Founded in 1966, Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), part of global cruise company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (which also owns Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises), is the third-largest cruise line in the world in terms of cruise passengers. NCL has become well-known for its colourful ships featuring a pop-icon style painted hull.
Rhodes, once home to the Colossus, one of the ancient world's wonders, is a treasure trove of scenic beauty and architectural marvels. The island's climate is a perfect blend of warm sunshine and gentle sea breezes, ideal for exploring its abundant natural and architectural sights. Cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises and MSC make a point of showcasing Rhodes not just for its sun-soaked beaches but for its less frequented villages and ancient ruins that capture the essence of the islands past splendor. A unique attraction here is the Palace of the Grand Master, a medieval castle that was once the stronghold of the Knights of St. John, offering visitors a glimpse into the chivalric and strategic importance of this island at the crossroads of civilizations.
Day 3
Limassol
Day 4
Alexandria
Alexandria, with its bustling Corniche and the iconic Library, serves as the perfect gateway to a mesmerizing blend of modern vibrancy and ancient charm. Imagine sipping mint tea in a quaint cafas you gaze out at the Mediterranean. The city's mild winters and warm, breezy summers offer a refreshing retreat for those in search of authenticity. Here, you'll laugh at the playful contradiction of hearing a donkey cart clop along a street lined with Wi-Fi-equipped coffee shops!
Day 5
Port Said
Port Said, a hidden gem where the Mediterranean meets the Suez, boasts a vibrant atmosphere that will instantly charm you with its bustling markets and laid-back coastal vibes. The climate here offers a refreshing respite from more predictable tourist destinations, with mild winters and warm, breezy summers perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in genuine local life. Youll find solitude in the citys serene sunsets and the warmth of its people, an authentic experience laced with good humor and devoid of typical tourist traps.
Day 6
Day 7
Sokhna
Despite its rich narratives, El Ain El Sokhna often flies under the global tourism radar. It's a hidden gem in the truest sense, less frequented yet brimming with potential for explorers seeking serenity and historical narratives. Although not widely recognized in popular culture, its sands have witnessed the whispers of time, and those in the know have sought to capture its essence. Movies looking to depict untouched landscapes and profound stories often find their backdrop here, allowing the location to slowly steal the spotlight in an unassuming yet powerful manner.
Days 8-9
Safaga
In Safaga, the local way of life might surprise you with its charming blend of efficiency and a dash of chaos. Picture hopping into a lively tuk-tuk, zipping through the bustling streets, as the warm breeze carries hints of the sea and spices. Safaga's climate is a serene escape into perpetual sunshine, ideal for those seeking solitude in its tranquil desert surroundings. This place offers a genuine slice of life, away from the usual tourist traps, allowing you to delve into a deeper understanding of the local lifestyle, flavoured with well-natured humour and simplicity.
Day 10
Sharm El Sheikh
Day 11
'Aqaba
Aqaba's allure lies in its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, offering endless opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and watersports. The crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea beckon adventurers to explore colorful coral reefs and exotic fish species. Beyond the coast, Aqaba boasts stunning desert landscapes, perfect for off-road excursions and camel rides. With its relaxed atmosphere and year-round sunshine, Aqaba provides the ideal setting for leisurely beach days and outdoor adventures. Whether you're soaking up the sun on the shores or embarking on a desert safari, Aqaba promises a rejuvenating escape in an idyllic coastal setting.
Day 12
At sea
Day 13
Jeddah
Days 14-17
At sea
Day 18
Muscat
For those ready to explore by sea, several cruise lines offer journeys to Muskat, each providing a range of shore excursions that delve into the locale's dramatic landscapes and sprawling bazaars. These excursions promise a deeper appreciation of the area's present-day vibrancy and its enduring influence, allowing travelers to connect with both the land and its people in meaningful ways. Whether through guided tours of ancient forts or sailing the coast, each experience is a chapter in understanding this magnificent gateway to antiquity and adventure.
Day 19
At sea
Day 20
Doha
Day 21
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's history is a tapestry woven with tales of resilience and transformation. Once a humble fishing village, it evolved into a vibrant cosmopolitan center fueled by the discovery of oil in the 20th century. The visionary leadership of the ruling Al Nahyan family spearheaded its metamorphosis into a modern metropolis, marked by iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the futuristic skyline of Yas Island. Today, Abu Dhabi stands as a testament to the UAE's journey from desert sands to global prominence, blending tradition with innovation to create a dynamic and progressive cityscape.
Day 22
Dubai
Rising from the sands of the Arabian desert, Dubai emerged as a bustling trading hub, tracing its origins back to the ancient Bedouin tribes who thrived in its harsh terrain. Over the centuries, this once modest fishing village transformed into a glittering metropolis, propelled by the discovery of oil and visionary leadership. Today, Dubai stands as a testament to human ingenuity and ambition, boasting iconic skyscrapers, man-made islands, and world-class infrastructure. Its evolution into a global powerhouse has captivated the world, showcasing the limitless possibilities that arise when determination meets innovation in the heart of the desert.
