Why a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage through Europe should be your next unforgettable escape

Is exploring Europe top of your bucket list? We’re sure it is.

With its legendary landmarks, art treasures, natural beauty, and world-renowned culinary delights, Europe has long been a dream destination for travelers, especially Americans.

In just one European destination, like Italy, you can walk the ancient grounds of the Colosseum in Rome, admire Michelangelo's David in Florence, and glide through the enchanting canals of Venice—all in a matter of days.

Head east, and you can wander among Santorini’s famous blue-domed roofs, indulge in exquisite Greek dishes, visit Istanbul’s grand Topkapi Palace, and explore the historic ruins of Athens—all in one journey.

That is, if you can plan the trip just right— which isn’t always simple.

A smarter option: Let someone else handle the planning. Someone like the experts at Norwegian Cruise Line.

With 58 years of experience, this Miami-based cruise line specializes in creating the perfect multi-destination vacations across Europe. It’s why they’re leaders in organizing and delivering seamless trips for American travelers.

Few options are as convenient — and cost-effective — for planning a comprehensive, multi-destination European tour as booking a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage.

Here’s why a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage is one of the best ways to explore Europe and experience all it has to offer.

With Norwegian, you’ll see more of Europe.

Planning a multi-destination European adventure on your own is no easy task. From figuring out how to travel between cities to finding the perfect accommodations and dining options in each location, it’s a lot of work. And, on top of all that, you’ll be navigating language barriers in many places, with a staggering 24 official languages across Europe.

As a result, many independent travelers cut back on their European plans, limiting their trips to just one or two destinations.

With a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage, all the planning and logistics are handled for you, allowing you to explore far more of Europe than you would if you were organizing the trip yourself.

On many Norwegian European itineraries, each day brings you to a new destination—something only possible because Norwegian ships travel overnight while you’re sleeping.

On some sailings, you could visit three, four, or even five different countries in Europe during a single cruise.

And as you explore, Norwegian provides your accommodations (your well-equipped cruise cabin) and meals. Unlike land tours, you only need to unpack once, and there’s no need to hunt for a restaurant—your ship offers a variety of dining options, many included in the fare.

In short, Norwegian Cruise Line takes the stress out of vacation planning. You simply choose where you want to go, and they take care of the rest.

You’ll have a wide selection of carefully curated itineraries to choose from.

What European experiences are on your bucket list? Exploring the ancient cities of Greece and Rome? Relaxing on the sun-soaked beaches of Spain and Portugal? Discovering the stunning Norwegian fjords carved by glaciers?

Norwegian Cruise Line offers itineraries that cover all of these incredible destinations—and many more.

With 14 ships sailing in Europe for part of the year, Norwegian boasts one of the largest selections of European itineraries, with more than 295 options. Its ships visit over 160 ports across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, and the Canary Islands—more than any other contemporary cruise line. Norwegian also offers sailings from 24 departure ports, leading the industry in choices for European voyages.

Whether you’re planning a quick getaway to Europe or a longer, more immersive stay, Norwegian has an itinerary for you. Their European cruises range from as short as four nights to as long as 15 nights.

On longer sailings, you can explore up to 14 of Europe’s most famous destinations in one seamless, mostly all-inclusive trip—something nearly impossible to achieve any other way.

Top European destinations that Norwegian ships can take you to include:

The Greek Isles

• Itineraries are thoughtfully designed to begin with a relaxing sea day, giving you time to unwind.
• Sailings feature late-night departures from iconic islands like Santorini, allowing you to enjoy the sunset from the island before setting sail.

The Mediterranean

• 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Civitavecchia, Italy (Rome's port) and Barcelona, featuring a new destination each day.
• 4-day cruises from Barcelona and 6-day cruises from Civitavecchia or Barcelona.
• Longer journeys from 8 to 15 days for a deeper dive into the region.

Northern Europe

• 9-night Baltic Sea cruises from Stockholm with stops at up to six ports.
• Voyages that visit both Iceland and Greenland in one trip.
• Longer 10- and 11-night trips combining Iceland and Norway’s spectacular coastline.

The Canary Islands

• 9-, 10-, 11-, and 14-night voyages to Portugal, Spain, the Canary Islands, and Morocco.
• Trips that offer up to 16 hours in port.
• Choose from two embarkation ports: Lisbon or Barcelona.

You’ll enjoy greater access to immersive land experiences.

If you’re seeking a more immersive European experience than what many tour companies and cruise lines offer, Norwegian is the way to go. It focuses on longer stays in key ports like Barcelona, Athens, and Amsterdam, offering more time in port on average than its competitors.

On Norwegian European cruises, ships spend an average of nine hours in port. Many itineraries feature minimal sea days, allowing you to maximize your time exploring destinations.

