Our guide was on GMA and Samantha Brown.  

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And some pictures of Naples.   So much to see here!  I have to return. 

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Livorno.  I had booked the jeep marble quarry tour.  Shore excursions said they had not actually had this excursion fill enough to run all season but as luck would have we actually had enough to fill the excursion for the first time.  But then the rain hit and we got canceled at the last minute.  Having spent quite a bit of time in Florence and Pisa in the past, and that it was pouring rain, we took the bus into Livorno, got some supplies, and went back to the ship.  Transfer to the city from the ship was a few euro.  I’ve read complaints on this charge but in all reality the bus ride to the city of Livorno is quite a distance so the charge to me seems justified.

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For debarkation we had booked a 7 am 1 hour transfer to the airport. The concierge walked us off the ship and found our driver.  Our friends that we shared the transfer with were flying Luftunsa who was on strike.  They were dropped off at the wrong terminal due to the chaos of the strike but did make their 10:45 am flight.  We were flying British Airways to London.  We had plenty of time to spare.  British Airways has a nice lounge at the Rome airport where we had a nice breakfast and relaxed prior to our flight to London.  We enjoyed ending our trip with a stay in London and our flight home was uneventful.  We have flown business before but this was my first time in first on British Airways out of London.  The security for their first class, massage prior to flight, a nice relaxing meal in the Concord room is pretty dang nice.  Had business been available I would have gone with Business over first class to save on miles but the first class treatment was a real treat and made the end of vacation a breeze … all of which came to a jarring end with a most unpleasant welcome home from Seattle customs and immigration. I have never been in prison but I suspect prison guards might have better manners than Seattle Customs and Immigration staff/agents.     Anyways, I am happy to answer any questions.  We enjoyed our cruise.  Not all was perfect with this vacation - nothing ever is but the positives far outweighed the negatives and we really had a great time. 

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northernrose

Very informative report

Thanks

Also wanted to mention we did this trip with carryon only luggage.  No checked bags.  It was difficult packing for warm and cold weather but I managed.  Had to ditch dress up clothing.  It’s pretty freeing to vacation without big luggage. Ncl gave us free laundry for lattitude perk and we took full advantage.  Didn’t need the bag special days.  I think those were around  $20/bag.  Our Latitude Free laundry bags came back day after we turned in both times.  I can’t say it came back with a tide fresh scent or anything but it is the job and I can’t complain. 

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Join Viking and discover a region awash in culture and history. Civilization is said to have begun and evolved on these shores, whether as the birthplace of democracy or science or with the refinement of wine or art. From the sun-soaked shores of Spain and Sicily to the ancient past of Greece and Israel, Viking reveals millennia of history to you during our many journeys along these fabled waters. Here is a sample of what you can look forward to on a Mediterranean voyage:

  • Rome’s monumental Colosseum and Pantheon
  • Vatican City’s glorious St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Tuscany’s hilltop medieval towns
  • Classical Athens, birthplace of democracy
  • The architectural brilliance of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona
  • The fine flavors of Italy’s Chianti and Portugal’s port
  • Venice’s romantic, car-free lanes and alleys
  • The magnificently preserved walled city of Dubrovnik
  • Breathtaking beauty of the Greek Islands
  • The holy city of Jerusalem

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norwegian cruise in mediterranean

The 13 Best Solo Cruises for 2024 (No Supplement Fare)

W hether you're embarking on your first cruise alone or you've been on solo cruises before, single travelers will find more options than ever when it comes to cruising solo. Many cruise lines offer single staterooms with the same amenities as other cabins, at a price similar to what you'd pay with double occupancy fares. You'll also find special promotions where the single supplement fee is reduced or waived, making it more affordable to reserve a spacious stateroom or luxurious suite with even more amenities – including personalized butler service, an added perk of booking with many luxury lines .

If you're ready for a maritime adventure, an extended vacation or simply a quick getaway from home, these top cruise lines offer some of the best options for solo travelers on waterways around the world.

Lines with solo accommodations and waived fees

Norwegian cruise line.

Launched in 2010, Norwegian Epic was the first cruise ship in the industry to feature studio accommodations for solo travelers. Norwegian Cruise Line offers this category on nine of the 19 ships in its fleet, including the newest ship, Norwegian Viva. These cabins, at an average size of 100 square feet, are designed and priced with the solo traveler in mind. They have no single supplements – and studio rooms on board Norwegian Bliss even boast virtual windows.

