Norwegian's Official Travel Blog

Okay, we all know how it goes. Sometimes work and life commitments seem overwhelming as we long for our next big vacation. But why do you have to wait? You only need 5 days or less to escape on a cruise! Just think of the onboard pampering, delicious food and entertainment. What a great way to revitalize yourself, you deserve it! And remember, if you can extend your vacation by just a few days, you can enjoy a pre- or post- cruise stay at your departure point. Let’s take a look at some of the best short cruises Norwegian Cruise Line has to offer!

The one word that travelers associate with Hawaii more than any other is “Aloha.” Hawaii is known as “The Aloha State.” The word is often expressed as a greeting, to say hello or goodbye, but Aloha traditionally has a deeper meaning. In Hawaii, Aloha is a way of life. It’s a message of harmony and tranquility.

One thing every cruiser has in common: A secret, shared language of cruising terminology. Whether you are new to cruising, or have been around the ship (or the world!) a few times, here are a few common terms to test your knowledge, or come up to quick speed if this if your first trip.

Victoria, Canada is a little slice of Britain on the other side of the pond. Rose gardens and castles, and a royal museum befitting a queen, Victoria retains its colonial charms. When you cruise to Victoria, you'll find a city all its own, with a few attractions you won’t find anywhere else.

The new year is traditionally a time for change and a hope of exciting things to come. The same is true for Norwegian Cruise Line as they’ve announced their sailing schedule for the upcoming year, which offers a combination of new ships and new destinations across the globe. Whether you’ve got your eye on European cruises or you’re seeking out 2018 Caribbean cruises, we’ve got you covered. Where will you travel next year? Let’s take a look at exciting 2018 cruises you won’t want to miss!

Embark on a cruise and you might find yourself snorkeling an underwater reef in brilliant blue waters, or tackling a rock climbing wall, or sunning by the pool, drink in hand, or belting out your favorite tune in the karaoke bar. What you won’t find yourself doing is going hungry. When it comes to dining on board, there’s something for everyone, and plenty of it. Not only will you eat on a cruise, but you’ll eat well. And just because the cruise food is complimentary, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Dishes you’d expect to pay a premium for at your favorite restaurants come included in the price of your cruise. And as you might expect from a ship that travels the world, much of the cuisine is internationally inspired. Cruise ship menus present a great opportunity to experience new tastes without breaking the bank. From the main dining room to room service, the complimentary cuisine promises not to disappoint.

Here are suggestions for how to eat your way from Cannes to Copenhagen without gaining a pound around the waist.

According to a 2016 report by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), cruising has grown by 22% over land-based vacations. What are the reasons why you should take a cruise? Travelers are looking for a vacation that provides something more: more fun, more entertainment, amazing food and more than one destination to explore during their vacation! You’ll find all that and more when you choose a cruise.

When I left home to attend college, I enjoyed my newfound independence, but much to my surprise, my parents enjoyed it even more. If they suffered from an empty nest syndrome, they didn’t show it. Because while I was cramming for exams and trying to figure out my place in the world, they --- for the first time --- were off on their own too, cruising around the world.

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.

A cruise to Alaska is an adventure like no other. You could be sailing past glaciers in the morning, photographing wild bears in the afternoon, and dining on fresh caught salmon at dinnertime. The port of call at Seward, Alaska, offers all this and more. We’ve rounded up a few of the highlights sure to spark your adventurous streak.

Instead of taking your same-old, same-old vacation year after year, maybe 2017 is the time to change it up a bit. Have you always wondered about going on a cruise? Let me start off by saying, again, a cruise is one of today’s best values for your hard earned vacation dollar! You really can’t go wrong money wise. If you’ve never cruised before and you’re not sure it’s going to be your thing, it’s important to consider the following when planning your first cruise:

Maybe you need no convincing. If you’re entirely ready to escape but uncertain where to go, here are just a few of Norwegian’s hottest itineraries for turning Northern winters into summer delights. Each locale is in relatively close proximity to one another, which means that island (or cruise!) hopping between diverse cultures and landscapes is entirely within your reach.

Land of misty mountains and totem poles, of cedar rainforests and bygone brothels, the city of Ketchikan offers quintessential Alaskan adventure. Salmon crowd the streams, eagles soar the skies and black bears roam the old growth forests. Bring a camera and a taste for adventure. Ketchikan is why we cruise Alaska.

Once you’ve made the decision to go on a cruise, the fun part really begins as you get to choose your stateroom. Whether you’re cruising solo or with family members, or if you’re on a budget or want to live large in a suite, no matter what your desires are, here’s how to pick your perfect stateroom!

It’s tempting to make your cruise vacation that time of year where you totally let go and feast your way from bow to stern. And with all the amazing onboard selections, it’s not as if there’s reason to skimp! However, if you are concerned about returning to dry land with ten extra pounds, abandon these fears at once. Here are some suggestions for healthy and delicious offerings to pile on your plate.

Even though cruising is one of the best values for your hard earned dollars, there seems to be some common misconceptions about this popular vacation choice. Cruising is exciting, flexible and more affordable than some may think! Let’s take a look at 9 cruise misconceptions:

Ever since I visited the picturesque cobblestone streets of Old San Juan many years ago, I’ve been in love with this beautiful destination that just oozes culture. Maybe it has something to do with the vibrant buildings and their wrought-iron verandas teeming with colorful flowers, or Old San Juan’s history dating back to the 16th-century. Or maybe it’s the cats, so many cats!

Whatever it may be, I truly have a love affair with Old San Juan. The warmth of the people and their dedication to preserving their culture is second to none. As you wander the narrow streets, you’ll see their pride displayed through museums and galleries filled with artwork, and did I mention the restaurants? Puerto Ricans really know how to enjoy food! With so many amazing places to eat, let’s take a look at a few of my favorites.

There are few occasions better suited for a party than New Year’s Eve. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the ending of a year while expressing hope for the future and allows us to gather with millions of other world citizens celebrating the same occasion. Needless to say, New Year’s Eve is a celebratory event deserving of proper planning and preparation. As you begin the countdown to midnight this year, check out some of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world.

If you’re taking your family on a Norwegian Caribbean Cruise for the holidays, you are one awesome person. I hope you won’t hesitate to tell your family I said so.

Sure, there are some holidays when there is nothing more essential than the gift of staying at home, surrounded with creature comforts, familiar family traditions, or an important pilgrimage to visit distant relatives.

And still, there are other times, when you simply must seize the opportunity to celebrate in the most unconventional, yet entirely monumental ways: A Caribbean cruise full of the most festive islands, exuberant onboard activities, and unlimited opportunities to drench in the sun. So long, snowy, slush-filled traffic snarls and Netflix binges! Say hello to the carols of the Caribbean! Here are just a few gifts awaiting you under the sun: