What type of cruise is for you?

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for delivering some of the best dining experiences at sea – and at MyCruise’s Blue Ocean Awards 2025, the cruise line was named the winner of ‘Best Speciality Restaurants’ based on guest reviews. Just two months later, I crossed the Atlantic myself on Norwegian Viva, which – very conveniently – gave me the chance to eat my way through the ship’s restaurants (research, right...?), and here you’ll find my personal experiences of the speciality restaurants Food Republic, Palomar, Hasuki, Onda by Scarpetta, Los Lobos and Le Bistro.  Food Republic – Asian Tapas with a View and Plenty of FlavourOn our first evening on board, we had booked a table at Food Republic from home – an Asian tapas-style restaurant where you order your food via a tablet at the table. The atmosphere is incredibly cosy, with dimmed lighting and panoramic windows – and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a seat right by the window, where you can enjoy the beautiful evening view. We took in the sight of Lisbon lit up after dark. At Food Republic, you can order up to four dishes each, which are easy to share, and our waiter was lovely and gave us a couple of recommendations, which of course we listened to. We started with some sushi before moving on to a few of our waiter’s suggestions: pork belly bao and spicy Korean fried chicken. And I have to say, that bao was so delicious that we ordered another round! Nothing was missing here. If you love Asian food with a twist, Food Republic is a must-try. We had so much food that we had to give up after the first six dishes (even though we could actually have chosen two more), the service was excellent, and our waiter generously made sure our glasses were never empty.Palomar – Mediterranean Atmosphere with Seafood Centre StagePalomar is a Mediterranean restaurant with a particular focus on fish and seafood. It is an intimate restaurant with room for fewer guests, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere – once again with panoramic windows that allow you to take in some truly beautiful views. You choose a three-course menu, and here I can only recommend going for some of the restaurant’s fish or seafood dishes, which are definitely the main attraction on the menu. We were especially impressed by their main courses with scallops and sea bass, which were incredibly flavourful and had a wonderful freshness to them. Their French apple tart for dessert was in a league of its own – possibly the best dessert I had during the 15-night journey. At Palomar, we really felt there was a focus on detail and high quality. Attentive service, a wide selection of wines and a lovely little touch where fresh herbs were cut into the olive oil for your bread. Just to mention a few of the ways the restaurant shows that extra attention to detail.Hasuki – Teppanyaki with Both Food and EntertainmentHasuki is Norwegian Cruise Line’s take on teppanyaki, which you may know from other ships. It is a Japanese restaurant where you sit around a table with seven other guests while your chef prepares your meal in front of you, all while entertaining you with singing, juggling everything from eggs to knives, and telling – objectively speaking – terrible jokes. This is not just a restaurant experience, but just as much a form of entertainment, where you need to be ready for high spirits, big laughs and plenty of involvement. If you have a slightly silly sense of humour (which I definitely do), you’ll be laughing from start to finish at how wonderfully absurd the whole thing is. For example, I never thought I’d find myself singing Sweet Caroline with strangers in a packed Japanese restaurant. But then we went to Hasuki. The food tastes very good, and nothing is missing, but this is especially the restaurant for you if you have never tried the concept before or simply love the atmosphere. Here, the entertainment takes centre stage – but you certainly won’t leave hungry. Be aware that the restaurant can be quite noisy, as several chefs are cooking at the same time. So don’t expect this to be the dinner for deep conversations – expect big