Boating News

SYDNEY: 15 January 2025: Cruising is one of the most convenient and captivating ways to explore MORE of Europe, and with 2025’s hottest travel trends, including season swapping, solo travel, the Roman Empire, coolcations and wellness, there’s never been a better time to plan to see MORE of Europe by sea.

With a choice of 11 ships, 14 departures ports and more than 250 voyages across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Greek Isles during the 2025/26 seasons, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers MORE ways to discover Europe – including some of 2025’s trending destinations, such as Finland, Norway and Portugal.

Itineraries range from seven to 14 days, visiting 28 countries, plus overnight stays in cities such as Reykjavik, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Livorno, Honningsvåg and Istanbul, ensuring there are endless options for travellers ready to design their dream European escape.

1. Season Swapping

‘Season swapping’ will be trending in 2025 so if peak Euro summer doesn’t appeal, a cruise during autumn or spring shoulder seasons offers a completely different experience with cool breezes, fewer crowds at major attractions and fewer people ahead of you in the gelato queue or trying to snare a table for dinner on the waterfront. NCL’s European cruises commence in March and run through until November, so whether you want a lively vibe and fun in the summer sun or a more tranquil time towards the end of spring, there’s a voyage to suit.

This ranges from late season Greek Isles sailings on Norwegian Viva, visiting both Turkey and Morocco, or Northern Europe or Baltic voyages departing from London, Copenhagen or Stockholm.

• Coolcations & Trending Destinations

Finland¹ and Norway² have been called out as trending destinations for 2025. with Scandinavian countries particularly appealing to those embracing the concept of a ‘coolcation’ rather than a hot-weather holiday. Renowned for intriguing architecture, sensational seafood, vibrant arts and culture scenes and striking natural beauty, Finland and Norway feature heavily in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Baltic and Northern Europe itineraries with several overnight stays in Copenhagen and Helsinki a brand-new homeport for NCL in 2026.

Another trending destination is Rome³ which is attracting renewed interest as a set-jetting destination following the release of the new Gladiator II film. Those looking for their own Gladiator-inspired experience can take their time exploring Rome by choosing one of 22 round-trip and open-jaw sailings departing from nearby Civitavecchia on board one of six different vessels, from more intimate ships such as Norwegian Sky to the entertainment-packed Prima-Class ship, Norwegian Viva.

• MORE Destination Immersion

With Europe still top of the wish list for Australian cruisers³ NCL ticks all the boxes for travellers looking for an immersive holiday in the most desirable and diverse destinations across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Many sailings visit a new port every single day, offer an average of 10 hours to explore on shore, and the cruise line has also added more late-night departures from cities such as Livorno, Italy, Istanbul, Turkey or the Greek jewels of Santorini and Mykonos, where sensational sunsets and lively nightlife are an essential part of the experience. For the ultimate in-depth exploration, NCL has expanded its range of multi-day pre- or post-European Cruise Tours in 11 ports such as Athens, Greece; Barcelona, Spain; Istanbul, Turkey; Venice, Italy; and Tromsø, Norway.

• Solo Travel

The solo travel trend shows no sign of slowing down, with recent research⁴ finding women make up 71% of solo travellers and cruising is one of the most popular ways to go amongst the solo set. Cruising with NCL, the pioneer of solo sailing, is the ideal way for independent travellers to discover MORE of Europe safely and stress-free – without lugging a suitcase across cobbled streets and through busy train stations and airports in every location. Even better, NCL offers specially designed solo cabins, organised activities for independent guests, and a dedicated social space, Studio Lounge, where like-minded solo travellers can get together.  

• MORE culinary flavours to savour 

Australians and New Zealanders are keen culinary travellers, with foodie experiences high on most of our travel wish lists¹. While sailing with NCL in Europe, there are more dining options than sea days and a wider variety of cuisine than any other cruise line, sure to satisfy every palate and craving. Specialty dining experiences include romantic fine French fare at Le Bistro, Italian with a contemporary twist at the striking Onda by Scarpetta, or a front row seat to the gastronomic show at Teppanyaki. Culinary-themed Go Gourmet and Go Local shore excursions are available in a slew of European ports, offering experiences ranging from lunch with locals on the farm to cheesemaking, chef-led market tours and more.

• MORE value to enjoy

There’s no question value is a major consideration for 2025, with research revealing currency exchange rates, the cost of tourist attractions and visa fees are the top considerations for Australians when choosing a travel destination⁵

NCL’s More At Sea™* offers more than $3,250 in added value providing guests with even more of what they love. This includes unlimited premium beverages with the choice of over 100 cocktails, MORE specialty dining inclusions – up to five included on a 12-day cruise, MORE high-speed Wi-Fi, and a US$50 shore excursion credit in every port so guests can explore MORE on shore.  

For more information or to book a cruise with NCL, please contact a travel professional; call NCL in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283; or visit http://www.ncl.com