BEST Norwegian NCL Cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean with Prices 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic

Table Of Content

• Norwegian Star Art Auctions
• Destinations & Ports
• Discover Hidden Gems on your Mediterranean Cruise
• Grand Hyatt Athens

Today you can discover both eras and the modern beauty in this thriving city. A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums. Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Norwegian Star Art Auctions

If traditional sports are more your game, join a pick-up game on the basketball court, where you can breathe in the ocean air and polish your three-pointers. Be one of the first guests to experience the world premier of this new digital interactive game show where everyone can play along on their phones for a chance to win cash, prizes and even a FREE CRUISE! Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

Destinations & Ports

But one seabound itinerary people often forget to add to their bucket lists is a Mediterranean cruise. Cannes is an undeniable French Riviera attraction, especially during the annual Cannes Film Festival. Take a walking tour to explore the old town, market, and the Picasso Museum.

Discover Hidden Gems on your Mediterranean Cruise

From shopping to exploring, learn these simple phrases in French, Spanish and Dutch. Cruise the Mediterranean in style on one of our Breakaway Plus Class ships. You'll see the Eternal City on an orientation drive passing iconic structures which includes the Colosseum of ancient Rome where gladiators fought.

Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos & Croatia

Monasteries, ruins, churches and more when you join Norwegian Cruise Line on a Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruise vacation. In 2024, Norwegian offers you the opportunity to start your cruise to the Mediterranean adventure from nine distinct ports. Some departure points include stops in regions like the Middle East and Northern Europe, or you can set off on a trans-Atlantic journey. There’s also a superb Tuscan Organic Farming Experience on offer, where you can spend the day at a farm in Tuscany that produces a multitude of organic foods, many of which will be used as ingredients in your lunch.

Norwegian Star Review: A 10 Day Mediterranean Cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line offers departure ports from Barcelona, Venice (Trieste), and Rome, so be sure to browse these cities and historical marvels before you set sail and go on your way. In Naples, discover the stunning Amalfi Coast, wander through the well-preserved site of Pompeii, and savor authentic Italian cuisine. Explore the beautiful island of Capri or the coastal town of Sorrento. For those who have previously visited Pompeii, consider the ruins of Herculaneum, another well-preserved ancient site.

You can enjoy the sights by hopping on a bus and going into the mountains, where you can find quaint little villages and enjoy tapas and wine in one of their many cafes. I can't think of a better way to kick off your cruise than arriving in this city and enjoying all it has to offer. Taking a Mediterranean Cruise can be one of the most exciting and interesting journeys to embark on, whether you're on a romantic trip with your significant other or on a relaxing getaway with your family.

Best foodie excursions for Greek cuisine in Greece

Staterooms on cruise ships are small, and the rooms on Norwegian Star were no exception. We booked a balcony stateroom, and it was teeny — smaller than most other balcony staterooms we have had on other cruise lines. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Lisbon has deep cultural roots that are exposed through ruins and museum artifacts.

day Cruise on Norwegian Getaway

25 BEST Europe Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to Europe on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

25 BEST Europe Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to Europe on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:11:17 GMT [source]

Furthermore, Norwegian Viva cruise guests with Free at Sea can enjoy additional perks, including Wi-Fi and excursion discounts of US$50 per stateroom for each port of call. To entice you further, NCL guests can elevate their voyage by upgrading to the exclusive Free at Sea package from just £199 pp (on a 9- to 11-day cruise). This comprehensive package encompasses Premium Beverages, offering an array of soft drinks, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, and bottled or draft beer as well as granting access to specialty dining. A cruise to Nice/Monaco (Villefranche) offers the chance to experience the glorious French Riviera. Stroll along the Old Harbour for majestic views of the Med, wander to Saint Michael’s Church which houses many incredible artworks or trek up to Fort Du Mont Alban, a 16th-Century structure overlooking the city.

Excursions to nearby iconic destinations like Nice or Monaco are also available. For food enthusiasts, a culinary tour through Lungotevere, one of Rome's oldest sections, is a must. Enjoy visiting markets, pizza bakeries, chocolate shops, and a coffee shop where the water traces its source to an ancient aqueduct. Of course, no culinary tour in Italy is complete without some gelato. Learn about the latest ships and destinations by browsing hundreds of questions (and the answers to those questions) posted by real cruisers. If you happen not to find what you’re looking for, you can even post a question of your own.

Norwegian Viva is as shiny and new as they come having only launched this August, and there are plenty of opportunities to get onboard and sail the Mediterranean in style in the coming months. Launched in 2021, Virgin Voyages has embraced wellness as a key differentiator in its mission to disrupt the cruising industry.Quentin Long reviewed... If you have ever been to an auction on a cruise, it was probably a Park West auction.

Santorini's awe-inspiring cliffs are a classic image of Greece, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. In the village of Oia, stroll through the charming streets lined with white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches. Capture the stunning views of the caldera, especially during sunset, for an unforgettable experience.

Norwegian Mediterranean Cruise Reviews 2024 UPDATED: Ratings of Norwegian Cruises to Mediterranean

Table Of Content

• Top 10 Norwegian Cruise Line Mediterranean Cruises
• Related Cruises
• Day Mediterranean From Rome to Barcelona: Italy, France & Greece
• Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Pay airfare for one guest, and you'll automatically lock-in roundtrip flights for two. Secure these savings online by choosing your nearest airport in step one of your cruise booking, and enjoy air-to-sea made easy. We'll coordinate your roundtrip flights, and transportation between the airport and cruise port.

Top 10 Norwegian Cruise Line Mediterranean Cruises

Or choose to take a gourmet tour of the Chianti Region and San Gimignano which includes a visit to a winery for a tasting. On one hand, if you book through the cruise, you don’t have to do any research because it’s all laid out for you. There are so many different shore excursions you can choose from during a cruise. There is some debate about whether or not it’s best to book through the cruise line or to book on your own.

Related Cruises

There’s a three-level race track at sea and some of the fastest slides on the open ocean plus Starlink High-Speed Internet so you easily show off all your wonderful experiences to loved ones back home. Farther afield, choose to explore the medieval village of Eze or discover the beauty of hilltop Saint Paul de Vence, where medieval walls enclose a village of architectural gems and quaint cafes and shops. Your brand-new ship will be awaiting nearby, where you can continue the Greek experience by sitting down for dinner at Palomar, NCL’s first-ever Mediterranean seafood restaurant. I’ve always been artsy, so I gravitate toward these events easily. Once I bought my first piece of art (a Michael Godard onboard the Caribbean Princess) I was hooked. A Mediterranean cruise is something I’ve wanted to do for a while.

Day Mediterranean From Rome to Barcelona: Italy, France & Greece

On the last day, the kids put on a show in the ship’s theater — it was a much bigger production than I was expecting. My daughter was thrilled to be able to do a show in the big theater. Check to see if your cruise is going to a destination that has a sunscreen ban. If so, you will want to be sure to pack some reef-safe sunscreen, so you don’t have to purchase it at an overpriced gift shop. You won’t find the high-end amenities that you might see on some bigger or newer ships like rock climbing, a wave rider, water slides, or an ice skating rink. Now, you can easily solve the small stateroom problem by booking a suite, but until someone else pays for it, I’ll stick to just a balcony.

This cultural fluidity is reflected in the awe-inspiring architecture and fusion of delicious cuisine found throughout the city. From touring museums and historic sites to strolling along its waterfront or reclining on a white-sand beach, this isolated, picturesque region of Italy boasts a wide range of attractions and activities. While cruising from Barcelona, you won't want to miss the Gothic barrio, Gaudi's picturesque Park Guell and Sagrada Familia cathedral.

Night Greek Isles & ItalyDetails

In this post you’ll find my full Norwegian Star review including info about the staterooms, dining options, amenities, kid’s club, art auctions, and shore excursions. Experience a Mediterranean cruise that suits your timetable and fits your mood, and enjoy all the onboard entertainment and dining you could want. You're assured front-row seats to the most unforgettable views because no other cruise line in Europe offers more balconies. And no other cruise line even comes close to the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising®. If the ship docks in a secondary location and you have to travel to the big tourist destinations, I always book excursions through the cruise line.

Some of the major European tourist destinations have strict dress codes — typically everyone must at least cover their shoulders and knees out of respect. As a bonus, arriving early also gives you a chance to explore the city. Going early or late in the season usually means you'll have more tolerable weather and smaller crowds in some of the big destinations like Athens.

For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Explore the Great Siege Tunnels, a fascinating labyrinth built during the Great Siege of Gibraltar during the late 18th century, which played a crucial role in the defense of the territory. Have you been to Barcelona before and looking for something else new to experience? Consider a trip to Montserrat, a pilgrimage site with a remarkable basilica and stunning views. This site is where a statue of the Madonna (the mother of Jesus Christ) got uncovered a millennium ago.

THE 25 BEST Norwegian (NCL) Cruises from Barcelona (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 25 BEST Norwegian (NCL) Cruises from Barcelona (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 18:30:05 GMT [source]

Norwegian Star Dining Options

Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of April 21st, 2024. Situated at the Mediterranean Sea's entrance from the Atlantic, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of Spain. Dominated by the 1,400-foot-high Rock of Gibraltar, the area boasts a complex network of tunnels and caves, such as St. Michael's Cave, a Moorish castle, and a nature preserve for Barbary macaques and partridges.

