Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Epic

Sasha’s recommended first cruise itinerary in Europe

Sailing out of Civitavecchia (Rome)

Getting here is an easy hour transfer from Rome City or my preferred method is a train which is quick and more cost effective method. There are a few restaurants and cafes around to enjoy before or after any cruise all within 5 to 10 minutes of the harbours.

NCL Epic Cruise Ship

NCL Epic Cruise Ship

Cannes, France

  • Wander hilly Le Suquet for Riviera panoramas and painter‑worthy pastel lanes.

  • Sip a café allongé on Boulevard de la Croisette, where yachts and movie‑set glamour sparkle side‑by‑side, or simply enjoy the beach and amazing beach clubs.

Cannes Beach in France

Cannes Beach in France

Barcelona, Spain

  • Marvel at Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, a stone forest lit by rainbow glass.

  • Graze through La Boqueria Marketcones of jamón and bite‑size tapas on the go.

La Sagrada Família Basílica in Barcelona

La Sagrada Família Basílica in Barcelona

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

  • Gaze up at gothic La Seu Cathedral, mirrored in the marina’s calm waters.

  • Relax on Cala Major beach, turquoise waves lapping powder‑soft sand.

Palma de Mallorca in Spain

Palma de Mallorca in Spain

Ajaccio, Corsica

  • Ride the Route des Sanguinaires to crimson headlands and crashing surf.

  • Taste smoky Corsican charcuterie with a chilled rosé on the harbor quay.

Corsica in France

Corsica in France

La Spezia & Cinque Terre, Italy

  • Climb Vernazza’s Doria tower for a cliff‑top mosaic of pastel villages.

  • Twirl fresh trofie al pesto in Monterosso—basil picked the same morning.

Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre

Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre

Cruising Through Southeast Asia onboard Oceania Regatta

Starting this Oceania cruise from Australia was the perfect gateway into adventure. From Australia’s tropical north, we set out across the sea, hitting dream destinations like Komodo, Bali, Java, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights, along with all the perks that made this cruise unforgettable.

Oceania Regatta Top Deck

Oceania Regatta Top Deck

Trip Highlights:

  • Komodo Island: Seeing Komodo dragons in the wild was unbelievable! These giant lizards are only found on Komodo Island, and they add a wild, almost prehistoric thrill to the trip.
Komodo Dragon in Komodo Island

Komodo Dragon in Komodo Island

  • Java Sea & Java Island: Java offers deep cultural experiences. Borobudur Temple, dating back to the 9th century, was breathtaking in both size and detail—a true masterpiece of Buddhist architecture.
Java Sea in Indonesia

Java Sea in Indonesia

  • Kuala Lumpur: The city buzzes with energy! Exploring the Petronas Towers, street markets, and neighborhoods full of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences gave me a real feel for Kuala Lumpur’s diversity.
Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur

  • Singapore: Singapore is a futuristic oasis. Gardens by the Bay is stunning, and each neighborhood, from Chinatown to Little India, reveals something special about the city’s cultural mix. Plus, the food scene here is amazing!
Top of Marina Bay Sands at Night in Singapore

Top of Marina Bay Sands at Night in Singapore

Oceania Experience

  • Accommodation: The Concierge Veranda Stateroom was like a home away from home, complete with a private balcony
Cabin on board the Oceania Regatta

Cabin on board the Oceania Regatta

  • Food & Drink: The food onboard was divine – gourmet meals in specialty restaurants, with beer and wine at lunch/dinner as a package inclusion at time of booking, this may vary.
Lobster Pasta on the Oceania Regatta

Lobster Pasta on the Oceania Regatta