Why you should upgrade your Mediterranean cruise with NCL

Mediterranean cruises are all about giving yourself over to delicious food, warm cultures (and climate!) and the total relaxation of a holiday at sea.

What better way to truly immerse yourself than with an NCL cruise upgrade package so you can enjoy a panoply of onboard benefits without ever having to worry about costs adding up in between your fun-packed jaunts ashore?

NCL Mediterranean cruise upgrade: What is the package?

With Norwegian Cruise Line – or NCL – you can now upgrade with the new More At Sea package from just £99pp on top of your cruise fare (price varies by cruise length and stateroom). The bang for your buck is seriously impressive, whether you’re a cocktail convert or a stay-in-touch-with-home devotee.

This is your chance to live the high life at sea – from cocktails and fine dining to onboard entertainment and exclusive excursion perks – all rolled into one affordable upgrade.

Guests who opt for More At Sea will enjoy unlimited premium beverages (including branded spirits, cocktails, wine by the glass, draft beer and soft drinks), plus two or more meals at speciality restaurants such as Japanese showstopper Teppanyaki, French fine-dining spot Le Bistro or American favourite Cagney’s Steakhouse.

The package also includes Wi-Fi for all guests in your stateroom (powered by Starlink) and a $50 discount per shore excursion, per stateroom, per port of call. On select sailings, guests three and four in your room pay taxes only – a huge win for families.

Note: gratuities now apply separately – $30 per person per day for drinks and $20 per person per speciality meal. But even with this, the value remains strong compared to paying onboard prices.

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What to expect from NCL ships

Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet is custom-built for dazzling views (top tip: head to The Waterfront for the best vistas) and boasts comfortable, well-appointed accommodation to suit all needs and budgets, from inside staterooms to penthouse suites in the Haven by Norwegian.

Entertainment is award-winning, too – expect hit Broadway-style shows such as Million Dollar Quartet, Burn the Floor and more.

Elsewhere, there’s a virtual gaming complex, Galaxy Pavilion, the fastest slides at sea, a race track and even a casino if you want that kick of adrenaline. Want to relax? Visit Mandara Spa or laze in the infinity pools to soak up that holiday feeling.

Last but not least, NCL has a variety of ships that have access to ports other cruise lines cannot visit – talk about bragging rights. Endless cocktails, exclusive destinations and Wi-Fi to send jammy pictures back to mates at home if we upgrade, you say? NCL’s Mediterranean cruises are sounding pretty good to us!

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OK, so you’ve decided to commit to the holiday and the NCL Mediterranean cruise upgrade, but where will you stay? Picking the right stateroom for you is a key part of ensuring you’ll enjoy your cruise holiday to the max.

Some passengers can be unsure whether it’s worth staying in a balcony room, but we’re here to let you know exactly why it’s a decision you won’t regret.

Firstly, it’s the perfect spot to indulge in a bit of peace and quiet. While you’ll find all manner of tranquil nooks around NCL ships, from the spa to the library, your very own balcony means you’ll absolutely never be disturbed by any other guests. It may well come in useful for a break away from your own travel companion, too (John, must you always sing in the shower?). Simply equip yourself with a book and a coffee and soak up that me-time.

Another major advantage of a balcony is for appreciating the delightful views, whether you want to admire an approaching port, gaze out at the majesty of the ocean or take in the beauty of a sunset. No trekking up to the top deck required – simply roll out of bed and step outside to breathe in that sea air and ogle the marvellous vista.

Having a balcony also means you’ll get extra space – it’s an extension to your stateroom, so you’ll benefit from even more room to swing cats, or you know, get ready for a big night.

A final perk you might not have considered is the advantage of natural light. Waking up can be tricky, even on holiday, especially with curtains so effective at blocking out the rays. By being able to stand out on the balcony with the sun on your face, you can embrace the Vitamin D and charge yourself up ready for the exciting day ahead (John, bring me out a tea, would you?). Top tip: you may also prefer to do your makeup here to make the most of the natural light. Get out there.

– READ MORE: Sailawaze guide to balcony cabins on your cruise holiday –

Rome & Florence: Art, architecture and espresso

NCL offers an exciting variety of Mediterranean cruises. In Rome, gaze at the masterpieces of the Vatican and some of the best art the world has ever known, wander around astounding historic monuments – from the Colosseum to the Pantheon – and legendary museums, and sip on an espresso while people-watching as the chic locals swan by.

Then comes Florence – a Tuscan marvel. Don’t miss Santa Croce church, Piazza del Duomo or Michelangelo’s David on your Mediterranean cruise here… and be sure to inhale as many gelato flavours as you can.

In Venice, take a gondola ride, zone out on a white-sand beach and admire the phenomenal architecture in St Mark’s Square and throughout the floating city.

Sicily & Southern Italy: Cathedrals, markets and history

Down in Sicily, Palermo serves up a unique blend of Romanesque, Arab, Norman and Byzantine monuments – do visit the magnificent Palermo Cathedral and buzzing outdoor markets. Maybe pick up some souvenirs for those pals you keep spamming with smug holiday photos…

Also in Sicily is Syracuse, founded by ancient Greeks nearly 3,000 years ago. Expect ancient ruins aplenty, medieval streets and impressive piazzas as well as a turquoise water-lapped shoreline and charming cafes.

Greek Islands & Malta: Mythology, sunsets and stunning shores

Over in Greece, there’s Santorini, where you can snap photos of the famous sunset and the island’s iconic blue and white buildings. In Mykonos, admire the windmills or take a ferry to the tiny island of Delos, steeped in mythology. In Kefalonia, visit a 12th-century Byzantine cathedral, marvel at 16th-century frescoes and discover the underground Lake of Melissani.

Corfu is studded with hillside villages, secluded coves and sandy beaches, along with a giant fortress and palace (the erstwhile birthplace of Prince Philip, no less).

In Malta, Valletta boasts splendid Baroque palaces, piazzas, gardens and churches, while Naples, on Italy’s Amalfi coast, is home to grand piazzas, cathedrals and castles.

Croatia: Walled cities and seaside promenades

As for Croatia, Dubrovnik – the “pearl of the Adriatic” – features centuries-old buildings topped with bright orange roofs, spectacular 13th-century walls and marble streets. Split’s crowning glory is Diocletian’s Palace, along with café-lined promenades and coastal mountain vistas. In lesser-known Rijeka, you’ll find ornate Baroque buildings left behind by the Austrian Empire.

France, Spain & Portugal: Glamour, Gaudí and island escapes

On cruises to the south of France, Cannes invites you to stroll the palm-lined Promenade de la Croisette, spot the rich and famous or motor up Suquet Hill for views over the city, sea and Lerins Island.

In Spain, Palma, Majorca, boasts a magnificent Gothic cathedral and vibrant art scene. In Barcelona, stop by Gaudí’s famous unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia, wander the medieval streets of the Barri Gòtic and laze on the city’s beach.

Head to Ibiza to explore the 16th-century Castle of Ibiza and the Museum of Contemporary Art, and soak up the rugged coastline. **Top tip**: the most popular beaches here are Talamanca and Ses Figueretes.

Walk off the inevitable tapas consumption during a call at Motril with a nature hike, or head to the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza for a 17th-century church surrounded by breathtaking panoramic vistas.

In Seville, make time for the Plaza de España and the gargantuan cathedral, while in Portugal’s Lisbon, chomp on pastel de nata, ride the iconic colourful trams and meander down the narrow cobblestone streets.

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