Relax on one of the island's unique beaches, such as Red Beach, characterized by its striking red sand and volcanic rock formations, or Perissa Beach, known for its black volcanic sand. We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit. NCL’s amazing new ship is in the brand-new Prima class and boasts the line’s most spacious accommodation to date. Alternatively, simply find a patch of white sand and spend the day relaxing by the sea, maybe ambling to the closest taverna for a beer when the mood hits. Norwegian Cruise Line has recently announced their 2024 Mediterranean sailings aboard Norwegian Viva, the second ship in the ground-breaking Prima Class.

Wander the markets and enjoy sampling a selection of the best Catalonian cuisine. Cruises are a wonderful, worry-free way to explore the great cities of Europe. About three-quarters of all European cruises are Mediterranean cruises, and the other one-fourth are cruises of the British Isles and Northern Europe. Mediterranean cruises take passengers to a rich mosaic of sights, from the sun-washed beaches of the Riviera to the magnificent antiquities of Rome, Athens and Ephesus.

Sign up for Norwegian's cruise deals to receive the latest specials and discounts directly in your inbox for your next cruise vacation. Embarking from or visiting Barcelona, countless sights and activities will spoil you. As Catalonia's capital, Barcelona is home to remarkable landmarks such as La Sagrada Família, Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, and La Pedrera. Food lovers should attend a paella cooking class or a sparkling Cava tasting.

Some ports of call, like Nice, France, were easy to get around, but others like Rome were packed to the gills. I wanted the day to end before we even made it to the Vatican on our tour. As someone who's taken over 50 cruises all over the world, I know firsthand how popular cruising is this year.

Sample the island's flavors by visiting one of the many local wineries, where you can taste the distinctive Assyrtiko wine, a variety native to Santorini. For history buffs, visiting the archaeological site of Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city buried under volcanic ash, is a must. Take a trip to Fira, Santorini's vibrant capital, and discover its lively atmosphere, excellent dining options, and bustling nightlife. Whether it's your first or fifth time in the Mediterranean, there is always something new and beautiful to discover in this stunning part of the world. In addition to more frequented ports, you will get to uncover gems like Split, Croatia. There, you can savor classic Dalmatian cuisine, known for its masterful use of seafood paired with aromatic herbs, olive oil and vegetables.

Admire iconic sights, visit the Acropolis, explore museums, stroll through Plaka and more.... This leisure tour highlights the spectacular scenery of Majorca and offers the opportunity to taste local specialties. February cruises are a great opportunity to spread your wings and seek winter sun as well as the snowy charms of northern Europe. Take in stunning sights at the dining hall of Norwegian Viva Hudson. I tend to book through the cruise line because I like things easy, but I’m not opposed to booking separately if the occasion arises.

The Story Behind Carnival's 'Mystery Spot' Super Bowl Ad

Table Of Content

• $364 pp — 3-Nt. Bahamas w/Exclusive $25 bonus, up to $200 to spend, free upgrades & more
• Watch sailaway from a secret deck
• Book shore excursions in advance
• Related Offers
• CardMatch
• Don't overpack — Carnival cruises are casual
• Carnival Cruise Line tips, tricks and hacks to enhance your vacation at sea

Carnival Cruise Line rewards servicemen and women with a military appreciation gathering on every sailing, a Heroes Tribute Lounge on select ships and military discounts on every cruise. Carnival ships embark passengers from more U.S. ports than any other major cruise line. The fun continues when you reach your port — there’s a huge variety of shore excursions to choose from. You’re about to discover just what awaits you on a Carnival cruise. Start by exploring the incredible ports we visit… and the fun things to do, both on the ship and ashore.

$364 pp — 3-Nt. Bahamas w/Exclusive $25 bonus, up to $200 to spend, free upgrades & more

Aired during Super Bowl XLIX, this cruise line ad, sponsored by Carnival Corporation, left viewers with mixed emotions. John F. Kennedy's evolutionary theory was a sticking point for the creationists in the crowd, while others found it refreshing and powerful. You do not need to tip above this, though many passengers get confused or add a tip because they're used to always adding one back on land. Tip extra for impressive service if you like, but do not feel compelled to add an additional gratuity above the automatic one. Don't think you can sneak into the end of the show before and stay through to the next one. Carnival staff will clear the theater before inviting the next crop of audience members in to find a seat.

