6 Mediterranean cruise delights you need to see with Norwegian Viva
Visit a new destination every day in the Med on the new upscale Norwegian Viva. With late stays and an array of shore excursions, you can truly immerse yourself in your European holiday.
Imagine waking up each day on a Mediterranean cruise in supreme comfort aboard a new upscale cruise ship, while outside, a glorious new view greets you.
Norwegian Cruise Line has recently announced their 2024 Mediterranean sailings aboard Norwegian Viva, the second ship in the ground-breaking Prima Class. Just like Norwegian Prima, the new vessel will provide guests with elevated experiences including more wide-open spaces, incredible design and exceptional service.
Be the first to try Norwegian Viva’s newest slides.
Adding to this, NCL offers Freestyle Cruising giving you the freedom and flexibility to cruise the way you want to with no fixed dining times, set dining tables or formal dress codes, which is just the way many of us prefer to sail.
Take in stunning sights at the dining hall of Norwegian Viva Hudson.
Tick off these incredible destinations on a Mediterranean itinerary.
1. Split, Croatia
A Mediterranean city with preserved architectural gems, a vibrant arts scene and a cafe-lined promenade, Split is just one of the highlights of NCL’s nine-day Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos and Croatia itinerary.
Split features a mix of modern and ancient history in Croatia. (Image: Spencer Davis)
Choose to spend the day exploring two filming locations for Game of Thrones where pivotal scenes were shot depicting the Meereen slave rebellion and the dungeon that held fire-breathing dragons, or perhaps choose to visit three of Croatia’s finest UNESCO World Heritage sites: St. Jacob’s Cathedral in the village of Sibenik, the medieval town of Trogir and finally, the Palace of Diocletian.
Swim-up on Infinity Beach onboard Norwegian Viva during a Mediterranean cruise.
Another option is to take an immersive shore excursion to a small Croatian village and together with locals, cook a traditional dish affectionately known as Dalmatian pizza. After a day of adventure, step back onboard Norwegian Viva and watch the sunset while swimming up to the horizon on Infinity Beach. Bliss!
Take a dip in Infinity Beach.
2. Corfu, Greece
Another stop on NCL’s nine-day Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos and Croatia voyage aboard Norwegian Viva, Corfu offers the perfect Greek Isles experience. Think azure waters, secluded coves, sandy beaches and beautiful hillside villages dotted with lemon and olive trees.
Norwegian Viva will stop by Corfu off the northwest coast of Greece.
There are a number of ways to spend the day exploring on a Mediterranean cruise, whether it be by horseback on the northern coast, dropping into villages by mountain bike or on a bus tour to reach the most photographed spot of the Island to capture the famous Mouse Island and the church of Vlaherena. Alternatively, simply find a patch of white sand and spend the day relaxing by the sea, maybe ambling to the closest taverna for a beer when the mood hits.
Jump off the boat in Corfu.
Your brand-new ship will be awaiting nearby, where you can continue the Greek experience by sitting down for dinner at Palomar, NCL’s first-ever Mediterranean seafood restaurant.
Sit down for dinner at Palomar.
3. Istanbul, Türkiye
A mesmerising destination bridging Europe and Asia, Istanbul has a history as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. This is truly a city full of magnificent monuments where diverse cultures mingle.
Colourful Turkish lamps hang inside the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
On such tempting itineraries as the 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, France and Greece sailing, and the nine-day Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos and Croatia voyage, cruisers can spend the day taking in all that this historic city offers.
Be mesmerised by the blue mosque in Istanbul.
Absorb the sights, food, colours and sounds on an NCL shore excursion taking in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market or choose to take the On the Steps of Ottoman Sultans excursion where you can explore three vastly different landmarks, the Blue Mosque, the German Fountain and Obelisk in the Byzantine Hippodrome and Hagia Sophia. You’ll come away with a broad understanding of Istanbul’s rich history and culture.
Istanbul is home to one of the largest mosques in Türkiye.
4. Nice, France
A cruise to Nice/Monaco (Villefranche) offers the chance to experience the glorious French Riviera. Stroll along the Old Harbour for majestic views of the Med, wander to Saint Michael’s Church which houses many incredible artworks or trek up to Fort Du Mont Alban, a 16th-Century structure overlooking the city.
Experience the glorious French Riviera with Norwegian Viva.
Take in the highlights of Nice as well as wine tasting on a shore excursion which takes in the boulevards of Old Town followed by the chance to savour a selection of French wines and canapés in a traditional wine cellar.
Farther afield, choose to explore the medieval village of Eze or discover the beauty of hilltop Saint Paul de Vence, where medieval walls enclose a village of architectural gems and quaint cafes and shops.
Taking in the sights of Nice is a must.
Nice/Monaco (Villefranche) is a port stop on such Mediterranean Norwegian Viva itineraries as the 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, France and Greece voyage and the 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, France, Spain and Gibraltar sailing.
The Local Bar onboard serves frozen cocktails and culinary delights.
5. Barcelona, Spain
The capital of Catalonia has it all: colourful Gaudí architecture, a vibrant food and wine scene, museums and galleries dedicated to great artists, and beaches. There’s so much to explore, whether it’s touring Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia, or treating yourself to Patatas Bravas or simply rambling down La Rambla.
Barcelona is known for its art and architecture.
Consider booking into one of NCL’s Mediterranean cruise special Gourmet Tour shore excursions which takes in Montrubi Winery in an extraordinary dining experience paired with organic wines at a family-owned winery. Or try the Seasonal Gastrocultural Experience where you can wander through a historic food market, join a Mediterranean cuisine workshop and savour local dishes with organic wine pairings. Barcelona is a stop on the 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, France, Spain and Gibraltar sailing, and with a late departure at 7pm, it means you can linger at one of the many galleries or tapas bars before reboarding.
Pull up a chair onboard and sip margaritas at Los Lobos.
6. Florence (Livorno), Italy
Resplendent in art, history, glorious views and culinary delights, a visit to Tuscany in Italy is a definite highlight.
Florence is notable for its Renaissance charm.
NCL can make the visit even more spectacular with an appreciation for the influence of Andrea Bocelli’s family at a private piano concert at their acclaimed Tuscan restaurant, followed by a tasting of Bocelli wines during lunch.
Opt for Italian fine dining at Onda by Scarpetta onboard Norwegian Viva.
There’s also a superb Tuscan Organic Farming Experience on offer, where you can spend the day at a farm in Tuscany that produces a multitude of organic foods, many of which will be used as ingredients in your lunch. Or choose to take a gourmet tour of the Chianti Region and San Gimignano which includes a visit to a winery for a tasting.
Spend a romantic day in Florence.
Continue the gourmet experience back onboard Norwegian Viva where the cuisine is as enticing as the destinations visited. The range of food and beverage offerings from casual fare to fine dining, together with carefully crafted libations and an extensive wine list on all NCL ships is bound to impress. There are more dining options than sea days.
Pull up a chair for some booze at the observation lounge and bar.
Visit Livorno (Florence) on Norwegian Viva’s 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, France, Spain and Gibraltar sailing as well as the 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, France and Greece voyage.
Dine with panoramic ocean views at the Indulge Outdoor Lounge.
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