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We still recount the culture, marvel at the buildings, and read the stories that originated in ancient Greece. At the heart of many of these famous elements is Athens, Greece’s capital city. Today, Athens, is much more than ruins and history; it’s a thriving destination that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition in ways that continues to captivate travelers. 

 

CELEBRATING THE PAST

For many, the allure of Athens is in its rich history. Perhaps no symbol of the city is as prominent as the Acropolis. This rocky hill rising in the city’s center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to several ancient buildings, including the famous Parthenon. The Parthenon’s precise construction remains a feat of engineering even today and ongoing restorations continue to preserve its legacy for future visitors.

Visitors to the Acropolis can walk amongst the ruins, but they should also visit the neighboring Acropolis Museum. This modern museum opened in 2009 and displays many artifacts from the site. The entire top floor is dedicated to the Parthenon and the sculptures are positioned to replicate their original placement on the structure. Excavations during the construction of this new museum revealed ancient walls and artifacts, which are now on view in the museum’s entrance.

The intricate details of the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and Hadrian’s Arch will inspire the imaginations of both history buffs and architecture lovers. They can take in the detail and skill of Greek culture’s early bronze works and mosaics at the National Archaeological Museum. The marble-laden Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic games in 1896, can also be found in the heart of the city.

 

NATURAL BEAUTY

Athens in a sprawling city that rests in the shadow of hills and covers a valley as it sweeps down to the Aegean Sea. Though the Acropolis is central and the most famous, Lycabettus Hill is taller and is the best spot for a panoramic view of Athens. Those up for a climb can take the stairs carved into the hillside to reach the top, while many opt to ride the cable car.

Visitors can explore Saint George’s church after a long climb or a short ride. Built in 1870, this small church is known for its white-washed exterior that contrasts with the richly colored murals inside. After a stroll around the church, visitors can sit back and enjoy the view at the hilltop’s restaurant, which serves traditional Greek dishes that vary by season. The view only gets better as the sun sets and the city lights appear. The cable car operates until midnight, meaning visitors can take in the city at night without fear of climbing back down in the dark.

From the hilltop, visitors can likely spot the National Gardens. These 38 sprawling acres bring lush greenery to one of the city’s busiest areas. Nestled between the Greek Parliament and the Panathenaic Stadium, the National Gardens offer an idyllic way to escape to nature’s beauty. Visitors can stroll the notoriously winding paths and visit the small zoo, playground, duck pond, and Botanical Museum.

 

CUISINE

Trying fresh olive oil in Greece is a must, with many restaurants serve it for dipping with bread. Gyro shops are around every corner and make the perfect on-the-go pitas for lunch, and visitors may be (pleasantly) surprised to find that along with typical gyro fillings, most Athens gyros also include French fries!

Many traditional Greek dishes rely on filo pastry, from savory spanakopita to delicate baklava. Be on the lookout for tiropites, which are filo dough filled with a mixture of Greek cheeses and feta me meli, or feta wrapped in dough and drizzled with honey.

Hundreds of eateries around Athens offer tasty dishes to try. The neighborhood of Plaka around Monastiraki Square and Syntagma Square is vibrant and open late into the evenings. Look for restaurants that offer rooftop or open-air dining with a view of the nearby Acropolis.

HOW TO GET TO ATHENS

Athens is home to an international airport that is connected to the city via the suburban railway, the Metro Line, and several bus routes. Taxis and cars are also available to take travelers on a 30 to 40-minute drive into the city.

Many popular cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises, also offer cruises with stops in Athens.

Let’s plan your trip to Athens today! 

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Those of us with a passion for travel often daydream about the cities and places we want to visit someday. And in these daydreams, we think about the person we love most and traveling the world with them. For couples who dream of checking off destinations around the world together, there’s a way to see and do more with your vacation time: take a river cruise!

River cruising is one of the best ways to visit multiple cities without the stress of travel days, unpacking and repacking, or getting lost trying to find your hotel. With their panoramic suites, themed excursions, and incredible itineraries, Avalon Waterways is the ideal vacation for couples looking for a romantic trip through Europe and beyond.

Avalon Waterways Tapestry 2 in Paris

SEINE RIVER CRUISES

Whether you call it the City of Lights or the City of Love, Paris has captured the imagination of romantics for centuries. This city is famous as the home to some of the world’s greatest museums, restaurants, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. Through the heart of Paris runs the river Seine. Avalon Waterways sails the Seine with several itinerary options to ensure travelers can experience the beauty of Paris and beyond.

Roundtrip itineraries start and end in Paris while also giving guests the chance to explore Northern France with stops in Giverny, Rouen, and Normandy. Some itineraries also feature Paris as the departure point or final port. This means that travelers can plan to spend a few extra days in the city exploring its famous sites before or after their river cruise.

Aw Inspired Dining on a River Cruise

DANUBE RIVER CRUISES

Perhaps the most famous river in Europe for river cruising is the Danube. This river begins the mountains of the Black Forest in Germany and flows all the way to the Black Sea. The river winds through Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and more countries, treating travelers to views of castles and quaint towns straight from the pages of a fairy tale. With so many countries and sights to see along its banks, the Danube provides plenty of scenery and culture to explore.  

From four-day cruises to twenty-day sailings, Avalon’s Danube itineraries offer the most flexibility and variety for river cruising. This means it’s easier than ever for you and your partner to choose the cruise that works for you. And with cruise extensions, you’ll have the chance to spend even more time in the cities you’ve been dreaming about.

Christmas Market In Frankfurt on a River Cruise

CHRISTMAS MARKET CRUISES

Looking for a way to escape for the holidays or perhaps the perfect gift to give one another? Each year Avalon Waterways helps their guests experience the best of Christmastime in Europe with their Christmas Market cruises. These selected Danube itineraries make sure to include ports in Austria and Germany where Christmas Markets are a staple of the holiday season.

These Christmas Market Cruises sell out fast, so the sooner you book their stateroom, the better! Reservations for 2024 are now open!


Are you interested in experiencing the joy of traveling the world together? Let’s start planning your next romantic getaway today!

While cruise ship dining was long associated with basic dining room fare and over-the-top midnight buffets, cruise ships of today tout imaginative menus, fun experiences, and a variety of specialty restaurants that cater to every preference. This rise and demand from foodies has also inspired creative dining programs, culinary-inspired itineraries, and gourmet experiences on nearly every commercial cruise line.

Creative restaurants, cuisine, and itineraries make these cruises perfect for foodies:

ROYAL CARIBBEAN: WONDERLAND

Wonderland

Cuisine inspired by the five elements (earth, sea, fire, ice, and sun) reigns supreme at Wonderland, where your dining experience kicks off with dipping a paintbrush in water and painting your menu to reveal the food options. Presentation here is stunning – be sure to have your camera ready as your server places each dish before you.

UNIWORLD: TIMELESS WONDERS OF VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & THE MEKONG

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Travelers intrigued by Asia’s culinary delights will find much to savor on this 15-day journey from vibrant Ho Chi Minh City to historic Hanoi. Traveling through Vietnam and Cambodia on the Mekong Jewel, guests will find themselves absorbed in the spices, seafood, and other local edible favorites that connect cuisine with culture.

From toasting at a treasured local restaurant to exploring the night markets, a cruise on the Mekong Jewel highlights the exotic flavors of the region.

CELEBRITY CRUISES: LE PETIT CHEF

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Le Petit Chef isn’t just dinner…it’s a unique dining experience paired with an enchanting story told through table art. Four animated miniature chefs from Italy, Spain, France, and Japan showcase specialty dishes from their homelands, combining a choreographed tabletop show with the server’s presentation of your meal. It’s a magical display of culinary and art skills that you’ll remember forever.

AMAWATERWAYS: WINE CRUISES

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Is there anything more enticing than a meandering cruise through Europe’s wine regions? AmaWaterway’s themed itineraries showcase the celebrated wine regions along the Danube, Douro, Mosel, Rhine, Rhone, and Seine rivers. Guests will find themselves in the company of award-winning vintners from generations of wine-making families on each cruise.

Passengers visit esteemed wineries like Châteanueuf-du-Pape, Saint-Emilion, Sauternes, Médoc, and Margaux. Onboard wine lectures and tastings are accented by optional excursions to olive and truffle farms, and visits to the Cognac region where passengers can blend their own brandy.

WINDSTAR: JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION (SOUTHEAST CANADIAN EXPLORATION)

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This collection of itineraries from the luxury line Windstar seeks to bring foodies closer to the cuisine of a region, through the perspective of a James Beard Foundation-selected chef. A wine expert also joins the host chef onboard to educate and entertain guests with daily wine tastings.

Itineraries sail from Montreal to Boston, stopping in ports Québec City, Gaspé, Cap-aux-Meules, Louisbourg, Halifax, Lunenburg, Bar Harbor, and Portland. Along the way, passengers will snack on poutine and Arctic char, sample French-styled lobsters, and try the fabled donair of Halifax…all while sightseeing and enjoying an education in history and culture.

Contact us today to experience one of these amazing cruises for foodies!

Royal Caribbean has made two major announcements regarding new ships! 

Everyone is familiar with ribbon-cutting ceremonies but have you ever seen a steel-cutting ceremony? In Saint-Nazaire, France, Royal Caribbean recently marked the official start of construction by cutting the first piece of steel for what will be Royal Caribbean’s sixth Oasis Class cruise ship. The ceremony took place at the shipyard where it will be built. And the name of this new ship? (Drum roll please) . . . Utopia of the Seas! Delivery of the new ship, which will have approximately 2,800 cabins,  is scheduled for the end of May 2024. Royal Caribbean has not yet announced where the ship will sail from or what itineraries she will visit.

The other big news is that the new Icon of the Seas will be homeported in Miami after she arrives in the United States. This brand new ship is the first in the new Icon Class, which Royal Caribbean has been very quiet about. The Icon of the Seas will make its debut in the UK market this summer and then head across the Atlantic to Miami. The International President and CEO stated that the ship will likely have some stops in New York or Boston during the East Coast transit. The cruise line has spent five years designing the ship, and while they haven’t disclosed many details, they are promising that this will be a game-changer for the cruising industry. 

Icon of the Seas will feature a combination of “tradition, evolution and revolution,” all elements from their iconic ships. Tradition refers to fan favorites of the brand that will always be found across the fleet. Evolution refers to improving elements that cruisers love, such as entertainment venues and waterslides. And finally, revolution elements are industry firsts and promise to “wow” their customers. I can’t wait until the details are made public! The Icon Class is the first class of new vessels since Royal Caribbean launched the first of its Quantum Class ships in 2014. Stay tuned . . .

How long do you think it would take to visit 7 continents, 60+ countries and 11 World Wonders? Two years, five, ten? How about 274 days? What???

Royal Caribbean has just introduced the Ultimate World Cruise, which will debut in December 2023. On this hemisphere-hopping expedition, you can discover diverse cultures and spectacular shores in every corner of the globe as they explore over 150 destinations, from Asia to Antarctica and beyond on the longest world cruise ever

On this world cruise, you’ll see11 World Wonders, including the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Talk about a bucket list trip! Your 274-night journey around the world begins and ends in Miami, and sails from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024.

Perhaps you can’t be away from home for 274 days. Royal Caribbean understands that, and they have broken it down into 4 expeditions. You can choose to sail on one or more of them.

  • Round the Horn: Americas & Antarctica: Departs from Miami. Dec.10, 2023 – Feb. 11, 2024, 64 Nights, 36 destinations. Go from postcard-perfect Caribbean shores —including the ABC islands —to viewing abundant wildlife like sea lions, penguins and whales roaming glacier-studded Antarctica as you round Cape Horn. Along the way, discover World Wonders in South America, including man-made marvels and extraordinary natural phenomena. Take in the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Behold the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazú Falls near Buenos Aires. And explore Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic symbols of Peru’s ancient Inca heritage. Then sail up to the Yucatàn Peninsula to discover hidden coves and dramatic rock formations along Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas before exploring Ensenada. 
  • Wonders of Asia & the Pacific: Departs from Los Angeles. Feb 11 – May  9, 2024, 87 Nights, 40 destinations. Sail across the Pacific to explore Hawaii and discover the crystal-clear waters of Mo’orea and Tahiti in unspoiled French Polynesia. Then set out to explore Australia’s Great Barrier Reef — the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Trek from pristine natural beauty in Bali to one of the most iconic man-made World Wonders, the Great Wall of China. Explore South Pacific gems, like Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, for picture-perfect panoramas and distinctive local cuisine. From the unparalleled culture and modern architecture of Tokyo to the natural marvels of the seaside town Kagoshima, endless possibilities await you in Japan. And take in one of the most breathtaking sights in the world — The Taj Mahal.
  • Middle East Treasures & Marvels of the Med: Departs from Dubai. May 9, 2024 – July 10, 2024, 63 Nights, 44 destinations. Discover World Wonders left behind by the civilizations of legendary pharaohs and emperors, like The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. And countless renowned ruins across the Mediterranean and Aegean seas —from the Acropolis in Athens to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and the Colosseum in Rome. Plus lesser-traveled Greek ports like Olympia, which was once the sanctuary site to honor Zeus and the location of the first Olympic games. Then their journey continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like the fortified walls of Split, Croatia and explorations in Valencia, Cannes and Provence.
  • Capitals of Culture: Departs from Barcelona. July 10, 2024 – September 10, 2024, 63 Nights, 40 destinations. Discover the heart of Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Família and the whimsical Park Güell. Savor new flavors across continents — like an indulgent lunch in a Parisian bistro and a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco. And roam fascinating museums, theaters and galleries in Saint Petersburg. Next, your clients will get a glimpse into some of the happiest places on the planet in Scandinavia. Go from wandering countless bridges by bicycle in Copenhagen to taking in larger-than-life fjords in Norway. Then get ready to experience another natural marvel — the other-worldly geothermal seawater at The Blue Lagoon in Iceland before stopping in New York on the way back to Miami.

Cruising around the globe is the ultimate travel experience. You spend time bonding with like-minded explorers over global discoveries. You connect with countless distinct cultures, soak up the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, and marvel at World Wonders that showcase mankind’s boundless imagination. These cruises sell out, and with the introduction of this new itinerary, Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise will book quickly. I would love to help you plan your cruise whether it’s for the entire 274-night voyage and for one or more of the expeditions. Contact us today to book your Ultimate World Cruise!

Royal Caribbean has announced their Europe deployment for 2023! From April to October, you can choose from itineraries that visit Norwegian fjords, Iceland and Scotland, Spain and France, Greece and Croatia, the Greek Isles, Italy and Adriatic, the British Isles, Western Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Russia, Greece and Turkey.

From colorful Mediterranean coasts to whitewashed seaside Greek villages, the best way to see Europe is with the cruise line voted Best Overall for 19 years running. Immerse yourself in ancient Greek cultures. Sample the delights of wine-country wonders throughout France, Spain and Italy. And experience unique itineraries from fjord-filled getaways in Norway to trekking across the Arctic Circle. 

Has Greece been on your bucket list? With 227 islands, it can be daunting to put together an itinerary. When you cruise the Greek Isles, all the decisions are made for you. Unpack once and see the best of Mykonos, Santorini, Athens, Zakynthos, Skiathos, Thessaloniki, or, for the first time ever, Olympia. Royal Caribbean has four ships with various itineraries sailing the Greek Isles in 2023.

