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Ncl mediterranean cruise {norwegian} review.
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Our 13 Day NCL Western Mediterranean Cruise – Review
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It’s been a few years now, but I just wanted to share our outstanding … 🛳 NCL Mediterranean Cruise 🛳 with you. Our 13 night cruise onboard the 🚢 NCL Norwegian Cruise Line Jade, which was outstanding. We visited new and exciting ⚓ Ports of call each and every day!
Our cruise vacation seemed to go by far too quickly, as we took advantage of all the great shore excursions as much as we could.
Norwegian Getaway – Cruise Ship Jade
The Jade was built in 2006 and has a crew of 1078. Passenger limit is 2402, making it a perfect size for our liking. Not too small and at the same time, not too big!
I am writing this to share our fantastic vacation with you. If you have been thinking about this type of cruise, I can honestly say, it is definitely worth taking. In fact, I have a niece who worked on cruise ships for over 10 years, and she picked the – Mediterranean destination on her last engagement.
Cruising on the Mediterranean in the summer months is like no other. With spectacular views and historical ports of call, that are sure to leave you with everlasting memories like we now have.
Norwegian Cruise Line Mediterranean Cruises
Houses of Parliament London England
Norwegian Mediterranean Cruise
Royal Air Force Red Arrows
We all had a great afternoon enjoying the sites and sounds of Vigo, on a beautiful summers day in Spain!
Second Cruise Port – Lisbon, Portugal 08:00 am – 05:00 pm
Beautiful Lisbon Portugal
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory situated at the south point of the Iberian Peninsula, and entrance way to the Mediterranean Sea.
A major shipping port and full of history, Gibraltar or more commonly known as ⛰ The Rock , was great to finally see.
As a matter of fact, my father said during the war, this is where naval ships would often come for supplies. For duty free 🛍 shoppers, Gibraltar is paradise!
There’s duty free shops galore and more in the town square.
Two Monkeys in Gibraltar
The 📸 photo above is just one of the many local musicians playing in the outdoor shopping mall in the city.
Just another beautiful sunny summer day in the Mediterranean! 🙂
The Alcazaba Fortress of Malaga Spain
🐱 Explore House Sits Around The World! 🐱
Eighth Cruise Port – Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy 08:00 am – 08:00 pm
The Colosseum and Arch of Constantine
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This was a wonderful cruise with Norwegian Cruiseline Western Mediterranean Cruise Vacation, and one I would certainly recommend to everyone. It was a very busy cruise, full of fantastic tours and beautiful sites to take in at each and every port of call.
The crew were very helpful and friendly during the entire voyage. The meals in the buffet and dining room were excellent, with no complaints what so ever. We thoroughly enjoyed the dining area located outdoors on this ship, just off the buffet.
It was great having our meals and snacks outdoors in the open air, enjoying the beautiful sunny summer mornings and afternoons.
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises 2024/2025
Be sure to check out Norwegian Cruise Line Mediterranean Cruises for their latest hot cruise deals and incentives happening now!
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A Blogger Since 2012, Robert has a {Passion for Travel}, having worked in the industry for over 35 years. He enjoys sharing special moments & tips on; Travel, Health & Wellness, Book Reviews and much more!
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Norwegian Star Review [A 10 Day Mediterranean Cruise]
- Post last modified: November 2, 2020
- Post author: Katie Seemann
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I’m not a newbie when it comes to cruising, but this was my first cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line. This was also my first European cruise, so I was excited to check it all out.
The Norwegian Star is a Dawn Class ship that holds about 2,300 passengers, making it a mid-sized ship among today’s standards. It was built in 2001, but it got a makeover in 2018 so it doesn’t feel like an almost 20-year-old ship.
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.
Legal Stuff (aka if I don’t write this the internet gods will not take kindly to me): This post may contain affiliate links and/or credit card referral links. Also, we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I’m just a simple girl, trying to make a living off the internet…thanks for your support!!
Norwegian Star Review: A 10 Day Mediterranean Cruise
A Mediterranean cruise is something I’ve wanted to do for a while. I was so excited when the opportunity finally arose to travel with my family to Italy to start our cruise through the Mediterranean.
The interesting thing about this cruise was that the first 2 days were in Venice, so the ship stayed in port on Day 2 so guests could explore Venice. We opted to stay on the ship that day and added 2 days in Venice after the cruise was over.
Day 1: Venice, Italy
Day 2: Venice, Italy
Day 3: Split, Croatia
Day 4: Kotor, Montenegro
Day 5: Corfu, Greece
Day 6: Santorini, Greece
Day 7: Piraeus, Greece (Athens)
Day 8: Mykonos, Greece
Day 9: Kefalonia, Greece
Day 10: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Norwegian Star Staterooms
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.
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.
The bathroom was small as well, but the layout was one of the better ones on a cruise ship. The shower was actually a decent size, and the toilet had a separate door.
Cruise Tip:
Bring a hanging toiletry kit! There is very little counter space in the bathroom and a hanging bag gives you easy access to your bathroom essentials without taking up space.
Norwegian Star Dining Options
I was nervous about the food on the Norwegian Star before we even boarded the boat (as nervous as you can get about food on a 10 day Mediterranean cruise!) Some of my family members reported that the food on previous Norwegian cruises was average awful.
The food ended up exceeding my expectations (although I admit those expectations were low). While the main buffet and dining room weren’t great, the specialty dining was excellent.
I’ve tried specialty dining on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas and I wasn’t impressed, but the specialty dining on the Norwegian Star was awesome.
Norwegian Cruise Line Dining Tip: Norwegian offers a specialty dining package as a special (often called “Free at Sea”) quite often, so I would suggest keeping a look out for that so you can have those restaurants included in your price.
Complimentary Restaurants:
Buffet: I detest buffets and cruise ship buffets are no exception. If, however, you enjoy elbowing strangers to grab 18 different types of food on the same plate then wandering around the crowded dining room to find a space, then you’ll love it.
O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill : This restaurant overlooks the main atrium and has a (shocker) Irish pub type of feel to it. I enjoyed it for breakfast, but it wasn’t awesome for lunch or dinner.
Versailles Main Dining Room: The main dining room wasn’t great. It wasn’t terrible, but I was really happy we only ate here twice.
Aqua Main Dining Room: We only ate here once because we didn’t realize it was a complimentary restaurant at first (oops!) It served the same menu as the main dining room (Versailles), but the atmosphere was so much better. Overall, not a bad place.
Ginza Asian Dining Room: I was surprised to see a specialty type restaurant that was complimentary. It was very good.
Specialty Restaurants:
These restaurants all had an additional charge, either a la carte pricing or a $39 flat fee. You can often find cruise packages that include specialty dining — do this (you won’t regret it).
Reservations are recommended. Especially if you are traveling with a large group, make your reservations on the first day. Restaurants can book up quickly.
Cagney’s: This steakhouse offers a la carte pricing, and was a crowd favorite.
La Cucina: A la carte pricing is offered at this Italian restaurant. It was good, but hard to compare to the Italian food we had in Venice!
Le Bistro: This French restaurant offers a la carte pricing and a delicious menu. We all enjoyed this one.
Moderno: This is a Churrascaria (think meat on a stick) restaurant that charged a flat $39 fee.
Sushi Bar: The sushi bar is within the Ginza Asian Dining Room and offers a la carte pricing. You can sit at the sushi bar or order sushi from your table at Ginza. They were very accommodating and made me a lovely veggie sushi. I ended up going back the next night.
Teppanyaki: This traditional teppanyaki restaurant charged a $39 flat fee.
If you are looking for a relaxing pool day without the crowds, stay on the ship while it’s in port. Most of the passengers will get off the ship leaving the pool much less crowded!
Norwegian Star Amenities
If you have been on a cruise before, you might notice the lack of amenities on the Norwegian Star. One of the big problems with this ship is that it only has 1 pool and it’s small!
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.
What you will find is some bare-bones amenities (as far as mega cruise ships go) including:
- Shuffleboard
- Fitness center
- Video game room
- Golf driving nets
- Walking track
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.
Norwegian Star Kids Club
This was my daughter’s second cruise and I was thrilled to find the kid’s club! Free babysitting, y’all!!
The facilities and staff were great, and I felt totally comfortable leaving my 5-year-old in their care. They offered lots of themed events and you could even leave the kids there for meals (although there’s an extra charge for that.)
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.
Overall, I have zero complaints about the Norwegian Star kids club.
Norwegian Star Art Auctions
Cruise ship art auctions are my favorite onboard activity. 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.
Since then, I plan my cruise ship days based on art auctions and other art events. I think they’re fun even if you don’t buy anything (but, of course, I usually do!)
The auctions on the Norwegian Star are run by Park West Gallery . If you have ever been to an auction on a cruise, it was probably a Park West auction.
