Travelbiz E-Zine
25
July
2024

Destination Dupes! The most underrated travel spots according to Norwegian Cruise Line

Choosing holiday locations can be a tricky, with travellers looking to embark on trips that are steeped in history, rich in culture, and with delicious cuisines but without the inflated prices and busy crowds.

Discover destination dupes, a trend on the rise which sees holidaymakers seeking out more undiscovered destinations that offer a similar look and feel to the more travelled or touristy destination. Plus, it’s important to not get tied down in one familiar place when there are so many others to ‘sea’!

For those looking to make new memories and something a little more off the beaten track Norwegian Cruise Line has curated their most adventurous sailings and excursions for this summer and beyond – whether it’s swapping St Tropez for Bodrum, Trieste instead of Venice or even upgrading from Paris to Buenos Aires, you’ll sail into happiness, one port at a time!

NCL offers the perfect holiday destination dupe set up all year round with bucket-list worthy cruises to over 450 destinations across the globe as well as a wide range of excursions and itineraries that will match and even exceed expectations. All ships in NCL’s award-winning fleet feature a Mandara Spa® with thermal experiences, saunas, and signature treatments, as well as up to 20 dining options with a multitude of bars & lounges across its fleet – key components for the ultimate getaway!

Cruising is a budget-friendly way to explore multiple destinations while only unpacking the suitcase once. Travellers can also upgrade their cruise vacation with NCL’s popular Free at Sea offer and receive five additional amenities, including Speciality Dining and Beverage packages, complimentary WiFi, shore excursion credits and more.

10+ Day Trips

Looking to explore the world on a bucket-list worthy adventure? Look no further than some of NCL’s 10+ day itineraries, offering a host of adventurous excursions to explore new places and discover hidden gems…

Needing a breath of fresh ‘Aires’? Forget the over-touristy Paris and explore Buenos Aires AKA the latest named “Paris of South America”, on a 13-day cruise on Norwegian Star travelling through Argentina & Chile

Balcony stateroom prices start at £2,257 per person

Seasoned travellers often call Buenos Aires ‘The Paris of South America’ featuring historic beaux-art-style buildings that line the avenues of the Recoleta neighbourhood, independent Argentine designers helm boutiques dotted around Buenos Aires’ modish Palermo Hollywood area, as well as impressive European-tinged cafés enjoyed by all!

Looking to try something different? Try Cadiz instead of Barcelona for an alternative Spanish city break on an 11 day cruise on Norwegian Jewel through the Mediterranean

Balcony stateroom prices start at £2,834 per person

Located in south-west Spain, Cadiz offers similar beachy vibes to Barcelona and a rich cultural heritage with delicious food and wine but without all the hassle of other tourists!

 

 7-9 Day Trips

Enjoy the vivacious city of Bilbao and ditch the busy and crowded streets of Porto on a 9-day cruise on Norwegian Star through France, Spain, Portugal & Belgium

Balcony stateroom prices start at £2,484 per person

An alternative to the overcrowded streets of Porto, as well as a super affordable urban escape, is the city of Bilbao. With plenty of attractions and landmarks including the well known Guggenheim Museum, a marvel that’s as impressive as the art inside, the city also has an atmospheric old town, locals wash down pintxos – the Basque country’s take on tapas – with glasses of sparkling wine.

 

Take part in your very own fairytale in Lisbon and say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of Palermo on a 9-day European cruise onboard Norwegian Pearl calling at Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar

Balcony stateroom prices start at £1,455 per person

For something a little different, Lisbon offers a unique and memorable holiday any time of year. The city is often called the “enlightened city” because of its captivating illumination. Due to its proximity to the sea, Lisbon is also an excellent destination for romantic travel and is often coined as being the most romantic city in Europe.

Surprise yourself with the beauty of Bodrum in comparison to St Tropez with a 7-day cruise on Norwegian Viva through the Greek Isles

Balcony stateroom prices start at £2,146 per person

If you’re looking for sea, sand and glam on tighter purse strings, think about heading to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast instead of France’s Cote d’Azur. The coastline of the Bodrum peninsula is lined with resorts with direct access to the stunning ocean as well as traditional restaurants and quirky bars.

Subscribe to our E-Zine

    More

    from latest edition

    Tourism Ireland comments on overseas tourism for January-March 2026 and the year ahead
    30th April 2026

    Tourism Ireland comments on overseas tourism for January-March 2026 and the year ahead

    CSO figures released today confirm that Ireland welcomed over 1.3 million overseas visitors for the period January to March 2026, up +24% on the same three-month period in 2025. They are reporte...

    Read more
    daa delivers strong operational Performance in 2025 Amid Cost Pressures and an evolving regulatory and planning environment
    30th April 2026

    daa delivers strong operational Performance in 2025 Amid Cost Pressures and an evolving regulatory and planning environment

    daa, the global airport and travel retail group and operator of Dublin and Cork airports, has reported a strong operational performance for the year ended December 31, 2025.

    Read more
    A true taste of Spain in Dublin
    30th April 2026

    A true taste of Spain in Dublin

    Master Chef Finalist, Ita Hendrick (Travelbiz Trade Partner Executive), attended a fantastic Gastro Spain: Murcia Region Gastronomy Workshop, hosted by the Spanish Tourist Office in Dublin in pa...

    Read more
    Visit USA Roadshow 2026 lands in Dublin
    30th April 2026

    Visit USA Roadshow 2026 lands in Dublin

    Don Shearer (MD Travelbiz & Travelfinders) joined a fantastic turnout of trade & media partners at The Leinster Hotel, as the Visit USA Committee Ireland Roadshow wrapped up in Dublin following ...

    Read more
    Three brand new Aer Lingus routes take to the skies
    30th April 2026

    Three brand new Aer Lingus routes take to the skies

    Aer Lingus will expand its summer schedule this weekend by introducing three new short-haul routes. A new service from Cork to Nice will commence on Saturday, while two new routes from Dublin to...

    Read more
    60% of Irish Holidaymakers yet to book their 2026 holiday
    29th April 2026

    60% of Irish Holidaymakers yet to book their 2026 holiday

    The latest Travel Sentiment Survey from Click&Go Holidays reveals Irish holidaymakers remain eager to travel but are taking a more cautious approach to booking, with rising costs and geopolitica...

    Read more