laughs instead!Onda by Scarpetta – Italian Comfort Food at Its BestOnda by Scarpetta is an Italian restaurant offering a wide selection of delicious dishes you’ll recognise from Italian cuisine. Here, you choose your own menu with antipasti, a main course (pizza, pasta or secondi) and dessert. My best tip for this restaurant is that, for goodness’ sake (or at least for your own sake…), you should say yes to bread for the table. Because here, you don’t just get a few slightly dry slices of white bread with a bit of olive oil to soften them up. No, here you get an incredibly delicious selection (including bread filled with melted cheese and salami!) served with ricotta butter, aubergine dip and oil. This start to the restaurant visit is almost reason enough in itself to choose Onda. On top of that, their pappardelle bolognese in particular transported me, flavour-wise, to an authentic Italian trattoria. And you can rarely go wrong with a tiramisu for dessert, if you ask me. At Onda by Scarpetta, you get a really good meal for the price (it’s one of the more affordable speciality restaurants), and if you’re sailing somewhere where the weather allows, I’d recommend getting a table outdoors. It’s such a lovely experience to sit and enjoy dinner with the sight and sound of the sea.Los Lobos – Mexican Atmosphere and Tableside GuacamoleDo you love Mexican food? Then you need to try Los Lobos! Instead of asking what we would like to drink, our lovely waiter asked whether we should have a margarita – and of course we should, since we were dining Mexican-style. Along with our margaritas, nachos were served to the table instead of bread. Do yourself a favour and choose the guacamole as your appetiser – the restaurant has a fun little gimmick where a chef comes out and prepares your guacamole fresh at the table. Los Lobos also has a wide selection of delicious Mexican favourites such as tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and burritos. We enjoyed their tacos as a starter together with our nachos and guacamole, then continued with a chicken burrito for our main course before finishing with warm churros. The common thread across all the dishes was plenty of flavour, and let me be completely honest: we practically rolled out of the restaurant afterwards! Even after leaving part of the burrito. Los Lobos is one of the more affordable speciality restaurants, but you absolutely get value for money – and if you go to bed hungry, that’s on you.Le Bistro – French Fine Dining at SeaLe Bistro can – without offending anyone – be described as the most refined restaurant on Norwegian Viva, and unlike the cruise line’s generally relaxed approach to dress codes, this is the one place where guests are actually expected to dress smartly (without it needing to be either a long dress or a suit). When you see the restaurant, you understand why dressing up a little is absolutely the right decision – because the beautiful surroundings, with huge chandeliers, calm colours and white tablecloths, truly deserve it. Thankfully, the French bistro serves food that fully lives up to its surroundings. We had a truly delicious and flavourful tartare as our starter, an incredibly tender beef tenderloin cooked to perfection for our main course, and a small cake reminiscent of a strawberry tart for dessert. Here, you get a flavourful and elegant dining experience in sophisticated, intimate surroundings that leave room for pure enjoyment and good conversation. If you only choose one speciality restaurant and want it to feel a little more refined, then Le Bistro is the one to try. It will definitely be our choice again when we travel with Norwegian Cruise Line in the future.Ready to Eat Your Way Through Norwegian Cruise Line?If you’re heading off on a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing, I hope this guide has given you some inspiration. Although my expectations were already high, they were more than met – and I can completely understand why the cruise line took home the award for ‘Best Speciality Restaurants’ at the Blue Ocean Awards. So, from here, there’s only one thing left to say: enjoy your meal – and have a wonderful time on board.

