The port of Heraklion (Greece) received Norwegian Viva, one of the most advanced vessels in NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Class, on June 15, as she made her inaugural call to the Cretan capital.
A plaque exchange ceremony was held aboard, attended by Heraklion Port Authority CEO Minas Papadakis, Harbor Master and Hellenic Coast Guard Commander Nikolaos Tsompanis, together with the ship’s Captain Giorgio Voussolinos and Staff Captain Santiago Filevich Sencion.
Norwegian Viva is scheduled to call at Heraklion 14 times during the 2025 cruise season, contributing to a total of 23 visits by NCL vessels—an indicator of the line’s growing confidence in Heraklion’s rising stature.
Mr Papadakis observed that the choice of Heraklion for regular calls by a ship of Viva’s calibre indicates the port’s increasing prominence among major cruise lines. He noted that the authority remains dedicated to ongoing improvements in infrastructure and services to meet both passenger expectations and operational standards.
The arrival of Norwegian Viva strengthens the partnership between NCL and the port. It also brings a boost to the local economy and draws attention to Heraklion and Crete as compelling cultural, historic, and gastronomic destinations, welcoming thousands of visitors ashore.