Fancy exploring the Mediterranean but unsure where to start?We got a taste of various countries and cities on a trip with Norwegian Cruise Line, and it completely changed our perspective on holidaying. We hopped aboard the 294-metre Norwegian Viva ship – the latest addition to NCL’s fleet – for a week-long cruise around Spain and Portugal. The luxury vessel stopped at Lisbon, Gibraltar, Seville, Motril, Ibiza, Majorca and Barcelona, and featured fabulous dining options and a cutting-edge spa offering top-notch treatments. It was the ultimate wellness retreat at sea.
We set sail on board a wellness-focused cruise
(Image: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Wellness offerings on board Norwegian Viva A journey on Norwegian Viva is like a spa-cation on the waves. The ship features a variety of saunas – including the world’s first charcoal sauna at sea, perfect for easing muscle tension – and the Mandara Spa also houses an aromatic steam room, a soothing salt flotation pool and a refreshing ice room, reports the Mirror. One of our favourite spots was the room filled with heated beds at the front of the ship, offering panoramic ocean views – the ideal chill-out spot after a couple of hours of pampering in the spa. Keeping fit during your trip is a breeze too, as the gym offers high-intensity boot camps as well as calming evening yoga sessions. For the ultimate wellness experience, don’t miss the stretching classes.
We loved the heated beds at the front of the ship
(Image: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Beauty treatments Guests aboard the Norwegian Viva can indulge in the ultimate pampering experience with the latest facials and soothing massages at the spa, not to mention manicures, pedicures, teeth whitening and even anti-wrinkle injections. We were lucky enough to try the Elemis 100-minute Biotec facial and massage, which left us feeling utterly refreshed and rejuvenated. Skincare guru and make-up artist Nathalie Eleni, who joined us on board, has seen a surge in wellness travel. She said of the Viva, “It’s the best of both worlds for guests, with impressive high-tech treatments, equipment and classes to rival some of the best land-based gyms and spas,” and we totally agree.
There are lots of treatments available on board
(Image: Getty Images)
The food on Norwegian Viva When it comes to dining, the Norwegian Viva doesn’t disappoint with its array of over 16 eateries. From early morning buffets featuring everything from croissants to cannelloni to speciality restaurants dishing out exquisite sushi, Mexican, Italian, French, and Japanese delights, your taste buds are in for a treat. Our personal highlight was Hasuki, the teppanyaki restaurant where the chef dazzles as they cook up scrumptious meat and fish dishes right before your eyes. For those looking to add a touch of elegance to their evening, Le Bistro is the spot. There, we savoured a delectable coq au vin paired with bubbly champagne amidst the quaint French setting adorned with chic decor and grand chandeliers. We’d also suggest opting for NCL’s ‘More At Sea’ package when you book your cruise. The deal includes extra speciality dining options, unlimited premium drinks, additional Wi-Fi minutes, and credits for excursions. For $39 per person per day, NCL promises a significant saving, suggesting holidaymakers could pocket an average of $2,000 by bundling it all together compared to paying separately. Land excursions Our trip docked at a different hotspot daily, letting explorers discover new places independently or with a guide. With activities that range from ascending The Rock in Gibraltar to leisurely kayaking on the Guadalquivir River in Seville, and sampling freshly caught seafood in Ibiza’s Old Town, there’s plenty to excite every type of traveller. Our trip highlight was indulging in authentic tapas amidst Malaga’s historic backdrop before a laid-back afternoon admiring the city’s old cathedral.
Our cruising route took us to the Rock of Gibraltar
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Reflecting on the variety of experiences, NCL’s Gary Anslow captured the essence of our adventure: “Wellbeing takes many forms, from connecting with family and friends to exploring new destinations, finding quiet moments with a book or dancing under the stars.” And indeed, we relished in all these moments aboard this unforgettable cruise. How much does a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise cost? Norwegian Viva sets sail on a 10-day cruise to Italy, France and Spain on 18 November 2025, starting in Rome, calling at Naples, Florence/Pisa, Provence, Barcelona, Palma, Ibiza, Cartagena, Grenada and Seville, and ending in Lisbon. Prices start from £2,308pp for a balcony stateroom. This is a similar route to the one Rebecca took, which costs £1,839pp (travelling between 14-21 June). Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
