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26th Jul 2025 | 8 nights | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Viva
Why do we love this cruise holiday? This classic itinerary around the Greek islands and Turkey offers non-stop exploration with no days at sea. From the stunning Santorini to the lively Mykonos and historic Crete, you’ll make the most of each port with long stops, some into the evening, perfect for catching incredible sunsets. With a stay in Athens before your cruise, this is the ultimate way to experience the best of the Mediterranean. What’s not to love about this perfect cruise and stay adventure?
What's included?
Athens, named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, built around its namesake deity's temple, the Parthenon, which still stands today. While it has done an excellent job at preserving sites like the Acropolis (where the Parthenon is located) and Greek Orthodox churches, it has evolved into a hip and modern metropolis and homeport for ships sailing the Greek Islands.
The Greek islands offer a rich blend of history, beauty and culture. Santorini is famous for its stunning sunsets and dramatic cliffside views, while Rhodes medieval ruins and beautiful beaches. Mykonos is known for its vibrant nightlife and charming streets, and Crete, the largest island, combines rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and ancient sites. Each island presents its own unique allure, making the Greek islands a must-visit destination.
Your ship: Launched in June 2023, Norwegian Viva is the second Prima-class ship to debut from Norwegian Cruise Line. The 3,219-passenger ship features many of the new concepts that Norwegian is introducing on Norwegian Prima in 2022. Including spacious accommodation, and infinity pool and a three-storey race track, the ship ticks all boxes for all guests onboard. The Haven, an exclusive ship-within-a-ship experience provides guests with 24-hour butler service and world-class amenities.
Want to go all-inclusive? Speak to our friendly sales consultants about adding More At Sea for drinks, Wi-Fi, speciality dining, shore excursion credit and more.
Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 7 point charter:
Today your Greek islands holiday begins with your outbound flight to Athens.
Check-in to your 4* hotel for a -night stay in the city.
Named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world -- built around its namesake deity's temple, the Parthenon, which still stands today. But Athens feels far from an ancient city. While it has done an excellent job at preserving sites like the Acropolis (where the Parthenon is located) and Greek Orthodox churches, it has evolved into a hip and modern metropolis and homeport for ships sailing the Greek Islands. The city's recently overhauled Metro system also provides a cheap, safe and easy way to get around for sightseeing if you have extra time before or after your cruise. Aside from major landmarks, even once-dingy neighbourhoods like Plaka and Thissio have been restored, boasting fresh pastel-coloured painted facades and chic restaurants, bars and shops. Syntagma Square -- Athens' central square -- also has been reborn as a tree-filled haven from which to take in the city's gorgeous neoclassical Parliament building and catch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (Yes, that means you get to watch those men in frilly skirts, elaborate waistcoats and bobbled shoes do their high-kicking thing.) Athens, once (in some parts, still) one of the most frenetic and traffic-polluted cities in the world, now owns a real buzz and is well worth spending a few days in if your cruise starts or ends there.
Olive groves, mountains and beaches made for swimming and sandcastles; Crete is as beautiful as it is fascinating. See Greek mythology come to life as you visit ancient ruins like Knossos, home to the legend of the labyrinth and its Minotaur.
Named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world -- built around its namesake deity's temple, the Parthenon, which still stands today. But Athens feels far from an ancient city. While it has done an excellent job at preserving sites like the Acropolis (where the Parthenon is located) and Greek Orthodox churches, it has evolved into a hip and modern metropolis and homeport for ships sailing the Greek Islands. The city's recently overhauled Metro system also provides a cheap, safe and easy way to get around for sightseeing if you have extra time before or after your cruise. Aside from major landmarks, even once-dingy neighbourhoods like Plaka and Thissio have been restored, boasting fresh pastel-coloured painted facades and chic restaurants, bars and shops. Syntagma Square -- Athens' central square -- also has been reborn as a tree-filled haven from which to take in the city's gorgeous neoclassical Parliament building and catch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (Yes, that means you get to watch those men in frilly skirts, elaborate waistcoats and bobbled shoes do their high-kicking thing.) Athens, once (in some parts, still) one of the most frenetic and traffic-polluted cities in the world, now owns a real buzz and is well worth spending a few days in if your cruise starts or ends there.
This morning you will disembark the ship and at the scheduled time take your return flight back to the UK.
