2026 NCL Cruise Critic cruise (proposed)

[Sugar Magnolia]

1 minute ago, debenson0723 said:

Santorini is wonderful as long as you don't go in the summer. May would be pushing it but much better than June or July (October would be even better).

 

Ditto. Last time I cruised the Greek Isles in July I refused to disembark when we ported in Athens. The city was on fire the next day so I had an alibi.

 

[cruiseny4life]

5 minutes ago, debenson0723 said:

Santorini is wonderful as long as you don't go in the summer. May would be pushing it but much better than June or July (October would be even better).

Nothing schmoopie approved for October. 😞 May would have some options. 

[debenson0723]

5 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Nothing schmoopie approved for October. 😞 May would have some options. 

There are but on the Pearl...not @cruiseny4lifeapproved. 

[cruiseny4life]

27 minutes ago, debenson0723 said:

There are but on the Pearl...not @cruiseny4lifeapproved. 

Aren't they seven day cruises, only? It's totally possible I missed something!! 

[GALSews]

Still hoping they will come up with something for the eclipse in 2026. (BTW, there is another total eclipse going over Spain in 2027.)

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

5 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Aren't they seven day cruises, only? It's totally possible I missed something!! 

 

Yes, the Mediterranean cruises on the Gem and the Pearl are only 7 days...at least the ones I saw when I included Croatia in my search.

 

[debenson0723]

6 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Aren't they seven day cruises, only? It's totally possible I missed something!! 

You are absolutely correct! I missed that (it wasn't even 7am out here in the southwest when I posted). But personally, I would take a 7 day over a summer cruise in Europe anytime...you still only get one day in each port.

[SummmerInKefalonia]

Pearl and Gem 2026 cruises are repetitive and boring.

Nothing new...

Edited August 21 by SummmerInKefalonia

[Sugar Magnolia]

1 hour ago, schmoopie17 said:

Both of those would be Schmoopie-approved. But how does the first one do 11 ports in 10 days?

 

As for Santorini, we've never been but everything I've read about it recently (cable car issues, donkey trail/poop, etc.) doesn't sound as appealing as I once thought it would be. Maybe we could find a Greek party bus to pick us up at the pier and get the group rate.

 

 

@schmoopie17 the 6/5/2026 10-day itinerary from Istanbul to Ravenna/Venice is interesting because it includes Dubrovnik, Split and Kotor. Visiting Ephesus when porting in Kusadasi would also be an amazing experience.

 

However, the nonstop flight from New York to Istanbul is nearly 10 hours. Would this be a concern for you and Mrs. Schmoopie17?

 

I love Istanbul...it was my first solo overseas trip after college and I have been back many times and would not hesitate to return. However, I understand the flight might not be for everyone.

 

Edited August 21 by Sugar Magnolia

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, debenson0723 said:

You are absolutely correct! I missed that (it wasn't even 7am out here in the southwest when I posted). But personally, I would take a 7 day over a summer cruise in Europe anytime...you still only get one day in each port.

I thought it was quite early for you!! We'll let this one pass...no one should wake before 10 AM (I wish this was my life). I'd take a 7 day'er too...like @Sugar Magnolia, though, I'm really into that Istanbul embarkation port. I'd definitely be spending a couple pre-cruise days exploring that ancient, marvelous city. 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Another option some might want to consider is a B2B on the Gem or the Pearl, as the itineraries vary ever so slightly. Even though there are some port repeats, there is always something else to do or see in these European cities. Also, since these are port intensive itineraries, you might want to relax on the ship on those port repeat days.

 

GEM

 

 

https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-greek-isles-from-venice-trieste-to-rome-italy-greece-and-croatia-GEM7RAVSPUDBVKOTCFUMSNSALCIV?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949417&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=GEM7RAVSPUDBVKOTCFUMSNSALCIV

 

 

https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-mediterranean-from-rome-to-venice-ravenna-italy-croatia-and-greece-GEM7CIVSALCTACFUKOTSPUKOPRAV?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949417&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=GEM7CIVSALCTACFUKOTSPUKOPRAV

 

 

PEARL

 

 

https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-greek-isles-from-venice-ravenna-to-athens-santorini-mykonos-and-croatia-PEARL7RAVDBVKOTCFUKAKJMKJTRPIR?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949383&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=PEARL7RAVDBVKOTCFUKAKJMKJTRPIR

 

 

https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-greek-isles-from-athens-to-venice-ravenna-santorini-olympia-and-croatia-PEARL7PIRJTRKAKCFUKOTSPUKOPRAV?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949383&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=PEARL7PIRJTRKAKCFUKOTSPUKOPRAV

 

 

Edited August 21 by Sugar Magnolia

[schmoopie17]

3 hours ago, debenson0723 said:

Santorini is wonderful as long as you don't go in the summer. May would be pushing it but much better than June or July (October would be even better).

I have to reluctantly agree. I recall the conversation I had with a neighbor from Croatia who said you do NOT want to go there in summer due to heat, tourist overrun, etc. Much better in spring or fall.

[schmoopie17]

2 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

However, the nonstop flight from New York to Istanbul is nearly 10 hours. Would this be a concern for you and Mrs. Schmoopie17?

 

I've been known to (reluctantly) make exceptions to my long flight avoidance.

I'm already gearing up for our 10 hour flight to Rome (and back) in a couple weeks. (Oh wait...that's a total of 20 hours. Maybe I should cancel).

 

Good thing free drinks are included in our fare...

 

Edited August 21 by schmoopie17

[debenson0723]

2 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

@schmoopie17 the 6/5/2026 10-day itinerary from Istanbul to Ravenna/Venice is interesting because it includes Dubrovnik, Split and Kotor. Visiting Ephesus when porting in Kusadasi would also be an amazing experience.

 

However, the nonstop flight from New York to Istanbul is nearly 10 hours. Would this be a concern for you and Mrs. Schmoopie17?

 

I love Istanbul...it was my first solo overseas trip after college and I have been back many times and would not hesitate to return. However, I understand the flight might not be for everyone.

 

I like this itinerary too. Flight would be even longer for those of us not on the East Coast. Maybe break up the flights with a couple of days in London or elsewhere.

[debenson0723]

1 hour ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

Another option some might want to consider is a B2B on the Gem or the Pearl, as the itineraries vary ever so slightly. Even though there are some port repeats, there is always something else to do or see in these European cities. Also, since these are port intensive itineraries, you might want to relax on the ship on those port repeat days.

 

GEM

 

 

https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-greek-isles-from-venice-trieste-to-rome-italy-greece-and-croatia-GEM7RAVSPUDBVKOTCFUMSNSALCIV?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949417&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=GEM7RAVSPUDBVKOTCFUMSNSALCIV

 

 

https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-mediterranean-from-rome-to-venice-ravenna-italy-croatia-and-greece-GEM7CIVSALCTACFUKOTSPUKOPRAV?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949417&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=GEM7CIVSALCTACFUKOTSPUKOPRAV

 

 

PEARL

 

 

https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-greek-isles-from-venice-ravenna-to-athens-santorini-mykonos-and-croatia-PEARL7RAVDBVKOTCFUKAKJMKJTRPIR?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949383&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=PEARL7RAVDBVKOTCFUKAKJMKJTRPIR

 

 

https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-greek-isles-from-athens-to-venice-ravenna-santorini-olympia-and-croatia-PEARL7PIRJTRKAKCFUKOTSPUKOPRAV?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949383&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=PEARL7PIRJTRKAKCFUKOTSPUKOPRAV

 

 

I was thinking this also (great minds, yada yada). My Greek cruise was port intensive and I ended up taking a spa day because I just couldn't anymore. Lots of fun options available and I am flexible. 

[Ulsteinvik]

And I see zero Baltic cruises, after they had 9 Baltic cruises 2025 with 3 different ships. Wondering if they will let only Star and Sky in Northern Europe. When you see what the other cruise lines are sending to Northern Europe from UK it is really low. Maybe they send the newbuild there.. Also Aqua not bookable anymore from NYC from 09 May  May until 18 Sep.

[schmoopie17]

Just saw a bunch of Croatia cruises in April and September. (Not too cold or too hot)

Similar itineraries to the ones @cruiseny4lifeposted earlier.

[Sugar Magnolia]

22 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

Just saw a bunch of Croatia cruises in April and September. (Not too cold or too hot)

Similar itineraries to the ones @cruiseny4lifeposted earlier.

 

Which ships were you looking at?

 

[JIMESOPUS]

Another thought about 2026, I love that new cruise ship smell, the fourth Leo ship is scheduled for Summer 2026

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

2 minutes ago, JIMESOPUS said:

Another thought about 2026, I love that new cruise ship smell, the fourth Leo ship is scheduled for Summer 2026

 

 

If the newest ship ports in Croatia and does not require me to refinance my home to pay for the voyage, I'm in!

 

[schmoopie17]

44 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

Which ships were you looking at?

 

OOPS...was accidentally looking at 2025. Old people disease strikes again...back to the drawing board.

 

Edited August 21 by schmoopie17

[Sugar Magnolia]

8 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

OOPS...was accidentally looking at 2025. Old people disease strikes again...back to the drawing board.

 

 

The Viva, the Pearl and the Gem all port in Croatia in 2026. The Viva has a longer itinerary while the Pearl and Gem have 7-day itineraries. A B2B on the Jewel class ships will give you a comprehensive itinerary as not all ports are repeated. I posted those itineraries above.

 

[schmoopie17]

5 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

The Viva, the Pearl and the Gem all port in Croatia in 2026. The Viva has a longer itinerary while the Pearl and Gem have 7-day itineraries. A B2B on the Jewel class ships will give you a comprehensive itinerary as not all ports are repeated. I posted those itineraries above.

 

The back-to-backs on the Pearl and the Gem would be a good option for people who want a longer cruise (14 days), as well as for people who only want 7 days. (They could pick the front end or the back end).

 

We loved the Jade and assume the Pearl and Gem would be comparable.

[JIMESOPUS]

2 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

The back-to-backs on the Pearl and the Gem would be a good option for people who want a longer cruise (14 days), as well as for people who only want 7 days. (They could pick the front end or the back end).

 

We loved the Jade and assume the Pearl and Gem would be comparable.

only the Bliss Lounge location is different

[Sugar Magnolia]

4 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

The back-to-backs on the Pearl and the Gem would be a good option for people who want a longer cruise (14 days), as well as for people who only want 7 days. (They could pick the front end or the back end).

 

We loved the Jade and assume the Pearl and Gem would be comparable.

 

Yes that was my thought too...more flexibility means more people can join #SchmoopieFest.