Norwegian's Official Travel Blog

With an estimated 27.2 million passengers expected to cruise this coming year, where will you travel in 2018? Maybe you’ve always wanted to get up-close-and-personal with the whales in Alaska, sink your toes into the white sand beaches of the Caribbean, or to explore the rich history and cultures of Europe. Wherever you want to be in 2018, Norwegian Cruise Line has a cruise for you! Here are some great ideas for bucket list vacations to start planning for now

There's no better way to see the islands of the world than aboard a cruise. What appears as a dot on the horizon grows larger and larger as you approach by ship, eventually becoming a swath of land just begging to be explored. From sunny specks of white sand beaches, to volcanic outcrops of towering peaks, and historic ports with sordid pasts, Norwegian Cruise Line visits islands in every corner of the world. Here, we list ten not to miss.

While Norwegian Cruise Line offers unforgettable cruises to popular cruise destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska and the Mediterranean, there are also some more distinctive voyages to consider. Think Australia, South America, and Scandinavia. Allow your imagination to wander. If you've already done the Caribbean why not check Morocco, China or Russia off your bucket list? The world is waiting to be explored.

No matter where in the world you travel on Norwegian Cruise Line – from the sultry tropics of the Caribbean to the old world villages of Estonia, there’s a universal language in cruising: convenience. It’s the cornerstone of every cruise vacation. Nearly everything on your cruise is all-inclusive and readily planned for you, from your meals to your itinerary. And on Norwegian, you also get a wide birth of flexibility that allows you ample opportunity for personal preferences.

When you're embarking on your cruise vacation abroad, there are some things you just shouldn't do. From planning the details of your cruise to adhering to local customs in port, it's important to have an understanding of what is and what is notexpected of you as a traveler.

Greece is one of those countries that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Think white-washed houses with cobalt blue trim on Santorini, archaeological wonders such as the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens, or on the medieval streets of Old Town Rhodes. And, oh, the beaches! Just imagine sunbathing on picture-perfect white sand framed by striking azure waters of the Aegean Sea.

When in Europe, why not drink as the locals do? Before dinner, that means an aperitif, something sweet and bitter designed to whet the appetite. In Italy, they love the spritz, a cocktail of wine or champagne mixed with sparkling water and a bitter liqueur like Campari or Aperol. While onboard a Europe cruise, try the specialty Aperol Spritz, a refreshing blend of Aperol, soda and Tresor Brut Reserva Cava, a sparkling wine from Spain. Aperol from Italy blended with sparkling wine from Spain, makes the Aperol Spritz a decidedly Continental cocktail. Whether it’s a buona notte, or a buenas noches, the Aperol Spritz has you covered.

While you can always shop on board Norwegian Cruise Line Ships, the Mediterranean offers a vast array of gifts for yourself, or friends and family back home. Besides standard soccer shirts and Eiffel Tower key rings, there are much better choices that will invoke memories of your travels for months to come. Here are my picks for the best souvenirs to pick up on a Mediterranean cruise!

Hello? Who doesn’t want to cruise to Europe? Ok, maybe there are some people out there who haven’t considered such a trip, but chances are, they’re not reading this. For everyone else who has even the slightest sense of wanderlust, surely Europe has, at one time or another, piqued your curiosity and been added to your wish list.

If you’re considering a Baltic cruise – or even reading about one – chances are you’re a special kind of traveler. You’re adventurous. Maybe not in a bungee-jump off a Jamaica cliff kind-of-way. But you are the kind of person who likes to say, "I can see Russia from my stateroom."

A Europe Cruise is the quintessential destination for checking items off your bucket list. In Rome that’s the Coliseum and the Vatican. In Paris it’s the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. London has Big Ben and the Tower of London. You get the picture. But what do you do when you’ve "Been There Done That," checked off the major items on your bucket list? We’ve assembled a selection of off-the-beaten-track museums to add to your itinerary.

While you're on a Mediterranean Cruise, odds are that you’ll be drinking plenty of good wine while lounging around or feasting on some delicious meals…well, that's certainly nothing to scoff at, but if you're looking for something different to sip on, get a buzz going with some of my recommendations for spirits and liqueurs to try for some authentic local flavor!

No need to be wary of Greece! Not only is the history tangible, the people are friendly, the food is delicious and the culture is remarkable. If you're passing through the Greek islands on a Europe Cruise, you must make it a priority to visit

A cruise through the Mediterranean is a great opportunity to explore some of the most culture-rich places in Europe. Discover the majesty of Italy’s coast and the sophistication of the South of France on short day trips to islands near the ports. Here are our top five recommended day-trips to explore during your next Mediterranean cruise.