Unfortunately, the art auctions on the Norwegian Star were the most unorganized and poorly run auctions of any ship I have ever been on.
The ship didn’t have a great space for the auctions, and the art team (while they were mostly lovely people) just seemed like they didn’t know what was going on half the time.
If this were my first experience with cruise ship art auctions, I think it would have been my last.
It can get windy on a cruise ship deck. Leave your big, floppy hats at home and instead opt for a cruise friendly hat like this one .
Norwegian Star Shore Excursions
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.
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. Plus, you won’t get left behind if your tour runs late. But booking excursions on your own tends to be cheaper. So, there are benefits to both.
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.
I tried out these tours on this cruise:
- Charming Split Riviera & River Cruise: This tour involved a little boat ride, a small lunch consisting of prosciutto, cheese, bread, olives, and wine, and then a walking tour through Split. I enjoyed it, but this would also be an easy stop to get off and walk around Split on your own. Book your own Split river cruise here.
- Best of Montenegro: Montenegro was so surprising to me — the scenery was gorgeous! What I liked about this tour is that we took a bus up the mountain, so we got killer views of our cruise ship in Boka Bay. Book your own Best of Montenegro tour here.
- Corfu Beach Break: This was a nice half-day transfer to the beach. The beach was all rocks until you were well into the water, so you might want to invest in some water shoes. I really enjoyed this relaxing day on an otherwise very busy trip. Book your own Corfu tour here.
- Charming Oia and Winery: The tour itself was good and I enjoyed the winery stop, but I really was disappointed with Oia! This was one of the main places I was interested in on this trip and it was the biggest let down — it was too crowded with people trying to get that 1 iconic shot of the blue roofs. (If you are looking for a charming Greek Island, stick with Mykonos). Book your own tour of Santorini here.
- Best of Athens and its Scenic Coast: This was a full-day tour that took us to the Acropolis, the temple of Poseidon, and included a drive through Athens. Plus the lunch that was included in this tour was AMAZING!!! I was shocked at how much I liked Greek food. Book your own tour of Athens here.
- Cephalonia Highlights: If you like sitting on a bus for 4 hours, then this is the tour for you…otherwise, I’d skip this one. Book your own Cephalonia tour here.
Ports Where You Can Explore On Your Own
1. When you’re in Mykonos, Greece you can just get off the ship and wander around the little town. It’s so charming and there are tons of restaurants and shops to check out. I LOVED this place!
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia is another city where it’s relatively easy to get off the ship and wander on your own. We purchased cable car tickets ahead of time (because they were cheaper online), but other than that we just winged it.
3. If your cruise is stopping in Santorini, Greece you can get off the ship and head up the cliff (you’ll need to take a cable car) to the town of Fira. Honestly, I liked this town so much better than Oia (which is what everyone associates with Santorini) — if I ever go back, I’ll stay in Fira. We also had an awesome dinner in town at Ouzeri. The food was incredible!
A word of warning: getting the cable car down to your ship in Fira can get super busy — we waited in line for about 1.5 hours!!! So, leave plenty of time to get back down so you don’t get left on Santorini!
4. Split, Croatia is another port that has a bustling town right at the cruise ship port. You can stop at a restaurant or walk through the old walled part of the city very easily without a tour.
5. Venice, Italy is another port where you can just hop off and walk around. I loved just wandering the charming streets, stopping in for pizza and wine along the way. If you’re traveling to Venice with kids, check out these ideas for things to do in Venice with kids.
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Western mediterranean cruise: tips, port guides & ncl epic review.
Featuring an unbeatable combination of scenery, attractions and activities, the crystal-blue waters of the Western Mediterranean offer one of the best cruise experiences in the world.
With fabulous ports of call, outstanding local food and wine and UNESCO-listed cultural and historic sites, the main challenge is picking the right itinerary and cruise operator for you.
Plan your perfect cruise with my essential tips for cruising the Western Mediterranean and an honest review of my experience sailing on NCL Epic. To make the most of your time onshore, you’ll find guides to exploring the most popular ports of call in Italy and Spain.
Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .
IN THIS ARTICLE
How I Cruised the Western Mediterranean
- Cruise operator : Norwegian (NCL)
- Ship: NCL Epic
- Duration: 7 days
- Port of embarkation: Barcelona
- Other ports of call: Palma de Mallorca, Cagliari, Civitavecchia, Naples, Livorno
My Top Western Mediterranean Cruise Tips
1. try to avoid sailing in july and august.
For optimal weather conditions, the best time to cruise the Mediterranean is from early April to November.
However, unless you are confined to the school holidays, I would avoid the peak season in July and August. Searing Mediterranean heat and jostling crowds are never a good combination. You will also pay more to cruise in these months.
If you cruise the Mediterranean during the winter months there will be fewer crowds and prices will be lower. However, during the winter, many locals close up shop.
I took a Mediterranean Sea cruise in October. Although there was a little rain and wind, the temperature was pleasantly balmy.
Cruisers can experience rough seas in the Mediterranean, which tend to be worse in the autumn and winter. However, rough seas in the spring and summer are not unknown.
2. DO A LITTLE HOMEWORK TO PICK THE CRUISE THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU
There is a Western Mediterranean cruise for everyone. Itineraries typically include ports of call in Spain, France and Italy. Destinations in Portugal (usually Lisbon, Porto and Madeira ), Monaco and the Canary Islands ( Tenerife , Lanzarote , Fuerteventura) can also be featured. Although mini-cruises are also available, the duration of Mediterranean cruises generally ranges from seven to 14 days. As there is considerable variety in itinerary lengths, ports of call and types of ship, you will need to do a little homework to pick the cruise that is right for you. Check out the Western Mediterranean cruise itineraries on offer to see which combination of ports is the right one for you. Also, consider where your cruise starts . For example, many sail from Barcelona or Civitavecchia. Whilst Barcelona’s cruise terminal is close to the city centre, Civitavecchia is 70 km from Rome. Other embarkation ports include Southampton (UK), Venice, Tenerife and Genoa. There is a spectrum of ships that sail along the Mediterranean, accommodating all budgets. These range from mainstream behemoths to smaller ships offering a more intimate experience. Just pick the one that is the right fit for you.
3. PACK APPROPRIATELY
Except for the winter months, the weather in the Western Mediterranean is predictably warm. This makes packing easy. For exploring the ports of call, wear t-shirts with shorts, linen trousers/chinos or skirts. I also like to pack a few easy-to-wear cotton summer dresses. For cooler days and evenings, pack a jumper or lightweight jacket. Weather in the Mediterranean in April / May or late September / October and be unpredictable; stuff a few more warm layers in your suitcase. Ditch the stilettos for sensible walking shoes or trainers. And don’t forget your glad rags for any formal evenings on board! Pack an umbrella or raincoat at any time of year in case of unexpected downpours.
4. BOOK A BALCONY CABIN
Consider booking a balcony cabin when cruising the Western Mediterranean Part of the appeal of cruising is admiring the scenery as you sail by. And where better to take in the view than on your private balcony with a glass of fizzy stuff? That said, I recommend that you examine your cruise itinerary before booking your cabin. If this is port-intensive and features only one or two days at sea, a balcony stateroom may not be a worthwhile investment. A final cautionary note: not all cruise cabins are equal. Therefore if you don’t want to end up next to the laundry or under the promenade deck, research your cruise cabin before you book.
It shouldn’t matter which side of the cruise ship your cabin is on when sailing the Mediterranean. As most Mediterranean cruises sail at night, there isn’t much land to see.
Western Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary and Ports of Call
This one-week cruise included five ports of call: Palma de Mallorca, Cagliari, Livorno, Civitavecchia and Barcelona.
DAY ONE: LEAVING BARCELONA
At 6 pm, NCL Epic released her moorings and set sail for Palma de Mallorca, 112 nautical miles southeast of Barcelona.
DAY TWO: PALMA DE MALLORA, SPAIN
Historic Palma de Mallorca , the capital city of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is brimming with beauty.
Casco Antiguo , Palma’s elegant old town, is a labyrinth of honey-coloured stone buildings that wraps itself around an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral . Within the old town, there are magnificent Arab Baths , the last vestige of Medina Mayurqa, the former Islamic city.
One of the reasons to visit Spain is to sample its fabulous food. Whilst you are in Palma, make sure you order an ensaïmada , the island’s tasty pastry.
NCL Epic berthed at Estacio Maritima, a 45-minute walk to Palma Cathedral.
Cruise shuttle buses and a local bus (No. 1) are also available. Depending on how long you have in port, a hop-on-hop-off bus (HOHO) may be a cost-effective option.
>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PALMA HOHO BUS TICKET
Although most ships berth at Estacio Maritima, a few dock at Porto Pí on the western edge of Palma.
