All Indian travellers need to know before hopping aboard a Mediterranean cruise

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Indian tourists can enjoy a Mediterranean cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, offering itineraries from ports like London, Paris, Barcelona, or Rome. The cruises include stops in Spain, France, Italy, and more. Passengers can exper … Read more

All Indian travellers need to know before hopping aboard a Mediterranean cruise

The Mediterranean region has always held a charm for Indian tourists because of its temperate weather, idyllic coastal life, delectable cuisines, beautiful architecture and quaint villages. Now, imagine enjoying all of this and more on a cruise!

Taking a Mediterranean Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line can be one of the most exciting journeys to embark on, whether with your significant other or with family. To ensure you plan the most amazing sea-cation with your loved ones, here are five tips you need to be up to date with, before you make your bookings.

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Embarkation

Indian travellers need to fly out from Mumbai, Bengaluru or Delhi to NCL’s embarkation ports such as London, Paris, Barcelona, or Rome to board a Mediterranean cruise. Travellers can pick any of the 9-day or 10-day itineraries that sail to the region depending on the cities and experiences they seek. Most of these itineraries include stops in Malaga (Spain), St Tropez (France), and Florence (Italy). Cruises in this region also sail through countries like Malta, Morocco, the Canary Islands, Portugal, Greece and Cyprus. If you are a die-hard fan of Bollywood movies like ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’, then these destinations might just be worth it!

Read more: World Maritime Day: Indian cities with perfect maritime weather

Bucket lists

This stunning region offers a range of fascinating destinations and experiences so keep your bucket lists ready! Italian itineraries are very popular among Indian guests. From gorging on copious amounts of pizza, pasta and gelato at ports like Sorrento, Amalfi, Portoferraio, and Portovenere, to visiting museums, enjoying a glass of aperitivo or heading out for on-shore excursions like wine tours in the Lucca region or truffle hunts in Tuscany, the Italy itineraries 10 days have it all! Ships frequently stay longer in these ports to offer passengers plenty of time to soak in the vibe and culture.

On longer ten-day Italian itineraries that sail from Venice, Lisbon, Barcelona, Rome, London one can visit the Game of Thrones locales in Dubrovnik, the medieval villages of Corfu and Valletta and the balmy summertime days in Naples, which are ideal for a side trip to Capri and its stunning caves.

Read more: Top 10 most scenic rivers in the world

What to expect onboard?

Cruising offers a flexible and family-friendly experience, for a truly elevated experience consider staying in The Haven, the pinnacle of luxury on the ship. Located at the top of the vessel, The Haven features the most spacious and elegantly designed suites, complete with premium amenities such as plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and private balconies with stunning ocean views. Beyond the accommodations, guests of The Haven enjoy exclusive access to private areas like the serene sundeck and pool, along with personalized services including a 24-hour butler and concierge. The Haven is a peaceful and private sanctuary, offering a "ship within a ship" experience that combines the best of both worlds: the privacy of an exclusive retreat and access to all the excitement the ship has to offer. Other accommodations range from spacious Suites & Penthouses to Solo Staterooms, all designed for comfort and flexibility, allowing guests to enjoy their vacation on their own terms with Freestyle Cruising.

Plus, guests can enjoy a variety of non-Indian vegetarian options available fleetwide. On Prima Class vessels, limited Indian vegetarian options are also available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Tamara within the Indulge Food Hall.

On-shore excursions

The Mediterranean offers guests a deep dive into the region's vibrant culture and history through an array of carefully curated on-shore excursions. Whether exploring the ancient ruins of Rome, uncovering the hidden culinary gems of Florence or immersing in the lively streets of Istanbul, each excursion is designed to provide a unique and enriching experience. Highlights include Gourmet Tours for food lovers, Beyond Blueprints for architecture enthusiasts, and Go Local excursions that reveal the authentic rhythms of Mediterranean life. These experiences ensure that guests can fully immerse themselves in the iconic beauty and rich traditions of the Mediterranean.

What to pack?

For any cruise holiday, comfort is key so pack accordingly. To explore ancient cities and sun-soaked shores in summer, casual clothes like t-shirts, shorts, jeans, and summery dresses in breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal. For cooler months, layer up with shrugs, cotton jackets and wraps. Don’t forget to pack airy and comfy sandals and a pair of walking shoes for on-shore excursions and walks through cobblestone streets. Carry all your essentials and medicines in a compact backpack or fanny pack. If you’re prone to seasickness or travel motion, keep your medicines handy.

There is nothing like a dreamy Mediterranean cruise to uplift your soul, get a taste of the European way of life and come back with that much-envied tan!