Science says that people who spend their money on experiences instead of things are the happiest, and there is no better travel experience than a cruise. It is a unique way to explore that lets you experience both land and sea. You get to visit multiple destinations on a single trip, and you only need to unpack once. How can you beat that? 

If you’re looking for cruises to add to your ultimate travel bucket list, Norwegian offers some of the most exotic and diverse itineraries to make checking off that bucket list a breeze. With state-of-the-art ships built for freestyle cruising, lively entertainment, and delectable food, Norwegian Cruise Line offers some of the best bucket-list cruises. If you’re ready to start ticking off those lust-worthy destinations, let’s start with one cruise that should be on every traveler's bucket list: the 21-Day Wonders of the Mediterranean and Arabia. Here are some highlights from this once-in-a-lifetime journey. 

1. Cruise from Rome, Italy 

You'll embark in Rome for your journey. Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world and is on many people's bucket list. Do you want some neat experiences to add to your bucket list? Visit the famed Colosseum. Enjoy a sightseeing cruise along the Rome Tiber River. Take a gondola ride along the city's canals. Visit the Vatican Museums. These are just a few of the bucket list activities to do in Rome. 

2. Make a Port Stop in Athens, Greece

After departing Rome, you'll make a stop in Athens, Greece. Here, you can get a glimpse into Greece's powerful ancient civilization. Athens is the oldest city in Europe and home to Acropolis. Climb the 80 steps to the top and take in gorgeous views.

Check out the famous Parthenon and the Erechtheum monuments. Explore ancient ruins and visit the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, which is filled with sculptures from the Roman to the Bronze Age. Check out the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, a clifftop temple built in the 5th century B.C. You'll have sweeping views of the coast of Cape Sounion from this structure. 

3. Study Ancient Civilizations in Kusadasi, Turkey

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey, offers you a view of an ancient civilization. A must-see is the Scholastica Baths. These dozen ancient marble toilets provide a glimpse into the past. They give you an idea of what ancient life was like in Turkey. 

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus, Turkey. These impress even those who are not interested in history The ruins are made up of high columns that feature a statue of the goddess of wisdom. Don't miss the famous Temple of Artemis, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Or you can simply stroll along the scenic seafront promenade and check out the bustling city center. 

4. Explore Beaches & Temples in Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes, Greece, is located at the island's northern tip. Rhodes offers a varied landscape with many different types of things to explore. You can spend the day at golden beaches relaxing beside the blue waters. Pick up colorful seashells along the shore. Explore many of the ancient sites in Rhodes, like the medieval Street of Knights and the Temple of Venus. 

Don't forget to spend a couple of hours in Old Town, and check out the ancient gates and medieval walls. Then, before you head back to the ship, stop at the awe-inspiring Grand Master's Palace. This is where Colossus of Rhodes, an ancient warrior, once stood. 

5. Uncover 4,000 Years of History in Limassol, Cyprus

Limassol is one of the most underrated cities in Cyprus and offers a variety of things for cruisers to explore. The island of Limassol boasts more than 4,000 years of history. It is home to the ancient kingdoms of Amathus and Kourion. You can also find traces of the Knight Templars, who were masters of the island at one time.  

The town center of Limassol is full of character and charm. There are many more things that you can explore to give you a fascinating look into the history of the city and its people. Do you want to explore more nature? If so, then just head out of the city to the nearby stunning beaches and majestic mountains.

6. Enjoy Three Days in Haifa, Israel

This amazing cruise also includes three days in Haifa, Israel. Haifa is one of the largest cities in Israel. You'll find an amazing kaleidoscope of sights in Haifa. Explore the Baha'i shrine and tropical gardens, which is one of the most popular sights in the city. Tour the locations and scenery where Jesus lived and preached. 

Make sure you explore the Basilica of the Annunciation, which is the largest church in the Middle East. There is a nice collection of ceramic and mosaics in this church. You can also walk through the many colorful Arab bazaars that line the city streets. 

7. Visit the Valley of the Kings in Safaga, Egypt

You'll also spend three days in Safaga, Egypt, on this cruise. Explore the many famous tombs, temples, and monuments that are found here. Spend a day at Karnak, which is the largest religious site in the world. 

Take a quick trip across the Nile River to the Valley of the Kings. You'll get to see firsthand more than 60 tombs, the most famous of which is the final resting place of King Tutankhamen. Take a traditional wooden sailboat back to Safaga just before the sun sets and marvel at the beautiful colors that fill the sky. 

8. Debark & Explore in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

You will debark in the cruise port of Dubai, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Dubai is an interesting combination of futuristic buildings and ancient traditions. You'll notice the perfect blend of western and Arab culture on your cruise to Dubai. Spend a day or two after your cruise exploring the more than 1,200 shops in the city. 

Book your Arabian Odyssey cruise with Norwegian today. For more information about the various cities and ports that Norwegian travels to, check out our blog.