Yes, NaOH can be used, but supposedly the yield of propenylbenzene will be lower - Don't worry about that. Also calcium oxide is well worth investing in(No excuses, it's easy to get). Be sure that you dry your parsley seed, sassy, or whatever oil with baked epsom salts before isomerization..Peace!
Btw, if you're refluxing it under normal pressure, without a vacuum, add some boiling stones or crushed glass to prevent bumping or splattering..