When it comes to bucket list travel destinations, Alaska and Europe are often at the top of the list for many people. However, some may dismiss these destinations as too expensive or too difficult to plan. But with Norwegian Cruise Line, booking a trip to Alaska or Europe doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, it can be a flexible and easy-to-organize vacation that offers unforgettable experiences and hassle-free travel.
Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its wide range of itineraries that include exciting destinations across the sea. Whether you’re dreaming of sailing through icy fjords in Alaska or strolling through cobblestone streets in Europe, Norwegian Cruise Line has the perfect itinerary to make your dreams a reality. With all the thrills and none of the hassles, a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line is the perfect way to explore these bucket list destinations.
What sets Norwegian Cruise Line apart from other cruise lines is not just the destinations it offers, but also the onboard experiences. The cruise line is committed to providing extensive, cutting-edge entertainment and dining options, relaxing spa treatments, standout service, and spacious cabins. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing escape or a life-changing, adventure-packed journey, Norwegian Cruise Line ensures that every passenger can find their ideal vacation.
Let’s take a closer look at what Norwegian Cruise Line has to offer and why it should be your go-to for your next sailing adventure.
Alaska, a Dream Destination
One of Norwegian Cruise Line’s specialties is Alaska, where nearly one-fourth of the line’s fleet sails every summer. With seven vessels positioned in Alaska during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, ranging in capacity from 1,936 to 4,004 passengers, there’s a ship size to suit every traveler’s needs.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a large selection of round-trip cruises from Seattle, which is ideal for U.S. citizens looking to cruise to Alaska without a passport or minimize travel expenses and hassle. Without ever flying to or from Alaska, you can visit the marquee cruise ports of Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau.
These cities, along with the stunning wilderness surrounding them, can be challenging to reach on your own. For example, Juneau, Alaska’s state capital, can only be reached by air or sea, making an NCL cruise an excellent choice for transportation. By leaving the logistics of traveling from port to port to the experts, you can fully enjoy glacier hikes, seafood bakes, and gold panning without any headaches.
Norwegian Cruise Line also makes touring easy with preplanned shore excursions offered by insured operators. Whether you’re interested in a whale watch, zip line adventure, helicopter tour, scenic train ride on the White Pass Railway, or a floatplane ride with a water landing at an Alaskan lodge, NCL has you covered. And if you’d like a glimpse into local culture, the cruise line has partnered with locals to develop port facilities at Icy Strait Point and Ward Cove, providing authentic experiences and supporting the local community.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of trip durations, ranging from seven to 16 days, catering to passengers who want to hit the highlights as well as those who want to stay longer and explore deeper. Additionally, NCL offers cruisetours that add a few days of land-based exploration in places like Denali National Park, where you can go on hikes or view wildlife. With an extended Alaska season running from April to October, passengers also have the opportunity to see the mesmerizing northern lights.
Europe, a Cultural Extravaganza
Planning a trip to Europe can be overwhelming, with so many cities to visit, language barriers to navigate, and accommodations and dining options to consider. Luckily, Norwegian Cruise Line takes care of all the vacation planning with nearly 300 itineraries that cover 160 ports in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, and the Greek Isles. All you need to do is decide which regions you want to explore the most.
In 2024 and 2025, a total of 13 Norwegian ships will sail in these regions, including the newest additions, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. Once you step on board, you’ll have a comfortable home base with abundant dining options, evening entertainment, and a friendly crew. You won’t have to worry about figuring out how to travel from one country to another as you explore Italy, Spain, Portugal, Iceland, Greece, and other European destinations.
NCL prioritizes port calls, with many averaging nine hours in length, allowing you to experience as much of the continent as possible. Some itineraries even include overnights, giving you the chance to enjoy dinner ashore, explore local clubs, and immerse yourself in the local nightlife.
Unforgettable Onboard Experiences
While the itinerary plays a significant role in the success of a cruise, the onboard experiences are equally important. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a wide array of dining options to suit every palate, from pub grub and Asian cuisine to seafood, steak, Italian, and French cuisine. Whether you’re craving barbecue, street food, Indian fare, or a cone of soft-serve ice cream, you’ll find it on NCL’s ships.
Between meals, there are countless ways to spend your time on board. Take a dip in the pool, relax on the adults-only sun deck, book a spa treatment or fitness class, stroll or dine on one of the many waterfront promenades with breathtaking sea views, or take a spin on the top-deck go-kart track. Play laser tag, try your hand at the virtual-reality Galaxy Pavilion, go down the onboard waterslides, do some ax-throwing, attend daily trivia, play a round of minigolf, or get your adrenaline pumping on a ropes course. The options are endless.
At night, reserve seats for one of NCL’s phenomenal theater productions, which include shows like “The Choir of Man,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” depending on the ship. Norwegian Cruise Line is known for bringing award-winning entertainment to the high seas, working with top producers, cast members, and crew members to deliver high-quality sets, costumes, acting, singing, and dancing.
Beyond the onboard amenities, Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to exceptional service and guest satisfaction is evident in every aspect of the cruise. From the moment you step on board, you’ll be greeted by a dedicated and friendly crew, ready to cater to your needs and make your vacation truly special.
In conclusion, bucket list travel to Alaska and Europe doesn’t have to be dismissed as too expensive or too difficult to plan. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a wide range of itineraries that make these dream destinations accessible and hassle-free. From the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska to the cultural wonders of Europe, NCL ensures that every passenger can have their ideal vacation. With outstanding onboard experiences, extensive entertainment and dining options, relaxing spa treatments, standout service, and spacious cabins, Norwegian Cruise Line is the perfect choice for your next sailing adventure.