- Visit Palma Cathedral
- Stop by the Arab Baths
- Snack on an ensaïmada
- Take a seat by a 600-year-old olive tree
- Ride on the Soller vintage train
- Visit Bellver Castle
DAY THREE: CAGLIARI, SARDINIA, ITALY
Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean. Situated west of mainland Italy and south of the French island of Corsica, it has a rich history dating back to the Neolithic period and has been home to many civilisations, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans.
Today’s Cagliari is home to wonderful historical buildings, has a charming marina and is close to the longest beach in Italy. Further afield, discover more about Sardinia’s mysterious nuraghi at the UNESCO site of Si Nuraxi di Barumni .
Cruise ships dock at the busy Molo Rinascita, a 15-minute walk from the town centre. However, be aware that Cagliari has steep hills and traffic around the port is lively.
A better option is the free shuttle bus, provided by The Port Authority of Cagliari, which runs the cruise port to Piazza Matteotti, close to the centre of town. From here, bus number 7 runs up the hill to the Castello district.
- Visit Santuario di Bonaria
- Visit Cattedrale di Santa Maria
- Admire the views from historic Castello
- Find out more about the Nuragica civilization at Cittadella dei Musei
- Soak up the sun on Poetto Beach
- Admire pink flamingos in Molentargius Nature Reserve
- Try delicious Sardinian food and wine
- Visit the Neolithic Village of Su Nuraxi near Barumini,
DAY FOUR: CIVITAVECCHIA, ITALY
Although Civitavecchia serves as the cruise port for Rome , it is around 80 km from the Italian capital or over an hour’s train journey.
Civitavecchia Port has an interesting history. It was founded in the 2nd century by the Roman Emperor Trajan and rebuilt as a fortress in 1537 by Michelangelo.
However, it’s safe to say that not many cruise passengers linger in Civitavecchia. This is an opportunity to take a whistle-stop tour of Rome, explore the wonders of ancient Ostia or visit Lazio’s under-the-radar hilltop towns.
The train station is a 20-minute walk from the port. This excellent guide will tell you all that you need to know about getting to and from the Civitavecchia cruise terminal.
If you decide to visit Rome independently, just make sure that you will be able to get back in time before your cruise leaves.
- Do Rome in a day
- Visit the Roman port of Ostia Antica
- Find out more about the Etruscan civilisation at Tarquinia
- Visit the ‘dying town’ of Civita di Bagnoregio
- Relax at Terme della Ficoncella
- Visit the Etruscan town of Tuscania
- Take a day trip to Orvieto
DAY FOUR: NAPLES, ITALY
Naples is Italy in hyperdrive.
Yes; it can be noisy and chaotic. But, equally, it has a rich history and proud culture and it has a spectacular setting on the Bay of Naples , in the shadow of Vesuvius.
Furthermore, it is home to the best pizza in the world.
Most cruise ships dock at Molo Beverello, the main pier of Stazione Maritima, an easy 10-minute walk from Naples’ historic centre.
Walking is the easiest way to explore Naples. To reach places that are further out, your best bet is to take line 1 of the city’s metro system. Municipio is the closest metro station to the cruise terminal.
There is also a hop-on-hop-off (HOHO) bus. There is a bus stop outside the terminal, adjacent to Castel Nuovo.
>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS FOR NAPLES HOHO BUS
- Join a walking tour of Naples
- Take a ferry to the island of Capri
- Visit ancient Pompeii
- See the skeletons at Herculaneum
- Shop for limoncello in Sorrento
DAY FIVE: LIVORNO, ITALY
Livorno is the cruise port for the Cinque Terre and Tuscany.
But don’t expect to see a picturesque coastline or the vineyards and rolling hills of Tuscany from your cabin’s balcony. This is very much an industrial port
Although Livorno itself is worthy of a visit, most cruise passengers use this cruise stop as an opportunity to explore the great towns and cities of Tuscany , including Florence, Lucca and Sienna or to explore the Cinque Terre . I went completely left field and took the chance to visit the marvellous marble quarries at Carrara .
In common with 90% of cruise ships, the Epic docked in the industrial port, near Darsena Calafati and Darsena Petroli. If you are arriving on a smaller ship, you may berth at the cruise terminal at Porto Mercantile which is within walking distance from the town.
Not many people linger in Livorno, taking excursions to Tuscany or the Cinque Terre instead. But if you do decide to stay in Livorno, shuttle buses will take you from the port to Piazza Grande in the centre of Livorno. From here, the best way to explore the town is on foot.
- Visit the great Tuscan cities of Florence , Siena, Pisa or Luca
- Go wine-tasting in Tuscany
- Visit the wonderful city of San Gimignano
- Explore the Cinque Terre
- Take a jeep tour of the Carrara marble quarries
DAY SIX: AT SEA
A relaxing day at sea and an opportunity to see if my origami skills had improved since my last attempt. They hadn’t.
DAY SEVEN: DISEMBARKATION AT BARCELONA
And just like that, it was over.
Whilst you can see the best of Barcelona in a day , it is well worth lingering in town either before or after your cruise.
The cosmopolitan Catalonia capital city is famous for its art and architecture – notably Antoni Gaudi – sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife and a world-beating food scene.
>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR SKIP-THE-LINE TICKET FOR LA SAGRADA FAMÍLIA
Most cruise ships dock at the Moll Adossat terminals (Terminals A, B, C and D). Terminal D is the farthest away of the four quays and is approximately 4 km from La Rambla.
Making the journey on foot will take you 25 minutes from Terminal A and 45 minutes from Terminal D. There is also a Cruise Bus .
The easiest way to get around Barcelona is on foot, using the city’s metro system for attractions that are further out.
Barcelona also has a hop-on-hop-off bus. You can choose from a one or two-day ticket and access two routes with stops that include stops in this Barcelona itinerary and more. An audio commentary is available.
>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR BARCELONA HOHO BUS TICKET
- Visit La Sagrada Família , Gaudi’s masterpiece,
- Visit Barcelona Cathedral
- Stroll around the Gothic Quarter
- Walk along La Rambla
- Lunch in Mercat de la Boqueria
- Stroll around Port Vell
My Experience Onboard Norwegian Epic: Ship Review
Norwegian Epic is a colossal beast.
Launched in 2009, this is one of the largest ships in the NCL fleet and can accommodate 4,100 passengers. Spread over 19 decks, the Epic is 61 meters in height and 329 meters long and weighs 153,000 tonnes.
NCL Epic has 1,724 crew members resulting in a decent passenger-staff ratio. This is reflected in its levels of customer service. More about that later.
With a dark-wood-and-cream colour scheme, like many ships of this size, it features a hotel lobby-like central space . However, this space could be put to better use. It was largely occupied by passengers staring slack-jawed at the enormous TV screen showing promotional videos on a loop.
Many of the public areas, especially those near the main dining rooms felt enclosed, verging on claustrophobic. Sightlines out to sea were restricted and you could be forgiven for forgetting that you were on the ocean.
Navigating around the ship was initially challenging, not helped by poor signposting.
Access from deck 5 to deck 6 (the interior public decks) was via an almost incidental escalator. Across the ship, there were lifts and stairs at aft and stern but none at midship.
Although these aspects were occasionally frustrating, they are not deal-breakers.
EMBARKATION AT BARCELONA CRUISE PORT
Embarkation at Barcelona was flawless.
At the time I travelled (October 2021) pre-boarding Covid lateral flow tests at the port were mandatory. From rocking up at check-in to opening my cabin door, it was 45 minutes.
NCL EPIC CLUB BALCONY CABIN
I had a Club Balcony cabin, which featured a tasteful brown and cream palette.
Let’s start with the elephant in the (state)room; its design. This is the Marmite of cruise ship staterooms. You will either love it or loathe it.
The first thing that strikes you on entering the cabin is its curviness. Reflecting the waves on the sea outside the balcony door, the walls of the cabin gently curve, as do the sofa and the bed.
I can live with that, but the bathroom is another story.
This is a deconstructed bathroom . As you enter a cabin, the toilet is on one side of the entrance passageway, and one of the longest showers in the world is on the opposite side. Each is enclosed by a sliding frosted-glass door.
The shower was adequate but could have been more powerful for my liking. Inside the cubicle, there is a washing line.
Just beyond the toilet and shower was one of the smallest sinks in the world. But the large drawer under the sink for used towels is a good design feature.
Almost as an afterthought, there was a naff curtain you could pull across the entrance passageway /bathroom area for privacy.
A decent range of toiletries was provided, including hand soap, shower gel and shampoo in wall-mounted dispensers, a 30ml bottle of lemongrass body lotion and a bar of fragrant soap. There was also a powerful hairdryer.
The large, comfortable bed had good-quality linen and plump pillows. There was also a two-seater sofa in the cabin.
Lighting in the cabin was plentiful and thoughtfully placed. That said, it verged on the atmospheric rather than the functional.
