Norwegian Viva overview: What to anticipate on Norwegian Cruise Line’s second Prima Class ship

Norwegian Cruise Line‘s Norwegian Viva takes one of the best of the whole lot about NCL and wraps it up in a classy package deal that gives nice meals, pleasant service, compelling leisure and trendy, stylish design. The ship, a part of Norwegian’s Prima Class, is fascinating in that, whereas some facets 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 children 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 supply a barely smaller model of the cruise expertise discovered on the road’s Breakaway and Breakaway Plus lessons.

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 most important 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 generally felt crowded. The swimming pools weren’t massive sufficient, it was tough to snag reservations for go-karts and escape rooms, and a few efficiency venues had been standing room solely.

I started to marvel, as my colleague did when he sailed Norwegian Prima, has the road made its latest ships too small?

This is a recap of the whole lot you may have to know earlier than a voyage on Norwegian Viva, from meals and leisure to the sorts of cabins out there, in addition to what stood out and what you may need 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 lessons 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 quite a bit right into a ship that, at occasions, feels equal components spacious and crowded.

On my crusing, it was clear that the ship attracts plenty of households — one thing that grew to become apparent when youngsters recurrently overran public areas. (The ship would not have a devoted teen membership, which implies they hang around wherever they need. That is high quality in the event that they’re effectively behaved; on my voyage, they weren’t.)

General, it is a energetic vessel with heaps to do.

What I beloved about Norwegian Viva

Indulge Meals Corridor

Indulge Meals Corridor was launched on Norwegian Prima and makes a return look on Viva, and it shortly grew to become my favourite eating venue.

The waiter-served meals courtroom expertise at Indulge combines among the greatest restaurant choices from across the fleet in order that cruisers can strive a little bit of the whole lot. 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 just like what you possibly can order at Bayamo on Norwegian Escape. I am a giant fan of the Indian dishes from Tamara.

Norwegian Prima includes 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.

The most effective 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 a further complimentary meals choice, however among the meals out there there comes with a charge on the corresponding stand-alone eating places (Q and Bayamo, for instance) on different ships.

Solo cabins and lounge

Like lots of the vessels that got here earlier than it, Norwegian Viva consists of 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 shade palette is worlds away from the stark white with inexperienced and purple hues that punctuate earlier variations. And that aesthetic carries by 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. toes of house. They’re small however snug and thoughtfully furnished, providing full-size beds, desk/self-importance house and open-concept closets. Loos don’t have any foremost doorways as a result of why would you want privateness for those who’re touring alone?

Atrium

Norwegian Viva’s Penrose Atrium on Deck 6 is lighter, brighter and has a extra open feeling than among the atriums on ships in Norwegian’s different lessons. It feels just like the ceilings aren’t as low, and the house lacks the darkish colours that may make different atriums induce a sense of claustrophobia. It is a way more nice (albeit louder) house than on a few of Norwegian’s earlier vessels.

Moreover a peaceable white, tan and inexperienced shade scheme, the house, 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, a number of retailers, 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 trying to find clues that permit them to flee.

A gaggle of mates and I selected a magic-themed expertise that had us looking for a lacking magician. Though the crew member managing the expertise mentioned we did the whole lot appropriately, an tools glitch prevented us from really succeeding, which was a disgrace however not fully sudden on a brand-new vessel nonetheless understanding the kinks.

Finally, it is a enjoyable exercise to do with mates or household.

Wi-Fi

For cruisers who like to remain linked on trip, the onboard Wi-Fi scenario is commonly a supply of stress. Will the connection be stable? Will you have the ability to publish, stream and examine e-mail or attend a Zoom assembly?

On Viva, I had a Wi-Fi plan, powered by Starlink, that allowed streaming for 2 units throughout my voyage. I am pleased to report that the connection was nice. It was my first time on a ship the place I wasn’t always disconnected, and the service was stable for the whole lot from FaceTime calls to watching Netflix.

Costs are steep, although. You’ll be able to activate one gadget for common internet shopping, checking emails and messaging for $29.99 per day. To buy a package deal with streaming and VPN entry for one gadget, it is $39.99 per day. A second gadget could be added for $15.99 per day or $25.99 per day, respectively. 4-device packages are additionally out there, however charges usually are not posted. Costs are topic to alter by itinerary.

What I did not love about Norwegian Viva

Allocation of house

I like that Norwegian has tried to outfit its ships with extra out of doors areas that do not essentially contain swimming pools and waterslides, however I am starting to marvel if the latter have suffered because of this.

The experiment started on Norwegian Breakaway in 2012 with The Waterfront, an outside promenade house 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, among the areas — significantly these allotted for out of doors eating — appeared underutilized. In the meantime, the ship’s three small swimming pools had been virtually at all times crowded, particularly on sea days. My crusing was solely two-thirds full; that does not bode effectively for occasions when the vessel is bought out.

A few of the extra in-demand indoor areas are additionally insufficiently sized. Common rock membership Syd Norman’s Pour Home is usually standing room solely. In case you do not present up half-hour earlier than showtime, you may not 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 by 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 children membership, looks as if an afterthought on Norwegian Viva. As an alternative of devoted areas for every age group, the services lump all kids, ages 6 months to 17 years, into simply two rooms. Youth counselors set up age-appropriate actions for the 3- to 12-year-old set (suppose dance events, arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts), however they nonetheless share the identical house, which feels inappropriate.

Guppies, which usually caters to children from 6 months to 2 years outdated, has no set house on board. Toys are laid out to be used by kids and their mother and father when the 2 present rooms usually are not in use.

The ship takes an identical tack with tweens and youths. Entourage, the teenager membership, has no particular residence on Norwegian Viva. Though actions are scheduled for ages 13 to 17, they happen everywhere in 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.

Format

I perceive that any new ship takes a number of days to determine, however among the structure on Norwegian Viva nonetheless would not make sense to me, even after 9 days on board.

Some areas aren’t symmetrical, so do not be shocked for those who overshoot your vacation spot for those who’re strolling on the flawed facet of the ship. (I am speaking about you, Le Bistro.) Entrances to the Oceanwalk out of doors promenade space are plentiful but in addition arduous to search out in sure areas.

Moreover, the on line casino is sort of a maze. Do not feel unhealthy if you end up at a lifeless finish the primary time you cross by; it occurs to most of us. In case you’re making an attempt to make your option to Deck 18 from the entrance of the ship, you may have to go aft after which make your means up — seemingly by strolling partway by the buffet, which is awkward (and irritating for those who’re combating crowds throughout peak occasions).

Then there are the site visitors move points. It is tough to maneuver your means across the seating space by Starbucks in Deck 7’s atrium, and since there isn’t any simple means throughout it, you possibly can neglect 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 by The Native, a 24-hour eatery that serves free pub grub and is, surprisingly, cut up into two sections. When looking for The Native, I unwittingly walked proper by 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 triggered congestion within the house.

Noise

In case you’re somebody who craves quiet time to learn, play playing cards or simply chill out, Norwegian Viva is just not your ship. There is no such thing as a onboard card room, library or in any other case serene house. (Books can be found to learn in your digital units through the Libby app, which is neat, but it surely’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 courtroom, households loudly taking part in 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 after I wanted some quiet time, however I had a connecting room, and I may hear virtually 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 mentioned noise was a difficulty for them.

Even locations just like the spa, which ought to have been quiet, lacked soundproofing. After I walked into my therapy room for a therapeutic massage, I heard what seemed like effervescent water. I assumed it was some kind of sound machine, however after I requested the therapist, she mentioned it was the plumbing from the lads’s locker room. It was sort of soothing till folks flushed the bathrooms, 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 effectively positioned straight over the thermal suite’s heated loungers.

Lacking fish

Followers of Norwegian Cruise Line will seemingly know all in regards to the fish discovered on the carpet in cabin corridors on the road’s ships. In case you’re misplaced, simply have a look at which means 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, but it surely’s nonetheless disappointing as a result of it was a whimsical means wherein NCL set itself other than different cruise traces.

Norwegian Viva cabins and suites

Norwegian Viva’s cabins encompass all the usual choices: inside (no home windows), exterior or ocean view (with a window), balcony (a sliding-glass door and out of doors balcony house), 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 type a queen (besides studios, which have one static full-size mattress); an arrogance and desk space with a mirror, electrical shops and a hair dryer; closet and drawer house; and an interactive TV with dwell exhibits, films (many free however some for a charge), 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.

