The Norwegian Escape, a jewel in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, offers a world-class cruising experience. With a passenger capacity of over 4,200, the ship boasts luxurious amenities, an array of dining options, and top-notch service. We embarked on a 10-day Mediterranean adventure, starting from Barcelona and docking at iconic destinations. With a state room mid-ship on the 14th floor , we
enjoyed a smooth journey without feeling the ship’s sway. We had however taken anti nausea ear patches as a precaution. The cruise itinerary was an active, travel -intensive itinerary that introduced us to a new port and city almost every day. Here’s a day-by-day account of our unforgettable journey.
Day 1: Cannes, France
Our first stop was the glamorous city of Cannes, known for its international film festival and luxurious lifestyle. We strolled along the Boulevard de la Croisette, lined with upscale boutiques and sandy beaches. A visit to Le Suquet, the old quarter, offered stunning views of the bay and charming cobblestone streets.
Of course we posed on the red carpet and posed for pictures at Cannes Film festival building.
Top Attractions:
- Le Suquet: A historic quarter offering panoramic views and cobbled streets.
- Boulevard de la Croisette: A picturesque promenade with luxury shops and beachfront views.
- Marché Forville: A bustling market showcasing fresh produce and local delicacies.
- Palais de festival – Cannes
Day 2 & 3: Livorno & Florence, Italy
Day two after docking at Livorno, we ventured into the heart of Tuscany. Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, left us mesmerized. We made a day trip to Florence and explored the Uffizi Gallery and admired Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia. Walking around the Duomo and its picturesque Florence neighborhoods was a highlight.
View from 16th floor Terrace on cruise ship
Top things to see in Florence
- Uffizi Gallery: Home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci.
- Accademia Gallery: Famous for housing Michelangelo’s David.
- Florence Cathedral (Duomo): An architectural marvel with its iconic red dome.
- Ponte Vecchio: A historic bridge lined with shops and stunning river views.
Day 3: Rome, Italy
Day 3, Rome greeted us with its timeless charm. We had a excellent travel company who picked us up from the port at Civitavecchia and drove us to Vatican for a skip the line guided tour, We marveled at the Colosseum, visited the Sistine Chapel and stood in awe of St. Peter’s Basilica. A walk through the Roman Forum and a stop at the Church of Jesus at Santa Croce – which has a piece of the cross of Jesus and few thorns from his crown and the nails used to pierce him.It was a packed day and we could achieve a lot due to our fantastic tour guide.
Top Attractions:
- Colosseum: A majestic amphitheater symbolizing ancient Roman engineering.
- Vatican City: The world’s smallest country and the spiritual center of Catholicism.
- Roman Forum: A sprawling complex of ruins that was once the heart of ancient Rome.
- Trevi Fountain: A baroque masterpiece where tossing a coin ensures your return to Rome.
Day 4: Naples & Pompeii, Italy
From Naples port , we were received by our second travel guide in his large SUV and then embarked on a day trip to the Amalfi Coast, visiting Positano and Sorrento. The coastal views were stunning and breathtaking. We had a lunch of pizza and beer from a great kunch place with sweeping views of the mediterranean ocean and of Positano
On our drive back we made a stop at Pompei and explored the world famous ancient ruins of Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Top Attractions:
- Positano & Sorrento: Enchanting towns with dramatic coastal vistas and charming streets.
- Pompeii: A well-preserved ancient city offering a glimpse into Roman life.
- Naples National Archaeological Museum: Renowned for its extensive collection of Roman artifacts.
Day 5: Cagliari, Italy
In Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, we took a hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore the city’s major sights. Highlights included the historic Castello district with its medieval architecture, the bustling Marina district, and panoramic views from Monte Urpinu Park.
Top Attractions:
- Castello District: A medieval neighborhood with narrow streets and historic landmarks.
- Marina District: A lively area with waterfront cafes and local markets.
- Monte Urpinu Park: A serene park offering sweeping views of the city and sea.
Day 6: Majorca, Spain
Day 5 our cruise ship docked at the port in Majorca . This beautiful island offered a blend of history and natural beauty and fun places for dining .. We visited the magnificent Palma Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, and strolled through the quaint streets of Palma’s old town. The island’s scenic landscapes were a treat.
Top Attractions we visited were:
- Palma Cathedral: A stunning example of Gothic architecture with a waterfront location.
- Bellver Castle: A unique circular castle with panoramic views of Palma.
- Serra de Tramuntana: A UNESCO-listed mountain range ideal for nature lovers.
Day 7: Ibiza, Spain
Our last day in the cruise saw our ship docking at Ibiza. Famous for its nightlife, Ibiza surprised us with its tranquil side. We explored Dalt Vila, the historic old town, and relaxed on the island’s sun-kissed beaches. The vibrant markets added a lively touch to our day.We went to the highly visited Talamanca Beach. Note this beach is clothes optional.
Top Attractions:
- Dalt Vila: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient walls and cobblestone streets.
- Playa d’en Bossa: A popular beach known for its clear waters and lively atmosphere.
- Las Dalias Hippy Market: A colorful market offering unique crafts and souvenirs.
Day 8: Return to Barcelona
Our journey concluded in Barcelona, where the Norwegian Escape docked. Though the cruise ended, memories of our Mediterranean adventure will last a lifetime.
Dining and Onboard Experience
The Norwegian Escape offers a five-star dining experience. We enjoyed specialty dining at Food Republic, Le Bistro, La Cucina, and Cagney’s Steakhouse. While all were excellent, Food Republic stood out for its innovative dishes. Next time, we’ll opt for the drinks package, as we found it to be a worthwhile addition in hindsight.
Final Thoughts
Unlike cruises focused on relaxation with multiple sailing days, this itinerary was action-packed with daily port visits. Each destination offered unique experiences, from the serene beauty of Sardinia to the historic grandeur of Rome. For most of the cities, we did our research and booked tours through Viator or TripAdvisor, as excursions through Norwegian were two to three times more expensive. We also stayed in a stateroom with a balcony, which was a nice touch. The rooms were of a decent size, and while the bathroom was small, it was adequate. The Norwegian Escape provided the perfect platform to explore the Mediterranean in style. We were very impressed with this cruise and the itinerary and will definitely refer our friends and families interested in seeing the Mediterranean to take this cruise.
For more travel stories read Ultimate 10 day road trip in Spain .
A good meandering! Well written and ample info for those who would be take the same itinerary.
Thank you Sijil.