A cruise is much more than just a way to travel; it’s a unique opportunity to combine adventure, relaxation, culture, and experiences all in one journey. But where should your next trip take you? Let us help inspire your next dream voyage!  For Those, Who Don’t Want to Travel Too Far from HomeFortunately, the big experiences don’t have to be far away. If you’re the type who can’t face the thought of a 10-hour flight or a drastically different climate, Northern Europe is the perfect choice. There are incredible natural wonders just around the corner. Sail, for example, to the Norwegian fjords and take in stunning mountain landscapes and charming towns in abundance. You can also explore the historic cities of the Baltic Sea, such as Stockholm, Tallinn, and Helsinki, or be captivated by the lush, unspoiled beauty of Iceland. Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of cruises in Northern Europe here!  For Those, Who Love Unique CulturesDo you feel that the point of travelling is to discover and learn about places that are very different from what you know at home? If so, you might want to head east and explore the diverse wonders of Asia, where unique cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities await. Perhaps your journey should take you to Japan? A cruise is an ideal way to experience this beautiful archipelago, as it avoids expensive hotels and the hassle of travelling between locations. Or how about a combination of stops in exciting destinations like Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and Hong Kong? A cruise in Asia allows you to explore the continent’s rich cultures in comfort, far more conveniently than backpacking. Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of cruises in Asia here!  For Those, Who Just Want to Relax on a Palm-Lined Beach Do you just want to unplug and fully unwind while travelling? Is there really a better place to do that than on one of those postcard-perfect sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, swaying palms, and colourful coral reefs? Where the pace is slow and the mood is high. That’s exactly what you’ll find across the Atlantic, where the Caribbean offers fascinating and vibrant islands with rich culture and plenty of space for ultimate relaxation. Believe it or not, it’s even more beautiful in real life. Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of cruises in the Caribbean here!   For Those, Who Appreciate History and Culinary Experiences Do you enjoy strolling through charming streets, savouring authentic meals at local restaurants, and being captivated by cities full of history and impressive monuments? If so, the Mediterranean is the perfect choice. The region is rich in history, romance, and culinary delights, with fantastic cuisines such as Italian, Greek, French, and Spanish. Ideal for those who want to indulge in the good life and treat their senses in cities full of character. Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of cruises in the Mediterranean here!   For Those, Who Are Adventurous Nature Lovers Are you seeking excitement and extraordinary natural experiences on your trip? Then Alaska is the next destination you should explore. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the grandeur of nature up close. With glaciers, fjords, bears, whales, and countless opportunities for unique adventures like dog sledding, kayaking, whale watching, and hiking in stunning surroundings. When you visit Alaska on a cruise, you also get to enjoy breathtaking views from the water. You could easily spend hours simply watching the passing landscapes from your balcony or the sun deck on such a trip! Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of cruises in Alaska here!   For Those, Who Want to Combine Relaxation with an Active HolidayAre you dreaming of the perfect combination of city life, sandy beaches, and spectacular nature? Then it’s time to head ‘Down Under’! Australia and New Zealand are ideal destinations if you’re fascinated by breathtaking natural wonders and unique wildlife. While Australia offers metropolises like Sydney and Melbourne, the world’s largest coral reef – the Great Barrier Reef – and fascinating animals such as koalas and kangaroos, New Zealand awaits with spectacular landscapes of deep fjords, lush valleys, and majestic mountains. Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of cruises in Australia and New Zealand here!  For Those, Who Have Already Tried It AllAre you already well-travelled and have ticked off many destinations on your bucket list? Then perhaps it’s time to head to the “end of the world,” Antarctica, which offers a unique opportunity to experience untouched nature, wildlife such as penguins and seals, and the awe-inspiring majesty of icebergs. An expedition cruise allows you to get up close to the raw, pristine wilderness, guided by destination experts who provide fresh insights into parts of the world few ever see. Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of cruises in Antarctica here!  For Those, Who Want a Bit of Everything Can’t decide? Why limit yourself? You could embark on a world cruise, which over several months allows you to experience one continent after another. Imagine seeing everything from the Caribbean to South America, Australia, and Asia all on the same journey! Several cruise lines offer these kinds of trips, making it a brilliant way to see much more of the world if you can spare a few months from your schedule. Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of World Cruises here!     We hope our guide has given you a better understanding of the many possibilities available, depending on what you’re looking for in your next trip. At MyCruise, you’ll always find a wide selection of cruises around the world – and if you need help finding the perfect one, our experts are ready to guide you.

