The Port of Heraklion welcomed on Sunday,June 15th the Norwegian Viva, one of the most modern and innovative cruise ships of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), on her maiden call to the destination.
The official plaque exchange ceremony was held on board in the presence of the CEO of Heraklion Port Authority, Mr. Minas Papadakis, the Harbor Master of Heraklion, Commander of the Hellenic Coast Guard Mr. Nikolaos Tsompanis, and the ship’s officers, Captain Giorgio Voussolinos and Staff Captain Santiago Filevich Sencion.
The Norwegian Viva, a member of NCL’s pioneering Prima Class, is scheduled to call at Heraklion 14 times during the 2025 cruise season. In total, Norwegian Cruise Line will make 23 calls to the port throughout the year, deploying four different ships from its fleet — a strong testament to the company’s confidence in the port’s growing cruise potential.
This consistent presence reinforces Heraklion’s position on the cruise map, establishing the port as a hub of high reliability and strategic value in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“The selection of Heraklion as a regular destination for a ship like Norwegian Viva clearly reflects the growing recognition our port enjoys among leading cruise companies,” said Mr. Minas Papadakis, CEO of Heraklion Port Authority.
“We remain fully committed to continuously upgrading our infrastructure and services, ensuring that the Port of Heraklion delivers an experience that meets the expectations of today’s cruise passengers and the operational standards of cruise lines.”
The maiden call of Norwegian Viva marks yet another step in strengthening the long-standing partnership between NCL and the port, while also contributing to the local economy and the outward promotion of Heraklion as a destination. Thousands of visitors will have the opportunity to explore the rich cultural, historical, and gastronomic offerings of both the city and the wider region of Crete.
