Europe might come off as an intimidating place for first time travelers due to its massive scale and multiple sites. What many might not know is how easy it is to tick these bucket list destinations via sea. Take for instance the 10 ships from Norwegian Cruise Lines, expected to sail more than 280 voyages and visit over 117 ports across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Greek Isles during its 2025 and 2026 seasons. There are just countless ways to discover the beautiful secrets Europe has to offer.

With a choice of 11 embarkation ports, sailings from seven to 14 days visiting 28 countries, an average of 10 hours in port plus 50 overnight stays in cities such as Reykjavik, Iceland; Copenhagen, Denmark; Hamburg, Germany; Livorno, Italy; Honningsvaag, Norway; and Istanbul, Turkey; there are many options for guests to create their ideal European escapade. Late-night departures from ports known for their sublime sunsets and nightlife ambiance, like those seen through Mykonos, Santorini, and Dubrovnik, allow those onboard to enjoy two entirely different sides of a destination in one day. 

“Considering the exceptional value and convenience that cruising offers, it’s not surprising that Asian travelers love to explore Europe by sea,” shares NCL APAC vice president and managing director Ben Angell. “With ten ships and 280 itineraries to choose from, our 2025 and 2026 seasons offer even more variety and choice so everyone from first-time visitors to seasoned cruisers can plan an unforgettable European escape, visiting both iconic ports and some of the region’s best-kept secrets.” 

Picture-perfect ports to see

NCL’s recently launched 2026 Europe season includes three new port destinations, as well as, a full Baltic season on Norwegian Sun, including departures from NCL’s new homeport of Helsinki, Finland. Find yourselves lost in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fortress of Suomenlinna, treat your tastebuds to local herring dishes, keep toasty with hot chocolate in Market Square, blow some steam off at a traditional timber sauna, or check out the eclectic collection at Kiasma, the Museum of Contemporary Art. Those exploring the Baltics can visit a port almost every day in Norway, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, and beyond. 

In 2026, the Norwegian Star will be visiting Leirvik on the island of Stord, Norway for the first time to explore the town’s rich maritime and Viking heritage. Right upon entry, the harbor view is a treat for visitors as they spot the historic timber houses and stunning natural scenery, paired with the spectacular sunset. Adventure-seekers will enjoy fishing or hiking the untouched rugged local terrain, while culture fans should explore the Maritime Museum or Stord Church, an architectural gem.

Also taking place in 2026 is the Norwegian Gem’s debut in Palamós on Spain’s Costa Brava, a well-preserved village renowned for its fishing museum, Museu de la Pesca, Catalan culture, seafood cooking workshops, and watersports. You can spend the day renting a kayak at Platja Castell to feel one with the locals and sail away from the tourist hotspots. You’ll find exploring the harbor and the local fish market to be a lively experience. One of the regional specialties offered is a dish of red prawns.

Finally, there’s the series of British Isles voyages by the Norwegian Sky that will lead you to the pleasant harbor town of Portree, Scotland, capital of the rugged Isle of Skye. Taking a walk will treat you to bobbing boats, a cobblestone jetty, whitewashed cottages, and winding streets lined with cafés and various arts and craft boutiques. Treat yourself to activities like gin tasting, walking the Scorrybreac path for sensational harbor views, or a choice of visiting Dunvegan Castle or the magical bright blue Fairy Pools where brave guests can take a dip.

Tour as you see fit

To unearth the design secrets and fascinating stories behind some of Europe’s most intriguing buildings and discover the rhythms of local life hidden out of sight from traditional tourist attractions, guests can join one of NCL’s special interest shore excursions. They can have a go with the Go Local guided tours, Go Green excursions revealing sustainable initiatives in diverse destinations, or the Beyond Blueprints architectural excursions.

For instance, the Beyond Blueprints tour in Helsinki, Finland has guests visiting the Oodi Central Library and Helsinki Music Centre to witness the buildings’ avant garde designs through the eyes of an architectural guide. In the Go Local tour at Lungotevere, Italy, you’ll be treated to a tasting tour that includes the best olive oil offered at the Campo de Fiori market, local pizza, espresso from Sant’ Eustachio coffee shop using water from an ancient aqueduct, and dessert from one of the city’s oldest gelato shops, Giolitti. Finally, for the Go Green tour in Tallinn, Estonia, you can meet an acclaimed Nordic designer in Tallin’s creative hub, Telliskivi Creative City, for an inside look at how she upcycles discarded materials to create sustainable fashion. Afterwards, you can enjoy lunch in a zero-waste restaurant at an eco-friendly photography museum.