One of the many joys of exploring Europe by sea is discovering the delights of its portside destinations, from bucket-list destinations to underrated gems that invite travelers to stroll the streets, sample traditional eats, and live like a local for a day. Norwegian Cruise Line is showcasing six charming and fascinating port towns in their 2026 Europe collection. These destinations are conveniently situated just a short walk from the ship, allowing travelers to step off and explore as soon as they disembark. This setup maximises their time to wander, create memories, and enhance their overall holiday experience.

Riga, Latvia
A cultural icon, Riga is renowned for its ornate Art Nouveau architecture, timber buildings, museums, concert halls and World Heritage-listed medieval Old Town. Get lost amidst cobblestoned alleyways with a hidden courtyard around every corner, sample local Latvian cuisine at Riga Central Market, cruise the scenic Daugava River, and explore the city’s striking street art scene along Troksnu iela (Noise Street).
Insider tip: Stroll Mangalsala Pier at sunset, shop with locals at Agenskalns Market and see a different side of the city in the historic Moscow District.

This 9-day Baltic: Germany, Norway and Sweden sailing on Norwegian Sun departs from Copenhagen (Denmark) on 15 June, 3 July or 4 August 2026 and visits nine ports including Oslo (Norway), Berlin (Warnemünde, Germany), Gdynia (Poland), Klaipeda 15 Juneni3 Julyga (4 August Stockholm (Nynashamn, Sweden), Tallinn (Estonia), Helsinki (Finland).

Salerno, Italy
The gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Salerno, exudes an authentic, local ambience and is easily explored on foot. From the fabulous five-level Giardino della Minerva botanical garden, where you can enjoy a spritz in the Sun on a cliffside terrace, to a stroll along the Lungomare Trieste seaside promenade, it’s easy to lose track of time in Salerno.

Insider tip: Wander through Fornelle, the oldest district in town, to find painted poetry and colourful murals, visit the ornate crypt beneath Salerno Cathedral and fossick for secondhand books and vintage treasures in local favourite Libreria Antiquaria Vecchi Libri.

This 9-day Mediterranean: Italy, France and Greece sailing on Norwegian Viva departs Barcelona (Spain) on 29 April, 24 June or 19 August 2026 and visits 10 ports including Nice/Monaco (Villefranche, France), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civ29 Aprilia24 Junerno 19 Augustna (Sicily) in Italy, Corfu (Greece), Kotor (Montenegro), Split (Croatia) and Venice (Ravenna) in Italy.

Valletta, Malta
Europe’s smallest capital is significant for charm, with honey-hued Baroque buildings, eclectic cuisine blending African and European flavours and its plethora of palaces and cathedrals – in a compact layout perfect to explore on a day in port. Bustling Republic Street is the beating heart of the city, and other must-sees include the opulent St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace and the Barrakka Gardens.

Insider tip: Tour the Lascaris War Rooms (even if you’re not usually a history buff), visit the swanky Casa Rocca Piccola, a miniature palace still occupied by Maltese nobility, and delve into the backstreets off Republic Street to find hidden local gems.

This 9-day Greek Isles: Santorini, Athens and Mykonos sailing on Norwegian Viva departs Istanbul, Turkey on 18 May, 13 July or 7 September 2026 and visits 10 ports including Kusadasi in Turkey, Santorini, Mykonos, Athens (Piraeus) and Olympia (18 May, 13 July, or 7 September (Malta), Catania, Salerno and Rome (Civitavecchia) in Italy.

Tallinn, Estonia
Famed for its castles, cathedrals and fairytale-like UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, Tallinn is an eminently walkable city where ancient walls and Gothic buildings house lively local restaurants, bustling beer gardens and gorgeous galleries. Check out the Balti Jaama Turg food hall for an enormous selection of local delicacies, indulge your imagination at Telliskivi Creative City for street art, galleries and unique boutiques, or climb Toompea Hill for sensational city views.

Insider tip: Don’t miss the artisan workshops in medieval St Catherine’s Passage, shop Estonian design at Tallinn Design House, and taste traditional Marzipan treats and Vanaema’s doughnuts.

This 10-day Baltic: Germany, Sweden and Poland sailing on Norwegian Sun departs Helsinki (Finland) on 02 October 2026 and visits nine ports including Tallinn (Estonia), Stockholm (Nynashamn), Riga (Latvia), Klaipeda (Lithuania), Gdynia (P2 October), Warnemünde (Germany), Copenhagen (Denmark) and London (Southampton).

Bergen, Norway
Nestled between stunning fjords and majestic mountains, Bergen combines the beauty of the great outdoors with a lively arts scene, which is easily walkable from the waterfront. Highlights of any visit include the brightly painted boutiques and galleries of Bryggen Wharf, riding the funicular to the top of Mt Fløyen, perusing local art museums and snacking on seafood from the Torget fish market.

Insider tip: Live like a local and relax at Marineholmen Beach, kayak around the Øygarden Islets, and wander through a reconstructed town at the Gamle Bergen Open Air Museum.

This 11-day Northern Europe: Iceland, Scotland and Norway on Norwegian Star departs from London (Southampton) on 31 May, 12 July or 23 August 2026 and visits eight ports, including Edinburgh (Newhaven) and Inverness (Invergordon) in Scotland, Bergen on 31 May, 12 July, and 23 August, and Reykjavik in Iceland.

La Coruña, Spain
A Galician gem steeped in maritime heritage, La Coruña is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets – where the centre of the cobblestoned Old Town is a mere five-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Tapas lovers will find their haven in Plaza de Maria Pita, the city’s photogenic, porticoed main square, perfect for soaking up the local ambience. For a scenic walk, the 13-kilometre Paseo Marítimo- one of Europe’s longest coastal promenades – offers sweeping ocean views and a taste of the city’s laid-back coastal vibe.

Insider tip: Visit Mercado de San Agustin to fill up on local flavours, watch surfers and beach volleyballers in action at Plaza del Orzan or visit a local pottery workshop to learn about the city’s ceramics culture.

This 14-day Europe: France, Spain, Germany and Portugal sailing on Norwegian Star departs Lisbon (Portugal) on 26 April 2026 and visits 12 ports including Oporto (Portugal), La Coruña, Gijon and Bilbao (Spain), Bordeaux (Le Verdon), La Rochelle an26 April(Le Havre) in France, Brussels/Bruges (Zeebrugge, Belgium), Amsterdam (Ijmuiden, Netherlands), Hamburg (Germany) and London (Southampton, UK).

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