Norwegian Viva review: What to expect on Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2nd Prima Class ship

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Editor’s note: TPG’s Ashley Kosciolek accepted a free trip from Norwegian Cruise Line to sail on Norwegian Viva’s inaugural cruise. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren’t subject to review by the line.

Norwegian Cruise Line‘s Norwegian Viva takes the best of everything about NCL and wraps it up in a stylish package that offers great food, friendly service, compelling entertainment and modern, classy design. The ship, part of Norwegian’s new Prima Class, is interesting in that, while some aspects of the ship experience have shrunk, others have expanded.

The vessel itself is smaller than ships in the line’s previous class, and although it’s family-friendly, it also houses a downsized version of the Splash Academy kids club, which lacks dedicated teen spaces. However, the ship has seen growth in the way of a larger onboard suite area with a better location and one of the fleet’s largest go-kart tracks — something the Prima Class adopted from previous hardware.

Norwegian Viva is the second ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Class. There isn’t much that differentiates Norwegian Viva from its slightly older sister,  Norwegian Prima. Both offer a slightly smaller version of the cruise experience found on the line’s Breakaway and Breakaway Plus Classes.

What sets the two ships apart are minor elements like art installations, one fewer onboard Starbucks location and added seating capacity at Indulge Food Hall. But perhaps the biggest differentiator is the entertainment, with the ship offering a version of the Broadway show “Beetlejuice.”

I sailed on a nine-night voyage when the ship was at roughly two-thirds of its capacity and was disappointed to note the ship sometimes felt crowded. The pools weren’t large enough, it was difficult to snag reservations for go-karts and escape rooms, and some performance venues were standing room only.

I began to wonder, as my colleague did when he sailed Norwegian Prima, has the line made its newest ships too small?

Here’s a recap of everything you’ll need to know before a voyage on Norwegian Viva, from food and entertainment to the types of cabins available, as well as what stood out and what you might want to avoid.

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Overview of Norwegian Viva

At 143,535 gross registered tons and carrying 3,099 passengers at double occupancy, Norwegian Viva is smaller than the last two classes of ships NCL rolled out, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s small.

With dozens of restaurants and bars, a theater, a comedy club, a dedicated rock ‘n’ roll venue, a virtual reality gaming center and a top-deck go-kart track, Norwegian has managed to pack a lot into a ship that, at times, feels equal parts spacious and crowded.

On my sailing, it was clear that the ship attracts lots of families — something that became obvious when teenagers regularly overran public areas. (The ship doesn’t have a dedicated teen club, which means they hang out wherever they want. That’s fine if they’re well behaved; on my voyage, they weren’t.)

Overall, it’s a lively vessel with lots to do.

What I loved about Norwegian Viva

Indulge Food Hall

Indulge Food Hall was introduced on Norwegian Prima and makes a return appearance on Viva, and it quickly became my favorite dining venue.

The waiter-served food court experience at Indulge combines some of the best restaurant offerings from around the fleet so that cruisers can try a bit of everything. There’s an abridged version of Q Texas Smokehouse, serving pulled pork sandwiches a la Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss. There’s also a food truck that serves small plates similar to what you can order at Bayamo on Norwegian Escape. I’m a big fan of the Indian dishes from Tamara.

Norwegian Prima features a Starbucks at Indulge, but the food hall concept proved so popular that the line removed the coffee shop on Viva to make room for more tables.

After you seat yourself, you place your order via a touchscreen, and the food arrives in a few minutes.

The best part is that the food is free. That’s particularly notable for a line like Norwegian, which is notorious for its nickel-and-diming. Not only does Indulge Food Hall provide an additional complimentary food option, but some of the food available there comes with a fee at the corresponding stand-alone restaurants (Q and Bayamo, for example) on other ships.

Solo cabins and lounge

Like many of the vessels that came before it, Norwegian Viva includes studio cabins for one — something the line has worked to improve since its first iteration on Norwegian Epic in 2010. What’s special about Viva’s version is that they feel just as upscale as the rest of the ship’s cabins.