Launched in June 2023, Norwegian Viva is the second Prima-class ship to debut from Norwegian Cruise Line. The 3,219-passenger ship features many of the new concepts that Norwegian is introducing on Norwegian Prima in 2022.
Norwegian Viva deck plans have plenty of restaurants, outdoor space, plus a racetrack and a slide. There are plenty of things about Norwegian Viva's deck plan to make cruisers sit up and take notice. For one, the ship will follow the pattern set out by Norwegian Prima, where The Haven – the line's more upscale "ship within a ship" – is laid out at the back of the ship. This makes Norwegian Viva look more like a Miami condo building than a typical cruise ship. Thrill-seekers will be happy to know that the popular top deck go-cart track will reappear on Norwegian Viva; the Viva Speedway will span three levels. Norwegian Prima will also have two freefall drop dry slides, The Rush and The Drop. Other notable features on the deck plan include Ocean Boulevard, a 44,000-square-foot outdoor walkway that wraps around the entire ship with pools and restaurant; The Concourse outdoor sculpture garden; Indulge Food Hall with 11 different eateries; the Oceanwalk glass bridges and Infinity Beach.
Norwegian Viva set sail June 15, 2023 on its inaugural voyage, a nine-night cruise that started in Lisbon and ends in Rome. Norwegian Viva 2023 and 2024 itineraries will focus on Europe and the Caribbean. The ship will continue to sail eight, nine and 10-day cruises from Lisbon, Venice (Trieste), Rome (Civitavechhia) and Athens (Piraeus). The European Med season will take place through November 6, 2023. When Norwegian Viva comes to the Caribbean, it will become the largest ship to homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The ship will sail weeklong cruises through March 2024 that stop in the British Virgin Islands; Antigua; St. Maarten; Barbados; St. Lucia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Norwegian Viva weighs 142,500 gross tons and carries 3,219 passengers at double occupancy.
Active families, picky eaters, and couples/groups who love to bar hop
People who can't stand crowds, or those seeking a relaxed onboard environment
Norwegian cruise ships draw a diverse crowd, though the majority of passengers on ships sailing to the Caribbean and in Alaska and Hawaii hail from North America. You'll find a decent number of people from other English-speaking countries, and smaller numbers from South America and Europe. On European cruises, North Americans still dominate but you'll find more people from the United Kingdom and other European countries. You'll find plenty of young families onboard Norwegian ships, especially during holidays and school breaks. However, the line's newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, is less family-friendly than the line's other ships, with all the kids clubs on the lowest levels of the ship and onboard entertainment that is decidedly adult. Generally speaking, Norwegian Cruise Line attracts mostly middle-aged and older couples, as well as groups of friends of all ages.
Norwegian Cruise Line maintains a casual atmosphere onboard; during the day, casual wear is the norm. There's no formal dress code at night either, though most people do change into something slightly less casual for dinner. Additionally, some of the speciality extra-fee restaurants do require long pants, collared shirts and closed-toe shoes. Most evenings you'll see men in dark jeans or khakis and collared shirts, and women in blouses with slacks or skirts, or sundresses. Don't be surprised if you see people in shorts in the main dining rooms. Norwegian doesn't have any formal nights, but there is an optional Norwegian's Night Out at least once per sailing, for which passengers are encouraged to dress up. You'll rarely see a tux or gown, but suits and cocktail dresses are not unheard of. Norwegian ships also typically hold several themed nights (glow party, '70s or '80s, etc.) during a typical sailing. You might want to bring a few appropriate items, such as white clothing for the glow and white parties or bell bottoms for '70s night.
No. Unless you have an all-inclusive dining or beverage package (which you can buy), you'll have to pay extra for most gratuities, speciality dining, room service, all drinks (alcoholic and non, except water, select juices at breakfast, and coffee and tea), shore excursions, visits to the spa and any retail purchases, including photos. On the newest ships, you'll also have to pay for some of the entertainment options and even some of the top-deck fun: On Norwegian Bliss, for example, the laser tag and go-karts cost extra.
On warm-weather cruises, the main pool is the line's most popular spot onboard. On ships with water slides, ropes courses, go-kart tracks and laser tag, these are also popular and often require a wait of up to 30 minutes or more. Inside, you'll find activities that range from trivia, bingo and Deal or No Deal during the day to song-and-dance revues or Broadway shows in the theatre and live music or cabaret shows in the evening. Norwegian ships also have a lively bar nightlife. There's also an always-busy casino, which opens when the ship is out to sea.