Cruise in October? A weekend with MSC Virtuosa from SouthamptonWhat is it really like to go on a cruise from the UK in mid-October? We recently had the opportunity to find out when we spent an extended weekend sailing from Southampton to northern France and back. Here, you can read more about our experiences with MSC Cruises, and in particular, MSC Virtuosa. First Impressions of the ShipYou probably know it well – no matter how many times you’ve been on a cruise, it never really stops being exciting to step on board a new ship for the first time. And this trip was certainly no exception. After a day in London enjoying fish & chips, the ABBA Voyage show, and a bit of shopping, we headed south by bus to the ship in Southampton.“MSC Virtuosa is an impressive ship – modern, elegant, and packed with facilities,” says Otto. “Once on board, you are quickly struck by the distinctive features of the Meraviglia class: the sparkling Swarovski staircases, the stunning promenade with its digital LED sky, and the cohesive design throughout.” ⚓ A Spacious Balcony CabinAfter boarding and taking in our first impressions of the ship, we made our way up to our balcony cabin on Deck 13. A spacious cabin with a lovely bathroom and plenty of closet space – exactly what you need when “moving in” for a few days. Shortly after our arrival, we were introduced to Densil from St. Kitts, our friendly cabin steward, who went above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of throughout the trip.Even though we were sailing in mid-October, having the balcony was wonderful. “It was perfect for enjoying the autumn sun, the beautiful sea views, and a cold beer – it allowed us little breaks and was a lovely spot to round off the day’s experiences,” notes Cecilia. ⚓ Life On Board the ShipIf you’ve been on an MSC ship, you know there are an incredible number of activities to enjoy – whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or with friends. We experienced the same on this trip. “The ship’s facilities offer experiences for every taste. For example, we loved that each bar had its own theme, allowing us to choose between beautiful piano music, lively jazz, or sports in the sports bar, depending on our mood,” says Cecilia, highlighting the robot that mixes drinks to order at the Starship Club as one of the fun experiences.“I was particularly impressed by how cohesive everything felt,” adds Otto. “The atmosphere on MSC Virtuosa is lively, and there really is something for everyone. The gym is state-of-the-art, the kids’ club is popular with younger guests, and the Sky Lounge Bar offers a relaxed, child-free zone.” As always, you’ll also find inviting pool areas, a relaxing spa, and plenty of activities for guests of all ages. ⚓ Impressive EntertainmentEvery evening offered entertainment, and with different shows in the theatre, such as Hall of Fame and Dirty Dancing, there was always something new to experience each night. We managed to see three different shows, all beautifully produced with talented performers and a suitable length of around 35 minutes. In addition, we had pre-booked seats for Ajerdez – Carousel Productions by Sea, an acrobatic and theatrical performance in the Carousel Lounge, best compared to Cirque du Soleil. “The Carousel Lounge was absolutely fantastic – real acrobatics, stunning costumes, and a truly professional experience, which I highly recommend if you’re looking for extraordinary entertainment,” says Linnea. In addition to the impressive shows, we experienced both a silent disco and the famous White Party, where the majority of guests on board dress in white. “The atmosphere at the White Party was extra special, and if you enjoy a good celebration, it’s a fun evening to take part in,” highlights Cecilia. ⚓ A Wide Range of Dining ExperiencesAnother highlight of our trip was the specialty restaurant Teppanyaki, which quickly became a favourite for us. If you haven’t tried this unique dining experience before, we can highly recommend it. Here, you get a combination of delicious food prepared by skilled chefs and entertainment as your meal is cooked right before your eyes. “The dinner became an experience in itself, with extra attention paid to every detail,” says Cecilia, while Linnea highlights the food at Teppanyaki: “It was really good! The salmon was perfect, and the meat was cooked exactly as ordered.”Altogether, there are 11 different restaurants on board the ship – a mix of included dining options and specialty restaurants where you pay extra for a meal – offering a wide and varied selection. An autumn cruise from the UK turned out to be both refreshing and cosy. Even without strong sun and warm temperatures, MSC Virtuosa delivered an experience full of energy, comfort, and memorable moments – exactly how a cruise should be, if you ask us. ⚓ Our Top Tips for Your MSC Cruises Trip Download your boarding pass digitally: This makes check-in seamless – no paper, no stress. Book shows on the first evening: They sell out quickly, so make sure to secure your spot early. Add the Easy Drinks Package: It’s well worth it – even if you don’t drink alcohol. It gives you the freedom to enjoy a cappuccino, take a soft drink ashore, and generally order beverages without worrying about the bill once on board.            Sound like your kind of trip? Check out the range of voyages with MSC Virtuosa and the rest of the           Meraviglia-class ships here.