Planning a Europe cruise? Five reasons to book with NCL

NCL® has spent nearly six decades earning its place among the world’s leading cruise lines, with a fleet that sails everywhere from Alaska’s glacial waters to the tropical shores of the Caribbean. Europe is no exception. With an extensive line-up of itineraries ranging from the Greek Isles to Iceland, you’ll find plenty to choose from, whatever your travel style.

Without further ado, here’s why NCL stands out as a smart choice for exploring Europe by sea.

1. The freedom of choice

One of the biggest advantages of sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line is the sheer range of European cruises available, with itineraries spanning more than 150 ports. In the Mediterranean in particular, you're spoiled for choice. NCL's Greek Isles cruises are passenger favourites, thanks to ports like Santorini, where blue-domed churches and cliffside taverns rise above the Aegean, and Corfu, where green hills slope into azure seas.

The Western Mediterranean is another strong contender, with itineraries that feature the Iberian Peninsula, French Riviera and Amalfi Coast. NCL sailings along the Dalmatian Coast are also popular, promising turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs.

Or, for something altogether different, NCL’s Northern Europe cruises offer a complete change of scenery, along with the appeal of cooler temperatures and the midnight sun. Picture the black sand beaches of Iceland, the majestic fjords of Norway and the fairytale castles of the Baltics.

2. More time to explore

When you’re visiting spectacular ports like Cannes or Mykonos, you want enough time to explore at your leisure. On NCL sailings, on average, you can expect more than 10 hours in port, giving you the chance to immerse yourself without feeling rushed or missing half the highlights.

In Naples, for instance, there’s time to tour Pompeii at your own pace and indulge in the city’s culinary treasures, from pizza straight from a wood-fired oven to nonna-approved sfogliatelle.

Select itineraries even include overnight stays so you can experience a destination after dark as well as by day. In Livorno, that might mean spending one day exploring Florence and sipping Negronis at sunset, then heading to Pisa the next to see the famous tower.

3. Authentic cultural immersion 

When cruising with NCL, you’ll find that more than 70 ports offer ‘Go Local’ excursions. Each is designed to go beyond surface-level sightseeing and get to the heart of local life. The experiences on offer vary widely, from food-focused tours to history-led exploration, but what unites them all is the insider access provided by local experts, such as chefs or artisans.

Depending on your itinerary, ‘Go Local’ excursions might focus on:

• Santorini’s musical heritage, with artisans explaining how traditional instruments are made
• Olive oil production in Montenegro, where groves yield the ‘liquid gold’ prized by locals
• Truffle hunting in Provence, with a local truffle hunter and truffle-hunting dog
• Cycling in Belgium, with guides sharing if-you-know-you-know countryside routes

4. On your schedule

There’s nothing worse than finding the perfect cruise only to realise there’s no way to make it work with your calendar. After all, there are plenty of reasons life gets in the way. For many, annual leave is the sticking point, and if you’re travelling with children, term time makes planning even trickier.

That’s where NCL makes it easier. You’ll find a wide range of departure dates, both in and outside of term time, as well as a choice of durations from under a week to over a fortnight. For instance, you could spend six days on a whistle-stop tour of marquee ports along the Iberian Peninsula, or opt for a longer journey that extends to Morocco.

5. A ship to suit

NCL has 10 ships sailing Europe’s varied shores, meaning you can select the one that suits your tastes best, from mid-sized vessels providing a more intimate experience to the new Prima Class of ship.

Here are some examples of NCL ships set to sail European waters:

• Norwegian Viva: This ship, which made its debut in 2023, is part of the prestigious Prima Class and features amenities such as a 360° Ocean Boulevard and multiple infinity pools.
• Norwegian Star: This mid-sized ship blends impressive amenities, such as a luxury Mandara Spa and adults-only club, with a relaxed atmosphere.
• Norwegian Epic: This expansive ship lives up to its name. Refurbished in 2025, it has something to suit sailors of all ages, from an aqua park and towering climbing wall to an extensive list of bars and lounges.

Top three picks for European getaways with NCL

Mediterranean: Nice, Florence & Marseille

Ports: Rome (Civitavecchia), Salerno, Messina (Sicily) and Livorno (for Florence and Pisa) in Italy; Marseille (for Provence) and Villefranche (for Nice or Monaco) in France; Barcelona in Spain

Ship: Norwegian Epic

Departure dates: Multiple dates between May and October 2026

Price: From £691 per person, at the time of writing, based on a 24 May 2026 sailing.

Why this cruise?

This Western Mediterranean itinerary blends the glamour of the Amalfi Coast with the charm of the French Riviera, with plenty to tempt food lovers, art enthusiasts and history buffs. Think truffle-hunting in Provence, admiring Michelangelo’s David in Florence or strolling café-lined promenades in Barcelona.

Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos and Croatia

Ports: Venice (Ravenna) in Italy; Dubrovnik in Croatia; Kotor in Montenegro; and Corfu, Olympia (Katakolon), Mykonos, Santorini and Athens (Piraeus) in Greece

Ship: Norwegian Pearl

Departure dates: Multiple dates from May to October 2026

Price: From £765 per person, at the time of writing, based on a 26 July 2026 sailing.

Why this cruise?

This sailing blends ancient civilisation, rugged coastlines and classic Mediterranean cuisine. Along the way, you might spend your days snorkelling in the Bay of Kotor, hiking volcanic trails, horse riding along the Adriatic or exploring sacred ruins. There’s also plenty of time for more leisurely pursuits, like lazing in hidden coves or strolling through olive groves.

Mediterranean: Spain & Portugal

Ports: Barcelona, Palma (Majorca), Valencia, Motril and Seville (Cadiz) in Spain; Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory); and Portimão and Lisbon in Portugal

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

Departure dates: Multiple dates between April 2026 and October 2027

Price: From £624 per person, at the time of writing, based on a 27 September 2026 sailing.

Why this cruise?

This voyage showcases some of the most exciting corners of the Iberian Peninsula, from Catalonia’s cosmopolitan flair to the wild beauty of Andalusia and the sun-kissed shores of the Algarve. Highlights include exploring Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces in Barcelona, meeting Gibraltar’s mischievous Barbary apes and hearing the soulful sound of fado in Lisbon.