Watch sailaway from a secret deck

Even better, use a card that earns extra rewards on travel purchases. For example, Alaska cruises in May and September will be cheaper than peak-season sailings in July. Caribbean cruises in November before the holidays will be more affordable than the same itineraries during winter or spring break weeks. You can only book these fares on cruises departing more than two or three months from the booking date. If you have to cancel or change your cruise before final payment date, you will be assessed a $50 per-person fee, and your deposit will be returned only as a future cruise credit that expires within the year. What's also interesting, though, is that last week Forbes.com asked an advertising expert to weigh in on which pre-released commercials were most likely to go viral.

Book shore excursions in advance

Maybe you'll find your second cruise line of choice -- deals on luxury lines like Azamara and Regent Seven Seas are just a few of the bargains you might find. This year, the company has spent more money on advertising in Q2 and Q3 than had in all of 2019, said Weinstein. This higher advertising spending is meant to drive revenue for 2023 as the company plans for a more traditional Wave season in the first three months of the year. However, Carnival does allow each guest to bring 12 cans or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks (like soda, juice or seltzer), as well as one bottle of wine.

When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Because the roller coaster cannot operate when it's especially windy, the top-deck ride often gets shut down on sea days. Choose a port day for your turn on the coaster, or book a spot on the first sea day, so you have time to rebook if the attraction closes before you can ride it. However, you can buy your way into a better cruise experience with Carnival's Faster to the Fun program. On many Carnival cruise ships, you can find small outdoor seating areas at the forward end of several of the cabin corridors. These tucked-away public verandas of sorts are not well known, so you can often have them to yourself during scenic cruising, such as sailaway or when you're approaching a port.

Carnival Corp. rings in new year and ambitious ad campaign

Carnival ships have many overlooked breakfast spots that can make dining a pleasure when the buffet is packed. Kid-friendly music plays in the background and favorite Seuss characters come out to pose for photos. The Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (and, yes, you can order that famous storybook meal) does cost extra. This one's a must for the preschool set, but older kids might be too cool for Seuss school.

CardMatch

New law forces Carnival Cruise Line to change advertised price for cruises - Cruise Blog

New law forces Carnival Cruise Line to change advertised price for cruises.

Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:49:49 GMT [source]

Pick fun designs to readily identify your chair in the sea of sunbathers. The most popular tours often sell out, especially ones with limited space (such as snorkel trips on small boats). Just do so more than 24 hours prior to sailing in order to get a full refund. Tours canceled within 24 hours of arriving in that port are not eligible for any refunds. You won't save any money by booking your shore excursions pre-cruise, but you will be able to lock in a spot on the tours you most want to take. Book your Carnival sailing with a credit card that earns points, miles or cash back.

Don't overpack — Carnival cruises are casual

You'll know you're getting close to a secret deck when you find a door with a porthole window at the end of a cabin corridor, instead of another hallway with doors leading to forward-facing cabins. The doors are sometimes locked at night or in high winds, so try again later if you can't get through. Don't waste money and landfill space on endless bottles of water on your Caribbean cruise.

Carnival Cruise Line tips, tricks and hacks to enhance your vacation at sea

Also, feel free to wear items more than once — you'll never see most of these people again anyway. A couple of evenings will be deemed Cruise Elegant, but you don't need a tux. We've all seen people wear jeans on these nights, and no one turns them away. "Want to know more about the mystery spot? Well, we're not going to tell you. Because then it wouldn't be a mystery spot. The mystery. Solved soon." "I loved the commercial, but I don't remember it being one of the options we could vote for? Did I miss something?" one perplexed commenter wrote on a Cruise Critic message board.

Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Carnival adds an 18% service charge to your bill whenever you order a drink at a bar or pay for a meal at an extra-charge restaurant. In addition, the extra-fee Night Owls group babysitting (from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.) welcomes junior cruisers as young as 6 months. Parents can use these services to get a break or a night out away from their toddlers and tykes. Carnival's comedy shows and musical numbers in the Celebrations Central venues on its newest ships often have more demand than seats available. If you want to guarantee a spot at a specific show, or get a preferred seat without blocked sightlines, you'll need to line up early.

"We're not revealing the vote count of each spot at this point, but may elect to do so in the coming weeks as we announce the winner of the contest for a cruise each year for life." "The Mystery Spot was the 'Come Back to the Sea' spot," explained Roger Frizzell, Carnival Corp.'s chief communications officer. You’ll do more than just pass the time as you sail from port to port.

They also come with price protection should the rate drop on your sailing after you've booked. Cruise Critic's Deal Score will help you find the best deals on your favorite cruise line. By combining our extensive price data with upgrade details, onboard credits, itineraries, and more, you're able to quickly and clearly see just how much money you're going to save on your next cruise.