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As more Brits turn to cruise to explore Europe, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is diversifying its product range on the continent to keep travellers coming back for more

From the Renaissance artworks of Florence to the bumping tunes of Ibiza, NCL’s 2026 and 2027 European seasons visit the destinations which cement the continent as one of Brits’ favourite places to cruise.

Here, we outline what makes each of NCL’s vessels in the region tick, and what guests can expect while onboard.

Norwegian Epic®

On board Norwegian Epic, big-ship thrills meet Mediterranean flair. Guests can start the day at the adults-only Vibe Beach Club, cocktail in hand, before diving into the refreshed Aqua Park or unwinding in a hot tub overlooking the sea. Evenings bring Broadway-style entertainment and a choice of dining venues, from sizzling teppanyaki to elegant French cuisine in Le Bistro. Between May and October 2026, Epic sails Western Mediterranean voyages between Rome (Civitavecchia) and Barcelona, with extra time in destinations like Villefranche for Nice and Monaco, Provence for Marseille and Livorno for Florence and Pisa.

Get on board

NCL’s seven-day Mediterranean: Florence & Marseille cruise aboard Norwegian Epic, from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Barcelona via Salerno, Catania, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Nice/Monaco (Villefranche) and Provence (Marseille), has departures from May-October 2026 and June-October 2027. Fares from £535pp based on an inside cabin, sailing 10 May 2026.

Norwegian Gem®

Norwegian Gem offers a classic cruising atmosphere with destination-focused itineraries. Days could begin with ocean views on deck and freshly brewed coffee, followed by poolside lounging or a treatment in the onboard spa. Evenings offer live music, casino action and speciality dining that ranges from succulent steaks in Cagney’s Steakhouse to Mediterranean flavours in La Cucina. Expect immersive itineraries through Greece, Montenegro and Croatia.

Get on board

NCL’s seven-day Greek Isles: Italy, Greece and Croatia cruise aboard Norwegian Gem, from Venice (Ravenna) to Rome (Civitavecchia) via Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Messina (Sicily) and Salerno, has departures between June-October 2026.

Norwegian Dawn®

Norwegian Dawn is designed for travellers who want to savour Europe without rushing. Guests can spend their mornings with an espresso from Java Café, afternoons lounging by the pool and evenings filled with live entertainment in the Stardust Theatre. In 2026, Dawn cruises between Lisbon and Barcelona. Guests can linger late in vibrant hotspots like Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza, while additional calls to Portimão and Gibraltar showcase the sun-drenched diversity of the western Mediterranean and Iberian coast.

Get on board

NCL’s seven-day Mediterranean: Gibraltar & Ibiza cruise aboard Norwegian Dawn, from Lisbon to Barcelona via Portimão, Seville (Cadiz), Mortil, Gibraltar, Ibiza and Palma (Majorca), has departures from May-October 2026 and May-September 2027. Fares from £615pp* based on an inside cabin, sailing 21 June 2026.

Norwegian Viva®

Sleek, contemporary and designed for open-air living, Norwegian Viva brings a new generation of cruising to Europe. Guests can stroll the oceanfront promenade, relax at infinity-style pools, or savour craft cocktails at the Metropolitan Bar and gourmet cuisine in Hudson’s. The ship’s design emphasises space, light and immersive sea views, while high-energy entertainment keep evenings lively. Between 2026 and 2027, sails nine- and ten-day voyages through the Western Mediterranean and Greek Isles.

Get on board

NCL’s 10-day Greek Isles: Santorini & Athens cruise aboard Norwegian Viva, from Venice (Ravenna) to Istanbul via Dubrovnik, Kotor, Athens (Piraeus), Santorini, Rhodes, Kusadasi and Thessaloniki, has departures in August 2026 and June, August and October 2027.

Norwegian Aura™

Set to make waves when it launches in 2027, Norwegian Aura promises a high-energy resort at sea. Thrill-seekers can race down duelling waterslides, tackle a ropes course suspended high above deck or unwind in ocean-view cabanas along the ship’s lively outdoor promenades. Families will find splash zones and amusement-style attractions, while premium guests retreat to The Haven’s private suites and butler service. Aura’s debut European sailings visit Mediterranean gems including Valletta, Salerno and Civitavecchia for Rome before repositioning across the Atlantic later that year.

Get on board

NCL’s seven-day Mediterranean: Rome, Malta & Salerno cruise aboard Norwegian Aura, from Venice (Trieste) via Valletta, Salerno and Rome (Civitavecchia), departs on 21 May 2027.

*Lead prices are correct at time of going to print, shown in £GBP and based on cruise only, dual occupancy including government taxes, port expenses & fees. NCL reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions & to change or update fares, fees & surcharges at any time without prior notice. General excise tax (GET), discretionary onboard service charges & gratuities additional. Terms and conditions apply to all offers, see norwegiancentral.com for details.