The neutral color palette is worlds away from the stark white with green and purple hues that punctuate previous versions. And that aesthetic carries through to the Studio Lounge, a space exclusive to passengers booked in studio cabins.

The ship has 73 staterooms for solos, each coming in at 93 square feet of space. They’re small but comfortable and thoughtfully furnished, offering full-size beds, desk/vanity space and open-concept closets. Bathrooms have no main doors because why would you need privacy if you’re traveling alone?

Norwegian Viva’s Penrose Atrium on Deck 6 is lighter, brighter and has a more open feeling than some of the atriums on ships in Norwegian’s other classes. It feels like the ceilings aren’t as low, and the space lacks the dark colors that can make other atriums induce a feeling of claustrophobia. It’s a much more pleasant (albeit louder) space than on some of Norwegian’s previous vessels.

Besides a peaceful white, tan and green color scheme, the space, which rises three decks, has comfortable seating — try the felt loungers — and tables. There’s also a central banquette on Deck 6, and a glass light fixture evokes a sky filled with midcentury modern stars. Sprinkled throughout the area are the ship’s whiskey bar, a stand-alone Starbucks counter, a few shops and desks for Wi-Fi assistance, guest services and shore excursions.

Escape rooms

One of the highlights of more recent NCL ships is Galaxy Pavilion, and there’s one on Norwegian Viva. In addition to a slew of added-fee virtual reality games, it also has two upcharge escape rooms that accommodate up to six people who are OK with being locked in for 45 minutes while hunting for clues that allow them to escape.

A group of friends and I chose a magic-themed experience that had us trying to find a missing magician. Although the crew member managing the experience said we did everything correctly, an equipment glitch prevented us from actually succeeding, which was a shame but not completely unexpected on a brand-new vessel still working out the kinks.

Ultimately, it’s a fun activity to do with friends or family.

Wi-Fi

For cruisers who like to stay connected on vacation, the onboard Wi-Fi situation is often a source of stress. Will the connection be solid? Will you be able to post, stream and check e-mail or attend a Zoom meeting?

On Viva, I had a Wi-Fi plan, powered by Starlink, that allowed streaming for two devices for the duration of my voyage. I’m happy to report that the connection was great. It was my first time on a ship where I wasn’t constantly disconnected, and the service was solid for everything from FaceTime calls to watching Netflix.

Prices are steep, though. You can activate one device for general web browsing, checking emails and messaging for $29.99 per day. To purchase a streaming and VPN package for one device, it’s $39.99 per day. A second device can be added for $15.99 per day or $25.99 per day, respectively. Four-device packages are also available, but rates are not posted. Prices are subject to change by itinerary.

What I didn’t love about Norwegian Viva

I love that Norwegian has tried to outfit its ships with more outdoor spaces that don’t necessarily involve pools and waterslides, but I’m beginning to wonder if the latter have suffered as a result.

The experiment began on Norwegian Breakaway in 2012 with The Waterfront, an outdoor promenade space that connects to several of the vessel’s restaurants for alfresco dining. The concept carries over to Prima Class ships in the form of Oceanwalk, a promenade that fully rings Deck 8. As passengers stroll by, they’ll find pools, loungers, art installations, dining alcoves and a bar overlooking the wake.

However, some of the areas — particularly those allocated for outdoor dining — seemed underutilized. Meanwhile, the ship’s three small pools were almost always crowded, especially on sea days. My sailing was only two-thirds full; that doesn’t bode well for times when the vessel is sold out.

Some of the more in-demand indoor areas are also insufficiently sized. Popular rock club Syd Norman’s Pour House is generally standing room only. If you don’t show up 30 minutes before showtime, you might not get in. The first time I tried to check out a show there, I was met by crowds spilling out of both entrances.

The ship’s Observation Lounge also seems too small at times. This was particularly true on the day we sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar. There wasn’t a single unoccupied table; I circled for 20 minutes to pounce on a table that someone had just vacated.

