Mediterranean - Middle East

Welcome to the ancient city of Athens, the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. If your schedule is tight, savor traditional Greek coffee at a café with a view of the city's iconic ruins, soaking in the historic ambiance before your cruise departs. If you've got time to explore the Acropolis stands as a must-see, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adorned with iconic structures like the Parthenon and nearby Temple of Olympian Zeus. The nearby Acropolis Museum showcases stunning artifacts from ancient Greece, providing deeper insight into the city's heritage.

Piraeus is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city center and it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach by taxi or train. A taxi ride from the airport to Piraeus port will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the traffic. The taxi fare (indicative only) is around 45 euros in the daytime and 64 euros at night (24:00-05:00).

NCL's ships feature up to 22 bars and lounges, each with its own unique vibe. Dance to the ultraviolet energy at Bliss Ultra Lounge. Sip champagne, sake or scotch. Lounge poolside with an umbrella drink. Play pool at the pub. Or chill at the Ice Bar. Follow your mood and mingle.

Cairo, Egypt, is a city where ancient wonders and vibrant urban life coexist. Start your exploration with a visit to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, a testament to Egypt’s ancient civilization. Nearby, the Egyptian Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, offering a deep dive into the country’s rich history.

Stroll through the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where you can shop for unique souvenirs, spices, and traditional crafts. For a taste of local cuisine, try dishes like koshari or ful medames at one of the city's many eateries. With its historical landmarks and lively streets, Cairo promises a fascinating and unforgettable experience.

Cruise ships dock at the Alexandria Port, located about 220 kilometers (137 miles) from Cairo and only about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Alexandria's city center. Alexandria itself is worth exploring, with attractions like the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the ancient Roman Amphitheatre. Many visitors enjoy walking along the Corniche, a waterfront promenade with views of the Mediterranean Sea. Be sure to explore the vibrant markets and sample local cuisine during your visit.

Cairo, Egypt, is a city where ancient wonders and vibrant urban life coexist. Start your exploration with a visit to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, a testament to Egypt’s ancient civilization. Nearby, the Egyptian Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, offering a deep dive into the country’s rich history.

Stroll through the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where you can shop for unique souvenirs, spices, and traditional crafts. For a taste of local cuisine, try dishes like koshari or ful medames at one of the city's many eateries. With its historical landmarks and lively streets, Cairo promises a fascinating and unforgettable experience.

Port Said is one of the major ports in Egypt, and is your gateway to the Suez Canal and Cairo. Your ship will dock at the Port Said Cruise Terminal, where you can access currency exchange, tourist information and local shopping. The port is only a short walk from the city centre, where you can explore at leisure. Pay a visit to the Suez Canal Authority Building to learn about the history of the canal, or perhaps explore the De Lesseps Statue, and the Port Said National Museum for a deeper dive into the port's history.

Only 2.5 hours away (196km/122mi) is Cairo - the city of pyramids and pharaohs. A once-in-a-lifetime day trip to the Egyptian capital will leave you in awe as it brings ancient history to life.

Enjoy the breathtaking illusion of sailing through oceans of desert sand as you cruise the Suez Canal, the engineering marvel that connects the Mediterranean and Red Seas.

As you transit the 101 mile expanse, admire the desert views occasionally interrupted by little villages, with domed mosques and minarets towering into the sky.

The passage requires no locks, as both bodies of water are at about the same level. Not wide enough to allow 2-way passage, 3 convoys are scheduled to transit the canal on a typical day, two southbound and one northbound.

Petra, Jordan's crown jewel, is an archaeological wonder carved directly into vibrant red, white, pink, and sandstone cliffs. This ancient city, once the thriving capital of the Nabataean kingdom, is renowned for its stunning rock-cut architecture and advanced water conduit system. The most iconic structure, Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), greets visitors with its intricate façade and towering columns, creating a breathtaking sight as you emerge from the narrow Siq gorge.

Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city provides access to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site city of Petra, located about 129 kilometers (80 miles) away and the desert landscape of Wadi Rum, located approximately 73 kilometers (45 miles) away. If time is tight in you can explore the Aqaba Marine Park, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. History buffs will appreciate the Aqaba Fort, a 16th-century Mamluk castle, and the adjacent archaeological museum housing artifacts from the region.

Luxor, often hailed as the world’s greatest open-air museum, stands on the site of ancient Thebes, the pharaohs’ capital at the height of their power during the 16th–11th centuries B.C. This city is a treasure trove of historical architecture, with the majestic Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings offering a window into ancient Egypt’s grandeur. Luxor Temple, illuminated beautifully at night, provides a stunning backdrop for an evening stroll along the Nile.

Visitors can explore the West Bank’s mortuary temples and tombs, where the art and hieroglyphs remain as vivid as when they were first created. A hot air balloon ride at dawn offers an unforgettable view of the landscape, revealing the full extent of Luxor’s historical sites set against the Nile’s winding path.

Safaga's port is situated about 53 kms (approximately 33 miles) south of Hurghada, a popular seaside destination known for its coral reefs and aquatic sports. While Safaga itself is more industrial in nature, it does offer a few local attractions such as black sand dunes and therapeutic mineral springs but you're best to explore beyond the port. Luxor is located approximately 220 kms (about 137 miles) from Safaga and the journey can take around 3 to 4 hours by road, but the sight of Luxor's ancient wonders are worth the effort.

When you cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line you'll have plenty of great places to shop. Whether you are looking to splurge on yourself at one of our onboard boutiques or you want to shop for gifts for your friends and family on shore, our friendly staff will help you find exactly what you are looking for. Check your Freestyle Daily for shopping seminars, special sales and more on shopping while you cruise with us.

The world's richest city and the capital of the UAE boasts a wealth of culture, history and adventure, from the emirate's old souks, where you can sip a fragrant Arabic coffee, to the rush of the world's fastest rollercoaster. This 5,000-year-old metropolis is a fascinating mix of modern architecture and atmospheric back streets. Ships will dock in Port Zayed.

Top Things to Do in Abu Dhabi:

• admire the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• explore the Al Khatim Desert in a 4x4
• visit the Abu Dhabi Louvre
• enjoy high tea at the Emirates Palace Hotel

The lure of Dubai is irresistible, from its glittering mega-skyscrapers to its traditional Islamic roots. Dubai’s most iconic sights include the 160-story Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, and the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, a luxury resort which happens to be shaped like a boat’s sail.

Dubai is all about luxe shopping, high-end boutiques, unique souqs (markets) and cultural institutions like the Dubai Museum. While you’re stopped on a Dubai cruise, you’re meant to live it up on unforgettable excursions like a helicopter tour of the city or a camel ride at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

The lure of Dubai is irresistible, from its glittering mega-skyscrapers to its traditional Islamic roots. Dubai’s most iconic sights include the 160-story Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, and the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, a luxury resort which happens to be shaped like a boat’s sail.

Dubai is all about luxe shopping, high-end boutiques, unique souqs (markets) and cultural institutions like the Dubai Museum. While you’re stopped on a Dubai cruise, you’re meant to live it up on unforgettable excursions like a helicopter tour of the city or a camel ride at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.