One thing you won’t be short of in an NCL Epic Club Balcony cabin is storage space .
I was still discovering new cupboards in the stateroom two days into the cruise. They were everywhere.
Ditto mirrors. I counted five in total, including two full-length mirrors. It’s a narcissist’s dream.
There were only four plug sockets in the cabin, cunningly concealed beneath the TV. Two of these were US sockets; the other two were European two-pin sockets.
A small fridge housed the cabin’s mini-bar. There was also an in-stateroom safe .
There was a coffee maker in the room which you could also use to make tea. Coffee and tea supplies were available from the cabin steward on request.
I found the television was most useful as an onboard information system, allowing you to book restaurants and shore excursions.
Disappointingly, the limited movie library wasn’t free, with each film costing 9.95 USD. The choice of TV channels was limited to a handful of news channels, sports channels, one showing TV shows and a free movie channel.
The balcony was spacious, accommodating two chairs and a small table.
FOOD AND DRINK
There were 16 bars on NCL Epic from which to choose, each with its own theme.
One of the largest bars was the gloomy O’Sheehan’s Bar and Grill, the ship’s Irish pub.
My favourite was Shaker’s Martini Bar , which served a range of excellent cocktails. If sipping sake is more your style, you will love the Wasabi Sake Bar .
Or snuggle up in warm layers at the Ice Bar . Made entirely made of ice, from the bar itself to the glasses, this unique bar serves six speciality cocktails.
Norwegian Epic offered 21 dining choices, some of which incurred an extra charge.
The quality of food in the main dining rooms was generally good.
The food from the buffet service at The Garden Room was acceptable but unexceptional.
My favourite dining venue was Shanghai’s Noodle Bar & Shanghai’s Chinese Restaurant. Whereas this would be a speciality restaurant on most other cruise lines, it was complimentary on NCL.
I also ate at La Cucina, one of the ship’s speciality dining options. This was unremarkable and pricey if you don’t have a dining deal.
RELAXING ON DECK
The ship’s busy main deck and swimming pool area are on deck 15.
If you are seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of the main deck area, head for the H2O Spice Zone at the aft of the ship on Deck 16. This adult-only area had a bar, snack bar and a small swimming pool.
There was also a climbing wall, a jogging track and a gym.
ENTERTAINMENT ON NORWEGIAN EPIC
This is where the Norwegian Epic excels.
Along with Royal Caribbean, NCL has a reputation for offering the best entertainment at sea today. And the glowing reports are justified.
I am usually so underwhelmed by onboard entertainment that I skip the shows. Not so with Norwegian who put on a dazzling production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert on its theatre’s stage.
Also on NCL Epic, you can step into the Cavern Club , a recreation of the legendary Liverpool venue where the Beatles performed. This intimate space hosts live music and a Beatles cover band.
NCL CUSTOMER SERVICE
This is the jewel in Norwegian’s crown.
Without exception, service onboard the Epic was exemplary. Despite sailing in challenging times – we were still living with the coronavirus pandemic and the cruise industry was cautiously restarting – staff were friendly, courteous and helpful.
This factor alone would persuade me to book with NCL again.
What Was it Like as a Single Traveller on NCL Epic?
Cruising alone is a fabulous choice for solo travellers .
Cruises are very social environments with plenty of opportunities to meet other travellers . However, it’s also easy to be alone if that’s your preference. This Western Mediterranean cruise on NCL Epic is an excellent solo travel experience, especially if you are travelling alone for the first time . The ship had lots of organised activities during the day and entertainment laid on at night. Historically, the downside of cruising as a solo traveller has been its cost. The absence of single cruise cabins and single supplements approaching 100 per cent have penalised those travelling alone. Norwegian Cruise Line has led the charge in the introduction of stylish single cruise cabins. Rebranding them as ‘Studio Cabins’, they are clustered together and include an exclusive singles lounge.
Fellow passengers on this NCL Epic cruise were a cosmopolitan bunch of all ages and from all walks of life.
Should You Take a Western Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Epic?
If you are lucky, there are some great deals to be had with NCL. In 2021, I paid less than £1000 for the sole occupation of a Club Balcony Cabin for this Western Mediterranean cruise on NCL Epic. A drinks package, 50 USD off each shore excursion and 280 USD onboard credit were thrown in for good measure.
By any stretch of the imagination, this is astonishing value, affordable luxury travel at its best. My one niggle is that bottled water is not included in the drinks package, which feels a little cynical.
This was a fantastic itinerary, even for someone like myself who has visited Spain and Italy on multiple occasions. However, this is a port-intensive itinerary and if you are someone who relishes days at sea it may not be right for you.
NCL Epic is a handsome ship. Although some of her design aspects were frustrating, these would not deter me from booking a cruise on her again.
But ultimately, it is the first-class customer service that will tempt me to book another cruise with Norwegian.
Ready to cruise the Western Mediterranean?
This was a terrific solo cruise and a cost-effective way of experiencing some wonderful Mediterranean destinations. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
If you have found this article helpful, take a deeper dive into the stops on this cruise:
- One Day in Palma de Mallorca, Spain: 8 Awesome Things to Do
- One Day in Naples: Cruise Port Guide & 10 Best Things to Do
- Visiting the Carrara Marble Quarries, Italy
- Tips for Visiting Sagrada Família: Things You Should Know Before You Go
- How to Spend One Day in Barcelona from a Cruise Ship
Happy sailing!
Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise – Everything You Need To Know
Wondering what it’s like to travel on a Norwegian cruise line? This is a complete review of the Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise, which takes you to six destinations around the Mediterranean.
In this review, you’ll learn about the suites, decks, restaurants, entertainment venues, and activities for both children and adults. Find the best tips to plan the perfect getaway to Europe on a Norwegian Epic Cruise.
This guide is ideal for families who want to go on an epic sea adventure in Europe. Read on to discover helpful tips to plan your Norwegian Epic Mediterranean getaway.
Table of Contents
Our First Time Aboard Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise
It took a long time to convince my husband to try a new way of travelling, but I think he’s finally hooked. We have done our research, read blogs, Norwegian Epic reviews and got some advice from expert cruisers. We finally decided that the Norwegian Epic cruise was the best cruise for us. When choosing a cruise we first looked at where we wanted to go.
An NLC Mediterranean cruise was always on my bucket list, and with some amazing ports of call – we knew we had to book the Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise, one of the best Mediterranean cruise lines.
There are so many great Norwegian European cruises to choose from. We had many misconceptions about cruising, and we were completely surprised. Check out my Instagram story highlights from my trip.
We booked our Norwegian Mediterranean Cruise with Air Canada Vacations as they offer so many advantages. Air Canada Vacations guarantees the lowest airfare, reliable travel, flexible payment options, and other great features.
You can also book hotel nights before or after your cruise with Air Canada Vacations and tailor your vacation with hundreds of worldwide cruise itineraries. We arrived in Barcelona a day before our cruise and stayed at the Hotel HCC Regente .
CLICK HERE: Read more about our stay at Hotel HCC Regente
Air Canada Vacations Cruise Promise
- Lowest Airfare or you fly free – If you find a flight with Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge at a lower price, we’ll pay for your flight!
- Guaranteed return flight – If the ship is late, we’ll book you on the next available flight home.
- Never miss your cruise – In the event that a delayed flight causes you to miss your cruise, you will be rebooked on the next available flight to catch up with it.
- Flexible payment features – No deposit required for flights + All flights are 100% refundable up to 30 days prior to travel + One name change is permitted up to 30 days prior to travel
History Of NCL Epic
The Norwegian Epic was built in 2010 and was the 3rd-largest cruise ship in the world when it was built! With 4200 passengers and 1750 crew, it’s also the equivalent of a 16-story high building and has its own towering water slides on the top deck! The ship was refurbished in 2015.
We thought a cruise ship on the Western Mediterranean would leave us claustrophobic, with nowhere to go. This could not be further from the truth. There is so much to see and do on the ship that you may not even get a chance to see everything!
Checking in with Norwegian Epic
We arrived at the Barcelona cruise port to check-in for our cruise. Check-in on the NCL Epic is similar to an airline check-in apart from getting your photo taken. We were issued a room key card which was also used for all purchases on board the cruise ship and was our ID card.
We had a misconception that it would take hours to check-in on a cruise ship. There were lineups but they moved quickly.
Norwegian Epic Rooms
When booking a room on your Norwegian Epic cruise of course you have many choices. I always pictured cruise staterooms to be extremely small. We were lucky to stay in a mid-ship balcony stateroom that features floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony.
This room can accommodate up to three people with two lower beds that convert into a queen-sized bed, and a sitting area that converts to additional bedding to accommodate one more passenger. We were so surprised how spacious our room was.
It had a closet and several compartments for storage. Our room had a unique bathroom layout where every area is separate, including the shower and vanity sink. It’s a great layout, as my husband and I didn’t have to battle it out in the bathroom for space.
Our room was also equipped with a small coffee maker, great for that quick cup of java when you first wake up and a mini-bar fridge. (Careful, the items in the mini-bar fridge are usually not included in your cruise rate and are usually an additional charge).
No need to pack the basics as the shower is equipped with a wall dispenser with body wash and moisturizing shampoo as well as a hairdryer, leaving more space in your luggage for souvenirs. We were located on deck 14 mid-ship, the perfect location as we were one floor below the Garden Cafe.
If you are looking to add a bit of luxury on your cruise, you can always opt for the luxurious Haven Suites. They have penthouse suites with balconies, the deluxe owner’s Haven Suite with a separate bedroom, living room and dining room, or the two-bedroom family villa with balcony.
If you book a Haven Suite you get to use the Concierge Lounge and private restaurant and bar as well as butler and concierge services……sweet!!
We were really surprised to hear that they offer studios for solo travelers as well as their own lounge. This is great for solo travelers, no more single supplementary charges.
NCL Epic Deck Plans
The Norwegian Epic has 19 decks…….pretty much the size of a building! The rooms are located on decks 8 – 17. There was so much to explore on this ship and we definitely got our workout in everyday exploring. It’s important to know what is located on each deck as you can decide how close you want your stateroom to be to all the action or how far away.
Also, because there is so much to explore you don’t want to miss anything…….trust me, if you don’t know about it you probably won’t find it on your NLC Mediterranean cruise.
Norweigan Cruiseline Freestyle Dining
My husband and I always heard stories of friends who have been on other cruises and they had set times for dinner every night in the same restaurant. We did not like the idea of a set time to eat dinner. We wanted to have the option to eat when and where we wanted.
Norwegian Cruise lines offer freestyle dining. There are no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating giving us the freedom on our vacation to try different places to eat on board and experience all of the dining options.
Norwegian Epic Restaurants
The food! We really had no idea what we were missing. We always thought that cruise ship dining was all about the long lineups and mediocre food. NCL is known for amazing dining and has over 20 different dining options on board but we had no idea that NCL Epic would be a foodie heaven.
All the restaurants were amazing, yes even the buffet! The cruise fare includes two main dining rooms where you can order from a menu (they change nightly), a self-serve buffet that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a variety of casual cafes, grills and on-the-go choices.
In addition to all of the complimentary dining options available, Norwegian Epic also offers dining at specialty restaurants. For a cover charge, you can experience a world of different cuisines and atmosphere – from the finest French Bistro at sea to casual authentic Italian dishes served in a Trattoria-style setting to the first at sea Brazilian Churrasqueira.
We tried to enjoy as many of the restaurants as possible.
Garden Café Deck 15
The Garden Cafe is a buffet restaurant, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with wonderful views. They have different themes every night so you are never eating the same meal again unless you want to. We loved the freshly prepared made-to-order omelets in the morning.
Great Outdoors Deck 15
The Great Outdoors is located just outside of the Garden Cafe but located outdoors to enjoy the fresh ocean air and a view of the Aqua Park This is a buffet that is open during breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Taste Deck 5
One of the twin inclusive al-a-carte restaurants we dined at was Taste restaurant that serves contemporary cuisine, with menus changing daily. This was a great restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Manhattan Room Deck 6
We enjoyed dinner at another inclusive restaurant, the Manhattan Room. The ambiance is like we were in a private New York City supper club with panoramic ocean views from the two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows. There was also nightly entertainment.
O’Sheehans Deck 6
O’Sheehans is open 24 hours a day! They have some great Irish pub classics as well as popular draft beers. We enjoyed some of the popular comfort food menu items such as Prime Rib and All-You-Can-Eat Ribs. You can also enjoy a game of pool, or relax while taking in a sports game.
La Cucina Deck 14
At La Cucina, we enjoyed fine Italian dining with spectacular ocean views. They offered some great Italian classics such as pasta carbonara and lobster fettuccine. This was one of the specialty dining à la carte restaurants with a cover charge.
We were looking forward to a steak dinner at the popular Cagney’s Steak House. This restaurant has a selection of premium choice cuts of Angus beef perfectly prepared and we also wanted to try their famous Parmesan truffle fries. This was definitely one of our favorite restaurants on the ship.
Moderno Churrascaria Deck 7
We loved the unique experience at the authentic Brazilian steakhouse. We started with the large impressive salad bar. Honestly, I was pretty full after the salad bar so I would highly recommend pacing yourself, as you need to save room for the skewers of slow-roasted meats carved tableside by the Pasadores and of course the side dishes.
Atrium Café & Bar Deck 5
The Atrium was our go-to for pre-dinner cocktails and people watching. It is a grand space that offers three-deck vertical views and a two-story tv screen.
Norwegian Epic Award-Winning Entertainment
Norwegian Cruise lines are known for their award-winning entertainment. We were expecting the usual cheesy entertainment you would get while staying at an all-inclusive resort – but boy, were we wrong! You can’t miss the entertainment, it will blow you away.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical (Complimentary)
This international hit sensation is based on the smash-hit movie. PRISCILLA is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they could have ever dreamed of.
With a dazzling array of outrageous Tony and Oscar Award-winning costumes and a hit parade of dance-floor favorites.
Burn the Floor (Complimentary)
Burn the Floor sizzles onboard Norwegian Epic! An international championship cast shows off their best ballroom dance moves with plenty of European flair. From Grand Viennese waltzes to the sensual Tango and provocative Rumba, experience all their passion as they heat up the stage.
The dancers were so amazing and really make this one of the best Norwegian Epic activities.
Cirque Dreams Epicurean (additional fee)
We did not see the Cirque Dreams Epicurean show and now I’m kicking myself. I have heard so many wonderful things about it and will definitely opt to see this show next time. This dinner theater takes places in the SpiegelTent, a custom-designed venue that resembles a circus tent.
A three-course dinner is served prior to the main show. The NCL website describes the show as “An Avant-garde world of awe-inspiring feats and colorful eccentricities awaits your discovery in this captivating show.”
Norwegian Epic Activities
We thought a full day at sea meant we were going to be so bored… what can we possibly do? Boy, was I wrong.
Norwegian Epic has enough onboard activities to fill every minute of your cruise. The best thing is that you can do as little or as much as you want. Every night at turndown service, a newsletter is delivered to the room with a timetable of activities for the next day……for every hour of the day!! There is an Aqua Park with a 200-foot slide, the only bowl slide at sea.
There is also Spice H20, an adults-only beach club at the back of the ship. If you are really looking for some pampering then you can even book a session at the Mandara Spa. There really is something for everyone.
Suit up and splash down at the first ever Aqua Park. There are two pools, five hot tubs, a kid’s pool, three multi-story water slides including the 200-foot Epic Plunge.
Bliss Ultra Lounge – Bowling Alley
During the day, all ages are welcome to bowl. At night, guests 18 and older enjoy funky lighting that illuminates the neon-colored bowling balls and decor to create an atmosphere that is full of energy.
Pulse Fitness Centre
Enjoy working out on vacation? Visit the Pulse fitness center with great workout equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, and free weights or even yoga, pilates and spinning. We walked through and couldn’t believe how many people were in the fitness center…….love the dedication.
The Epic Casino
Try your luck at the largest, elegant, full-action casino that offers high-roller ambiance. They offer poker, blackjack, roulette, craps and hundreds of slot machines.
Sports Complex
The Sports Complex has two decks to play on with a full-sized basketball court, rock climbing wall, the first-ever rappelling wall at sea and a 24-foot enclosed climbing cage.
Soak up the sun by day around the pool and enjoy the outdoor buffet at the adults-only Ibiza-inspired beach club at the back of the ship. The entertainment is non-stop, as the pool floor rises to become a dance floor at night.
Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary
Let’s not forget about the Norwegian Epic itinerary! Where else can you enjoy 6 dream destinations in one week without having to pack and unpack? It was refreshing to visit a new destination every morning, without having to pack up all of our belongings!
It was wonderful to leave and explore for the day and be able to return to the ship and relax in our state-room. The Norwegian Epic itinerary had all the stops we were looking for on a Western Mediterranean cruise that included some dream destinations. This is the ultimate Norwegian Epic Mediterranean cruise itinerary to see some of the top destinations in Europe.
Norwegian Epic Ports:
- Civitavecchia (Rome)
- Livorno (Tuscany)
- Palma de Mallorca
Day One: Barcelona, Spain
We embarked on the Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona. As soon as we got on board we set off exploring the cruise ship. If you are starting or ending your cruise in Barcelona, make sure to check out the top sightseeing tours in Barcelona or our list of best day trips from Barcelona .
Day Two: At Sea
Catching sunlight and lazing on the NCL deck is one of the most fun things to do during this cruise!
Day Three: Naples, Italy
On day three, we docked in Naples and took a shore excursion out to Sorrento and Positano . It has always been a dream to visit this stunning coast – and it was beautiful! I would highly recommend stopping in Positano on your day trip as this is probably one of the best Amalfi towns to visit.
Day Four: Civitavecchia, Italy
Day four, we docked in Rome. We took a guided excursion in Roma visiting landmarks, having lunch and trying the famous cacio e pepe pasta and touring the Coliseum. Although you may be limited on time, here are some great places to eat while in Rome.
(You might also like this 4 day Rome itinerary if you have a chance to stay longer.)
Day Five: Livorno, Italy
From Livorno we traveled through the very scenic Tuscany region for our tour to our dream destination Cinque Terre (five villages). Our first stop to Vernazza was so colorful and cozy. Then to Riomaggiore which was so spectacular and so memorable. The Cinque Terre beaches are so beautiful. This is definitely a dream destination.
Day Six: Cannes, France
We strolled through the playground of the rich and famous, Cannes then onto a short train ride to visit one of our favorite cities in Europe, Monte Carlo. This city is incredibly scenic and easy to get around, with one city bus circling the entire center core.
Check out our luxury getaway to the Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel
Day Seven: Palma de Mallorca, Spain
One short bus ride from this port and we were walking to the historic old town. This city, more than any other port of call on our 7 day Mediterranean cruise, was such a pleasant surprise because we didn’t know much about it.
As the name implies, the entire area is gifted with majestic palm trees and the most charming narrow streets lined with amazing cafes, restaurants, and shops. It is also one of the best destinations for winter sun in Europe .
Day Eight: Barcelona
Finally, we got off at the Norwegian Epic Barcelona dock. I can’t believe we waited this long to experience our first-time cruise. It really is a wonderful way to travel and see so many different destinations as well as enjoying all the wonderful amenities available on the ship. This is one of our favorite Norweigan cruises !
Some of these amenities you won’t even be able to find at a resort, making this a truly epic cruise. The gourmet dining really was a highlight for us. It didn’t matter where you dined, the food was amazing and the service outstanding!
Throughout our cruise, we were so surprised at the level of service from all the staff. Everyone was so friendly and always smiling. We are most definitely cruising with Norwegian Cruise lines again and can’t wait to bring our daughters with us.
Booking The Norwegian Epic Cruise
Norwegian Cruise has some great deals available, depending on when you book.
The best time to go on the Norwegian Epic cruise is between April to June, and September to October. This is when the weather is best and the sun is out! Traveling during winter will still be fun, as there are plenty of indoor activities to see, both on the boat and at each docking point, but nothing beats some vitamin D.
Remember to have your ID with you for booking in, and don’t miss the departure time!
Call 1 866 529-2079 or your local travel professional and one of Air Canada Vacations specialized cruise agents can help answer all your questions and help choose the right cruise package for you.
A Norwegian Western Mediterranean cruise is well worth it!
Final Thoughts On Our Norwegian Mediterranean Cruise
The Norwegian Epic Mediterranean cruise was such a memorable getaway that we will always remember and recommend highly to friends and family. A big thank you to Air Canada Vacations and the Norwegian Cruise Lines for a memorable trip and the best Mediterranean cruise we’ve experienced so far.
Krisilee Murphy
Monday 20th of January 2020
I have been reading so many blogs to prepare for our upcoming trip on the NCL Epic and this is hands down the most informative. Great blog with a complete look at the trip. Thank you for all of the tips!
dianashealthyliving
Sunday 26th of January 2020
Thank you so much. Are you planning a NCL cruise?
Tuesday 10th of September 2019
Very detailed post and very informative! The Norwegian cruise line is definitely one of the best and needs to be talked about more.
Monday 16th of September 2019
We love cruising with NCL
Carmine Morena
Thursday 31st of January 2019
Been on 11 cruises with Norwegian...but have the memories of being on the Epic to be nothing but epic!!!!!! IF I HAD NEVER GOTTEN OFF THE SHIP, I WOULD STILL BE CONTENT!!!!! Combination of the live shows, Pricilla Queen performance ( ultimate by far) and people that l had met will last a lifetime!! Enjoyed it so much that when l returned home l booked it again 6 months later for a transatlantic crossing!!!!! And can you believe l went solo each time!!! Definitely going to do it again
Friday 1st of February 2019
Wow how amazing!! we loved it so much.....we went on another cruise a month later. We are looking to book another cruise with Norwegian. We had such a wonderful experience.
Tuesday 1st of January 2019
Thanks for sharing!! Looks like an amazing trip! Any chance if you know what time they closed the slides? This is such a busy itinerary....and we have 2 teen boys. Was hoping that the slides would still be open for when we return from ports at 6 and 7. Any idea?? Thanks!
Saturday 5th of January 2019
It was a busy itinerary but so much to see. I believe the slides are open 10am - 6pm
Monday 26th of November 2018
Wonderful article! I was wondering though as I have a Mediterranean cruise booked with Norwegian for summer and don’t see any excursions exclusively for positano and Sorrento - do you know the exact name of the excursion you booked?
Friday 30th of November 2018
I will find it for you
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Norwegian Epic Deck Plans & Reviews
Norwegian Epic
Activities & entertainment
- Arts and Crafts Classes
- Barber Shop *
- Behind the Scenes Tour *
- Bridge Viewing Room
- Climbing Wall
- Dance Classes
- Bliss Ultra Lounge
- Deck Parties
- Epic Plunge
- Fitness Center and Spa
- Fitness Classes *
- Gaming Lessons *
- Hair Salon *
- Whirlpools (9)
- Hydrotherapy Pool *
- i_Connect Internet Cafe *
- Jogging Track
- Late Night Dancing
- Photo Studio *
- Poolside Casino *
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- Pulse Fitness Center
- Smile Spa *
- Spa and Salon *
- Sports Complex
- Video Arcade *
- Waterslides (3)
- Wine Tasting *
- Entourage Teen Club
- Kids Aqua Park
- Splash Academy Youth Center
- The Humidor Cigar Lounge
- The Haven Lounge _ Suite Guests
- Private Courtyard Lounge _ Suite Guests
- Comedy Performances
- Epic Theater
- Headliners Comedy Club
- Onboard Movie Screenings
- The Cavern Club
- Live Nightly Music
- Sports Games Televised
- Taste Restaurant - Main
- The Manhattan Room Restaurant - Main
- Atrium Cafe and Bar - Atrium Bar *
- Garden Cafe - Buffet
- Spiegel Tent - Cirque Dinner Theatre *
- Le Bistro French Restaurant - French *
- The Haven Courtyard Grill - Suite Guests
- The Haven Restaurant - Suite Guests
- Ice Bar - Ice Bar *
- La Cucina Italian Restaurant - Italian *
- Teppanyaki - Japanese *
- Wasabi Sushi and Sake Bar - Sushi *
- Shakers Martini Bar - Martini Bar *
- Shanghais Restaurant - Asian
- Posh - Pool Bar *
- Waves Pool Bar - Pool Bar *
- OSheehans Neighborhood Bar and Grill - Pub
- Cagneys Steakhouse - Steakhouse *
- Maltings Beer and Whiskey Bar - Whiskey Bar *
- Moderno Churrascaria - Brazilian *
- Spice H2O Pool Bar and Grill - Pool Bar and Grill
- Room Service *
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Traveler Reviews
A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 2712 guests have reviewed Norwegian Escape , giving it a rating of 4.1 on a scale of 1-5.
Cruiseline Travel Rating:
Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.
Great trip BUT….
Mar 14th, 2024
We had a wonderful trip and nothing was wrong except the service and that just made me mad at Norwegian for treating people so badly.
Traveler Type
Family (older children)
4-6 cruises
Mixed experiences
Mar 13th, 2024
While some of the experiences were wonderful. Others were shameful. I am not sure whether or not we would travel with NCL to the Caribbean again.
2-3 cruises
Sorely Sorely Disappointed
Wait until they sort out the budget cuts or whatever. We shelled out $500 more apiece extra from our last ncl cruise during high season and the experience was worse then when we went on msc. We picked ncl because of our last two experience and for price we paid we feel cheated. I would chalk it up to just a one off but from the other reviews over the last 6 months this is just par for the course. This is their new normal no matter the port, the ship or the class of room
Singles/Friends
Went with wrong cruise companions, they bitched and complained about everything
Mar 9th, 2024
want to go on this ship again as the ship was great I just went with wrong people
Overall good
Mar 6th, 2024
Interstate room areas seem dark hallways were very narrow, not really handicap friendly. Overall was a good cruise. The only exceptions would be the food could be better and the coffee definitely needs to be improved. The staff was excellent.
Large Group
Great cruise!
There were 10 of us who took this cruise. Embarkation and Disembarkation was super quick and easy at Port Canavaral. We parked at portparking.com and they shuttled us to the port. Dropped our bags off and went right upstairs, immediately through security and then onto check-in. All in all, probably took 15 minutes and we were on the ship. Love the way muster is done now. We were directed to our muster station immediately upon entering the ship, scanned our cards and we were good to go. We didn't have our dining reservations yet, so we went to one of the restaurants and were immediately assisted by one of the staff members who helped us book everything which was no easy feat with 10 people. Then we went and had lunch at Taste. By 2ish, our rooms were ready. So we all headed there to take a look at our rooms. Normally, we have gotten oceanview rooms but this time we got balcony rooms and now we won't ever not have a balcony. Loved the rooms. Baggage showed up around 5ish. The beds are pretty firm, so would recommend requesting a egg crate topper, as that helped a little. Escape is a big ship but easy to navigate once you get used to it. We didn't have issues with the elevators like I've read that some do and we were a full ship. Yes, sometimes you'd have to wait for a few elevators as they would show up and be full, but you just needed a little patience. There is lots to do and yes, sometimes it felt very crowded in certain areas - Atrium and the pool area for sure. But there are lots of other places you can go that weren't overly crowded and were quiet. We really like the Brewhouse. Food - we found the food to be quite good. We only ate at the buffet a couple of times. Otherwise it was O'Sheehans, main dining rooms, American diner, etc. So many choices. I would not hesitate to take a cruise again on the Escape, although, we all decided that we are partial to the smaller ships, such as the Gem.
We had a great time!
Mar 5th, 2024
This was a fun and entertaining cruise. We especially enjoyed the Board Walk on the Escape.
This was not my first cruise but the best experience ever had a great time even though the destination wasn’t everything I expected the journey was absolutely amazing would definitely book Norwegian Escape again.
I enjoyed everything even the casino and I’m not a gambler was floored when I saw a whole pig at buffet food was-exceptional everywhere no complaints.
2nd NCL Cruise
Feb 26th, 2024
I did not enjoy the Escape as much as the Encore. Very different experiences. This being my second cruise with NCL I now know a little bit more about what I enjoy and don’t enjoy. I do like NCL and will cruise with them again just not on this ship.
don't do it!
Feb 21st, 2024
if you like to stand in lines then this is the cruise for you. the entire 7 days were too crowded with lots of lines to wait in
Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.
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Best Mediterranean cruise shore excursions
Shore excursions in the Mediterranean highlight must-see experiences such as fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of the wonders you travel to see – the ruins of Pompeii, the Roman Colosseum and Michelangelo's David in Florence – are nowhere near the pier where your cruise ship will dock. The easiest way to get to them is with tours sold by your cruise line, which typically include the services of tour guides who are experts about the destination.
While some Mediterranean cruise passengers choose to do an excursion in each port and see every major attraction, it's also fun to plan some time exploring on your own . If you go the independent route, do some research and pick a port where your preferences – beachfront, cafes, boutiques or other attractions – are close to the pier.
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While excursion offerings vary by cruise line, here are our picks for the best shore excursions in the Mediterranean.
Full-day tour of Athens, from Piraeus, Greece
The port of Piraeus, Greece, is about seven miles from Athens, and while you can use taxis or public transport to get into the city, you are better off booking a tour with a licensed guide who will get you to the key sights and provide details about the city — a birthplace of democracy and Western thought. Athens is a fascinating city with both ancient and modern attractions. While half-day tours will get you to the famous Acropolis, we recommend a full-day experience so you can see and experience more.
Europe's oldest capital has its origins in 3,000 B.C. Grab a window seat on the bus so you'll see the hilltop Acropolis dominating the skyline, as it has for thousands of years. On the tour, you will spend time exploring its sacred buildings including the Parthenon, the beautiful, columned temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Related: Best Mediterranean cruise tips to enhance your European vacation
Your tour will also show off other sites throughout the city, including the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, Greece's impressive Parliament building and the Olympic Stadium. You'll have opportunity to dine on Greek cuisine (lunch is included in full-day tours) and shop for souvenirs on the narrow ancient streets of the lively Platka neighborhood.
Pick a tour that affords time at the Acropolis Museum, a modern museum full of ancient treasures such as statues that date back to the 5 th century B.C.
Best of Olympia tour, from Katakolon, Greece
Katakolon, Greece, is a small town with a nice strip of beach – and a landmark attraction about an hour away. Cruise passengers make the trip to ancient Olympia to see the site where the Olympic Games debuted in 776 B.C. A tour of the ruins of the religious center and sports complex includes the Temple of Zeus, Roman baths, gymnasium and swimming pool, as well as the first Olympic stadium. Three thousand years ago, the games took place every four years, after the summer harvest, with competitors coming from as far away as Italy and Asia Minor.
The short foot races were the most prestigious of the events, and you can imagine the roar of the crowd as you stand in the field where the races took place. Your tour will likely include a stop at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia to see some amazing artifacts, including bronze and stone statues of well-toned athletes.
Palace of Knossos tour, Crete
Wherever you dock in Crete, in the Greek islands, you'll want to visit the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates to the Bronze Age.
First settled around 7000 B.C., the religious and administrative center was the domain of King Minos and home of Zeus and Europa, according to Greek mythology. Tour the ruins, some partially rebuilt, to learn about the labyrinth built to contain the Minotaur (half man and half bull) and how a queen had running water in her bathroom more than 3,000 years ago.
Related: Western Mediterranean vs. Eastern Mediterranean cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?
Your tour may also include a stop at the Archeological Museum of Heraklion, which houses Minoan artifacts removed from the palace site.
Game of Thrones tour, Dubrovnik, Croatia
You can take a shuttle from the pier and tour Old Town Dubrovnik on your own, but if you are a fan of "Game of Thrones," the must-do is a guided tour that highlights sights that appeared on the HBO TV show. As fans know, Dubrovnik doubled for King's Landing, the fictional capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
Stops on the tour include the formidable 11 th -century Lovrijenac Fortress, high on a rock overlooking the sea, just outside the medieval walls that surround the Old Town. In novelist George R. R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" books, which inspired GOT, the views from the fort are of Blackwater Bay.
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In Old Town, you'll climb to and walk along the defensive walls that appeared on the show in the Battle of Blackwater Bay, as well as in other scenes. Other GOT sights in Old Town include the Jesuit Staircase, where Cersei began her Walk of Shame (season 5) and an area near St. Dominic Street, where market scenes for the show were filmed. Elsewhere, the outside of the Ethnographic Museum Rupe may look familiar. It appeared on the show as Littlefinger's brothel.
Rome city tour, from Civitavecchia, Italy
The port closest to Rome is Civitavecchia, Italy. Getting into the city can take 1.5 hours (or less or more, depending on traffic). It's a good idea to book a full-day excursion to make the most of your time in the city – especially if you are determined to see St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, along with the Roman Colosseum, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, the Forum, the Pantheon and other sights. Tours may also stop at Trevi Fountain, where tossing a coin is said to ensure your return to Rome.
Some tours combine one marquee sight and free time. If you are going this route, we recommend you go with the Colosseum, an amphitheater that once held as many as 50,000 spectators and where you can well imagine life in ancient Rome in all its (gory) glory.
Make sure to also climb Palatine Hill for views of the city, which has something fascinating — a flowing fountain, a gelato stand, a designer handbag shop — practically around every corner.
Florence city tour, from Livorno, Italy
If you want to explore Florence, look for cruises calling in Livorno, Italy, or another port in Tuscany. From there, you'll take a bus ride into the city, known for its Renaissance treasures. The city itself is a visual treat; a shore excursion will assure that you see such key sights as Michelangelo's David, in all his polished marble naked glory (at the tickets-required Accademia Gallery).
Art lovers will want to choose a tour that includes the Uffizi Gallery, with its works by Botticelli, Donatello, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and other Renaissance artists. Your tour will also showcase the 15 th -century Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (a.k.a. the Duomo) and other architecture treasures in the city. Some tours also visit the university town of Pisa, famous for its Leaning Tower.
Related: Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know
Ancient Pompeii, Capri and Sorrento tour, from Naples, Italy
It's not difficult to imagine life in ancient times while exploring the remarkable ruins of Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried by ash from Mount Vesuvius in the year 79. The ruins — the forum, baths, temples and decorated villas — appear frozen in time.
While you can focus all your attention on Pompeii, we recommend a full-day tour from Naples that also showcases the breathtaking Amalfi Coast and the beautiful island of Capri — a typical combination would be Capri, the resort town of Sorrento and Pompeii.
You'll take a jetfoil to Capri and a funicular ride up to Capri Town, a shopping haven (with residential side streets well worth exploring). Back on the mainland, drive to Sorrento, with time to people-watch at an outdoor cafe. On the way back to Naples, stop by Pompeii for a guided tour of the ruins.
Gaudi and the Sagrada Familia tour, Barcelona
In Barcelona, you dock right in the city. Las Ramblas, the city's famous boulevard, is a long walk or quick shuttle bus ride away. For us, the must-do shore excursion is to see the extravagant creations of architect Antoni Gaudi, including his La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where construction has been ongoing since 1882. The cathedral is the most visited attraction in Spain.
Choose a tour that also takes you to the hillside, UNESCO-recognized Parc Guell, where Gaudi sought to combine nature with modernist architecture. You'll also see two Gaudi residential buildings on the Paseo de Gracia — the La Pedrera apartment building and Casa Batllo, a private home with an especially eerie-looking façade.
Related: Avoid these 10 mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions
Some tours also stop at Museu Picasso, which features early works by Pablo Picasso, in the city's Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic).
Ancient Ephesus tour, from Kusadasi, Turkey
A favorite of those who love to explore ancient history, Ephesus is one of the most fascinating and best-preserved ancient cities in the world (and only a short drive from the Turkish resort town of Kusadasi).
In Ephesus, you walk the same marble streets as the ancients to sites that include a bath house, massive amphitheater and the jaw-dropping remains of a two-story library building façade, looking at columns, mosaics and monuments along the way. Greeks, Egyptians and Romans all ruled in Ephesus, but most of what you see today was built by the Romans. Outside the library, carved in stone, is early marketing asking whether you prefer to visit the library or a house of pleasure (an age-old question).
A tour of the ancient city can be combined in longer excursions with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a modest chapel built on the spot where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days — a sanctioned pilgrimage site. There's also a second pilgrimage site in the area, St. John's Basilica, where St. John wrote the fourth book of the New Testament.
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This Italian Cruise Line Has European Sailings for Under $300 This Summer — When to Book
Cruises must be booked by April 11.
Courtesy of Costa Cruises
Italian cruise line Costa Cruises wants travelers to live la dolce vita with a spring sale that has sailings to the Mediterranean and northern Europe starting at less than $300.
The sale, which must be booked by April 11, has cruises starting at just $299 per person for double occupancy and is valid on select trips from May to November traveling to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and beyond, the cruise line shared with Travel + Leisure . To book, travelers must look for the “Costa’s Spring Sale” icon on the company’s website .
“For travelers ready to plan their next European adventure, our ‘Spring Sale’ offers reduced fares to some of our most desired destinations in the Mediterranean and northern Europe ,” Erik Jamarillo, the head of sales for Costa Cruises North America, said in a statement shared with T+L. “Costa is looking forward to more incredible adventures in these two regions, and we’re inviting travelers to join us to experience Italian-style cruising at an exceptional value.”
Travel on a weeklong cruise from Civitavecchia, just outside Rome, to Marseille, France, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and more. Or visit Istanbul, Mykonos, and Ibiza on a roundtrip cruise from Athens.
In May, Costa will sail nine to 23-day cruises in northern Europe complete with stops in Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Scotland. And in July, the company will add week-long cruises to Denmark, Germany, and the Norwegian fjords.
The sale also includes voyages that feature the company’s new “Sea Destinations,” which incorporates the ports the ship visits into onboard programming, like offering a “typical Caprese breakfast” in front of the Faraglioni rocks of Capri before disembarking in Naples, or hosting “a hippy chic party” after visiting Ibiza .
Costa Cruises, which is part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, operates nine ships and sails around the world from the Mediterranean and northern Europe to the Caribbean, South America, and more.
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Totally disappointed. Review for a Europe - Western Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Epic. JenniferE. 6-10 Cruises • Age 40s. Read More. Sail Date: February 2024. Cabin Type: Balcony.
1 - 10 of 1,350 Norwegian Mediterranean Cruise Reviews. Deserves to be called a CRUISE SHIP. Review for a Transatlantic Cruise on Norwegian Gem. DIDISEVEN. 10+ Cruises • Age 80s. Read More. Sail ...
1 - 10 of 1,642 Norwegian Mediterranean Cruise Reviews. An amazing journey of ancient lands. Review for a Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Gem. SookeBC. 10+ Cruises • Age 60s. Read More. Sail Date: November 2023. Cabin Type: Aft-Facing Penthouse with Balcony. Helpful.
Fourth Cruise Port - Gibraltar 08:00 am - 05:00 pm. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory situated at the south point of the Iberian Peninsula, and entrance way to the Mediterranean Sea. A major shipping port and full of history, Gibraltar or more commonly known as The Rock, was great to finally see.
Cruise & Tours Center: Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Epic - See 421 traveler reviews, 271 candid photos, and great deals for Miami Beach, FL, at Tripadvisor.
Norwegian Star Review [A 10 Day Mediterranean Cruise] November 2, 2020. Katie Seemann. I'm not a newbie when it comes to cruising, but this was my first cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line. This was also my first European cruise, so I was excited to check it all out. The Norwegian Star is a Dawn Class ship that holds about 2,300 passengers ...
Norwegian Epic is a colossal beast. Launched in 2009, this is one of the largest ships in the NCL fleet and can accommodate 4,100 passengers. Spread over 19 decks, the Epic is 61 meters in height and 329 meters long and weighs 153,000 tonnes. NCL Epic has 1,724 crew members resulting in a decent passenger-staff ratio.
DON'T DO IT. Review for a Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Epic. Mickey1948. 2-5 Cruises • Age 70s. This ship is very old and outdated. Poor condition, rust on bathroom wall and the balcony area. The interior was old and worn out and not very appealing as it was dark and dreary.
Mediterranean cruises beckon travelers with a love of culture and history. Visit the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, or the Colosseum in Rome; see Michelangelo's David in Florence, Italy; or make a pilgrimage to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. Take a tour to a medieval town or marvel at the construction of a soaring cathedral.
This is a complete review of the Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise, which takes you to six destinations around the Mediterranean. In this review, you'll learn about the suites, decks, restaurants, entertainment venues, and activities for both children and adults. Find the best tips to plan the perfect getaway to Europe on a Norwegian Epic ...
Norwegian's itineraries have been designed to provide you the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean just the way you want to. Explore the highlights of this region in 7 days on one of our Western Mediterranean cruises. With fewer days at sea, you will get the most amount of time to explore some of the Mediterranean's best hits.
Epic negatives and Epic positives. NEGATIVE: Embarkation day was rainy which resulted in rough waters. First stop at GSC was cancelled due to rough seas. Jamaica excursion was nightmare. Bus broke down and only half of half excursion happened. Had crazy Jamaican style police escort back to boat so we weren't left….
Norwegian's Mediterranean cruises transport you from the ruins of ancient empires in Rome to trendy shops and restaurants in Santorini. Meander through quaint villages while stopping in the Naples, Italy port, stroll the cobble stone streets while taking-in the breathtaking scenery of the Split harbor when you cruise to Croatia, or sip the renowned wine of Tuscany's vineyards while at-bay in ...
Browse 2969 Norwegian Epic reviews from real travelers. Read verified reviews covering Norwegian Epic cruise ship cabins, dining, features and more. ... mediterranean (937) mexico (2) new (1) southeast (1) southern (150) ... Totally Embarrassed and Huge Failure on Norwegian's Part from a True Norwegian Cruise Line Devotee !! by cathybowersox ...
Nice vacay. Feb 20th, 2024. Nicer experience than pre-covid (regarding staff/crew) however food was overall disappointing and many fun perks have been eliminated. Will still cruise again with my ...
Verified review. cruise by dudiert. Sail date: Feb 03, 2024 / Traveled as: Singles/Friends. Ship: Norwegian Escape. Having sailed on this ship and the Getaway once before, I was surprised at how crowded everything felt. It was difficult to find a seat at most bars and lounges. Otherwise a very pleasant week.
Ancient Pompeii, Capri and Sorrento tour, from Naples, Italy. It's not difficult to imagine life in ancient times while exploring the remarkable ruins of Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried by ash from Mount Vesuvius in the year 79. The ruins — the forum, baths, temples and decorated villas — appear frozen in time.
5.0. Verified review. Entertaining Ship by colleenmannix93. Sail date: Feb 16, 2024 / Traveled as: Couple. Ship: Norwegian Getaway. The 2nd at sea day was a little rough. My husband isn't usually seasick so he didn't wear a patch or take Dramamine and ended up too nauseous to enjoy anything on the 2nd day.
Explore Mediterranean cruise deals and featured Mediterranean cruise vacations from Norwegian Cruise Line. Enable Accessibility; Log in; 1-866-234-7350 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969; 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog;
Cruises must be booked by April 11. Italian cruise line Costa Cruises wants travelers to live la dolce vita with a spring sale that has sailings to the Mediterranean and northern Europe starting ...