Name: Mediterranean: Ibiza & Rome
Brand: Norwegian Cruise Line
Rating: 4 (6 reviews)

Overview

Discover Italy and Spain over 10 nights aboard the Norwegian Dawn - sail with Norwegian Cruise Line from Barcelona. Ports of call include Marseille, Naples, and Palma de Mallorca, giving you the chance to explore some of Italy and Spain's most captivating destinations. From exploring ashore to relaxing on board, every day of this Italy and Spain cruise brings a new experience to savour. Fares for this Norwegian Cruise Line sailing begin at just £893 per person.

Norwegian Cruise Line

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.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Barcelona

Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.

Day 2

Marseille

Nestled along the shimmering shores of the Mediterranean, Marseille beckons with a vibrant past steeped in maritime lore. Its bustling port has been a hub of trade and cultural exchange for centuries, with influences from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East converging in its bustling streets. Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, Marseille offers a haven for sun-seekers year-round, while its labyrinthine alleys and bustling markets promise an authentic taste of French life. Beyond the tourist hotspots, hidden gems await exploration, such as the secluded coves of the Calanques National Park, where azure waters meet rugged cliffs in a breathtaking tableau.

Day 3

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Day 4

Livorno

Day 5

Civitavecchia

Perched on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Civitavecchia boasts a storied past intertwined with maritime adventures. As the gateway to Rome, its harbor has welcomed seafarers for centuries, echoing with tales of ancient civilizations and grand conquests. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with balmy breezes and sun-drenched days, creating an idyllic atmosphere for exploration. Away from the bustling metropolis, Civitavecchia offers an authentic Italian experience, where cobblestone streets wind through charming piazzas and trattorias serve up delectable seafood caught fresh from the sea. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the historic harbor walls, built to protect against marauding pirates centuries ago.

Day 6

Naples

Amidst the captivating backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, Naples beckons with a tapestry of ancient allure. Its fabled past, steeped in mythology and legend, whispers tales of emperors and poets, of Pompeii's tragic fate and the birth of pizza. The Mediterranean climate blesses Naples with warm, sun-drenched days, perfect for savoring gelato on cobblestone streets or basking in the glow of historic piazzas. This vibrant city pulsates with an energy that ignites the senses, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in authentic Neapolitan life. And did you know? Naples boasts the world's oldest continuously operating pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, dating back to 1738.

Day 7

Catania

Welcome to Catania, where the ancient ruins whisper tales of a vibrant past. Set against the backdrop of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, Catania boasts a Mediterranean climate that bathes its streets in perpetual sunshine. This Sicilian gem offers a genuine slice of Italian life, free from the hustle and bustle of tourist traps. Cruise lines often anchor here to showcase Italy's true essence, from its lively markets brimming with local delicacies to its stunning Baroque architecture. As the sun sets, indulge in Catania's famed street food scene, where arancini and granita reign supreme, adding a flavorful twist to your Mediterranean adventure.

Day 8

At sea

Day 9

Ibiza

Day 10

Palma de Mallorca

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca beckons with a captivating blend of history and charm. Its story unfolds through the ages, from Roman conquests to Moorish rule, leaving behind a tapestry of architectural wonders. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, Palma offers a mild climate, perfect for leisurely exploration year-round. Away from tourist traps, it reveals authentic Spanish life in its bustling markets and vibrant squares. As a showcase of the country's essence, Palma captures hearts with its traditional festivals and local delicacies like ensaada pastries. An interesting fact: Palma boasts one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals, La Seu, a testament to its enduring grandeur.

Day 11

Barcelona

Day 1

Barcelona

Day 2

Marseille

Day 3

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Day 4

Livorno

Day 5

Civitavecchia

Day 6

Naples

Day 7

Catania

Day 8

At sea

Day 9

Ibiza

Day 10

Palma de Mallorca

Day 11

Barcelona

2290

Passengers

1032

Crew

2002

Launched

2024

Last refit

92250t

Tonnage

294m

Length

32m

Width

25kts

Speed

Decks

USD

Currency

Norwegian Dawn

Norwegian Dawn® is a mid-sized ship offering a laid-back and intimate cruising experience.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Cruise from port of Jacksonville

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.

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Gem

Reviews

A mixed experience

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.

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Spirit

Reviews

First time, probably last

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

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Spirit

Reviews

Alaska and the Inside Passage

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"

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Joy

Reviews

Fantastic First Experience of NCL

Having only cruised once before NCL was top of my list for our next cruise and it did not disappoint. But of a hairy start due to a flight delay but once we arrived at the terminal it was nothing but plain sailing from there. Beautiful ship couldn't tell that it was one of the older ones in the fleet. We had a balcony stateroom which was a lovely size. Pool area was great obviously got busy but there were plenty of beds on the other decks that it was never a problem finding one. Food was great in all the restaurants if you get the chance try the speciallity ones, but have to say the buffet was one of the best I've ever experienced and never had to queue. What made the cruise particularly special was the crew always friendly and helpful with the exception of guest services ironically! Would love to sail on the Pearl again to see the changes after the scheduled refurb.

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Pearl

Reviews

From New York City,s Xmas lights to the sun drenched beaches of Tortola..and back !

Norwegian Prima lived up to her name, providing us a great cruise experience from New York through the Carribean and back. Entertainment, dining, bars and restaurants all top notch as were cabin, crew and Ports O Call. Highlights ? From being perched on a steel girder 63 floors up Top of The Rock at Rockerfeller centre, recreating the iconic image of the steel crew at lunch during Rockerfeller construction in 1932 to the balmy breeze and warm beach days of St Thomas, St Kitts and Tortola, this cruise was a magical mixture of seasons and cultures. Fabulous.

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Prima

Reviews

Lovely cruise

All perfect except for the tenders

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Dawn

Reviews

Incompetent Management ?

Key issues included .... 1. Missed Two (2) Ports of call !!!! (excuses made) 2. our Son refused use of Golf & Gymn when days later any child was useing 3. Incompetent management of Complaints on board & worse with Head Office (refunded us just the Tips so staff suffered) No Escalation action. 4. Balcony Stateroom turned out very small - could not pass through without everyone on their bed / Bed Lamp was behind my head 5. Communications were always faulty included wrong locations ; wrong dates ; different on TV to announcements & hard copy 6. Health & Safety of Safety Briefing was a tick box ; buffet had boiling tea alongside children running past . 7. "Golf" was an old net and had three Left Handed clubs. * What was good = Main Dining & Housekeeping.

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Sun