Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is offering book lovers a chance to step into the pages of their favorite novels through a series of literary-themed cruises that trace the real-world locations featured in best-selling fiction. From the rugged frontier of Alaska to the sunlit coastlines of the Mediterranean, the itineraries are designed to immerse passengers in the cultural and geographical settings that have inspired some of the most beloved stories in modern literature.
With literary tourism gaining momentum, NCL’s curated cruises cater to readers eager to explore the narratives behind their favorite books. Each voyage offers guests an opportunity to connect with the landscapes, history, and cultures that shaped iconic characters and plotlines.
Exploring Europe’s Literary Landscapes
Two renowned European novels, The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón and My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante, serve as the thematic inspiration for NCL’s 10-day Mediterranean cruise departing October 9, 2025. The journey aboard the Norwegian Breakaway departs from Venice (Trieste), Italy, and includes stops in 11 ports, including Barcelona and Naples.
In Barcelona, travelers can explore the Gothic Quarter, famously depicted in Zafón’s atmospheric tale of forgotten books and family secrets. In Naples, guests are invited to walk the vibrant streets that frame Ferrante’s story of female friendship and social transformation in post-war Italy. Additional ports of call include Rome, Florence, Messina, and Palma, as well as destinations along the Croatian coast.
Mediterranean Stories of Love and Legacy
Passengers can also experience the locales featured in To Sicily with Love by Jennifer Probst and Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis De Bernières. A 10-day itinerary on the Norwegian Epic, departing August 22 or October 1, 2025, explores the Greek Isles and Italy.
A full day in Messina allows guests to immerse themselves in Sicilian culture, echoing the journey of Probst’s protagonist who reconnects with her ancestral roots. Meanwhile, a stop in Argostoli, Kefalonia, brings De Bernières’ wartime romance to life through visits to ancient cathedrals, secluded beaches, and the island’s famed underground lake.
Romance in the Hawaiian Islands
For fans of romantic fiction, NCL’s 7-day inter-island Hawaii cruise offers a real-world counterpart to the setting of The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren. This lighthearted novel follows two mismatched travelers navigating love under the Hawaiian sun.
Departing weekly from Honolulu aboard Pride of America, the cruise visits four Hawaiian islands, including overnight stays in Maui and Kaua‘i. The itinerary includes snorkelling in Kona, rainforest hikes in Hilo, and explorations of O‘ahu’s North Shore, giving travelers a chance to experience the lush, tropical settings featured in the novel.
Into the Alaskan Wilderness
Inspired by The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, NCL’s 7-day Alaska cruise provides a glimpse into the harsh and majestic landscapes central to the novel’s themes of survival and solitude. Departing from Seattle aboard Norwegian Bliss, the itinerary includes stops at Dawes Glacier, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point.
Highlights include jeep excursions through backcountry trails, visits to wildlife rescue centers, and cultural experiences in remote villages. Guests can even gather around a campfire at Silver Bay, evoking the isolated lifestyle portrayed in the book.
Tracing Family Histories in Japan and Korea
NCL’s 14-day Japan round-trip cruise from Tokyo brings to life the sweeping generational saga of Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. Departing October 29, 2026, aboard Norwegian Jade, the itinerary includes daily port visits to Osaka, Kochi, Nagoya, and Busan.
In Busan, guests can explore the coastal city where the novel’s central romance begins. In Osaka, travelers will find a city of contrasts—between ancient shrines and bustling neon-lit streets—reflecting the complex cultural and historical backdrop of the story. Additional destinations include Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Kyoto, offering further insight into the social and political dynamics at the heart of the novel.
A New Chapter in Travel
With growing interest in literature-based travel, Norwegian Cruise Line is positioning itself at the forefront of this emerging trend. Each itinerary combines immersive storytelling with cultural exploration, allowing readers to deepen their connection to the books they love while experiencing the destinations firsthand.
For travelers looking to turn the page on traditional vacations, these literary voyages offer an innovative way to bring stories to life—at sea and beyond.
