How a magical Mediterranean cruise converted me to the Norwegian Escape

Anchors away! Cruising in Europe has never been more popular. Norwegian Cruise Line has responded to demand by creating 225 new voyages for its 2026 season, including the port-immersive itineraries we love, featuring overnight stays and late departures.

More 7-14 night voyages are available than ever before, with limited-to-no sea days. That’s more time to discover the wonders of Italy, Spain, France and beyond, as I did on Norwegian Escape in June. With inflation bumping up the price of everything from spritzes to sun loungers in tourist hotspots, all-inclusive cruising with NCL represents terrific value for a European summer to remember.

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Shore thing

It’s freezing in Australia, and everyone grumbling that it’s the coldest winter in years. On the other side of the world in Sardinia, I’m living la dolce vita, splashing around in the turquoise sea. I’m on a beach-break shore excursion in Cagliari, blissed out by the sunshine, the sight of tanned locals and the alluringly chic Italianness of it all. How do seven-year-old Italian girls possess more style than I could ever dream of having? I don’t know, but I’m surrounded in the water by pint-sized fashionistas.

Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, is one of the port stops on a fantastic 10-day NCL itinerary that features the highlights of Italy, plus a few days in Spain, Malta and the South of France.

It’s fast-paced, no sea days, more see days. I’m up with the birds to be the first off in Civitavecchia, gateway to Rome. A day is never long enough in the Eternal City, but it’s enough time to say ciao to the landmarks and eat an enormous gelato. In Messina, Sicily, the gelato odyssey continues.

An overnight stay in port is an invitation to savour the destination and explore further than you might be inclined to in one day. That’s what I do in Livorno, taking the train to Florence and lingering over a sunset dinner of lasagne, Caprese salad and tiramisu at Trattoria Marione. Strolling a romantic city like Florence is different by night than it is by day.

In Cannes, I try on the South of France glamour lifestyle, spending the day at an exclusive beach club and stocking up on French pharmacy essentials. Languid days in Mallorca and Barcelona are for shopping and watching the world go by.

By the time we reach the gorgeous port of Valletta, I’m on a mission to taste all of the Maltese pastizzis. At one euro a pop, why not? Europe is a feast worth devouring with gusto.

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Let them entertain you

Make no mistake, Escape is a ship where the good times roll. Be entertained in the Escape Theatre by a Broadway-style production of The Choir of Man, an immersive “night at the pub” with a group of energetic singers. They even hand out free pints.

On other days, I bop along with 800 passengers to a Frankie Valli tribute show and try to figure out the magician’s secrets.

One of the most popular entertainment venues on the ship is Syd Norman’s Pour House, a lively bar with a talented lineup of musicians. Arrive as soon as the doors open for the Fleetwood Mac tribute show and Prom Night. Overflow crowds for both shows are ushered to an outdoor area that lacks the same atmosphere as the live venue.

There’s always something happening on Escape, be it hilarious standup comedy, a glow party on the pool deck, duelling pianists or water park rides for young and old. Boredom is not an option.

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Tastes and tipples

It’s easy to see why NCL’s restaurant and beverage departments win so many awards. The food on Norwegian Escape is delicious, from the unpretentious Garden Cafe buffet fare to the upscale Cagney’s Steakhouse and shareable plates at Pincho Tapas Bar. A ship of this size offers so many dining options, that you’ll run out of days on board before you run out of tasty treats to nibble on.

In addition to buffet standards such as roast meats, burgers and salads, Garden Cafe keeps it interesting with themed menus each day. The Asian dishes are a favourite, as are the BBQ classics.

Another casual, complimentary venue is O’Sheehan’s Neighbourhood Bar & Grill. Open 24 hours a day for classic comfort food and cold draft beer, it’s the top choice for many of Escape’s guests. I find it a convenient choice for a quick breakfast or lunch before heading out on shore excursions. It’s also the spot for late-night fish-and-chips cravings. Diets don’t count on the high seas.

Escape’s identical main dining rooms, Taste and Savor, offer a traditional, complimentary meal service at lunch and dinner. Alongside the daily specialties, a well-considered selection of favourites such as steak frites and grilled salmon is always available.

