The Rise of the Coolcation: Northern Europe and Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line®

From glacier gazing to fjord hopping, the coolest trend in travel this summer is all about slowing down, breathing in, and heading north.

The Rise of the Coolcation: Northern Europe and Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line®

Dubai, UAE, June 18, 2025: As the world redefines what it means to travel well, the classic summer holiday is evolving. With rising temperatures and overcrowded hotspots in the Mediterranean, travelers are now seeking something different and refreshing. The answer? Coolcations - elevated getaways that favor cooler climates, open spaces, and rich cultural moments over the usual beach escape.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is inviting travelers to experience summer from a new perspective and cool down while exploring striking coastlines and wild landscapes in Northern Europe and Alaska.

Step Into a New Kind of Escape and Explore Northern Europe aboard Norwegian Prima®

Norwegian Prima, the first ship in NCL’s ground-breaking Prima Class, is built for those who appreciate design, space, and the art of slow travel.  Her expansive open spaces , calming interiors, and thoughtful design offer a more spacious, open, and tranquil experience at sea. She is designed with the guest experience at its core, setting a new standard for contemporary cruising.

The ship includes the serene Mandara Spa, complete with a Thermal Suite featuring   hot stone loungers and a 180-degree floor to ceiling ocean view, offering guests moments of peace and rejuvenation between adventures ashore.

Culinary experiences onboard span from elevated classics to fresh global flavors. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening at the upscale Cagney’s Steakhouse or sampling eclectic bites at Indulge Food Hall, the focus remains on quality and choice without overwhelming options.

Life on board Norwegian Prima is all about intentional comfort. Whether you’re starting the day with coffee by the infinity pool or ending it with a curated meal under the stars, every moment is designed to feel personal and relaxed. The ship features tranquil wellness spaces, immersive entertainment, and curated social areas that invite connection without the crowds.

Sailing open-jaw voyages from Reykjavik, Iceland, Southampton, the United Kingdom and Copenhagen, Denmark, Norwegian Prima’s itineraries explore some of the most captivating destinations in the region, from the majestic fjords of Norway to the modern sophistication of Stockholm and the timeless charm of Bruges. Longer port days give guests the freedom to linger and immerse themselves in each destination without feeling rushed.

Coolcations Beyond Europe: Discover Alaska

While Norwegian Prima explores the elegance of Northern Europe this summer, travelers looking to venture even farther north can discover the breathtaking beauty of Alaska aboard several other ships in NCL’s award-winning fleet.

Through October 2025, the recently renovated Breakaway-Plus class ships — Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore®, and Norwegian Joy® — will sail immersive Alaska itineraries. Purpose-built for the region, these ships feature expansive observation lounges for sweeping views, and the Waterfront, an outdoor promenade offering al fresco dining, bars, and lounge spaces that connect guests to the sea. These voyages visit iconic destinations such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, and Victoria, as well as Icy Strait Point — home to Alaska’s largest Native Tlingit village and rich wildlife including whales, bears, and otters.

Guests can further enrich their journey with curated shore excursions that range from nature trails and glacier views to moments of cultural connection.

Added Value with More At Sea™

To make the experience even more seamless, travelers sailing with NCL can enjoy the benefits of More At Sea™, NCL’s value-added upgrade offer that gives guests more of what matters most. The offering includes specialty dining, high-speed Wi-Fi, shore excursion credits at every port.

More At Sea™ is designed to add ease and value without compromising the experience, allowing travelers to focus fully on discovery, comfort, and connection.

To plan your own Coolcation  this or next summer, contact a travel professional or visit www.ncl.com

Ronak Kotecha Senior Journalist and seasoned content creator with 18-years-experience at channels like Times Now, NewsX, Zoom and Radio City. Now, Rotten Tomatoes accredited global critic for the Times of India and BBC India Correspondent in Dubai. Talk show host at Talk100.3, listen in weekdays at 11 am on talk1003.ae