The secret’s out: The cruisiest way to experience Europe

Experience the best Europe has to offer in 2024 with a once-in-a-lifetime cruise adventure.

Italy, Spain, Greece ... these are places Kiwis long to escape to. Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship Norwegian Viva will launch in August of this year, offering guests the best of both worlds, with unique itineraries stopping in cities like Lisbon, Florence and Seville, as well as cutting-edge and world-class onboard experiences.

Curious? Here’s a sample of what your trip to Europe with Norwegian Cruise Line could look like.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES IN AWE-INSPIRING DESTINATIONS

NCL is famous for its bespoke itineraries, offering a unique mix of destinations, longer stays in port and fewer sea days. In fact, NCL has been voted Europe’s Leading Cruise Line for 15 years by the World Travel Awards. By spending less time at sea, you’ll have more time to find hidden gems and more freedom to linger longer in the places you love.

How does a 7-day Mediterranean cruise sound, departing Athens to explore Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes? See the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis

- an UNESCO World Heritage Site with your own eyes, uncover the secrets of ancient civilisations and stroll whitewashed villages clinging to the sea cliffs of Santorini.

Then there’s mainland Europe itself, best experienced in 10 days starting in Athens and cruising to Italy and France. Suddenly all those social media posts you’ve seen will be right in front of your eyes: Naples, Florence, Nice, Rome ... does it get any better?

CRUISING MAKES TRAVEL EASY

Dining, entertainment and accommodation are the three big factors to consider on any holiday - of course, on an NCL cruise ship, it’s all taken care of.

What will you feel like on the night? A four-course meal? A quick burger? Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships feature up to three main dining rooms and a variety of exquisite restaurants with no set dining times or pre-assigned seating.

As for entertainment, you’ll have to remind yourself to actually get off the ship! Forget Broadway on Ice, this is Broadway on Water. NCL hosts awardwinning shows, including the kind you’d expect to see in New York or London: Jersey Boys, Footloose and Six, plus plenty of other music, dance and comedy nights.

Then, when it’s time for bed, you’ll return to an accommodation option perfectly suited to your needs. Whether that’s a spa stateroom, a penthouse suite, a room with a balcony, a humble solo studio or something in between, that’s up to you.

TAILOR YOUR CRUISE TO YOUR DESIRES

NCL offers a highly customisable experience, ensuring all guests come away having enjoyed the exact holiday they wanted - and then some.

Don’t feel like getting off the ship one day? That’s OK - stroll the ship’s own waterfront promenade, go go-karting, swim in the pool, sunbathe on the deck, go bowling, grab a beer or wine, read a book with an ocean view. Each ship is home to a wide variety of activities.

Alternatively, maximise your trip by adding any number of on-shore excursions, including guided tours of famous landmarks, authentic ‘Go Local’ experiences, specialised food and wine tours, unique dining experiences, beach trips, and more. And if there’s anything you’d rather investigate under your own speed, you’re free to hop on and off the ship at your leisure.

ABOUT NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

NCL is renowned worldwide for its freestyle experiences and relaxed atmosphere. Its awardwinning fleet includes two brand new ships, Norwegian Prima unveiled last year and Norwegian Viva, which is sailing for the first time in August this year.

These brand-new ships are beyond expectation, with infinity pools, on-board race tracks, world-class spa and fitness facilities, plus the highest staff-to-guest ratio of any cruise ship.

Ready to take it up a notch? Prima Class will feature NCL’s largest ever inside, oceanview and balcony staterooms, the most outdoor deck space and highest service levels of any new contemporary ship, and then there’s The Haven – the brand’s most luxurious accommodation with 24-hour butler service, concierge service and private sundeck.

Learn more, call 0800 969 283, visit ncl.com or contact your travel agent.