Normal loos are shower-only with doorways slightly than curtains. Additionally they embrace a bathroom, a sink, space for storing for toiletry gadgets, 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 obtainable by telephone for those who want extras like recent towels or extra hangers. They may 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 self-importance, in addition to a minifridge. What really impressed me about my digs had been the astronomically snug mattress, the variety of hooks for hanging gadgets all through the cabin, the intense lighting (together with an illuminated make-up mirror on the self-importance), the variety of electrical shops and the quantity of space for storing, each within the closet and within the rest room.

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 change 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 loos.

Norwegian Viva eating places and bars

Norwegian Viva homes greater than a dozen locations to eat and likewise greater than a dozen bars, so there are many selections for even the pickiest of palates.

Probably the most noteworthy facets of eating on this ship is that you do not have to shell out further funds to have really excellent meals. The meals you may discover within the two foremost eating rooms, the 24-hour pub and the meals corridor is fairly darn tasty — and it will not value you an additional cent.

In case you do need to strive a number of 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 normally value further.

Norwegian Viva eating places

Free meals

The Commodore Room and Hudson’s are the ship’s two complimentary foremost eating rooms on decks 6 and seven aft, respectively. The menu modifications each day and is identical 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, that means you possibly can present as much as eat at any time you need 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 gadgets from a touchscreen menu, just like an iPad. Waiters will convey every dish as you order it.

The parts are typically small, so you possibly can strive a number of dishes. It’s normal for passengers to order a few gadgets, eat them after which order a pair extra. I extremely advocate the guacamole as a starter and one thing from the Tamara Indian menu, adopted by a pulled pork sandwich from Q Texas Smokehouse you probably 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 possibly can sit and order meals. Each areas have big-screen TVs the place you possibly can watch sporting occasions. Separating the areas and serving as a passageway between the 2 is a small vestibule with a number of arcade video games.

What’s nice about The Native is that it is open almost 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 similar to Caesar salads.

Surfside Cafe and Grill is the ship’s commonplace buffet venue, serving a wide range of meals from self-serve stations on Deck 17 midship. As a result of Norwegian Viva additionally has The Native and Indulge, the house devoted to the standard buffet is smaller than on different cruise ships. I did not eat a single meal there as a result of after I ventured inside, it was so crowded that individuals 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 foremost eating room for passengers booked in The Haven suite advanced. It is open each day to passengers with entry, and it includes a set menu for your complete crusing.

Free comfortable serve ice cream machines could be discovered within the buffet and outdoors on Oceanwalk, close to Indulge. Chocolate, vanilla and twist are provided, and the ice cream is vegan. The machines usually are not out there 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 vibrant ambiance with mild blue accents and high-end decor, together with large floor-to-ceiling crystal chandeliers which might be gorgeous. There is no gown code to dine at Le Bistro, however you may need to embrace the expertise by making an effort.

I am usually 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 case you’re somebody who would not eat meat, fish or seafood, you may contemplate eating elsewhere.

Ever a fan of carbohydrates, I loved Italian-influenced Onda tremendously. It was a pleasant night time 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 (just 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 almost 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 battle by the buffet to succeed in 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, but it surely’s heavier on the seafood finish. Select from oysters, grilled jumbo prawns, grilled octopus and several other salads for appetizers. Mains embrace sea scallops, sea bass, filet mignon, New York strip and an entire grilled lobster, with sides similar 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 won’t discover appropriate mains on the menu.

Meals Republic, throughout from Palomar on Deck 17, is my favourite of NCL’s various eating places. In my view, it is also one of the vital underrated.

After I ate there close to the tip of my voyage, it was almost empty at 7:30 p.m. — a major eating time. It appears the problem is that cruisers do not fairly perceive what the venue provides. Individuals may additionally confuse it with Indulge Meals Corridor, which provides related fare and an identical ordering system however for zero further value.

Meals Republic is a road meals restaurant that leans closely Asian. You will be seated if you arrive, and also you order from a touchpad. Objects are priced a la carte and shall be made to order, with every delivered when prepared, slightly than all of sudden.

If in case you have a eating package deal, you possibly can choose any 4 meals gadgets, together with desserts. Objects are served as small plates. I did not end the whole lot and nonetheless left completely stuffed. The pork stomach bao buns and edamame are glorious.

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 after 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 includes a conventional expertise the place diners sit round a grill to observe a chef cook dinner, carry out tips and inform tacky jokes.

