See Europe in a new light
Now is the time to turn cruise dreams into reality
THINKING of cruising to the sun-soaked rivieras and historic cities of the Med, the gorgeous Greek Islands or the medieval streets and grand palaces of the Baltic this summer?
Then it’s best to get your diary out and start some serious dreaming while the January cruise sales are still on.
For example, NCL — repeatedly named Europe’s leading cruise line — is celebrating 20 years of Freestyle Cruising with whopping savings of up to £1,500 per stateroom, when booked by Monday.
With six NCL ships sailing in Europe this year, there are plenty of thrilling ports to see, at a price you’ll like. Here’s our pick of the itineraries.
EPIC ADVENTURE
HOW about taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Barcelona, where the sights vary from the atmospheric Gothic quarter to Gaudi’s fantastical architecture? Or strolling through Naples in search of the perfect pizza? You won’t have to look far!
Meanwhile a shore excursion to Rome reveals wonders from the huge Colosseum to the Sistine Chapel and Trevi Fountain. You can do all this on Norwegian Epic’s seven-day Western Mediterranean itinerary.
Epic is like a luxe floating resort. We’re hooked on the amazing restaurants, serving world cuisines; with 21 dining options to choose from, it’s a moveable feast.
After dinner, don’t miss Broadway musical Priscilla Queen Of The Desert — it’s a spectacle of non-stop hits and outlandish costumes. And for some pampering, head to the Mandara Spa, a haven of relaxation and tranquillity.
Talking of havens, there’s another kind that features on many of NCL’s ships — and we just can’t get enough of it. The Haven by Norwegian® is a luxurious ship-within-a-ship with fabulous, Instagramworthy suites around a private courtyard and pool, as well as luxe services. It’s a top choice for a romantic break or family holiday.
BALTIC ESCAPE
SUMMER, with its White Nights
(Beliye Nochi), is the best time to discover the Baltic. In St Petersburg, tick off your bucket list during a twoday stay, exploring the Hermitage, Peterhof and more. Spend an evening ashore watching sublime Russian ballet — don’t miss it.
Other top tips include Stockholm’s Vasa Museum, which houses an incredibly well-preserved (and massive) 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage. During a nine-day cruise on Norwegian Escape, from wonderful Copenhagen, splash down slides in the thrilling on-deck Aqua Park.
Then dine in the Manhattan Room, a chic take on New York’s art deco supper clubs, before watching the smash-hit Broadway musical After Midnight, taking you back to the days of Harlem’s Cotton Club.
ISLAND GETAWAY
ALSO a hot ticket is the ten-day Greek Isles and Italy cruise from Rome.
Ashore, try something different, such as kayaking around the towering medieval walls of Dubrovnik or taking a 4x4 off the beaten track in Corfu. Then slow the pace while savouring mezes in a clifftop restaurant in Oia, Santorini and, believe us, you’ll get one of the Med’s best views.
Norwegian Getaway offers everything from a huge ropes course to the chance to walk the plank over the side of the ship. And a seafood dinner in Ocean Blue (one of 21 restaurants) is just the thing to set you up before watching the sizzling hot dance spectacular, Burn The Floor.
It’s all waiting this summer on NCL’s European cruises.