European cruising taken to a whole new level

Seasoned traveller Damian Borg has visited 70 countries and sailed many unforgettable cruises. But this journey tops them all.

It takes a truly special experience to dazzle avid traveller Damian Borg. After joining the travel industry in 1988 and globetrotting through 70 countries and six continents, he’s amassed some incredible bucket list memories. But he admits that Norwegian Viva of Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) new Prima Class, took his breath away.

Norwegian Viva®, Cinque Terre, Italy.Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line

Room to breathe

Norwegian Viva’s stunning design reimagines the look and feel of a cruise ship, says Borg, with unmatched space and light echoing the horizons all around. It boasts the most spacious accommodation in the fleet, and Borg found ample room to unwind in airy, expansive spaces. “With some of the largest cabin sizes at sea, from solo cabins to opulent Haven suites, every option provides generous room and comfort,” he says. “My balcony cabin was perfect for enjoying the fresh air and stunning views of the ocean and ports I woke up to each morning.”

A floating feast

Borg savoured endless culinary adventures in more than 17 dining venues aboard Norwegian Viva. “From enjoying a delicious Italian meal at Onda by Scarpetta to digging into a juicy steak at Cagney’s Steakhouse, [there is] just so much choice,” he says. Palomar, Norwegian Viva’s signature Mediterranean restaurant, was a standout, says Borg, for the stunning sunset vistas through floor-to ceiling windows - a dramatic backdrop for exquisite fresh seafood dishes.

Damian Borg aboard Norwegian Viva.Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line

He urges sweet-tooths to seek out the international chocolate specialities at Coco’s, while there’s 24/7 comfort food at laidback The Local Bar & Grill and drinks with a feelgood philosophy at Metropolitan, a sophisticated bar serving sustainability-focused craft cocktails and biodynamic wines.

Magic in every moment

Designed to delight every guest, Norwegian Viva wows with a wonderland of imaginative, indulgent, and exhilarating activities. A three-deck racetrack at sea? There’s one on Norwegian Viva as well as her sister ship Norwegian Prima, and it’s a thrill-seeker’s dream, says Borg, who happily hurtled around the go-kart track before taking a white-knuckle plunge down The Drop, the first free-fall dry slide on a cruise ship.

Norwegian Viva’s heavenly Mandara Spa® offers a blissful escape like no other in an oasis of serenity with vitality pool, flotation salt pool, steam rooms, the first charcoal sauna at sea and even an ice room. “Mandara Spa’s calming thermal suite is one of the best places I’ve ever seen to relax during a day at sea,” says Borg.

And Vegas itself has nothing to match Viva Theater, a spectacular three-storey auditorium that transforms into a glittering nightclub, for shows and celebrations from sunrise to long after sunset.

The flexibility of NCL itineraries means guests can fully immerse in the port experience, while also enjoying all the incredible experiences available on board.Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line

Slow down and soak up

Best of all, Borg’s 11-day cruise from Lisbon to Rome allowed him to bask in the ultimate luxury: time. “Our itinerary offered the chance to fully explore each destination by spending longer in each port – an average of around 10 hours each day,” he says. “Unlike other cruises that offer only fleeting glimpses of each city, NCL’s extended port times allow you to truly experience local culture, enjoy leisurely meals and take in the sights without ever feeling rushed.”

The joy of just right

“For me, cruise life is all about balance,” says Borg. “It’s about enjoying the thrill of new destinations while also indulging in the relaxation that only a cruise can offer. “Aboard Norwegian Viva, he found a perfect blend of discovery and downtime. “Our stop in Cannes was my third time visiting this vibrant destination. With another full day in port, I headed out early for a breakfast catamaran cruise along the coast to enjoy the cooler morning air. It was a perfect way to start the day. “By lunchtime I returned to the ship for a soothing afternoon at Infinity Beach and felt like I had the space all to myself.”

Ready to set sail? Take your cruise holiday to a whole new level, contact your local travel agent, call 1300 255 200 or visit ncl.com to book.