In case you’re feeling extra like an evening in, you possibly can 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 selections like rooster soup, a collection of salads, fruit and cheese plates, sandwiches, burgers, sizzling canines, pizza, spaghetti, flank steak, roasted rooster, tilapia, and a handful of desserts. For the children, there are gadgets 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. (Notice that this isn’t a tip.) Order sufficient gadgets 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.

After 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 means an excessive amount of garlic, and the sandwich bread was stale.

Nevertheless, after 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 lined by the essential alcohol package deal that is included with most fares. (That is one thing I am going to by no means perceive, on condition 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, you probably have a Wi-Fi package deal and funds preloaded in your Starbucks app, you possibly can pay that means and earn stars.

One deck down, straight below Starbucks, is the Whiskey Bar. There, passengers can discover a collection of whiskeys. I want candy drinks, so I went with peanut butter whiskey and membership soda. Remember to say hey to Craig — among the finest bartenders I’ve ever had on a ship — who warned me that including easy syrup to the combination 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, hardly appeared crowded. That is unlucky as a result of the idea is exclusive in that it recycles leftover galley gadgets into drink substances and garnishes so they do not go to waste.

The menu includes 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 beloved 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 contemplate stopping at Soleil Bar, discovered all the best way aft overlooking the wake. It is a fantastic house, but it surely lacks shade in a giant means. I suppose meaning its identify is becoming, however it may be brutal to sit down 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 resolve you’d slightly drink indoors and out of the solar, make your option to the close by Luna Bar, positioned inside Indulge Meals Corridor.

The upscale Belvedere Bar is a superb place to seize a predinner drink for those who’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).

On the lookout 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 collection of cigars; the Remark Lounge, which has a bar, afternoon snacks and sweeping views; or the Studio Lounge or Haven Lounge for those who’re booked in a cabin that grants you entry to both one.

Norwegian Viva leisure

Norwegian Viva’s onboard diversions are assorted and fascinating. From Broadway-caliber exhibits and dwell music to bop events, bingo, trivia, video video games, slides and video games like “Deal or No Deal,” there’s quite a bit that graces the Freestyle Day by day, Norwegian Viva’s each day schedule of actions.

You’ll be able to definitely have enjoyable with out paying extra, however lots of the ship’s most noteworthy pastimes include a price ticket. If making an attempt the latest and flashiest facilities is vital to you, construct some further funds into your trip funds.

Norwegian Viva actions

Free each day actions embrace trivia, homicide mysteries, balloon twisting seminars, dance lessons, and pool video games and competitions (such because the Mr. Horny 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 embrace a teen membership. Teen actions happen across the ship. Employees 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 foremost pool on Deck 17 (with two sizzling tubs) and two infinity swimming pools on the edges 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 children 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 also be on Deck 18. All slides are complimentary.

The Haven suite advanced 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 the whole lot from eating to actions, and Norwegian Viva isn’t any exception. Though nightly leisure is free, lots of the greatest daytime actions include a further 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 costs 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 doesn’t suggest it is non-public. Different passengers can look proper into the house from Deck 18.)

Up on Deck 18 is the Tee Time miniature golf course. Norwegian grew to become 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.

While you swipe your card, a machine dispenses a bodily ball (no enjoyable colours, which is disappointing) with an digital part tied to your identify. While you place your ball within the designated place to begin on every inexperienced, it acknowledges who you’re. (It might be tremendous enjoyable to have a number of drinks earlier than taking part in 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 determine. The sensors are ultrasensitive; for those who transfer your ball, even to place it a membership’s head away from the wall, it may rely as a stroke.

Viva’s model was an fascinating and generally infuriating option 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 after I handed by on my option to Tee Time, which shares the identical house.

Additionally on Deck 18 is the doorway to Viva Speedway, the ship’s go-kart observe. From there, you possibly can signal as much as drive, examine in to your reservation or head up one deck to seize a drink on the Viva Speedway Bar so you have got 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 residence to a collection 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 remedy clues wanted to permit for his or her escape.

On the lookout 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 courtroom, in addition to Subsoccer tables that assist you to play soccer in opposition to a single opponent whereas seated and looking out down by a transparent desk.

The 2-level Mandara Spa can also 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. Health club use is free, however some train lessons value further.

You’ll be able to spend or presumably win cash on the Deck 6 on line casino or at bingo video games hosted all through the cruise.

Notice that the ship doesn’t have laser tag or a basketball courtroom, as do different NCL ships.