Guests of the studios get access to the private Studio Lounge. In this exclusive space, you can socialize with other solo travelers and enjoy complimentary refreshments. There are also singles meetups throughout the voyage and plenty of fun-filled onboard activities to mingle with like-minded cruisers. Solo travelers can check out all the fun for singles on Norwegian Viva this winter on a cruise to the Caribbean , or in spring 2024 as the ship sets sail for the Mediterranean .

Book a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers interior and balcony solo cabins for single cruisers on its Meraviglia-class ships: the MSC Meraviglia, Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa and the newest vessel in the fleet, MSC Euribia. The second-newest ship, MSC World Europa, has 28 cabins – 10 Studio Interior and 18 Studio Ocean View staterooms – designed specifically for solo travelers. MSC World America, set to debut in 2025, will also feature the solo studio staterooms.

During voyages with MSC Cruises , single cruisers are invited to a complimentary, hosted cocktail party to mix and mingle with other solo travelers. The daily program is also an excellent source to discover additional activities, entertainment and opportunities to meet other cruisers. You'll have onboard special events like the themed 70s-inspired Flower Party and the White Party, where the ship is decked out in festive white decor and guests don their best white attire. In addition, there are various sports tournaments, or you can show off your culinary expertise during a MasterChef competition.

MSC's Caribbean and Bahamas cruises departing from Miami and New York City feature an overnight visit to Ocean Cay, the line's private island and marine reserve. While there, singles can participate in fun-filled evening activities like a Champagne Sunset Cruise or a glow paddleboarding excursion in the lagoon, then attend the lively Luna Libre Party and the lighthouse show.

Find an MSC Cruises itinerary on GoToSea.

Holland America Line

Three of Holland America Line's newest ships each offer 12 solo cabins to accommodate single travelers: the Pinnacle-class Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Konigsdam. These ocean view staterooms range in size from 127 to 172 square feet and feature the same amenities as the double occupancy cabins but with a double bed. The cruise line's Single Staterooms are priced for one person. If a guest chooses to book a different stateroom, single supplements for double occupancy cabins are as much as 100% over the standard fare, depending on the voyage and the cabin category.

Long committed to solo travelers, the line offers many activities where guests can meet other singles such as wine tastings, cocktail mixers, exercise classes, daily quizzes, sports challenges and more. If you're a solo traveler and a member of AARP, Holland America is now the exclusive cruise benefit provider to AARP's members. Solo cruisers will have access to an AARP member-only onboard credit that ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the itinerary and stateroom category.

For itineraries, Holland America's Alaska cruises and cruisetours are perfect for solo travelers, offering many opportunities to connect with fellow cruisers. Another favorite for singles is the line's fall voyages sailing from Boston to Québec City or Montreal.

Explore Holland America Line deals on GoToSea.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International features studio staterooms on select ships that range in size from 101 to 199 square feet. These solo accommodations include interior rooms, virtual balcony staterooms and a super studio ocean view stateroom with a balcony. The cabins do not carry the single supplement fee singles encounter when booking other types of staterooms, making them an attractive option when traveling alone.

Once on board the ship, solo cruisers will have countless options to engage and socialize with other travelers. When it comes to dining with Royal Caribbean , make a reservation at the Japanese restaurant Teppanyaki for an entertaining meal with new friends, or join fellow foodies for the intimate Chef's Table experience (the dining venues vary by ship). Singles can also participate in onboard activities like trivia contests, drink seminars, escape rooms, dance classes and pool parties.

If you need more thrills to stay busy and to meet people, Royal Caribbean's ships feature world-class shows and entertainment alongside adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions. If you're sailing in the Caribbean, there are plenty of opportunities to meet and chat with other passengers at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Luxury line Atlas Ocean Voyages offers single cruisers 183 square feet of beautifully appointed space in solo accommodations that come without single supplement fees. These ocean view staterooms feature a queen bed, a panoramic picture window, a private spa bathroom with a rain shower and body jets, a stocked minifridge replenished daily with personal favorites, and other luxurious amenities. Single guests can also book other stateroom or suite categories with single supplements starting at 50% of the double occupancy price.

