Norwegian's Official Travel Blog

We recently covered the basics of what to pack for your Caribbean cruise, so now we’re moving on to the granddaddy of all cruises (well, to me at least!), an always incredible European cruise vacation! Besides the groups of 4 cruise essentials, we’ll need to adapt our list to include some foreign country necessities. Without further ado, here’s a list of what to pack for your European cruise.

Are you considering a cruise to Bermuda? With crystal clear waters, pink sand beaches, great food, outdoor sports, and festive celebrations, it makes for a dream destination for any traveler. If you’ve got Bermuda on your mind, you’ll be happy to learn that the island offers amazing experiences during every time of year, including the winter months. The best time to cruise to Bermuda, however, depends on what you want to do during your Bermuda cruise vacation and how you’d like the weather to be.

Long after your cruise vacation is over, you might sadly begin to forget little details about your trip.  The best way to preserve your memories and capture them forever is by journaling.  Once you’ve written down your travel memories, you will be able to look back years from now and recall all the small details that made your getaway so fantastic.  Keeping a travel journal is a great way to remember all of the experiences you had on your trip. Try these tips to make the most of your vacation!

If you’ve been keeping up with my series of articles on cruising The Haven and Suites by Norwegian, you already know how incredibly luxe and relaxing these extra features can be before you cruise, as you enjoy Butler & Concierge Service, and even with special treats in your suite. Today, I’ll tell you all about areas that are reserved for guests of The Haven. To see it for yourself, be sure to check out the video at the end!

Are adrenaline-fueled activities like rock climbing and surfing your thing? Do you live for the next thrill? If so, then a cruise is probably not what you have in mind for your vacation — however, it should be at the top of your list! If you think cruises are nothing more than just sitting around the pool all day, then you’ll be surprised when you hear about these unusual things to try on your next cruise vacation with Norwegian.

If you’ve cruised with Norwegian, you already know there are plenty of onboard activities to enjoy on sea days; boredom is not in Norwegian’s vocabulary.  Excitement always comes with docking at your cruise ports of call, but just as much fun and adventure await you on your days at sea.  When you have the entire day to explore your cruise ship, start with some of these fun, relaxing, or exciting things to do.

Wondering what a cruise ship art auction is all about? First: it’s exhilarating, exciting and educational, even if you don't know a thing about art. Second: it’s about learning to appreciate the finer things in life, which can include surprisingly affordable art - the ultimate of all vacation souvenirs! Imagine hanging a Thomas Kinkade in your living room or a colorful Peter Max at your office. Wow, what a great cruise memory you’ll be able to enjoy every day! Third: Did I mention there’s free champagne?

If you’ve cruised with Norwegian, you know the cruise line offers plenty of opportunities to vacation your way. Part of that service comes with even more perks if you sail in The Haven and Suites. In my previous article, I told you what it’s like before you cruise, when you check in, and what you can expect in your stateroom. Now, let’s take a look at what it’s like to enjoy Butler and Concierge Service onboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

With its stately mansions, Bermuda feels more like a place in rural England than an island nation. The tiny island has a mixture of British, Portuguese, African, West Indian, and North American influences— all of which have impacted its architecture. Bermuda architecture offers insights into the island's critical historical moments. Here are some of the most important architectural sites to experience on a cruise to Bermuda.

Have you ever had dreams of frolicking on your own private island? If you’re looking for a unique and secluded getaway, now is your chance to indulge your wishes and cruise to Norwegian Cruise Line’s very own private island. Yes, you read that right. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian’s private paradise reserved just for their cruising guests. Complete with relaxing private cabanas and exhilarating water sports, Great Stirrup Cay offers cruisers the chance to vacation their way. Ready to set sail? Here are three great reasons to cruise to Great Stirrup Cay.

If you’re cruising to The Bahamas, Nassau will likely be on your itinerary. The most popular Bahamian destination is the cruise port of Nassau.  When in Nassau, visitors love to stroll the local shops right at the cruise terminal and all along Bay Street.  But after a little shopping, it’s always a good idea to wind up on one of Nassau's spectacular beaches by mid-day. As you plan for your trip, take note of some of the best beaches to visit in Nassau.

Planning a cruise to Alaska or cruising to Hawaii are both experiences that deserve more time. Cruisetours to Alaska and Hawaii are the easiest way to extend your Norwegian Cruise Line vacation. When you’re thinking of visiting two of the most beautiful destinations on Earth, why would you limit yourself to only 7 days? Before we talk about how to extend your cruise vacation in Alaska and Hawaii, let’s talk about why you should take advantage of these incredible opportunities.

What’s worse than getting to your cruise destination and not having your day planned?  Nothing!  Ok, maybe a few things, but when it comes to cruising, you want to have your port days planned to avoid wasting valuable time.   The easiest and most effective remedy:  shore excursions!  If you’re new to booking shore excursions, it’s a great way to get the best experience possible at your destination. 

What makes sailing Norwegian’s Suites and The Haven so sweet?  In a word:  EVERYTHING!  In a world where every cruise line offers special perks for their suite guests, no other cruise line even comes close to the comprehensive offerings on Norwegian.  If you’re looking to enjoy pampering and perks on your next cruise vacation, they’ve got that and so much more.  From the moment you arrive at your embarkation port, until you’re departing on disembarkation day, you’ll discover a level of service and benefits that make your cruise vacation stress-free, and that truly puts the “sweet” in suite living!

For an architecture buff, cruising The Caribbean can be a dream come true. Nothing tells the story of a place as well as its architecture. And The Caribbean is no different. Its buildings and landmark sites have the power to transport you through time. Now, I’ll take you on a journey to explore The Bahamas through its architecture.

A cruise vacation is one of the best trips for someone with a dietary restriction. When you cruise with Norwegian, you won't have to worry that your nutritional limitations will keep you from having the vacation of your life.

Norwegian’s chefs are trained to prepare food for a variety of diets — vegetarian, sugar-free, gluten-free and more. Norwegian makes an effort to accommodate all passenger dietary needs and to provide suitable alternatives on request for those with food allergies or other special needs.

One common feature that almost every cruise ship shares is the ocean view you’ll savor from the top deck. After all, it’s the highest vantage point to take in a 360-degree perspective of nature’s greatest wonders while cruising. But that is where the similarities end and possibilities begin. Because on Norwegian Cruise Line, the top deck has been lavishly appointed and strategically designed to include some of the ship’s favorite features that fully integrate the best activities and entertainment with postcard-worthy scenery.

Spring break is notorious for parties and unforgettable experiences, but most importantly, it gives students a chance to unwind after mid-terms and replenish themselves for the research papers and exams to come. While this means non-stop partying for many, for others it’s a chance to travel, explore, and learn about the world while relaxing and preparing for future studies. No matter what type of spring break cruise you’re looking for, these are some of the best 7-day or fewer itineraries to make your college experience even more memorable.

Ziplining is often considered to be an extreme sport, and it undoubtedly comes with its risks. However, if you’re brave enough to be strapped to a cable and soar above trees, canyons, and bodies of water, you can experience excellent views of some of the most iconic locations on the planet on your next cruise vacation. If you’ve done your research and think this high-adrenaline activity is for you, here are some of the best places to zipline in the world.

For many single parents, a cruise is the best vacation option available. A cruise vacation allows single parents to keep costs under control while having fun in the process and enjoy some adult time too. You'll find plenty of options for spending time with your kids aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation — from complimentary family dining to thrilling water slides. Here are some of the other reasons why a cruise makes a perfect vacation for a single parent family.