Rhodes, once home to the Colossus, one of the ancient world's wonders, is a treasure trove of scenic beauty and architectural marvels. The island's climate is a perfect blend of warm sunshine and gentle sea breezes, ideal for exploring its abundant natural and architectural sights. Cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises and MSC make a point of showcasing Rhodes not just for its sun-soaked beaches but for its less frequented villages and ancient ruins that capture the essence of the islands past splendor. A unique attraction here is the Palace of the Grand Master, a medieval castle that was once the stronghold of the Knights of St. John, offering visitors a glimpse into the chivalric and strategic importance of this island at the crossroads of civilizations.
Alexandria, with its bustling Corniche and the iconic Library, serves as the perfect gateway to a mesmerizing blend of modern vibrancy and ancient charm. Imagine sipping mint tea in a quaint cafas you gaze out at the Mediterranean. The city's mild winters and warm, breezy summers offer a refreshing retreat for those in search of authenticity. Here, you'll laugh at the playful contradiction of hearing a donkey cart clop along a street lined with Wi-Fi-equipped coffee shops!
Port Said, a hidden gem where the Mediterranean meets the Suez, boasts a vibrant atmosphere that will instantly charm you with its bustling markets and laid-back coastal vibes. The climate here offers a refreshing respite from more predictable tourist destinations, with mild winters and warm, breezy summers perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in genuine local life. Youll find solitude in the citys serene sunsets and the warmth of its people, an authentic experience laced with good humor and devoid of typical tourist traps.
Despite its rich narratives, El Ain El Sokhna often flies under the global tourism radar. It's a hidden gem in the truest sense, less frequented yet brimming with potential for explorers seeking serenity and historical narratives. Although not widely recognized in popular culture, its sands have witnessed the whispers of time, and those in the know have sought to capture its essence. Movies looking to depict untouched landscapes and profound stories often find their backdrop here, allowing the location to slowly steal the spotlight in an unassuming yet powerful manner.
In Safaga, the local way of life might surprise you with its charming blend of efficiency and a dash of chaos. Picture hopping into a lively tuk-tuk, zipping through the bustling streets, as the warm breeze carries hints of the sea and spices. Safaga's climate is a serene escape into perpetual sunshine, ideal for those seeking solitude in its tranquil desert surroundings. This place offers a genuine slice of life, away from the usual tourist traps, allowing you to delve into a deeper understanding of the local lifestyle, flavoured with well-natured humour and simplicity.
Aqaba's allure lies in its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, offering endless opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and watersports. The crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea beckon adventurers to explore colorful coral reefs and exotic fish species. Beyond the coast, Aqaba boasts stunning desert landscapes, perfect for off-road excursions and camel rides. With its relaxed atmosphere and year-round sunshine, Aqaba provides the ideal setting for leisurely beach days and outdoor adventures. Whether you're soaking up the sun on the shores or embarking on a desert safari, Aqaba promises a rejuvenating escape in an idyllic coastal setting.
For those ready to explore by sea, several cruise lines offer journeys to Muskat, each providing a range of shore excursions that delve into the locale's dramatic landscapes and sprawling bazaars. These excursions promise a deeper appreciation of the area's present-day vibrancy and its enduring influence, allowing travelers to connect with both the land and its people in meaningful ways. Whether through guided tours of ancient forts or sailing the coast, each experience is a chapter in understanding this magnificent gateway to antiquity and adventure.
Abu Dhabi's history is a tapestry woven with tales of resilience and transformation. Once a humble fishing village, it evolved into a vibrant cosmopolitan center fueled by the discovery of oil in the 20th century. The visionary leadership of the ruling Al Nahyan family spearheaded its metamorphosis into a modern metropolis, marked by iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the futuristic skyline of Yas Island. Today, Abu Dhabi stands as a testament to the UAE's journey from desert sands to global prominence, blending tradition with innovation to create a dynamic and progressive cityscape.
Rising from the sands of the Arabian desert, Dubai emerged as a bustling trading hub, tracing its origins back to the ancient Bedouin tribes who thrived in its harsh terrain. Over the centuries, this once modest fishing village transformed into a glittering metropolis, propelled by the discovery of oil and visionary leadership. Today, Dubai stands as a testament to human ingenuity and ambition, boasting iconic skyscrapers, man-made islands, and world-class infrastructure. Its evolution into a global powerhouse has captivated the world, showcasing the limitless possibilities that arise when determination meets innovation in the heart of the desert.
Ready to follow the sun instead of a timetable? Featuring a classic design and elegant interiors, Norwegian Sun® offers you a refined atmosphere for exploring top destinations worldwide.
A beautiful ship with plenty of top class entertainment and activities if you want them .