The line's three intimate yacht-style cruise ships – World Navigator, World Traveller and the new World Voyager, whose inaugural season begins in Antarctica in November 2023 – are all-inclusive . Meals at all the dining venues, premium beverages and wines, gratuities, culturally immersive excursions, and more are included in the fare. With fewer than 200 guests on board, there's an atmosphere of conviviality on these ships – especially when exploring remote destinations with like-minded and adventurous travelers during expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises' new Edge-class ships offer some of the best options for solo cruisers. The line's two newest vessels, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent (set to debut in late 2023), each boast 32 single staterooms with an Infinite Veranda. In addition, Celebrity Apex has 24 solo cabins, and Celebrity Edge features 16 staterooms for individual guests. These one-person accommodations offer a minimum of 131 square feet of space and the same upscale amenities you'll find in other category staterooms on their ships. Solo guests can look for special promotions where the single supplement is waived on select Celebrity voyages throughout the year.

Once on board the vessel, check out the daily program for activities conducive to meeting others – like wine tastings, cocktail-making classes and more. You'll also enjoy thrilling top-notch entertainment around the ship in The Theatre, The Club and Eden. A few popular cruises for singles are the line's Caribbean and Mexico itineraries on Celebrity Beyond.

Book a Celebrity Cruise on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

The hip vibe on board the adults-only Virgin Voyages ships is ideal for solo cruisers looking to meet other travelers. Its superyacht-style ships – Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady – offer 40 interior cabins ranging in size from 105 to 177 square feet. There are also six Sea View staterooms with portholes boasting between 130 to 190 square feet of space. These Insider and Sea View cabins are designed and priced for single travelers, with amenities like high-tech mood lighting and roomy rain showers. The line also runs promotions where solo cruisers can book double occupancy staterooms without paying a single supplement.

Activities and festival-like entertainment around the ships foster fast friendships. Diners will enjoy the interactive experience at Gunbae, the lively Korean barbecue venue. The "grog walk" is a fun pub stroll where solo sailors can join fellow mates while sipping and snacking their way through all the signature bars. For even more fun, check out the evening shipwide events such as the themed Scarlet Party, which features live music and immersive experiences. The line also hosts meetups for singles throughout each voyage.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways' river and small-ship cruises traverse waterways around the world, including in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The company waives the single supplement on a selection of staterooms, including its Panorama Suites, on select European and Asia departures. The company recommends booking early as the specially priced cabins do sell out. Solo travelers make up about 10% of the passengers on this river cruise line .

Avalon's fleet of Suite Ships operates in Europe and Southeast Asia and features cabins with a minimum of 172 square feet. About 80% of the staterooms are Panorama Suites, which have 200 feet of living space, beds with a view and the river cruise industry's only open-air balcony. With Avalon excursions, solo cruisers have opportunities to meet like-minded guests during immersive tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, yoga or fitness classes, biking or hiking trips, and more. Single guests can choose to dine at tables for just two people or ones that can accommodate up to eight passengers.

Read: Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Next Cruise

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AmaWaterways

Two single occupancy staterooms are available on four of AmaWaterways' river cruise ships: AmaDolce, AmaDante, AmaLyra and AmaCello. These accommodations do not have single supplement fees. Solo cruisers can also book staterooms with a 20% single supplement on select sailings in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that this pricing does not apply to certain stateroom categories and suites.)

With the friendly, small-ship atmosphere, solo cruisers will find it comfortable to socialize with other passengers and the crew. Onboard activities and immersive excursions also create opportunities for fostering friendships, especially among like-minded travelers. Excellent options for solo cruises include themed sailings centered around music and wine or the magical Christmas markets itineraries along the Danube, Rhone and Rhine rivers.

Explore AmaWaterways deals on GoToSea.

Lines with discounted supplement fares

Azamara's special offers for solo travelers include reduced single supplements of 25% to 50% of the double occupancy rate on select sailings. The line's four midsized sister ships – carrying no more than 700 passengers – are mostly all-inclusive. Amenities included in the cruise fare include most meals; standard spirits, wines and beers; bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty teas and coffees; shuttle service in port; gratuities; and complimentary AzAmazing Evenings ashore or Destination Celebration experiences on the ship. Dining at the two specialty restaurants is an additional cost unless guests have accommodations in the Club World Owner's Suites, Club Ocean Suite or Club Continent Suite.

Single guests on Azamara cruises will find events during the sailing and venues around the ship where you can mix and mingle with other solo travelers and chat with the friendly crew. Intimate and culturally immersive excursions also create opportunities to meet passengers with similar interests. Azamara Onward, the latest ship, boasts the new Atlas Bar, a great spot to meet other travelers.

For itineraries, Azamara's signature "Country-Intensive Voyages" are a favorite of solo cruisers, including the 10- or 11-night Greece Intensive Voyage. For an extended sailing, check out the festive 12-night Carnival in Rio Voyage, which features a stop in Rio de Janeiro during the city's famed Carnival.

Compare Azamara cruises on GoToSea.

Cunard Line

Cunard Line features dedicated solo staterooms on its three ships, priced at approximately 166% to 174% of the equivalent double occupancy cruise fare. Guests can choose between a spacious Britannia Inside or Britannia Oceanview cabin, or opt for a larger stateroom with a single supplement. For a little "me time" pampering while on board, solos will appreciate 24-hour room service, complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries and a chilled bottle of sparkling wine. Single guests will also be invited to get-togethers. You can either dine alone at venues around the ship such as the main dining room or choose to share a table with other passengers.

With an international mix of travelers, single cruisers will find many opportunities to meet and chat with others, especially during a Transatlantic Crossing. During the sailing, you'll find many enriching and relaxing activities that encourage socializing. According to Cunard , there's a sense of camaraderie and a passion around the voyage – and the unique travel experience of crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Find a Cunard Line cruise on GoToSea.

Silversea Cruises

Luxury line Silversea Cruises offers 25% single supplements on various voyages throughout the year, including expedition cruises to destinations like the Galápagos Islands , Antarctica and the Arctic, and Greenland. The line's all-inclusive fares include luxurious ocean view suites, gourmet dining, complimentary wines and spirits, gratuities, onboard enrichment and entertainment, shore excursions, and more. Solo travelers will even have personalized butler service to indulge their every whim.

The line's fleet of a dozen intimate ships, carrying no more than 728 guests, offers a clubby atmosphere perfect for meeting solo and like-minded travelers. Single guests will also have the opportunity to engage with other solo passengers during a welcome reception with Champagne at the beginning of each voyage. Popular itineraries for Silversea's single cruisers include its Transoceanic journeys, a bucket list trip for many cruisers .

Explore Silversea Cruises deals on GoToSea.

Seabourn has special offers throughout the year where solo cruisers can take advantage of reduced pricing equal to double occupancy fares or discounts on the single supplement starting at 25% above the double occupancy fares. These rates are available on select voyages, including expedition cruises. Frequent solo cruisers and members of the luxury line's Seabourn Club Diamond Elite will also find reduced single supplements on Diamond Elite Single Supplement Sailings. In addition, club members receive invitations to exclusive events, where they can meet and mingle with fellow cruisers. Solo passengers are also invited to sit with the ship's officers, crew and entertainers at dinner – and there are hosted get-togethers for single travelers.

Solo cruisers will enjoy beautifully designed oceanfront suites and all-inclusive amenities on board Seabourn 's intimate ships. These perks include world-class dining; complimentary premium wine and spirits; a spa and wellness program in partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil; included gratuities; and the line's enrichment series, Seabourn Conversations. Single cruisers looking for an extended holiday will enjoy longer voyages on the line's newest purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit.

Compare Seabourn cruises on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. She used extensive research and experience as a solo cruiser to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top Party Cruises
  • The Top Transatlantic Cruises
  • The Top 3-Day Cruise Itineraries
  • Solo Travel for Women: The Best Places and Tips
  • The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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Mediterranean Cruises

NORWEGIANS GIG THE CLASSICS.

MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES.

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MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

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Plan Your Mediterranean Cruise Holiday

Cruise to the Mediterranean with the flexibility and comfort that Norwegian provides. Offering a diverse array of cruise ports to visit throughout your journey, cruisers enjoy a Mediterranean holiday that offers the perfect balance of leisure and adventure. Choose from three departure ports in Barcelona or Rome to begin planning a European holiday you'll never forget aboard Europe's Leading Cruise Line.

Beautiful sunsets in Italy

Where Do Mediterranean Cruises Go?

Norwegian's Mediterranean cruises transport you from the ruins of ancient empires in Rome to trendy shops and restaurants in Santorini. Meander through quaint villages whilst stopping in the Naples, Italy port , stroll the cobble stone streets whilst taking-in the breathtaking scenery of the Split harbour when you cruise to Croatia , or sip the renowned wine of Tuscany's vineyards whilst at-bay in Venice. With only one day at sea, you will have plenty of time on port to immerse yourself in Mediterranean style living.

