The private island you can only reach by cruise ship where you can swim with pigs and eat huge lunches

MY partner and I looked at each other and, in unison, asked: “Are you also having the best day of your life?”

We were sunbathing on one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen, with delicious strawberry daiquiris in hand and clear, blue water stretched out before us.

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Of course, we both knew the answer before the other even had a chance to reply. This was paradise.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, is the perfect spot for soaking up the rays on the soft white sand.

After a jam-packed day of jet-skiing, snorkelling, a huge barbecue lunch — and even a paddle with the Bahamas’ famed swimming pigs — the beach R&R was certainly needed.

The only way to get to this stunning island is on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship — and we had travelled there on the company’s newest liner, the Norwegian Viva.

Neither my partner or I had been on a cruise before and, like all novices, were worried about getting bored during the days at sea.

But we soon learned that is impossible on this glorious 299-metre long ship with 20 decks.

Like some of the other liners in the fleet, the Viva has its own go-kart race track split across three decks, as well as a high-tech mini-golf course and a thrilling slide that drops brave riders down ten storeys.

Then there’s the breathtaking Mandara Spa, where guests can unwind in its multiple saunas, steam rooms and pools for $99 a day — and get a massage, facial or beauty treatment.

With its spectacular wraparound views and state-of-the-art equipment, even the gym enticed us in for a morning workout.

And we were most grateful for this workout space, with so much excellent food at our fingertips.

Unlike some cruises, which restrict guests to set meal times and enforced dress codes, you can eat whenever you choose on NCL ships and dress as fancy or casually as you like.

There are even special Dress Up or Not nights on board for those who prefer not to get their gladrags on.

Among the dozens of dining venues is a traditional buffet, Surfside Cafe, which serves food throughout the day — and breakfast was our favourite, thanks to the fluffy pancakes dished up daily.

There’s also The Local Bar and Grill, open almost 24 hours a day for those boozy nights where you fancy a 3am burger — and street food-style restaurant Indulge Food Hall, offers casual diners the chance to sample cuisines from around the world, ordering via a tablet.

The latter’s tandoori chicken was recom-mended and it didn’t disappoint, with fiery and creamy seasoning that really packed a punch.

But it was Hudson’s, the ship’s main dining room, with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows offering 270-degree panoramic views, that blew us away.

Aside from the restaurant’s aesthetics, the food was also delicious and felt extremely high-end, although included in the price of the cruise.

There are many other places to eat on the ship, for an extra fee, although none seem extortionate considering what you get.

One is Teppanyaki restaurant Hasuki where chefs cook superb Japanese food on a hot grill right in front of you — while singing, dancing and cracking jokes — for a set price of $59 (£47).

Bubbling hot tubs

There’s also a Starbucks — coffees from here aren’t included — as well as more than enough bars to satisfy everyone on board, so no danger of getting stuck in a queue for that beer or glass of wine.

And many of the bars are cleverly positioned right next to the pools and infinity pools.

Our favourite was the Vibe Beach Club, exclusively for guests aged 18 and over, with gorgeous and extremely comfortable cabana beds and two bubbling hot tubs.

We felt like we were at the O Beach resort in Ibiza as we sipped delicious cocktails and looked out on to the ocean.

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At 142,500 gross tons, the Viva can carry 3,219 passengers and there is plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation.

The Standard Staterooms have a very modern design and come with loads of storage, complimentary water and a wide range of movies to watch on the TV, including 2023 blockbuster Barbie.

Then there’s the Studio Staterooms, designed for those travelling alone, which are smaller but include access to a private lounge offering drinks and snacks, and the chance to socialise with fellow solo travellers.

Guests who want to splash the cash can stay in The Haven, which is Norwegian’s luxury ship-within-a-ship concept.

All the suites in this part of the ship are huge, and come with a butler, access to a private lounge, restaurant, bar and sundeck with its own infinity pool.

But when you’re sailing between tropical Caribbean islands, each with their own breathtakingly beautiful beach backed by lush scenery, you probably won’t be spending much time in your room.

Just don’t forget to pack your camera, as a Caribbean cruise on board Norwegian Viva is certainly one for the bucket list.

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