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Bite into this

NCL’s great-value Free at Sea packages includes speciality dining credits, an incentive for many to try restaurants that normally attract an additional fee.

Teppanyaki is the ultimate dinner and a show, an entertaining couple of hours noshing on grilled sirloin and jumbo scallops prepared by a chef/showman as he belts out a litany of hit songs. Open wide for the flying shrimp as it’s launched in your direction.

Cruisers will find much to love in the premium steaks and seafood at Cagney’s Steakhouse, while French favourites are centre stage at Le Bistro. Arrive hungry at Moderno Churrascaria, the Brazilian steakhouse, as the waiters will keep bringing flame-grilled beef, lamb, chicken and sausage to your table until you raise the red flag.

New for-fee dining concepts not to miss are Bayamo’s fresh seafood dishes with a Cuban flair and Food Republic, a pan-Asian array of savoury plates, including bao buns and dumplings.

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The freedom of choice

One of the reasons extended families and groups of friends give NCL the thumbs-up is the wide range of accommodations on each of the ships in the fleet. Catering to individual preferences and budgets, the line provides plenty of choice to tailor the right cabin selection for everyone.

With a capacity for more than 4000 guests, the most popular accommodation category on Norwegian Escape is the Balcony Cabin. Travelling in early June, the weather is gloriously warm and sunny, and I take every opportunity to sit outside on the balcony.

For those who want to spend less on the cabin and more on the destinations, there are Inside Cabins and Oceanview accommodations. At the upper end of the luxe scale, there are Suites and Mini-Suites, cabins with more space and premium amenities. Some have exclusive access to The Haven, a private “ship within a ship” that features butler service and use of The Haven Courtyard.

Cruisers with kids, grandparents and others in tow rave about the Family Cabins, which accommodate groups of all sizes with connecting rooms and flexible bed configurations.

NCL is also recognised as a pioneer in solo cruising. Studio Cabins on NCL ships are often the first to sell out, prized by solos as a way to enjoy smart amenities and avoid the dreaded single supplement. Designed for one and one alone, these cabins offer a good amount of space, a private bathroom and access to a communal lounge, where those cruising alone can meet other solo travellers.

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So spa, so good

I love a deal almost as much as I love a spa treatment. When the two are combined, say less. Just sign me up without delay. At Mandara Spa, a luxurious haven of indulgence, the best deals are offered on port days.

Take your pick from the extensive menu of treatments: facials, massages, wraps and beauty services. I opt for the 75-minute top-to-toe massage, an invigorating body treatment that pampers me from soles to scalp. Hot stones melt away the stress knots, and by the time the talented Filipino masseuse has worked her magic on my tricky neck and shoulders, I feel a renewed pep in my step.

The Spa uses premium products, including cruise ship favourites Elemis and Kerastase. Eager to spend the remaining onboard credit on the last day of the cruise, I treat myself to a goodie bag of Elemis bath and beauty products to take home.

Also well worth the onboard credit spend is a day pass to the Thermal Suite. The adults-only relaxation area features saunas, steam rooms, ice and snow rooms, vitality pools and heated loungers. It’s perfect for a rejuvenating day of chilling out. Just the mini-break I need on this wonderful, busy highlights tour of Europe.

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Expert tips

Favourite meal: On the ship, I enjoy specialty restaurant Moderno Churrascaria. A feast for carnivores, the Brazilian steakhouse experience offers unlimited servings of grilled steak, chicken, sausages and pineapple.

Favourite snack: Off the ship, it’s a close tie between oozy, cheesy pastizzi in Malta and daily gelato indulgences. I’ll take one scoop of salted caramel and one of Rocher, thanks!

What to pack: NCL’s dress code is relaxed, which means you can leave the formal wear at home. During my trip, the temperatures soar and I live in sundresses and big, floppy hats. Don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken in.

Secret tip: Don’t overdo it when booking shore excursions. On this busy 10-night voyage, there are no sea days. You’ll have a better time if you factor in a couple of unscheduled mornings or afternoons to rest and enjoy the ship. On the other hand, many of the shorex sell out quickly, so do lock in the ones you really want.