Norwegian Viva exhibits

Two of Norwegian Viva’s prime exhibits weren’t prepared after 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, instructed me in an unique interview that “Beetlejuice” brings with it the unique inventive group 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, after all, however that has allowed the group 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 proficient 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 special stage structure with a thrust to attach the performers extra carefully with their viewers, who shall be seated at tables all through the house.

What’s fascinating in regards to the Viva Theater & Membership is that the venue can rework from an auditorium-style setup to 1 the place the seats are partially condensed or totally tucked away like bleachers, changing the venue right into a membership with a dance flooring. 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 improbable 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 homeowners 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. The truth is, seating is in such brief provide that if you do not get to the membership a minimum of half-hour previous to showtime, you may be standing. The place is so standard that for those who do not arrive a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes forward of time, you will not even have the ability to get by the doorways.

The performances are out of this world, headlined by a forged of 4 phenomenal singers who gave me goosebumps. The present you really will not need to miss is “Rumours,” the place the quartet jams out to each observe from Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album, full with interludes highlighting among the band’s real-life struggles. Even for those who’re not an enormous Fleetwood Mac fan, it’s best to nonetheless try the present or any of the quartet’s different performances.

Different nighttime occasions embrace 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 a number of 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. Examine the Freestyle Day by 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 through the winter months (roughly mid-November by mid-April), it units sail from residence ports in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Galveston, Texas. When it repositions to Europe for the remainder of the 12 months, it spends most of its time crusing from Piraeus, the port for Athens, Greece. It additionally provides a collection 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 night time for an inside cabin. Costs for a seven-night Caribbean itinerary in February 2026 start at $152 per individual, per night time for an inside cabin.

Notice: 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 case you’re a U.S. citizen departing on a Norwegian Viva cruise in Europe, you should 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, similar to a driver’s license. Nevertheless, we advocate passports in all conditions. In case you’re utilizing a passport, it should have a minimum of six months’ validity from the day your voyage ends.

Gratuities

Norwegian Viva provides automated 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 type. A 20% gratuity can also be tacked onto bar, spa and specialty restaurant purchases.

Wi-Fi

Most Norwegian bookings embrace fundamental ship Wi-Fi within the value of the fares. Cruisers who haven’t got it included or passengers who need to improve to a streaming package deal should pay. The fee varies by ship and itinerary, but it surely’s usually expensive, starting from roughly $30 to $35 per individual, per day, relying in your wants. You can save a number of {dollars} by reserving a Wi-Fi package deal earlier than you embark.

Carry-on drinks coverage

Passengers are allowed to convey their very own bottles of wine on Norwegian Viva, however they’re going to be charged a corkage charge of $15 per bottle. Passengers usually are not allowed to convey nonalcoholic drinks on board.

Smoking coverage

Norwegian Viva offers particular areas for people who smoke to mild up cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes. They embrace the on line casino, the Humidor Cigar Lounge (cigars solely) and a lined spot on Deck 18.

Laundry

Norwegian Viva would not supply self-service laundry services. Cruisers can, as a substitute, pay an additional charge for send-out laundry or dry-cleaning providers. Housekeeping will return your garments in a day or so except 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 shops

Cabins on Norwegian Viva are geared up with each North American-style 110-volt shops and European-style 220-volt shops, in addition to USB ports. In my room, there was one USB port on every of the 2 bedside studying lamps. Close to the self-importance, there have been additionally three North American shops, one European-style outlet, one USB-A outlet and one USB-C outlet.

Foreign money

Norwegian Viva’s onboard forex is the U.S. greenback. Passengers can withdraw money from onboard ATMs however can pay 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.

Consuming 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 possibly can put on absolutely anything wherever and everytime you’d like.

Daytime apparel usually consists of T-shirts and denims or shorts. At dinnertime, cruisers may select to placed on khakis with collared shirts or sundresses; it is normally informal, although. Enjoying dress-up is only non-compulsory.

Backside line

Though passengers can pay further for a lot of issues on Norwegian Viva, and among the ship’s public areas aren’t massive sufficient to accommodate demand, the vessel remains to be an exquisite second iteration of the road’s Prima Class.

The art work is enjoyable, the meals is basically scrumptious, and with “Beetlejuice” and Syd Norman’s “Rumours” headlining the leisure, passengers won’t ever be bored, day or night time.

Have extra cruise questions? TPG has solutions: