The atmosphere was jubilant on the deck of the Norwegian Viva as it departed from the scenic port of Lisbon. My wife, Harriet, and I had already enjoyed the relaxing warmth of the spa after a morning of navigating the steep, cobbled streets of Portugal’s capital to meet our fitness goals, opting for tranquility over the onboard festivities.

This trip marked our inaugural cruise. We are in our thirties and previously believed we would be too young for such holidays. However, the all-ages charm of the Viva appealed to us, especially as fitness enthusiasts intrigued by the prospect of maintaining our health while indulging in what was thought to be a lazy getaway.

Throughout our week-long cruise in November, we frequently visited the Mandara Spa, which boasts a thermal suite featuring four types of saunas—Himalayan, Finnish, infrared, and charcoal—along with two pools and an ice room (day pass priced at £99). Relaxing on heated loungers in the serenity room, we watched the skyline of Lisbon fade into the horizon, bathed in the late afternoon sun’s reflection on the ocean waves.

For those familiar with spa culture, the therapeutic treatments were the highlight of the experience. Personally, I have a strong aversion to being touched, especially on my feet, but I mustered the courage to book a full-body massage (starting at £160). After expressing my concerns to my masseuse, Lourdes, I felt somewhat reassured as she humorously remarked, “As long as you don’t kick me, we’ll be fine.” Much to my surprise, I not only endured the session but genuinely appreciated it.

Later that evening, Harriet and I relished a delightful three-course meal at Le Bistro, one of the ship’s eight specialty restaurants (cover charges begin at £30). The French onion soup was exquisite, followed by delectable Dover sole and a light meringue nestled in vanilla crème anglaise. The specialty dining options stood out as a highlight of the voyage, especially since the included buffet at the Surfside café was too crowded for our liking.

The following morning, as we explored the ship’s expansive gym, we were eager to maintain our Saturday routine, aiming for a 5km run. Unlike our usual forest trails, we felt as if we were jogging above the ocean, spotting pods of dolphins through the panoramic windows while on the treadmills.

Soon, we cruised through the Strait of Gibraltar, surrounded by breathtaking vistas of North Africa, cargo vessels, and pleasure yachts, with the iconic Rock of Gibraltar rising prominently in the distance.

After disembarking in Gibraltar, we ascended the Rock via a vintage cable car from the 1960s, rewarded with stunning views that encompassed the mountains of northern Morocco on one side and the Spanish city of Algeciras opposite the Bay of Gibraltar. Tommy, our guide and a fifth-generation local, shared stories about Gibraltar’s rich history, including its Moorish past, British capture in 1704, and contemporary Brexit-related developments.

One significant chapter in Gibraltar’s history is vividly illustrated in the Great Siege Tunnels, an impressive fortification constructed by the British in the late 18th century that successfully repelled attempts by the French and Spanish to reclaim the territory.

We couldn’t help but chuckle at the playful antics of the Barbary macaques, who have inhabited the Rock longer than any other group and are Europe’s only wild primate.

Returning to the Viva, rejuvenated after yet another spa session, we enjoyed our favorite meal of the cruise at Los Lobos, a specialty Mexican restaurant. In keeping with our health goals, we were pleased to see guacamole being crafted tableside, combining avocado, jalapeño, lime, coriander, tomato, and onion with a traditional pestle and mortar.

The evening entertainment was boundless, ranging from disco to cinema, karaoke, stand-up comedy, and casino games. Beetlejuice the Musical was a notable highlight, showcasing talents who had performed in the West End.

However, our personal favorite was a performance by the tribute band, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, in the intimate, speakeasy-style bar, Syd Norman’s. Despite the standing-room-only crowd, we danced our way through their rendition of the iconic 1977 album, contributing to our step-count goals.

The Viva was brimming with exhilarating activities, including electric go-karting (£12), a thrilling slide spanning ten decks, ping-pong, darts, crazy golf, pickleball, and virtual reality experiences. While the vibrant atmosphere was occasionally overwhelming, we appreciated having our stateroom with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that opened onto a private balcony for moments of peace.

With November providing mild temperatures in the low 20s, our visit to Seville was particularly enjoyable. We rented kayaks (£12) to explore the Guadalquivir River while admiring the stunning Moorish architecture that adorned the city.

My first encounter with the Balearic Islands defied my expectations of a party-centric atmosphere. From the port, we were treated to a magnificent view of Palma’s 14th-century cathedral, La Seu. Unfortunately, in Ibiza, we encountered relentless rain, but we still managed to hike up to the town’s ramparts for a dramatic vista of the stormy skies.

Were we successful in maintaining our fitness regime during the cruise? Our step count surpassed our usual averages thanks to our explorations on foot, and we made good use of the gym facilities. Overall, we easily opted for salads and vegetables at meals, though resisting dessert temptations proved a challenge.

As we approached Barcelona, our final destination, I felt incredibly relaxed and invigorated, even though Harriet and I would undoubtedly miss our at-sea gym with breathtaking views.