Image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line’s menu of destinations is impressive. (There are cruises throughout Southeast Asia, Europe, Alaska, New Zealand and Africa, to name but a few options.) But Norwegian Cruise Line’s Miami options are especially favorable to North American travelers keen on exploring several destinations, without having to travel tooooo far (perhaps saving a couple bucks on airfare, too).
And you’d be surprised at how the world opens up. NCL’s cruises that leave from Miami can take travelers to Tortola, Cozumel, Chile, Colombia, Belize’s Harvest Caye — even France (seriously).
As will soon become evident, we’ve been craving some tropical bliss, and plenty of sunshine. Below, we’ve rounded up three of our favorite NCL cruise itineraries, all of which embark out of Miami. (And don’t sleep on this city, either. We recommend extending your trip. For some inspiration, check out our take on the best hotels in Miami.)
Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan & book your NCL cruise vacation today.
Caribbean island-hopping: 9 days
Image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
If you’ve wanted to check out several Caribbean islands, but weren’t quite sure how to pack it all in without numerous trips, NCL’s signature Caribbean itinerary has you covered.
You’ll leave from Miami, of course, on board the recently renovated Norwegian Sky. Try your luck at the cruise ship’s casino, relax at its spa, nurse a glass of wine at one of its many bars and lounges or sun-bathe by the pool as you take in the enviable ocean views. The first full day is spent at sea, allowing ample time to explore the ship’s many amenities.
First port of call: Puerto Plata, in the Dominican Republic. The DR’s ninth largest city is a treasure trove of history and culture, with historical sites, museums and idyllic white-sand beaches.
From there, you’ll have a day to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico’s vibrant capital. The next stop is Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. St. Martin is in fact divided into two sides: a French side, Saint-Martin, and a Dutch side, Sint Maarten. Philipsburg is Sint Maarten’s capital. Expect stellar nightlife, dynamic cuisine and more stunning beaches (no surprise there).
The next two days will be spent on Antigua (which boasts colorful reefs) and St. Thomas, a gem in the US Virgin Islands complete with more world-class snorkeling.
Afterward, you’ll have another day at sea to relax before heading to the Bahamas’ Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island. It’s basically an exclusive Caribbean playground, complete with an impressively large beach buffet, zip-lining, bars, beachfront cabañas, water sports and more.
Mexico, Central & South America: 17 days
Image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
More days, more destinations, more time at sea: this NCL itinerary combines blissful relaxation (you’ll have seven full days at sea) and exploration.
The Norwegian Encore will serve as your home for these two-plus weeks. We have to admit that this particular cruise ship is pretty impressive. It fits 3,998 people (double occupancy), making it one of NCL’s largest ships. Plus, there’s a race track, an adults-only beach club, a night club, numerous entertainment options, a virtual-reality playground...You get the idea.
But what makes this cruise vacation special are the doubly impressive selection of sites you’ll get to visit along the way. (Pro tip: for help making the most out of your shore excursions, it's best to use a Norwegian Cruise Line travel agent, a.k.a. Fora Advisor. We’ll help curate a stellar land-based itinerary for each port of call so you get the most out of your time on solid ground.)
After sailing out of the port of Miami, you’ll make way for the ultra-colorful, lively city of Cartagena, Colombia. Next, you’ll have two days (a rarity among cruise lines) to explore Panama City. Visit the Panama canal, enjoy one of its gorgeous beaches, take a rainforest hike or tour the area’s several historical sites.
From there, Puntarenas, Costa Rica awaits. Here you'll find a lush oasis filled with wildlife, good vibes and, of course, more gorgeous beaches. (Craving more Central American bliss? Check out the best hotels in Costa Rica.) You’ll then make your way up to Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala before continuing to Mexico, where you’ll spend a day each in Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.
The trip ends in California. Spend a half day in Los Angeles, then one final day at sea before disembarking in San Francisco.
Psst: if a half day in LA seems short, it is. Oh, well, guess you’ll have to return. Check out the best hotels in LA to see where you should stay next time you visit.
South Florida & the Bahamas: 5 days
Image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
We’re all about multi-stop, multi-week vacations, but there’s something to be said for trips that are a bit shorter, and a bit more focused. That’s where this NCL cruise itinerary comes in.
After hopping on the Norwegian Jade, you’ll head south to Key West, the US’s southernmost point. The next stop is Nassau, the vibrant capital of the Bahamas. Shop, swim, eat, drink — you won’t be at a loss of things to do in this fun, electric city.
The final full day is spent at — where else? — Norwegian’s crown jewel, Great Stirrup Cay. The next morning, you’ll be back in Miami.
Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan & book your NCL cruise vacation today.