Good choices are first class and the itinerary on t hi s cruise was just what I wanted
It was largely what we were expecting - re: accommodation and entertainment. We thought the food offerings were not very good. As it was an Alaskan cruise we were expecting at least a salmon and crab evening. I thought the buffet would be a bit like the Las Vegas offerings but standard was pedestrian. However, food cooked well and presented nicely. Enjoyed being able to eat in three speciality restaurants and our favourite was the French restaurant - that we really liked. Staff on board all brilliant.
Entertainment very loud so we avoided the shows after the first night. Evening music in the main bar was excellent when it was a guy called Randon, otherwise not so good.
Port side tours were good. Organisation and communication excellent - never felt left to find out important information for ourselves - daily newspaper listing all activities. Very impressed with that.
We would probably not choose an American cruise company again. We are definitely European and our cultures seem so different!
Fantastic round trip cruise from New York up to Halifax. The entertainment was good and the cruise co-ordinator made sure everyone was having a great time. We missed the Beatles bar that Epic had and there wasn't quite the same amount of choices when it came to watching tribute bands/entertainment, but Staff were really friendly and accommodating and did their best to make our trip an enjoyable one. The stops were really interesting and we saw plenty of wildlife - would definitely go back to Boston as a separate trip too as we simply didn't have enough time to see everything. Gave us a taste of that side of America and Canada and we would definitely recommend the cruise and the location. Just booked our 4th cruise with Norwegian around the Med and back on Epic so looking to compare our last few trips and see what has changed.
British Isles, France, Netherlands and Belgium 11-night cruise
Having had more than 35 cruises across several cruise lines (including Holland-America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, P&O, Marella and others), this for me was one of the worst.
The quality of main dining-room meals at dinner was poor with a sluggish service to match (often two-and-a-half hours for a three-course serving). So the service was so poor that towards the end of the cruise, I gave up and decided to eat in the buffet!
Very many of the on-board activities seemed aimed at extracting as much money as possible from guests.
And the entertainment was hit-and-miss. A good British magician/illusionist but a less-than-funny comedian.
Edinburgh and Dublin were good destinations, but both involved time-consuming tenders as well as transport from harbour to city centre. Docking at Belfast, too, was a bus or taxi ride from the city centre, or even the Titanic Exhibition (which was one of the highlights of the cruise for me).
Had another fantastic cruise with Norwegian, great staff, entertainment, brilliant food, with a disappointment in the Bahamas. So as typical Norwegian, staff and food fantastic, the shows are brilliant, however our 1 island stop was a disaster with everything on the Island closed for Good Friday. Everyone was boarding taxis to the town centre and getting there to find everything closed, so felt a bit of a rip off with none of the drivers saying so. Went to Norwegian's private island for the first time also which was amazing definitely would return there. All in all it was a great cruise with a great company in Norwegian.
The cruise was from Auckland to Sydney with ports in NZ and Tasmania en route. The ship itself was smaller size and older but very nicely refurbished. Weather was mainly fine en route except for 2 very rough days in the Tasman sea. I am a single traveller and the Norwegian website would not allow me to book the 3 speciality restaurants as encouraged pre embarkation. The package of Freedom at Sea was dining time and table size as required daily so there were no pre booked tables for singles. The meetings for the 35 or so sole travellers were at 5 pm every day which didn’t really suit me. Similarly the fitness classes tended to be very early morning too. The two main restaurants were fine in terms of food quality but the menu was rather repetitive. The speciality restaurants offered variety of choice. I avoided the buffet as even though staff were encouraging passengers to sanitise their hands, many just walked past and ignored them. I have been on larger ships where buffet items were served rather than hundreds of people using the utensils. The staff were invariably pleasant and helpful with the exception of some excursion staff who yelled instructions at people patronisingly and made the waiting experience needlessly stressful. My main concern was the lack of any dress code at all save that men must wear long trousers in the French restaurant.In the lounges and at dinner, many passengers had not even changed from daytime casuals and shorts ,caps and t shirts were considered acceptable. I guess this was just the wrong cruise line for me as I had made an erroneous assumption that it would be like Olsen. The vast majority of passengers were American and Canadian who perhaps prefer a more informal atmosphere. The entertainment on this American owned liner was very poor indeed to my mind though seemingly enjoyed by others. Two poorly choreographed and screechy song and dance shows plus Mr Penguin, a magician and an unfunny comedian. The lounge entertainment was dire too with the exception of Leon , an excellent young entertainer. So I chose this cruise for the itinerary but the anything goes atmosphere on board just didn’t suit me. Norwegian have some great cruise routes but the onboard experience was disappointing and I would be very hesitant to travel with NCL again.
Ship was spotless and crew were fabulous. Entertainment lacklustre, food only OK. Itinerary 8 out of ten, however port timings disappointing. Booked complete package including hotels and transfers, these were all very good. Also had more at sea which worked very well for us, very good value for money overall
This was our 5th cruise with NCL (all on different ships) and whilst we had a good time, we were slightly disappointed with the Joy. The food was not as good as we have had on previous NCL cruises and the entertainment on offer was decidedly "underwhelming"