Things to Do on a Mediterranean Cruise

Enjoy a Mediterranean Cruise With a Ship Experience to Match

Experience a Mediterranean cruise that suits your timetable and fits your mood, and enjoy all the onboard entertainment and dining you could want. You're assured front-row seats to the most unforgettable views because no other cruise line in Europe offers more balconies. And no other cruise line even comes close to the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising® . So pack your bags and your sense of adventure.

Explore Our MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE PORTS

Experience a Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona

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Visit the Vatican as part of an excursion on your Norwegian Mediterranean Cruise

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COMMENTS

  1. Mediterranean Cruises

    Norwegian's itineraries have been designed to provide you the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean just the way you want to. Explore the highlights of this region in 7 days on one of our Western Mediterranean cruises. With fewer days at sea, you will get the most amount of time to explore some of the Mediterranean's best hits.

  2. 2024 Mediterranean Cruises: Sail to Spain, France & Italy

    RELATED CRUISES: 9-Day Mediterranean Cruise: Italy, France & Spain 10-Day Mediterranean Cruise: Italy, France & Greece 9-Day Greek Isles Cruise: Italy, Greece & Croatia. 4. Santorini. Santorini's awe-inspiring cliffs are a classic image of Greece, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture.

  3. Norwegian Mediterranean Cruise Reviews

    Norwegian Mediterranean Cruises: Read 4,869 Norwegian Mediterranean cruise reviews. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise.

  4. Norwegian Cruise Line Mediterranean Cruises

    Photo Gallery for Norwegian Cruise Line Mediterranean Cruises. View our photo gallery of Mediterranean cruising photos from Norwegian Cruise Line. Keep in mind, this is just a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Norwegian Cruise Line Mediterranean cruise vacation. Free Cruise Planning. 1.800.377.9383. QUICK. FREE.

  5. Norwegian Mediterranean Cruise Reviews

    1 - 10 of 1,361 Norwegian Mediterranean Cruise Reviews. Not perfect but better than the reviews suggest. Review for a Europe - Western Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Viva. ed111. 2-5 Cruises ...

  6. Norwegian (NCL) Cruises to the Mediterranean

    Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of May 26th, 2024. Looking for Norwegian (NCL) cruises to the Mediterranean? Find and plan your next Norwegian (NCL) cruise ...

  7. Norwegian Star Review [A 10 Day Mediterranean Cruise]

    This was also my first European cruise, so I was excited to check it all out. The Norwegian Star is a Dawn Class ship that holds about 2,300 passengers, making it a mid-sized ship among today's standards. It was built in 2001, but it got a makeover in 2018 so it doesn't feel like an almost 20-year-old ship.

  8. Norwegian Destinations: Mediterranean (All)

    Eastern Mediterranean cruises may include Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Bulgaria or the Ukraine. Holy Land cruises usually combine Eastern Mediterranean cruise ports with Israel and Egypt, while some Mediterranean cruises concentrate solely on the Greek Isles. The Mediterranean cruise season is from late April to October, although a few ships ...

  9. Best Mediterranean cruises in 2024 and 2025

    Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of Western Mediterranean cruises to key ports in Spain, Italy and France. The line's newest ship, Norwegian Viva, sails the Med in the spring, summer and fall of 2024 and 2025. Its nine- to 11-night cruises call on a variety of major ports.

  10. Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise

    The Norwegian Epic was built in 2010 and was the 3rd-largest cruise ship in the world when it was built! With 4200 passengers and 1750 crew, it's also the equivalent of a 16-story high building and has its own towering water slides on the top deck! The ship was refurbished in 2015.

  11. 6 Mediterranean Cruise Delights You Need With Norwegian Viva

    Visit Livorno (Florence) on Norwegian Viva's 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, France, Spain and Gibraltar sailing as well as the 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, France and Greece voyage. Dine with panoramic ocean views at the Indulge Outdoor Lounge. Call 1300 255 200, visit ncl.com or contact your travel agent to book.

  12. Cheap Mediterranean Norwegian (NCL) Cruises

    9 Night Cruise to the Western Mediterranean. View 10 deals and more information. 303. Sailing Date: 7/14/2024 change. Norwegian Escape. Departs: Barcelona. Ports (7): Cannes, Floren….

  13. Norwegian Destinations: Mediterranean (Eastern)

    Eastern Mediterranean cruises may visit ports in eastern Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro or Slovenia. Holy Land cruises usually combine Eastern Mediterranean cruise ports with Israel and Egypt. Tour the multitude of ancient sites in Greece, from the Acropolis in Athens to the temples of Zeus and Hera in Olympia.

  14. Norwegian Cruise Line

    Norwegian's 19-ship fleet sails all over the world, with itineraries lasting anywhere from three to 21 days. The cruise line is also planning to add longer sailings, fewer sea days and more days ...

  15. Mediterranean ship excursions review

    On 1/21/2020 at 12:46 PM, TSUmom said: I am reliving our cruise with your review!! Wasn't this just a fantastic vacation! It was so much fun planning the vacation and meeting you guys. Was the best roll call. Figures the one time ship excursions made sense was the one time with the independent planners extraordinaire.

  16. 8 best Italy cruises for a Mediterranean vacation

    10-night voyage in October 2023. aboard Azamara Quest, a. 10-night voyage in April 2024. aboard Azamara Pursuit, and a. seven-night voyage in May 2024. aboard Azamara Quest. Best Italy cruises for ...

  17. Norwegian (NCL) Cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean

    Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of May 31st, 2024. Looking for Norwegian (NCL) cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean? Find and plan your next Norwegian (NCL ...

  18. Mediterranean Cruises

    Mediterranean Cruises. From ancient Rome to Moorish Spain, classical Greece to the Holy Land, the empires of the Mediterranean left a remarkable historic legacy—set amid unmatched beauty. Admire the turquoise splendor of the Greek Isles, the vineyards of Provence, the élan of Barcelona and more. Departure Date.

  19. Norwegian Cruise Line food: The ultimate cruise guide to ...

    Norwegian Cruise Line has always been a bit of a rebel when it comes to food. Back in 2000, the company introduced the concept of Freestyle Cruising, and with it, the idea of Freestyle Dining ...

  20. The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise ship

    The cruise portion of the tour includes visits to the historic temples of Luxor, Karnak, Esna, Dendera and Abu Simbel as well as a visit to the iconic Valley of the Kings. The stay in Cairo brings ...

  21. Cruise Line Unveils New Mediterranean Winter Sailings

    The luxury line Windstar Cruises reveals 2025 and 20925 Winter Mediterranean sailings. ... Norwegian Cruise Line Tips. ... Cruise Line Unveils New Mediterranean Winter Sailings. By Donna Tunney ...

  22. Mediterranean Cruises

    0333 2412319. Book your all-inclusive Mediterranean cruise to the most beautiful cities in Europe. Visit Rome, Venice, Barcelona, and more with Norwegian Cruise Line.

  23. Norwegian Cruise Reviews (2024 UPDATED): Ratings of Norwegian Cruise Line

    1 - 10 of 41,398 Norwegian Cruise Reviews. Pretty darned perfect Haven. Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Norwegian Bliss. rokalada. 10+ Cruises • Age 60s. Read More.

  24. Valencia Aims to Ban Mega Cruise Ships From 2026

    María José Catalá, the Mayor of Valencia, Spain, has announced that the Port of Valencia will begin banning mega cruise ships in 2026. The news comes shortly after Barcelona, Spain, announced ...

  25. The 13 Best Solo Cruises for 2024 (No Supplement Fare)

    Book a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.. MSC Cruises. MSC Cruises offers interior and balcony solo cabins for single cruisers on its Meraviglia-class ships: the MSC ...

  26. Silversea Unwraps 149-Day World Cruise In 2027

    Go ahead and Subscribe here. Ultra-luxury and expedition line Silversea introduced its World Cruise 2027, called "The Three Oceans," a 149-day sailing aboard Silver Dawn that will explore 80 ...

  27. Mediterranean Cruises

    Norwegian's Mediterranean cruises transport you from the ruins of ancient empires in Rome to trendy shops and restaurants in Santorini. Meander through quaint villages whilst stopping in the Naples, Italy port, stroll the cobble stone streets whilst taking-in the breathtaking scenery of the Split harbour when you cruise to Croatia, or sip the renowned wine of Tuscany's vineyards whilst at-bay ...