Norwegian Viva: A New Era of Cruising

The Norwegian Viva is the line’s newest mega-ship, slated to launch with an impressive array of features in summer 2023. This remarkable ship is set to redefine the cruising experience for travelers seeking adventure and luxury.

Overview of Norwegian Viva

The newest ship from Norwegian Cruise Line will debut in the Mediterranean in June 2023, accommodating over 3,200 passengers. The ship boasts numerous infinity pools, an open-air food hall, and a thrilling outdoor go-kart track, showcasing its commitment to providing an exhilarating journey.

Norwegian Viva was unveiled on January 12, 2022, with exciting itineraries that will explore iconic ports such as Athens and Lisbon, as well as gateways to Italy including Civitavecchia (near Rome) and Trieste (close to Venice). After crossing the Atlantic in November, the Viva will be homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico, starting December 15, 2023.

Unique Amenities and Features

Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO Harry Sommer stated, “We at NCL visit more ports than any other contemporary cruise line, more than Royal [Caribbean], more than Princess, certainly more than Carnival.” This statement reinforces the credibility of the new ship in maintaining the line’s reputation for exploration.

The Viva will feature many of the extravagant amenities found on the previously announced Norwegian Prima. Sommer mentioned that the design of the Prima resonated strongly with guests, leading to a record-breaking launch.

Guests aboard the 3,219-passenger vessel will have a wide range of stateroom options, accommodating different budgets and preferences. Luxurious suites in a dedicated area called The Haven by Norwegian will be among the most coveted choices, offering exclusive amenities such as a private restaurant, sun deck, outdoor spa, and infinity pool.

Sommer remarked, “We’ve found that, for slightly more affluent guests, Haven really is the perfect balance. They can have the big-ship experience while enjoying the benefits of a small ship’s service quality.” This emphasizes the superior customer experience available on board.

Exciting Mediterranean Itineraries

Exciting itineraries on the Viva will include a comprehensive tour of the Mediterranean, hitting ports such as Lisbon, Ibiza, Palma, Barcelona, Florence, Rome, Naples, Sicily, Dubrovnik, Venice, Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Istanbul. This extensive range of stops provides a unique opportunity for immersive cultural experiences.

Diverse Dining Options

The Viva will present an abundance of dining choices, featuring the Indulge Food Hall with 11 distinctive concepts, as well as the Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta, which has gained popularity on the Norwegian Encore. Sommer confirmed that everything introduced on Prima will also be available on Viva, indicating a consistency in culinary excellence.

In total, Viva will offer more than 20 dining venues, catering to various tastes and preferences. Guests can also look forward to the thrilling three-level go-kart track, Viva Speedway, and exciting rides like The Drop and The Rush, further enhancing the onboard experience.

Environmental Considerations

The Viva will employ innovative features aimed at reducing its environmental impact. Following the footsteps of its sister ship, it will include a selective catalytic reduction system to minimize sulfur and nitrogen oxides, aligning with current International Maritime Organization standards. Moreover, the ship’s shore power capabilities could significantly lower emissions in port by utilizing cleaner energy from the grid.

Set to commence on June 15, 2023, Norwegian Viva will offer eight-, nine-, and 10-day trips, beginning with a nine-day journey from Lisbon to Civitavecchia, Italy, near Rome. Rates start at $2,099 per person, allowing travelers an exciting opportunity to explore the Mediterranean in style.