Some port stops include overnight stays, giving you two full days to explore a destination, rather than just one as is typically the case.

Additionally, in over 70 European ports, Norwegian offers Go Local shore excursions that allow you to connect with locals and experience the authentic culture of each destination.

All of these elements come together to offer you more opportunities for an enriching, immersive experience while cruising with Norwegian.

In Reykjavik, for example, extended overnight stays give you the chance to explore the healing volcanic waters of the Blue Lagoon and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.

You’ll discover a wider variety of onboard experiences.

While the incredible port stops in Europe are a highlight, they’re only one part of what makes a Norwegian cruise so special. Norwegian ships are packed with an impressive array of restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and deck-top fun zones—so many that boredom is never an option.

Dining options range from pub fare at The Local and Asian dishes at Teppanyaki to seafood at Palomar, steaks at Cagney's, Italian at Onda by Scarpetta, and French cuisine at Le Bistro. On some ships, you can also enjoy barbecue, street food, or indulge in Indian cuisine, with a soft-serve ice cream cone to cap it all off. Plus, there's always the option of a delicious buffet or room service for a more relaxed meal. Whatever you're craving, you'll find it on board Norwegian’s ships.

When you're not dining, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy, from swimming in the pool, relaxing on the adults-only sun deck, or booking a spa treatment or fitness class. Stroll along the scenic waterfront promenades, take in spectacular sea views, race on the go-kart track, or challenge yourself with laser tag or a virtual-reality experience at the Galaxy Pavilion. You can also enjoy waterslides, ax-throwing, trivia contests, a round of mini golf, or test your courage on the ropes course.

In the evening, treat yourself to a seat at one of Norwegian's acclaimed theater productions, such as 'The Choir of Man,' 'Beetlejuice,' or 'Burn the Floor,' depending on your ship. As pioneers in bringing top-tier entertainment to the high seas, Norwegian partners with the best producers, performers, and crew to deliver breathtaking shows filled with outstanding sets, costumes, music, and choreography.

The value Norwegian Cruise Line offers goes far beyond the onboard amenities. NCL's focus on exceptional service and guest satisfaction is clear from the moment you board. Guests are welcomed by a friendly, attentive crew, eager to ensure your vacation is as memorable and enjoyable as possible.

Experience a vacation that’s tailored to your style.

One of Norwegian Cruise Line’s standout features is the freedom it offers. Unlike other cruises with fixed schedules, assigned dining times, and strict dress codes, Norwegian gives you the flexibility to customize your vacation to fit your desires.

Gone are the days of rigid dinner schedules, forced seating arrangements, and formal dress codes. On Norwegian, you can dress casually for dinner or go all out in a suit or gown—whatever suits your mood. Dine at 6 p.m. one night, 8 p.m. the next, and if you’ve made new friends on an excursion, you’re welcome to invite them to join you for dinner. Norwegian is happy to accommodate your requests.

You can select the level of luxury for your cruise based on the type of cabin you choose. For those on a budget, Norwegian’s inside cabins offer simple accommodations without windows, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. If you’d prefer a view, opt for an outside cabin with a window, or for a more open experience, a balcony cabin with a private veranda perfect for enjoying the fresh air.

For a more spacious and luxurious experience, consider booking a suite in The Haven, Norwegian’s exclusive enclave. Accessible with a special keycard, The Haven features a private restaurant with gourmet dining, a bar, lounge, and a pool deck reserved only for suite guests. Staying here will make you feel truly pampered, combining the elegance of small-ship luxury with the fun and amenities of a larger ship.

Explore Norwegian's exceptional onboard experiences

You’ll get incredible value for your money.

Think a European vacation is out of your price range? With Norwegian Cruise Line, it doesn’t have to be. The brand is renowned for delivering great value, whether you're booking a budget-friendly cabin or indulging in one of the most luxurious suites.

Thanks to its Free at Sea booking promotion, NCL includes perks such as Wi-Fi, unlimited drinks, specialty dining credits, and shore excursion credits in your fare. Plus, you’ll often get discounts for the third or fourth passenger sharing a cabin. This means you won't be hit with unexpected fees on your final bill, unlike other cruise lines that charge extra for these essential vacation perks. Even better, the savings on drinks and internet can be spent on luxurious spa treatments or souvenirs from the onboard shops.

The bottom line:

Norwegian Cruise Line is a leader in offering expansive, destination-packed European tours that can be tailored to your personal preferences. With an array of cabin choices, meticulously planned itineraries, delicious dining, outstanding service, and unforgettable entertainment, NCL offers incredible value on its cruises. So, why wait? Your dream European adventure with NCL is now more accessible than ever.