Norwegian Cruise Line‘s Norwegian Viva takes the very best of all the things about NCL and wraps it up in a trendy package deal that provides nice meals, pleasant service, compelling leisure and trendy, stylish design. The ship, a part of Norwegian’s Prima Class, is attention-grabbing in that, whereas some elements of the ship expertise have shrunk, others have expanded.
The vessel itself is smaller than ships within the line’s earlier class, and though it is family-friendly, it additionally homes a downsized model of the Splash Academy youngsters membership, which lacks devoted teen areas. Nevertheless, the ship has seen development in the best way of a bigger onboard suite space with a greater location and one of many fleet’s largest go-kart tracks — one thing the Prima Class adopted from earlier {hardware}.
Norwegian Viva is the second ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Class. There is not a lot that differentiates Norwegian Viva from its barely older sister, Norwegian Prima. Each provide a barely smaller model of the cruise expertise discovered on the road’s Breakaway and Breakaway Plus courses.
What units the 2 ships aside are minor components like artwork installations, one much less onboard Starbucks location and added seating capability at Indulge Meals Corridor. However maybe the largest differentiator is the leisure, with Norwegian Viva providing a model of the Broadway present “Beetlejuice: The Musical.”
I sailed on a nine-night voyage when the ship was at roughly two-thirds of its capability and was disillusioned to notice the ship typically felt crowded. The swimming pools weren’t massive sufficient, it was troublesome to snag reservations for go-karts and escape rooms, and a few efficiency venues had been standing room solely.
I started to surprise, as my colleague did when he sailed Norwegian Prima, has the road made its latest ships too small?
This is a recap of all the things you may must know earlier than a voyage on Norwegian Viva, from meals and leisure to the kinds of cabins obtainable, in addition to what stood out and what you may wish to keep away from.
Overview of Norwegian Viva
At 143,535 gross registered tons and carrying 3,099 passengers at double occupancy, Norwegian Viva is smaller than the ships within the final two courses NCL rolled out, however do not make the error of considering it is small.
With dozens of eating places and bars, a theater, a comedy membership, a devoted rock ‘n’ roll venue, a digital actuality gaming middle, and a top-deck go-kart observe, Norwegian has managed to pack so much right into a ship that, at occasions, feels equal elements spacious and crowded.
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On my crusing, it was clear that the ship attracts a lot of households — one thing that turned apparent when youngsters frequently overran public areas. (The ship does not have a devoted teen membership, which suggests they hang around wherever they need. That is fantastic in the event that they’re properly behaved; on my voyage, they weren’t.)
General, it is a energetic vessel with heaps to do.
What I liked about Norwegian Viva
Indulge Meals Corridor
Indulge Meals Corridor was launched on Norwegian Prima and makes a return look on Viva, and it rapidly turned my favourite eating venue.
The waiter-served meals court docket expertise at Indulge combines a few of the finest restaurant choices from across the fleet in order that cruisers can strive a little bit of all the things. There’s an abridged model of Q Texas Smokehouse, serving pulled pork sandwiches a la Norwegian Pleasure, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss. There’s additionally a meals truck that serves small plates much like what you may order at Bayamo on Norwegian Escape. I am an enormous fan of the Indian dishes from Tamara.
Norwegian Prima encompasses a Starbucks at Indulge, however the meals corridor idea proved so standard that the road eliminated the espresso store on Viva to make room for extra tables.
After you seat your self, you place your order through a touchscreen, and the meals arrives in a couple of minutes.
One of the best half is that the meals is free. That is significantly notable for a line like Norwegian, which is infamous for its nickel-and-diming. Not solely does Indulge Meals Corridor present an extra complimentary meals possibility, however a few of the meals obtainable there comes with a price on the corresponding stand-alone eating places (Q and Bayamo, for instance) on different ships.
Solo cabins and lounge
Like most of the vessels that got here earlier than it, Norwegian Viva contains studio cabins for one — one thing the road has labored to enhance for the reason that first iteration on Norwegian Epic in 2010. What’s particular about Viva’s model is that they really feel simply as upscale as the remainder of the ship’s cabins.
The impartial coloration palette is worlds away from the stark white with inexperienced and purple hues that punctuate earlier variations. And that aesthetic carries via to the Studio Lounge, an area unique to passengers booked in studio cabins.
The ship has 73 cabins for solo vacationers, every coming in at 93 sq. ft of area. They’re small however snug and thoughtfully furnished, providing full-size beds, desk/vainness area and open-concept closets. Loos don’t have any important doorways as a result of why would you want privateness when you’re touring alone?
Atrium
Norwegian Viva’s Penrose Atrium on Deck 6 is lighter, brighter and has a extra open feeling than a few of the atriums on ships in Norwegian’s different courses. It feels just like the ceilings aren’t as low, and the area lacks the darkish colours that may make different atriums induce a sense of claustrophobia. It is a way more nice (albeit louder) area than on a few of Norwegian’s earlier vessels.
Moreover a peaceable white, tan and inexperienced coloration scheme, the area, which rises three decks, has snug seating — strive the felt loungers — and tables. There’s additionally a central banquette on Deck 6, and a glass mild fixture evokes a sky full of midcentury trendy stars. Sprinkled all through the world are the ship’s whiskey bar, a stand-alone Starbucks counter, just a few outlets, and desks for Wi-Fi help, visitor providers and shore excursions.
Escape rooms
One of many highlights of newer NCL ships is Galaxy Pavilion, and there is one on Norwegian Viva. Along with a slew of added-fee digital actuality video games, it additionally has two upcharge escape rooms that accommodate as much as six people who find themselves OK with being locked in for 45 minutes whereas looking for clues that enable them to flee.
A bunch of associates and I selected a magic-themed expertise that had us looking for a lacking magician. Though the crew member managing the expertise stated we did all the things appropriately, an tools glitch prevented us from truly succeeding, which was a disgrace however not utterly surprising on a brand-new vessel nonetheless understanding the kinks.
Finally, it is a enjoyable exercise to do with associates or household.
Wi-Fi
For cruisers who like to remain related on trip, the onboard Wi-Fi state of affairs is usually a supply of stress. Will the connection be stable? Will you be capable of submit, stream and test e-mail or attend a Zoom assembly?
On Viva, I had a Wi-Fi plan, powered by Starlink, that allowed streaming for 2 gadgets at some stage in my voyage. I am completely satisfied to report that the connection was nice. It was my first time on a ship the place I wasn’t consistently disconnected, and the service was stable for all the things from FaceTime calls to watching Netflix.
Costs are steep, although. You’ll be able to activate one system for common net searching, checking emails and messaging for $29.99 per day. To buy a package deal with streaming and VPN entry for one system, it is $39.99 per day. A second system could be added for $15.99 per day or $25.99 per day, respectively. 4-device packages are additionally obtainable, however charges aren’t posted. Costs are topic to alter by itinerary.
What I did not love about Norwegian Viva
Allocation of area
I like that Norwegian has tried to outfit its ships with extra outside areas that do not essentially contain swimming pools and waterslides, however I am starting to surprise if the latter have suffered because of this.
The experiment started on Norwegian Breakaway in 2012 with The Waterfront, an outside promenade area that connects to a number of of the vessel’s eating places for alfresco eating. The idea carries over to Prima Class ships within the type of Oceanwalk, a promenade that totally rings Deck 8. As passengers stroll alongside, they’re going to discover swimming pools, loungers, artwork installations, eating alcoves and a bar overlooking the wake.
Nevertheless, a few of the areas — significantly these allotted for outside eating — appeared underutilized. In the meantime, the ship’s three small swimming pools had been nearly at all times crowded, particularly on sea days. My crusing was solely two-thirds full; that does not bode properly for occasions when the vessel is bought out.
A few of the extra in-demand indoor areas are additionally insufficiently sized. Fashionable rock membership Syd Norman’s Pour Home is usually standing room solely. In the event you do not present up half-hour earlier than showtime, you won’t get in. The primary time I attempted to take a look at a present there, I used to be met by crowds spilling out of each entrances.
The ship’s Remark Lounge additionally appears too small at occasions. This was significantly true on the day we sailed via the Strait of Gibraltar. There wasn’t a single unoccupied desk; I circled for 20 minutes to pounce on a desk that somebody had simply vacated.
Children membership
Splash Academy, Norwegian’s youngsters membership, looks like an afterthought on Norwegian Viva. As an alternative of devoted areas for every age group, the services lump all youngsters, ages 6 months to 17 years, into simply two rooms. Youth counselors manage age-appropriate actions for the 3- to 12-year-old set (assume dance events, arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts), however they nonetheless share the identical area, which feels inappropriate.
Guppies, which usually caters to youngsters from 6 months to 2 years outdated, has no set area on board. Toys are laid out to be used by youngsters and their mother and father when the 2 current rooms aren’t in use.
The ship takes an analogous tack with tweens and teenagers. Entourage, the teenager membership, has no particular house on Norwegian Viva. Though actions are scheduled for ages 13 to 17, they happen all around the ship. On my crusing, teenagers usually crowded — loudly — into public areas like Starbucks or took to hanging out in stairwells, which created a nuisance for some passengers.
Structure
I perceive that any new ship takes just a few days to determine, however a few of the structure on Norwegian Viva nonetheless does not make sense to me, even after 9 days on board.
Some areas aren’t symmetrical, so do not be shocked when you overshoot your vacation spot when you’re strolling on the improper facet of the ship. (I am speaking about you, Le Bistro.) Entrances to the Oceanwalk outside promenade space are plentiful but additionally arduous to search out in sure areas.
Moreover, the on line casino is sort of a maze. Do not feel dangerous if you end up at a lifeless finish the primary time you cross via; it occurs to most of us. In the event you’re making an attempt to make your method to Deck 18 from the entrance of the ship, you may have to move aft after which make your manner up — possible by strolling partway via the buffet, which is awkward (and irritating when you’re combating crowds throughout peak occasions).
Then there are the site visitors move points. It is troublesome to maneuver your manner across the seating space by Starbucks in Deck 7’s atrium, and since there isn’t any simple manner throughout it, you may overlook about transferring from one facet of the atrium to the opposite with out strolling all the best way round.
One other sizzling mess is the hall that runs alongside Deck 8 aft on the starboard facet. It feels slender, and it travels proper via The Native, a 24-hour eatery that serves free pub grub and is, unusually, cut up into two sections. When looking for The Native, I unwittingly walked proper via with out realizing it. I ended up all the best way aft at Indulge Meals Corridor earlier than turning round and doubling again. A number of others made the identical mistake, which brought about congestion within the area.
Noise
In the event you’re somebody who craves quiet time to learn, play playing cards or simply calm down, Norwegian Viva is just not your ship. There isn’t a onboard card room, library or in any other case serene area. (Books can be found to learn in your digital gadgets through the Libby app, which is neat, however it’s not an alternative choice to a library.)
Starbucks, discovered within the atrium, is out within the open. Even after hours, you may run into blasting music, teenagers being raucous and the sounds of crew members vacuuming. I additionally tried the Remark Lounge on Deck 17 ahead, however I discovered youngsters holding court docket, households loudly enjoying board video games and different noises that added to a cacophony so intense I could not focus.
Finally, I resorted to staying in my cabin once I wanted some quiet time, however I had a connecting room, and I may hear nearly each phrase spoken by the household on the opposite facet. I used to be additionally wakened by the sounds of slamming doorways, the motion of balcony furnishings and even coughing. A number of fellow passengers who did not have connecting rooms additionally stated noise was a difficulty for them.
Even locations just like the spa, which ought to have been quiet, lacked soundproofing. Once I walked into my therapy room for a therapeutic massage, I heard what seemed like effervescent water. I assumed it was some form of sound machine, however once I requested the therapist, she stated it was the plumbing from the lads’s locker room. It was form of soothing till folks flushed the bogs, at which level my moments of calm had been sidelined by loud whooshing noises.
And minus 100 factors to whoever determined the health middle’s treadmills could be properly positioned immediately over the thermal suite’s heated loungers.
Lacking fish
Followers of Norwegian Cruise Line will possible know all in regards to the fish discovered on the carpet in cabin corridors on the road’s ships. In the event you’re misplaced, simply take a look at which manner the fish are swimming; they at all times level towards the entrance.
I used to be unhappy to find the fish do not seem on Norwegian Viva. As an alternative, they’ve been changed by extra impartial carpeting with triangles that time the best way. It is a minor change, however it’s nonetheless disappointing as a result of it was a whimsical manner during which NCL set itself aside from different cruise traces.
Norwegian Viva cabins and suites
Norwegian Viva’s cabins include all the usual choices: inside (no home windows), exterior or ocean view (with a window), balcony (a sliding-glass door and outside balcony area), and suites.
There are different choices, too, together with studio cabins for solo vacationers and extra-fancy rooms in The Haven, the ship’s unique suite enclave, which affords booked passengers entry to a personal restaurant, bar, lounge, pool and solar deck, sizzling tubs, and concierge providers.
All fundamental rooms are outfitted with two twin beds that mix to kind a queen (besides studios, which have one static full-size mattress); a conceit and desk space with a mirror, electrical retailers and a hair dryer; closet and drawer area; and an interactive TV with dwell exhibits, films (many free however some for a price), ship channels and your onboard account. A small wall-mounted touchscreen pad close to the door controls the temperature and permits you to activate “don’t disturb” and “make up room” choices.
Commonplace bogs are shower-only with doorways relatively than curtains. Additionally they embody a rest room, a sink, space for storing for toiletry objects, wall-mounted hand cleaning soap by the sink, and physique wash and conditioning shampoo within the bathe.
Rooms are serviced solely as soon as per day, however your room steward is accessible by telephone when you want extras like contemporary towels or extra hangers. They are going to ship a paper copy of the each day schedule to your room every night and depart it within the mailbox exterior your door.
My cabin was the usual balcony selection. Along with the facilities talked about above, it provided a settee throughout from the vainness, in addition to a minifridge. What actually impressed me about my digs had been the astronomically snug mattress, the variety of hooks for hanging objects all through the cabin, the intense lighting (together with an illuminated make-up mirror on the vainness), the variety of electrical retailers and the quantity of space for storing, each within the closet and within the toilet.
What irritated me had been the connecting door, due to the shortage of soundproofing and the whistling I heard anytime my neighbors left their balcony door open; the wire drawers within the closet, which had been too small and too open to be helpful; the absence of a separate mild swap for an uncovered portion of the closet that was illuminated anytime I turned on the principle cabin lights; and the shortage of a mattress skirt, which meant my baggage was seen for your complete voyage as a result of I saved it below the mattress.
The ship has 44 accessible cabins throughout inside, exterior, balcony and The Haven classes. They provide such lodging as further sq. footage, wider doorways, and bathe stools and bathroom seat risers within the bogs.
Norwegian Viva eating places and bars
Norwegian Viva homes greater than a dozen locations to eat and in addition greater than a dozen bars, so there are many decisions for even the pickiest of palates.
Some of the noteworthy elements of eating on this ship is that you do not have to shell out further funds to have actually excellent meals. The meals you may discover within the two important eating rooms, the 24-hour pub and the meals corridor is fairly darn tasty — and it will not value you an additional cent.
In the event you do wish to strive just a few extra-fee eateries, make the most of Norwegian’s Free at Sea choices, which let you select from a number of perks, together with complimentary eating at eating places that often value further.
Norwegian Viva eating places
Free meals
The Commodore Room and Hudson’s are the ship’s two complimentary important eating rooms on decks 6 and seven aft, respectively. The menu modifications each day and is similar at each venues. I solely ate dinner at Hudson’s as soon as on my voyage, however I used to be so impressed with the pad thai that I might have requested for seconds if I hadn’t been so full.
Each eating rooms are open nightly. Hudson’s operates from 5 to 9 p.m., and the Commodore Room serves patrons from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Eating is open seating, which means you may present as much as eat at any time you would like and sit with whom you’d want.
Indulge Meals Corridor, solely discovered on Norwegian’s Prima Class ships, provides a meals court-style expertise the place you seat your self and choose free objects from a touchscreen menu, much like an iPad. Waiters will deliver every dish as you order it.
The parts are typically small, so you may strive a number of dishes. It’s normal for passengers to order a few objects, eat them after which order a pair extra. I extremely suggest the guacamole as a starter and one thing from the Tamara Indian menu, adopted by a pulled pork sandwich from Q Texas Smokehouse in case you have room left.
Indulge, discovered on Deck 8 aft, is open each day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with completely different menus for every meal.
The Native, positioned simply earlier than Indulge on Deck 8, is oddly cut up into two sections: one with a bar and alcove seating and one other with tables the place you may sit and order meals. Each areas have big-screen TVs the place you may watch sporting occasions. Separating the areas and serving as a passageway between the 2 is a small vestibule with just a few arcade video games.
What’s nice about The Native is that it is open practically 24 hours. (It closes between 3:30 and 5 a.m.) The meals is complimentary, and it is tasty, typical pub grub like wings, fish-and-chips, sliders, nachos and burgers, in addition to lighter fare corresponding to Caesar salads.
Surfside Cafe and Grill is the ship’s customary buffet venue, serving quite a lot of meals from self-serve stations on Deck 17 midship. As a result of Norwegian Viva additionally has The Native and Indulge, the area devoted to the standard buffet is smaller than on different cruise ships. I did not eat a single meal there as a result of once I ventured inside, it was so crowded that folks may barely transfer. I elected for extra civilized meals elsewhere.
In case your abdomen is rumbling a bit an excessive amount of earlier than dinner, the luxuriously appointed Remark Lounge on Deck 17 ahead provides free of charge between-meal snacks each day from 3 to five p.m.
The Haven Restaurant capabilities because the free important eating room for passengers booked in The Haven suite complicated. It is open each day to passengers with entry, and it encompasses a set menu for your complete crusing.
Free tender serve ice cream machines could be discovered within the buffet and out of doors on Oceanwalk, close to Indulge. Chocolate, vanilla and twist are provided, and the ice cream is vegan. The machines aren’t obtainable 24 hours a day like they’re on some cruise traces’ ships. Norwegian Viva has neither a stand-alone ice cream store nor a bakery, which was disappointing.
Added-fee meals
On Norwegian Viva, eating is usually a bit chaotic at peak occasions, so make reservations for any specialty eating places you are contemplating — and do it on the primary day so you are not left with the crummiest occasions.
For French meals, Le Bistro is your reply. This specialty restaurant on Deck 7 is as elegant as they arrive, that includes a vivid environment with mild blue accents and high-end decor, together with big floor-to-ceiling crystal chandeliers which might be beautiful. There is not any costume code to dine at Le Bistro, however you may wish to embrace the expertise by making an effort.
I am typically not a fan of French delicacies, so I performed it secure and went with French onion soup and Dover sole, each of which had been scrumptious.
Cagney’s Steakhouse is — you guessed it — Norwegian Viva’s steakhouse on Deck 6 aft. It offers a menu of things like shrimp, tuna tartare, oysters Rockefeller, soups, salads, steaks, fish and sides.
I went with a crabcake, a beefsteak tomato with onions and balsamic French dressing, and a petite (5-ounce) filet mignon with a facet of truffle fries. In the event you’re somebody who does not eat meat, fish or seafood, you may think about eating elsewhere.
Ever a fan of carbohydrates, I loved Italian-influenced Onda tremendously. It was a pleasant evening as we sailed alongside Italy’s Amalfi Coast, so my group requested for a desk exterior, alongside Oceanwalk on Deck 8, which was completely pleasant with town lights as a backdrop and a heat breeze reminding us that we had been transferring.
We began with a few sharable — and completely to-die-for — pizzas and a veggie calzone. Then, I moved on to burrata, which was a complete masterpiece, adopted by ricotta and spinach mezzelune (much like ravioli).
Though the meal was nice, the service was a bit on the sluggish facet. It took about three hours from begin to end, and we waited practically half-hour for somebody to take our order as soon as we had been seated.
Craving seafood? There is a restaurant for that, too: Palomar on Deck 17 midship. The doorway close to the pool space was closed on my crusing, forcing passengers to struggle via the buffet to achieve the principle entrance. That have didn’t set the tone for the start of such an upscale meal.
Like Cagney’s, Palomar provides a mixture of seafood and meats like steak and lamb chops, however it’s heavier on the seafood finish. Select from oysters, grilled jumbo prawns, grilled octopus and several other salads for appetizers. Mains embody sea scallops, sea bass, filet mignon, New York strip and an entire grilled lobster, with sides corresponding to potatoes, jasmine rice and carrots. I opted for sole (once more), preceded by a golden beet salad with cheese and accompanied by asparagus.
Though Palomar options vegetable-based sides and appetizers, vegetarians and vegans is not going to discover appropriate mains on the menu.
Meals Republic, throughout from Palomar on Deck 17, is my favourite of NCL’s various eating places. For my part, it is also probably the most underrated.
Once I ate there close to the top of my voyage, it was practically empty at 7:30 p.m. — a primary eating time. It appears the difficulty is that cruisers do not fairly perceive what the venue provides. Folks may also confuse it with Indulge Meals Corridor, which provides related fare and an analogous ordering system however for zero further value.
Meals Republic is a avenue meals restaurant that leans closely Asian. You will be seated once you arrive, and also you order from a touchpad. Gadgets are priced a la carte and will likely be made to order, with every delivered when prepared, relatively than suddenly.
You probably have a eating package deal, you may choose any 4 meals objects, together with desserts. Gadgets are served as small plates. I did not end all the things and nonetheless left completely stuffed. The pork stomach bao buns and edamame are wonderful.
On the flip facet, my least favourite restaurant was Los Lobos, a for-fee Mexican eatery on Deck 8, close to The Native. I am an enormous fan of Mexican delicacies, however once I ate at Los Lobos on fleetmate Norwegian Encore a few month prior, the service was sluggish, and the meals was mediocre. With that in thoughts, I used to be skeptical about consuming there on Viva.
I dined at Lobos twice throughout my voyage. The primary time was a pleasing shock, with the tableside guacamole, tortilla soup and rooster enchiladas de mole serving as highlights.
The second time, nonetheless, each the service and the meals had been missing. Our servers appeared confused when my vegetarian dinner companion requested about meat-free choices, and when my rooster tacos arrived, they appeared gross — mushy and with brown avocado. The one saving grace was the fantastic strawberry frozen margarita I had.
For passengers within the temper for Asian delicacies, Nama sushi and Hasuki teppanyaki on Deck 7 aft are each stable choices. The previous provides for-fee a la carte sushi and sashimi, and the latter encompasses a conventional expertise the place diners sit round a grill to look at a chef cook dinner, carry out tips and inform tacky jokes.
In the event you’re feeling extra like an evening in, you may order room service by hitting the devoted button in your cabin telephone. From 10 a.m. to six:30 a.m., the menu consists of decisions like rooster soup, a number of salads, fruit and cheese plates, sandwiches, burgers, sizzling canine, pizza, spaghetti, flank steak, roasted rooster, tilapia, and a handful of desserts. For the youngsters, there are objects like macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and rooster fingers.
Room service is not free on Norwegian Cruise Line ships, and a $9.95 surcharge applies to all deliveries, together with a 20% supply cost. (Word that this isn’t a tip.) Order sufficient objects to make it value the fee. Though tipping is just not anticipated, it is good to supply a few {dollars} to the crew member who delivers your meal.
Breakfast — together with continental choices — is obtainable from 6:30 to 10 a.m. for $4.95, plus a 20% supply cost.
Once I positioned a late-night order for an 11-inch pizza, a cheese plate, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it value me $11.94, and it took an hour and 13 minutes to reach. The pizza was lukewarm with manner an excessive amount of garlic, and the sandwich bread was stale.
Nevertheless, once I ordered room service breakfast one morning, it arrived 5 minutes forward of the earliest supply time I chosen, and the French toast was tasty.
Norwegian Viva bars
Though it is not a bar the place you should buy alcohol, Starbucks was my favourite hang-out on Norwegian Viva. Discovered within the atrium on Deck 7, it is a good central assembly spot that took care of my each day caffeine repair.
Sadly, espresso there is not coated by the essential alcohol package deal that is included with most fares. (That is one thing I am going to by no means perceive, provided that it prices much less than simply about any alcohol besides beer. The identical is true for bottled water, which additionally is not included.) On the intense facet, in case you have a Wi-Fi package deal and funds preloaded in your Starbucks app, you may pay that manner and earn stars.
One deck down, immediately below Starbucks, is the Whiskey Bar. There, passengers can discover a number of whiskeys. I want candy drinks, so I went with peanut butter whiskey and membership soda. You’ll want to say hiya to Craig — the most effective bartenders I’ve ever had on a ship — who warned me that including easy syrup to the combo would make it too candy. I made a decision to belief him, and I am glad I did.
The Metropolitan Bar on Deck 7, which regularly hosts dwell music, infrequently appeared crowded. That is unlucky as a result of the idea is exclusive in that it recycles leftover galley objects into drink components and garnishes so they do not go to waste.
The menu contains 11 drinks created with watermelon rind cordial, spent espresso floor cordial, banana peel syrup and pineapple peel. I examined the Cucumber Cool — vodka, elderflower liqueur, lime juice and cucumber pulp cordial — and liked it. On the wall throughout from the bar is a cool digital artwork set up that senses when folks cross by.
If you end up meandering on Deck 8’s Oceanwalk, you may think about stopping at Soleil Bar, discovered all the best way aft overlooking the wake. It is an amazing area, however it lacks shade in an enormous manner. I suppose meaning its title is becoming, however it may be brutal to take a seat there in warm-weather locations. On my Italy crusing, I used to be drenched in sweat inside 5 minutes of arriving.
Do you have to determine you’d relatively drink indoors and out of the solar, make your method to the close by Luna Bar, positioned inside Indulge Meals Corridor.
The upscale Belvedere Bar is a good place to seize a predinner drink when you’re eating on the close by Commodore Room, and the Penrose Bar serves as a central watering gap for anybody taking in dwell music or taking part in actions on Deck 6 of the Penrose Atrium. There’s additionally a bar within the on line casino and one by the pool (Waves Pool Bar).
Searching for a spot to hang around with a drink and your ideas? Take a look at the Humidor Cigar Lounge, which is outfitted with couches, chairs and a number of cigars; the Remark Lounge, which has a bar, afternoon snacks and sweeping views; or the Studio Lounge or Haven Lounge when you’re booked in a cabin that grants you entry to both one.
Norwegian Viva leisure
Norwegian Viva’s onboard diversions are diversified and attention-grabbing. From Broadway-caliber exhibits and dwell music to bounce events, bingo, trivia, video video games, slides and video games like “Deal or No Deal,” there’s so much that graces the Freestyle Each day, Norwegian Viva’s each day schedule of actions.
You’ll be able to actually have enjoyable with out paying extra, however most of the ship’s most noteworthy pastimes include a price ticket. If making an attempt the most recent and flashiest facilities is vital to you, construct some further funds into your trip price range.
Norwegian Viva actions
Free each day actions embody trivia, homicide mysteries, balloon twisting seminars, dance courses, and pool video games and competitions (such because the Mr. Attractive Legs contest). You will additionally discover sports activities tools — cornhole boards, desk tennis paddles and the like — laid out on the deck for passenger use.
The Splash Academy is free for teenagers ages 3 to 17. As talked about earlier, the two-room playroom on Deck 15 is smaller than it needs to be and doesn’t embody a teen membership. Teen actions happen across the ship. Workers members set out toys for infants and toddlers to take pleasure in with their mother and father or caregivers at choose occasions.
Norwegian Viva has three swimming pools which might be open to everybody: a important pool on Deck 17 (with two sizzling tubs) and two infinity swimming pools on the perimeters of Deck 8’s Oceanwalk space. All of them felt small for the scale of the ship, significantly on sea days. All swimming pools have accessible lifts, however not one of the sizzling tubs do.
A youngsters splash space is on Deck 18, close to the doorway to The Wave waterslide. Two dry slides — The Drop and The Rush — spiral 10 decks down the facet of the ship. The doorway for these can be on Deck 18. All slides are complimentary.
The Haven suite complicated additionally has a personal wake-facing pool and sizzling tubs on decks 16 and 17 for passengers booked in The Haven suite enclave.
NCL is infamous for charging further for all the things from eating to actions, and Norwegian Viva isn’t any exception. Though nightly leisure is free, most of the finest daytime actions include an extra price ticket.
Most of the ship’s extra-fee points of interest could be discovered on higher decks 17 and 18. There, you may discover the adults-only Vibe Seashore Membership on Deck 17. The road expenses a fairly penny for entry to this devoted space with sizzling tubs, solar loungers and a bar. (However do not be fooled; simply because it is unique does not imply it is non-public. Different passengers can look proper into the area from Deck 18.)
Up on Deck 18 is the Tee Time miniature golf course. Norwegian turned the primary cruise line to cost for minigolf — free on all different ships which have it — when it launched its Prima Class vessels. A single spherical at Tee Time on the course’s 9 holes prices $5 per individual, and groups can accommodate as much as six folks.
Once you swipe your card, a machine dispenses a bodily ball (no enjoyable colours, which is disappointing) with an digital part tied to your title. Once you place your ball within the designated place to begin on every inexperienced, it acknowledges who you might be. (It might be tremendous enjoyable to have just a few drinks earlier than enjoying a spherical throughout which you swap balls with your pals.)
Digital screens hold rating for everybody, and arbitrary factors are awarded for feats my teammates and I by no means did work out. The sensors are ultrasensitive; when you transfer your ball, even to place it a membership’s head away from the wall, it may depend as a stroke.
Viva’s model was an attention-grabbing and typically infuriating method to play. Finally, I want common minigolf. This can be a prime instance of, “If it ain’t broke, do not repair it.”
One other unusual flex on Prima Class ships is The Bull’s Eye, a collection of semiprivate areas that teams of as much as six folks can lease to play darts for 50 minutes for $10 per individual. The underwhelming sport space was not crowded once I handed via on my method to Tee Time, which shares the identical area.
Additionally on Deck 18 is the doorway to Viva Speedway, the ship’s go-kart observe. From there, you may signal as much as drive, test in on your reservation or head up one deck to seize a drink on the Viva Speedway Bar so you could have one thing to sip on as you watch drivers zoom previous.
It is enjoyable to expertise the go-karts as soon as, however for me, they don’t seem to be a lot of a thrill after the primary time. (For security causes, Norwegian has dampened the utmost pace on them, so they seem to be a bit on the sluggish facet.)
The Galaxy Pavilion on Deck 17 ahead is an attraction carried over from NCL’s Breakaway Plus Class ships. It is house to a number of video video games, digital actuality experiences and two escape rooms. Video games could be performed a la carte, and the escape rooms, which value $24 per individual, put teams of as much as six folks right into a locked room for 45 minutes or till they clear up clues wanted to permit for his or her escape.
Searching for one thing free to do on Deck 18? Take a look at The Stadium, a big alcove of video games like desk shuffleboard, desk tennis, foosball and beer pong — however with out the beer. You will additionally discover a pickleball court docket, in addition to Subsoccer tables that help you play soccer towards a single opponent whereas seated and searching down via a transparent desk.
The 2-level Mandara Spa can be close by, with an entrance on Deck 16. Along with for-fee remedies (massages, manicures, pedicures), the ship provides a beautiful and expanded thermal suite that has salt and steam rooms, a sauna, a large cut up thalassotherapy pool, an ice room, heated tile loungers, and extra. On my crusing, thermal suite passes had been $339 per individual for nine-day entry.
The state-of-the-art health middle options yoga tools, free weights and Technogym machines like bikes, ellipticals, rowers and treadmills. Gymnasium use is free, however some train courses value further.
You’ll be able to spend or probably win cash on the Deck 6 on line casino or at bingo video games hosted all through the cruise.
Word that the ship doesn’t have laser tag or a basketball court docket, as do different NCL ships.
Norwegian Viva exhibits
Two of Norwegian Viva’s prime exhibits weren’t prepared once I sailed on the ship’s inaugural crusing. Broadway present “Beetlejuice” was in tech rehearsals on the time, and an onboard rendition of the favored sport present “Press Your Luck” additionally hadn’t debuted.
Ken Davis, who produces the leisure for Norwegian’s new-builds, informed me in an unique interview that “Beetlejuice” brings with it the unique inventive crew from the present’s run on Broadway. That features the affiliate director, in addition to the unique costume designers and choreographers.
They’ve needed to adapt the present to suit on the Viva Theater’s smaller stage, in fact, however that has allowed the crew the flexibleness to tweak issues they did not like in regards to the unique model. So, when it debuts — providing two exhibits on every of two nights throughout a typical voyage for 4 complete performances — the present guarantees to be even higher than the unique.
“Icons” is an unique present that includes dancers and singers who carry out tunes by iconic musical artists. It runs a minimum of as soon as per seven-night voyage, with two present occasions within the Viva Theater.
On my cruise, the ship provided a few unpolished performances, and what I noticed was extremely lackluster. The present options six gifted singers in sparkly outfits belting out songs from vocal superstars like Bruno Mars, Celine Dion, Elton John and Woman Gaga. The consequence was stale and outdated, missing the trendy aptitude and polish of most new-ship exhibits.
In a one-on-one interview, Julie Valeriote, Norwegian’s director of leisure operations, divulged that the present will ultimately contain a distinct stage structure with a thrust to attach the performers extra intently with their viewers, who will likely be seated at tables all through the area.
What’s attention-grabbing in regards to the Viva Theater & Membership is that the venue can rework from an auditorium-style setup to at least one the place the seats are partially condensed or totally tucked away like bleachers, changing the venue right into a membership with a dance ground. A part of the rationale “Press Your Luck” and “Icons” weren’t totally prepared is as a result of the stage and seating layouts could not be modified whereas “Beetlejuice” was in tech rehearsals.
Syd Norman’s Pour Home, which debuted on Norwegian Breakaway in 2018 and provides tribute performances by a incredible band, additionally returns on Norwegian Viva. Syd Norman, a fictional character whose face seems on the lounge’s emblem, attracts from the personas of membership house owners who discovered success throughout rock ‘n’ roll’s heyday.
Inside, you may discover a small stage, a bar, partitions adorned with rock memorabilia, and some tables with deliberately mismatched chairs and stools. In truth, seating is in such brief provide that if you aren’t getting to the membership a minimum of half-hour previous to showtime, you may be standing. The place is so standard that when you do not arrive a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes forward of time, you will not even be capable of get via the doorways.
The performances are out of this world, headlined by a forged of 4 phenomenal singers who gave me goosebumps. The present you actually will not wish to miss is “Rumours,” the place the quartet jams out to each observe from Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album, full with interludes highlighting a few of the band’s real-life struggles. Even when you’re not an enormous Fleetwood Mac fan, it is best to nonetheless take a look at the present or any of the quartet’s different performances.
Different nighttime occasions embody membership dance events in each the principle theater and Syd Norman’s, comedy in the principle theater and devoted comedy venue Improv at Sea, and rotating acts that keep on board for just a few sailings. On my voyage, I noticed violinist Christopher Watkins, who performs well-known songs on a violin adorned with greater than 1,000 Swarovski crystals.
Each night, you may additionally discover loads of dwell music all through the ship. Verify the Freestyle Each day or the NCL app for particulars.
Norwegian Viva itineraries and pricing
Norwegian Viva splits its time between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. When it is positioned in North America in the course of the winter months (roughly mid-November via mid-April), it units sail from house ports in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Galveston, Texas. When it repositions to Europe for the remainder of the yr, it spends most of its time crusing from Piraeus, the port for Athens, Greece. It additionally provides a number of voyages from Rome, Istanbul and Barcelona.
Fares for a nine-night Mediterranean cruise in October 2025 from Piraeus to Istanbul begin at $171 per individual, per evening for an inside cabin. Costs for a seven-night Caribbean itinerary in February 2026 start at $152 per individual, per evening for an inside cabin.
Word: Costs had been correct on the time of publication and are topic to alter with out discover.
What to know earlier than you go
Required paperwork
In the event you’re a U.S. citizen departing on a Norwegian Viva cruise in Europe, you will need to have a passport for journey. For round-trip sailings from San Juan, you should use your unique delivery certificates and a government-issued picture ID, corresponding to a driver’s license. Nevertheless, we suggest passports in all conditions. In the event you’re utilizing a passport, it will need to have a minimum of six months’ validity from the day your voyage ends.
Gratuities
Norwegian Viva provides computerized surcharges of $20 to $25 per individual, per day to ultimate payments, relying in your cabin class. Passengers can tweak the quantity up or down on the visitor providers desk earlier than the ultimate morning of the crusing, however they are going to be required to fill out a kind. A 20% gratuity can be tacked onto bar, spa and specialty restaurant purchases.
Wi-Fi
Most Norwegian bookings embody fundamental ship Wi-Fi within the value of the fares. Cruisers who do not have it included or passengers who wish to improve to a streaming package deal must pay. The fee varies by ship and itinerary, however it’s typically dear, starting from roughly $30 to $35 per individual, per day, relying in your wants. You may save just a few {dollars} by reserving a Wi-Fi package deal earlier than you embark.
Carry-on drinks coverage
Passengers are allowed to deliver their very own bottles of wine on Norwegian Viva, however they’re going to be charged a corkage price of $15 per bottle. Passengers aren’t allowed to deliver nonalcoholic drinks on board.
Smoking coverage
Norwegian Viva offers particular areas for people who smoke to mild up cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes. They embody the on line casino, the Humidor Cigar Lounge (cigars solely) and a coated spot on Deck 18.
Laundry
Norwegian Viva does not provide self-service laundry services. Cruisers can, as a substitute, pay an additional price for send-out laundry or dry-cleaning providers. Housekeeping will return your garments in a day or so until you pay further for expedited providers.
Generally, the ship provides laundry offers, permitting passengers to fill a bag with as many garments as they’ll match for a set value. Members of sure tiers of the road’s Latitudes Rewards loyalty program obtain free or discounted laundry providers.
Electrical retailers
Cabins on Norwegian Viva are geared up with each North American-style 110-volt retailers and European-style 220-volt retailers, in addition to USB ports. In my room, there was one USB port on every of the 2 bedside studying lamps. Close to the vainness, there have been additionally three North American retailers, one European-style outlet, one USB-A outlet and one USB-C outlet.
Forex
Norwegian Viva’s onboard foreign money is the U.S. greenback. Passengers can withdraw money from onboard ATMs however pays a hefty surcharge.
The ship is cashless, so you may use your room keycard like a cost card to make purchases, that are then charged to your onboard account.
Ingesting age
The consuming age on Norwegian Viva is 21. If their mother and father are crusing, passengers 18 to twenty years outdated can drink beer and wine in worldwide waters with a signed waiver.
Costume code
Norwegian Cruise Line has no formal nights. “Freestyle” cruising, a time period the road coined, means you may put on absolutely anything wherever and everytime you’d like.
Daytime apparel typically consists of T-shirts and denims or shorts. At dinnertime, cruisers may select to placed on khakis with collared shirts or sundresses; it is often informal, although. Taking part in dress-up is solely non-compulsory.
Backside line
Though passengers pays further for a lot of issues on Norwegian Viva, and a few of the ship’s public areas aren’t massive sufficient to accommodate demand, the vessel continues to be an exquisite second iteration of the road’s Prima Class.
The art work is enjoyable, the meals is essentially scrumptious, and with “Beetlejuice” and Syd Norman’s “Rumours” headlining the leisure, passengers won’t ever be bored, day or evening.
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