Perhaps you’re considering a Mediterranean cruise. With Royal Caribbean, you can take a grand tour of all the classics. Indulge in the delicacies of Italy, marvel at famous monuments in France and soak up the sun on the seaside shores of Spain. 

Why do people love cruising in Europe? You get to sample a number of countries and ports without the hassle of checking in and out of hotels, and without eating up precious vacation time moving from city to city. In addition, your cruise fare includes accommodations, all meals and entertainment onboard and (possibly) your airfare. You don’t need to worry about exchange rates or currency fluctuations. And let’s not overlook the incredible experience of cruising – wonderful and attentive service, all the services and activities, the variety of dining options and the overall relaxed shipboard lifestyle. 

With nine ships sailing throughout Europe, you will undoubtedly be able to find the perfect itinerary for your ideal European vacation. In fact, you will probably struggle to decide which itinerary to choose. Don’t worry! Nobody ever said you can take only one cruise. Contact me to book your European cruise today!

It has been a difficult 18+ months for everyone in the cruise industry as well as those who love cruising. Royal Caribbean recognizes this, and wants to make your vacations as worry-free as possible so they have just announced some exciting updates.

  • Cruise With Confidence – This program has been extended to reservations confirmed on or before December 17, 2021 and sailing through April 30, 2022. This means that guests with qualifying reservations can choose to cancel up to 48 hours prior to the sail date in exchange for a 100% Future Cruise Credit.
  • Best Price Guarantee – Qualifying guests are also eligible to take advantage of the Best Price Guarantee up to 48 hours prior to the sail date, ensuring they get the best deal!
  • COVID-19 Assistance – This program has also been extended. Vaccinated guests and children not yet eligible to be vaccinated who are sailing on or before April 30th, 2022 will have the following COVID-19 Assistance at no extra charge.
    • 100% cruise fare refund for you, and your Traveling Party, if any of you tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days prior to the cruise or at the boarding terminal.
    • Pro-rated cruise fare refund if your cruise is cut short for reasons related to COVID-19.
    • If you test positive for COVID-19 during the cruise, Royal Caribbean will cover the costs of COVID-19 related medical treatment onboard, any required land-based quarantine, and travel home for you and your Traveling Party.
  • Final payment deadlines – These deadlines may be fast approaching for those sailing in the beginning of 2022, and some passengers may want a bit more time and flexibility. Therefore, the final payment due date on sailings departing through March 31, 2022 will now have until 30 days prior to sailing to submit full payment.

To get started booking your next cruise, click here!

Royal Caribbean International has announced the world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, will debut in the U.S. and Europe beginning in 2022. The highly anticipated ship will set sail from its home in Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean on March 4, 2022, before making its way to Barcelona and Rome to kick off summer vacations in May.

At the heart of every Oasis Class ship is a combination of unmatched signature features and experiences found from one neighborhood to the next, including the tallest slide at sea, The Ultimate Abyss; the newly designed, dedicated kids and teens spaces at Adventure OceanSocial100 and The Patio; the FlowRider surf simulator, twin rock-climbing walls and the ten-decks-high zip line. From riding the carousel in the family favorite Boardwalk neighborhood – inspired by renowned boardwalks like Coney Island – to fine dining in Central Park, and the variety of restaurants and showstopping entertainment in between, no day on board will be the same.

What to expect on this brand new ship:

  • Suite Class Neighborhood – The eighth neighborhood, only found on Wonder, offers Royal Suite Class guests an elevated Suite Sun Deck in a new location, complete with a plunge pool, bar and plenty of loungers and nooks to kick back; along with favorites such as Coastal Kitchen, the private restaurant, and the Suite Lounge. Plus, the grandest Ultimate Family Suite yet for a family of 10.
  • Wonder Playscape – Joining the lineup of next-level thrills for kids, the underwater-themed play area is a whole new adventure with slides, climbing walls, games, an interactive mural activated by touch and puzzles that will make them wonder if any playground will ever be the same.
  • The Vue – The happiest of happy hours can be found at this new cantilevered bar. The Vue offers panoramic ocean views from high above on the pool deck all day, and after sunset, it shines bright with a colorful mosaic canopy overhead.
  • Pool deck experience – The Lime & Coconut is at the center of the Caribbean vibes, with two poolside bars and live music; while the trio of high-speed waterslides, The Perfect Storm, and kids aqua park Splashaway Bay, keep the young and young at heart Casitas, in-pool loungers and more make for a variety of great places to kick back, especially to catch a movie under the stars at the largest poolside movie screen in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

The action-packed Wonder of the Seas will deliver multiple ways to adventure with 7-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, visiting tropical destinations like Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico, and more. No matter the itinerary guests choose, every sailing will visit Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, for a day of thrill and chill unlike any other. May will see an early start to summer family vacations when the wondrous Oasis Class ship heads for the Mediterranean to take center stage for its inaugural European season. From Barcelona and Rome on 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises, travelers have memorable vacations in store as they sail to the sparkling shores of Europe’s most iconic and historic destinations, such as Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Capri, Italy.

Wonder of the Seas 2022 Caribbean and European sailings are now available to book.

This summer you can soak up the Mediterranean sun and explore the captivating coastlines of Greece and Cyprus on all-new 7-night cruises departing from Limassol, Cyprus onboard Jewel of the Seas® 

Starting July 10, Jewel of the Seas will call Cyprus home for the first time and sail to the picturesque shores and ancient ruins in Cyprus, Greece, and the Greek Isles through October. You can visit a combination of culture-rich cities and idyllic islands, including Limassol, Athens, Greece, and the Greek islands of Rhodes, Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini.

Sailing with a vaccinated crew, the cruises – at this time – will be available to adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results. These current health and safety measures, like others, may evolve as they are evaluated on an ongoing basis.

“I’m delighted to announce our safe and gradual return to Europe. We know how eager our guests are to enjoy a getaway this summer, and these sailings, which include a mix of fantastic destinations and must-visit islands, make for the perfect getaway.”

“Cyprus is a beautiful island, and we are thankful to the Cypriot government for their support and enthusiasm in making these incredible itineraries possible.”

Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International

Guests onboard Jewel of the Seas can enjoy the perfect balance of culture and relaxation, exploring destinations seeped in history, relaxing in small peaceful coves, and sampling delicious local cuisine. Guests can immerse themselves in Greek and Roman history at preserved ancient sites, such as Kourion in Limassol and the Parthenon temple in Athens, then take in the multihued waters and beaches of Mykonos and the waterfront tavernas of Santorini.

Onboard Jewel, you can cool off in the pools and whirlpools, recharge at the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center and dine at their pick of numerous complimentary and specialty bars and restaurants, including guest-favorites Chops Grille and Izumi. Spanning 13 decks, the ship comes complete with a rock-climbing wall, casino, sports court, nine-hole miniature golf course, an outdoor movie screen, and more.

Contact me today to book your sailing on the Jewel of the Seas this summer!

Norwegian Cruise Line announced new itineraries sailing in Europe and the Caribbean, beginning July 25, 2021.

Norwegian’s new itineraries will sail with reduced capacities aboard Norwegian Jade, Joy, and Gem.

Norwegian Jade will operate seven-day cruises to the Greek Isles from Athens (Piraeus), Greece from Jul 25, 2021 through Nov 7, 2021.

Norwegian Joy will operate seven-day cruises to the Western Caribbean from Montego Bay, Jamaica from Aug 7, 2021 through Oct 9, 2021.

Norwegian Gem will operate seven-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean from Punta Cana (La Romana), Dominican Republic from Aug 15, 2021 through Oct 10, 2021.

NCL’s SailSAFE Program details pre-cruise vaccination requirements, onboard protocols and all of the other information you need in order to sail.

To book your next cruise on Norweigan, contact me today