It is just a moment – but a ‘pinch myself’ one at that. And you don’t get many of those in life.
We are nearing the end of day seven of our nine-night NCL Norwegian Viva cruise through Italy, Croatia, Turkey and the Greek Isles.
The morning had us wandering back through time in Turkey – exploring the ancient ruins of Ephesus World Heritage Site, sampling local fruit wines and watching an elderly grandmother make us traditional gozleme on a circular gas stove in the village of Sirince.
My mind is reliving the events while I peruse the menu at Cagney’s – one of the ship’s specialty dining restaurants – when the setting sun throws its orange spotlight from the horizon, across the Aegean Sea towards our waterview table.
I feel so blessed. At this point, it doesn’t matter whether I order the double-cut Australian lamb chops or the grilled fisherman’s platter, the OMG caramel-butterscotch cheesecake or the raspberry crème brulee.
And that’s the reason I love cruising.
My Moet & Chandon champagne tastes are satisfied on a cask-wine budget, allowing me to live the high life on the high seas without monetary regret on arriving home.
I can sip a cheeky pinot grigio to my heart’s content with a beverage package, dine out on lobster thermidor with a signature restaurant deal, and brag about it on social media through an onboard internet bargain.
I unpack only once during the entire soul-soothing journey, saving time and ensuring I just go with the flow – from one exotic place to the next, one carefully curated day to another.
With some research and planning, you, too, can take advantage of all the luxurious inclusions and special offers that will open the doors to the good life aboard today’s ocean liners.
ANCHORS AWAY As our NCL airport transfer draws closer to the port of Trieste, Italy, we have to blink twice at the 20-deck ‘skyscraper’ that will be our home for the next nine nights. The 142,500-gross tonne, 294-metre Norwegian Viva accommodates more than 3000 passengers and boasts the first three-level racetrack at sea, as well as the 10-storey tall Rush waterslide and The Drop as the first free-fall dry slide in the world.
Norwegian Viva, launched in 2023, is part of today’s cruise ship fleet: mini-cities, all striving to provide ‘wow factor’ for guests from around the world.
They boast an impressive array of themed bars, cafes and restaurants to suit diverse palates, shops and boutiques for everyday essentials and gifts, entertainment and cinema spaces, wellness areas covering spa, fitness and medical centres, amusement parks and teen/children’s clubs, aquatic areas and art galleries.
With hundreds of itineraries, ocean cruisers can choose their own adventure to whichever part of the world takes their fancy. But nothing says ‘adventure’ more than waking up in a different port each morning. Every itinerary is a magical mystery tour, bringing the world to your stateroom.
Across nine days, we tick off plenty of bucket-list items on independent travel and shore excursions.
We start with mountaintop San Marino, on the slopes of Mount Titano. San Marino is the oldest republic (301AD) and fifth smallest country in the world. We walk the medieval alleyways of Trogir near Split, Croatia, the next day and follow that by dining atop the walled city of Dubrovnik (a celebrated Game of Thrones TV series setting).
In Greece, we take in the splendour of the island of Corfu’s northern beaches, including a taverna lunch; escape the crowds in our favourite Firostefani area of Santorini; and do a ‘take a selfie’ tour of the photographic hot spots of Mykonos.
Turkey’s capital, Istanbul, sees a breathtaking procession of firsts: the UNESCO-Listed Blue Mosque; a photo stop outside Hagia Sophia historical site; a vegetarian lunch with locals at an outdoor café; Turkish delight tastings; bargain-hunting at the Grand Bazaar – one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world; and heading underground to the 6th century Basilica Cistern – the largest of several hundred ancient water reservoirs and now a museum/art gallery/movie location.
LIVE A LITTLE Go ahead – eat the warm chocolate lava cake for dessert in Hudson’s Main Dining Room (deck seven), try your luck in the casino (deck six) and have that Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select Tennessee Whiskey as a nightcap in the Whiskey Bar (deck eight).
But to really feel unparalleled indulgence and luxury at sea, book The Haven: an exclusive enclave with the ship’s premium accommodation (including NCL’s first three-bedroom suite in 15 years).
The aft suites, spanning eight decks, come with a 24-hour butler, premier amenities and a separate gangway and private elevators reserved exclusively for The Haven guests.
The décor is the work of Piero Lissoni, one of Italy’s pre-eminent designers, and every public area in The Haven offers stunning sea views.
But if the budget doesn’t quite stretch that far, feel like you own a private superyacht by stretching out on a day bed in the Observation Lounge (deck 17 forward), with waiter service and free afternoon snacks.
The elegant Penrose Atrium – a three-storey, glass-walled, elegant space spanning three decks is the hub of the ship and the place to be seen, relax and be entertained over cocktails.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan bar on deck seven not only offers NCL’s first sustainable craft cocktail and biodynamic wine, but also an interactive wall of art, titled Every Wing Has a Silver Lining. Each silver-winged digital butterfly responds throughout the day to passing movement, amusing bar patrons and engaging passengers walking to nearby Hudson’s dining room. Or simply enjoy a dip in the infinity pool before mojito cocktails in Soleil Bar (deck eight aft) and lunch in the nearby Indulge Food Hall.
THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT Who needs New York’s Broadway, Dublin’s Temple Bar District or a New Orleans jazz bar when the entertainment at sea is world class and only steps away.
Norwegian Viva’s bars, Viva Theatre (and late-night Vegas-style nightclub) spanning three decks, The Improv at Sea and Syd Norman’s Pour House have a vast array of pre- and after-dinner entertainment that allows singers, musicians and dancers to take the spotlight.
The lavish production of Beetlejuice: The Musical was a highlight of our cruise, along with other all-singing/all-dancing productions, while Michael Jackson and Fleetwood Mac tribute shows went way beyond legendary hits to tell emotional musical journeys.
For more on NCL’s More At Sea program, visit ncl.com.
PURE INDULGENCE
The heat radiates through the tightness in my back like an electric current, loosening muscles and resuscitating poor blood circulation with every smooth movement under expert hands.
The couple’s hot stone massage in the sensory-tingling Mandara Spa is our first taste of what the Italians call ‘la dolce vita’ (the sweet life).
When we see the pop-up spa kiosk after embarking in Trieste, Italy, we refuse to walk past the opportunity. So, we find ourselves face down in luxurious pampering and slow but sure rejuvenating strokes in a treatment suite – all while still in port.
Norwegian Viva spa manager Leanne Stuttard says the aroma stone therapy massage is the most popular spa service onboard.
“Nothing relaxes the body more like being bathed in moisturising body oil and being massaged with a curated range of Balinese stones,” she enthuses.
“The stones are worked over the body, deep into the muscles and melt away any tension and release trapped energy.”
Ms Stuttard says that when it comes to wanting a totally indulgent few hours in the spa, she recommends the signature Elemis Couture Touch face and body treatment: “This luxurious treatment combines both a face and body ritual. It brings a state of peace and harmony.”
But while the spa menu covers a host of pampering privileges, the facilities offer a holistic approach to wellbeing that can last the entire cruise.
“Our thermal suite is an indulgent collection of experiences which includes steam room, Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, charcoal sauna, salt room, ice room, vitality pool and salt pool,” Ms Stuttard says.
“We also have a breathtaking thermal lounge with heated loungers.
“With unlimited access, there is always time to indulge in the moment. An anticipated period of silence. Close your eyes and allow your mind to drift away. The perfect way to end a busy day in the amazing ports.”