This is in no way a criticism of the cruise or the excellent Luxury Escapes but the first paragraph you’ll see if you follow the link to their site is… strange. I’ll be kind and say it looks like it was written with early AI suffering from a virtual migraine. Anyhow, the cruise itself is well worth a look for us rovers who like to unpack only once per holiday.
For a start, Norwegian Prima is one of Norwegian Cruise Lines new ship. I think every cruise I’ve ever taken had a Norwegian captain so I take that as a very good sign. Then there are the ports, which hit the spot for all you could wish for.
Setting sail from Southampton, the first stop is in the Bay of Biscay at the French port of Le Verdon, then the top of Spain to Bilboa, La Caruna then the Portugese Port of Porto (Oporto).
For a scenic view of Oporto, the 12th-century Cathedral has a long stone balcony overlooking the river and city below. The city is renowned for its port wine and the city of Oporto makes a wonderful backdrop for savouring a glass of its fine liquor.
Then it’s a trip down the coast to Lisbon with its cobbled alleys of the Alfama district to the broad Parisian style avenues at its heart. Belem’s Monument to the Discoveries recalls the seafaring past.
Cadiz (Seville) Spain was founded by Phoenicians in 1100 B.C., and may be the oldest continuously occupied city in the West. The Cathedral’s gold dome dates from 1722 and its altar is decorated with 4,000 pounds of gold from the Americas! There are also the Moorish marvels of Seville: the Alcazar and Giralda Tower and the fountains and palaces of Maria Luisa Park.
Cartagena, Spain is also Spain’s main naval base. The landscaped squares of Cartagena are so magnificent that you can spend hours just sitting and looking, then it’s on the Catalan city of Barcelona, Spain. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi’s Church of the Holy Family.
Then you can channel your inner movie producer with a visit to Cannes before Livorno, Italy, which leads through the rolling green hills of Tuscany to Florence, the flower of the Renaissance. The creative explosion happened right here, with masterworks by Michelangelo, Brunelleschi and Botticelli now landmarks of daily life.
Finally, its Rome, The Eternal City, via the port of Civitavecchia. If you are a male rover, you may already think about the Roman Empire everyday, (it’s a TikTok trend and not meant to be taken seriously – I think). You will want to see it all: the soaring inspiration of St. Peter’s, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel; the flow of life along the Spanish Steps, the Coliseum, the Via Veneto and Trevi Fountain. Be sure to leave time for la dolce vita in one of the piazzas.
Summing up, your journey takes you to: Le Verdon – Bilboa – La Coruna – Porto (Oporto) – Lisbon – Cadiz – Cartagena – Barcelona – Cannes – Livorno – Civitavecchia –
Prices start from A$3,861/person, twin share and for all pricing and details (and that first paragraph) from Luxury Escapes, CLICK HERE (if only to read the weird intro) or call 1300 820 853
