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Limited time savings from Norwegian Cruise Line

Where to go: Caribbean

Take a look at NCL’s list of Caribbean itineraries and you’ll be amazed at the variety of options: There are 14 ships with more than 50 itineraries from nine departure ports and more than 20 must-visit ports. And, with host US cities like Galveston, Texas; Miami, Tampa, Port Canaveral and Jacksonville, Florida; New Orleans; and San Juan, Puerto Rico, it’s easy to get to your ship. (Caribbean cruises also depart from Panama City and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.)

Options include:

• Eastern Caribbean: More time in port because port calls are closer to the embarkation point
• Southern Caribbean: Offers an island experience influenced by French, English and Dutch culture
• Western Caribbean: Close to the Mesoamerican Reef, with plenty of snorkeling and diving opportunities
• Panama Canal: The best way to see the Panama Canal up close

The cool thing about NCL is that it offers shorter Caribbean cruises for those who are tight on time. For example, you can book a 5-night cruise on the Norwegian Aqua to visit Harvest Caye in Belize and Cozumel, Mexico, from Miami. Or, sail Norwegian Breakaway out of Miami and spend five nights visiting Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and Great Stirrup Cay, one of NCL’s private islands in the Bahamas.

Norwegian Cruise Line has also gone to great lengths to ensure their most popular sailings are available with departures on key holidays and school breaks, making them extremely tourist-friendly. family.

Additionally, Norwegian’s custom-built ships are designed with families in mind so you and your loved ones can enjoy the outdoor on-deck racetrack, Water Park, along with mini golf, rope climbing courses and more. The service’s new Norwegian Aqua will sail to the Caribbean starting in 2025; it will feature the coveted Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first combined roller coaster and waterslide. With all these onboard activities, you’ll never get off the ship!

Many Caribbean cruises also give passengers the unique opportunity to visit private islands, such as Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas (with its stunning beach and fun zip line) and Harvest Caye in the south Belize (with beach, lagoon swimming pool, zip line, lighthouse, children’s amusement park and wildlife sanctuary).

Finally, I like Norwegian cruises because they offer a variety of accommodations suitable for everyone. Families can choose from connecting cabins and suites.

Where to go: Alaska

My first trip, 18 years ago, departed from an Alaskan port, and it’s a place I return to again and again. I love that Norwegian Cruise Line has built several ships specifically for Alaska so you can get as close to nature as possible. Thoughtful ship design, including The Waterfront, Observation Lounge, Spinnaker Lounge and Thermal Suite, makes it much easier to see and enjoy Alaska’s natural scenery — without even having to go outdoors.

The line is also proud to say it has the youngest fleet in the 49th state. You can book one of three Breakaway Class ships – Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy – all of which are ideal for families. There are also several small ship options – Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sun – for travelers looking for a more intimate experience.

Alaska is such an attractive destination that Norway has extended its season there; it currently offers 7- to 16-day multi-port cruises from April to October. You can also book 11- to 14-night cruises, including cruises to bucket list locations like Denali National Park and Preserve.

NCL also offers the largest number of Alaska sailings from Seattle, an easily accessible US port, as well as one-way sailings between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska. (Tip: Whenever I book an excursion with a friend who has never been on a cruise ship, I start with the Inside Passage due to the calm waters. It’s a great way to introduce tell someone about this method of travel.)

NCL has spent years perfecting its Alaska itineraries to maximize port time and programming. The line has launched special “Go Local” shore excursions to ensure you have the most authentic experiences. In addition, passengers on ships visiting Glacier Bay enjoy the added benefit of having an Alaska expert on board who will give lectures and answer questions; It’s a great benefit for curious travelers and another way Norwegian Cruise Line brings more value to its customers.

Where to go: Europe

Are you looking to travel a little further? Norwegian Cruise Line offers more than 90 unique itineraries departing from 13 home ports and calling at more than 118 ports throughout the Greek, Mediterranean, Nordic and Spanish Canary Islands. I love European trips because it’s easy to explore iconic cities, day after day, without having to unpack once.

In keeping with NCL’s mandate to maximize time in port, European itineraries average 10 hours in port. Many itineraries have few or no beach days so you can focus on exploring new destinations every day of your vacation. I like that some cruises offer overnight stays in super popular ports while others have sailings to two lesser-known ports each day to make the most of your time.

You’ll also find Go Local cultural shore tour options in 70 European ports, so you can learn about a place from an insider’s perspective.

There are many itineraries to choose from, but here are a few special things to consider:

• Greek Islands: NCL schedules departure ports after 9pm so you can experience things like beautiful Santorini sunsets.
• Mediterranean: If you don’t have much time off, there are many seven-day itineraries that call at a new port every day. Or choose to stay longer and book a trip lasting 6 to 14 days.
• Northern Europe: NCL offers round trips from Reykjavik. Explore the Blue Lagoon before experiencing the bustling nightlife of Reykjavik in Iceland. Norwegian Star also offers a rare itinerary that also includes Iceland and Greenland.
• Canary Islands: Try a 9, 10, 11 or 12-night cruise to Portugal, Spain and Morocco on Norwegian Dawn, Sky and Star.

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