Kids club

Splash Academy, Norwegian’s kids club, seems like an afterthought on Norwegian Viva. Instead of dedicated spaces for each age group, the facilities lump all children, ages 6 months to 17 years, into just two rooms. Youth counselors organize age-appropriate activities for the 3- to 12-year-old set (think: dance parties, arts and crafts and scavenger hunts), but they still share the same space, which feels inappropriate.

Guppies, which normally caters to kids from 6 months to 2 years old, has no set space on board. Toys are laid out for use by children and their parents when the two existing rooms are not in use.

The ship takes a similar tack with tweens and teens. Entourage, the teen club, has no specific home on Norwegian Viva. Although activities are scheduled for ages 13 to 17, they take place all over the ship. On my sailing, teens often crowded — loudly — into public areas like Starbucks or took to hanging out in stairwells, which created a nuisance for some passengers.

Layout

I understand that any new ship takes a few days to figure out, but some of the layout on Norwegian Viva still doesn’t make sense to me, even after nine days on board.

Some areas aren’t symmetrical, so don’t be surprised if you overshoot your destination if you’re walking on the wrong side of the ship. (I’m talking about you, Le Bistro.) Entrances to the Oceanwalk outdoor promenade area are plentiful but also hard to find in certain areas.

Furthermore, the casino is like a maze. Don’t feel bad if you find yourself at a dead end the first time you pass through; it happens to most of us. If you’re trying to make your way to Deck 18 from the front of the ship, you’ll have to head aft and then make your way up — likely by walking partway through the buffet, which is awkward (and frustrating if you’re fighting crowds during peak times).

Then there are the traffic flow issues. It’s difficult to maneuver your way around the seating area by Starbucks in Deck 7’s atrium, and because there’s no straightforward way across it, you can forget about moving from one side of the atrium to the other without walking all the way around.

Another hot mess is the corridor that runs along Deck 8 aft on the starboard side. It feels narrow, and it travels right through The Local, a 24-hour eatery that serves free pub grub and is, strangely, split into two sections. When trying to find The Local, I unwittingly walked right through without realizing it. I ended up all the way aft at Indulge Food Hall before turning around and doubling back. Several others made the same mistake, which caused congestion in the space.

Noise

If you’re someone who craves quiet time to read, play cards or just relax, Norwegian Viva is not your ship. There is no onboard card room, library or otherwise serene space. (Books are available to read on your electronic devices via the Libby app, which is neat, but it’s not a substitute for a library.)

Starbucks, found in the atrium, is out in the open. Even after hours, you’ll run into blasting music, teens being raucous and the sounds of crew members vacuuming. I also tried the Observation Lounge on Deck 17 forward, but I found teenagers holding court, families loudly playing board games and other noises that added to a cacophony so intense I couldn’t focus.

Ultimately, I resorted to staying in my cabin when I needed some quiet time, but I had a connecting room, and I could hear almost every word spoken by the family on the other side. I was also wakened by the sounds of slamming doors, the movement of balcony furniture and even coughing. Several fellow passengers who didn’t have connecting rooms also said noise was an issue for them.

Even places like the spa, which should have been quiet, lacked soundproofing. When I walked into my treatment room for a massage, I heard what sounded like bubbling water. I assumed it was some sort of sound machine, but when I asked the therapist, she said it was the plumbing from the men’s locker room. It was kind of soothing until people flushed the toilets, at which point my moments of calm were sidelined by loud whooshing noises.

And minus 100 points to whoever decided the fitness center’s treadmills would be well placed directly over the thermal suite’s heated loungers.

Missing fish

Fans of Norwegian Cruise Line will likely know all about the fish found on the carpet in cabin corridors on the line’s ships. If you’re lost, just look at which way the fish are swimming; they always point toward the front.

I was sad to discover the fish don’t appear on Norwegian Viva. Instead, they have been replaced by more neutral carpeting with triangles that point the way. It’s a minor change, but it’s still disappointing because it was a whimsical way in which NCL set itself apart from other cruise lines.

Norwegian Viva cabins and suites

Norwegian Viva’s cabins consist of all the standard options: inside (no windows), outside or ocean view (with a window), balcony (a sliding-glass door and outdoor balcony space) and suites.

There are other options, too, including studio cabins for solo travelers and extra-fancy rooms in The Haven, the ship’s exclusive suite enclave, which affords booked passengers access to a private restaurant, bar, lounge, pool and sun deck, hot tubs and concierge services.

All basic rooms are outfitted with two twin beds that combine to form a queen (except studios, which have one static full-size bed); a vanity and desk area with a mirror, electrical outlets and a hair dryer; closet and drawer space; and an interactive TV that shows live shows, movies (many free but some for a fee), ship channels and your onboard account. A small wall-mounted touchscreen pad near the door controls the temperature and allows you to activate “do not disturb” and “make up room” options.

Standard bathrooms are shower-only with doors rather than curtains. They also include a toilet, a sink, storage space for toiletry items, wall-mounted hand soap by the sink and body wash and conditioning shampoo in the shower.

Rooms are serviced only once per day, but your room steward is available by phone if you need extras like fresh towels or more hangers. They will deliver a paper copy of the daily schedule to your room each evening and leave it in the mailbox outside your door.

My cabin was the standard balcony variety. In addition to the amenities mentioned above, it offered a sofa across from the vanity, as well as a minifridge. What truly impressed me about my digs were the astronomically comfortable mattress, the number of hooks for hanging items throughout the cabin, the bright lighting (including an illuminated makeup mirror at the vanity), the number of electrical outlets and the amount of storage space, both in the closet and in the bathroom.

What irritated me were the connecting door, thanks to the lack of soundproofing and the whistling I heard any time my neighbors left their balcony door open; the wire drawers in the closet, which are too small and too open to be useful; the absence of a separate light switch for an exposed portion of the closet that was illuminated any time I turned on the main cabin lights; and the lack of a bed skirt, which meant my luggage was visible for the entire voyage because I stored it under the bed.

The ship has 44 accessible staterooms across inside, outside, balcony and The Haven categories. They offer such accommodations as additional square footage, wider doorways, and shower stools and toilet seat risers in the bathrooms.

Norwegian Viva restaurants and bars

Norwegian Viva houses more than a dozen places to eat and also more than a dozen bars, so there are plenty of choices for even the pickiest of palates.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of dining on this ship is that you don’t have to shell out additional funds to have truly superb meals. The food you’ll find in the two main dining rooms, the 24-hour pub and the food hall is pretty darn tasty — and it won’t cost you an extra cent.

If you do want to try a few extra-fee eateries, take advantage of Norwegian’s Free at Sea offerings, which allow you to choose from several perks, including complimentary dining at restaurants that usually cost extra.

Norwegian Viva restaurants

Free food

The Commodore Room and Hudson’s are the ship’s two complimentary main dining rooms on decks 6 and 7 aft, respectively. The menu changes daily and is the same at both venues. I only ate dinner at Hudson’s once on my voyage, but I was so impressed with the pad thai that I would have asked for seconds if I hadn’t been so full.

Both dining 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. Dining is open seating, meaning you can show up to eat at any time you’d like and sit with whom you’d prefer.

Indulge Food Hall, only found on Norwegian’s Prima Class ships, offers a food court-style experience where you seat yourself and select free items from a touchscreen menu, similar to an iPad. Waiters will bring each dish as you order it.

The portions tend to be small, so you can try multiple dishes. It’s common for passengers to order a couple of items, eat them and then order a couple more. I highly recommend the guacamole as a starter and something from the Tamara Indian menu, followed by a pulled pork sandwich from Q Texas Smokehouse if you have room left.

Indulge, found on Deck 8 aft, is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with different menus for each meal.

The Local, located just before Indulge on Deck 8, is oddly split into two sections: one with a bar and alcove seating and another with tables where you can sit and order food. Both areas have big-screen TVs where you can watch sporting events. Separating the spaces and serving as a passageway between the two is a small vestibule with a few arcade games.

What’s great about The Local is that it’s open nearly 24 hours. (It closes between 3:30 and 5 a.m.) The food is complimentary, and it’s tasty, typical pub grub like wings, fish ‘n’ chips, sliders, nachos and burgers, as well as lighter fare such as Caesar salads.

Surfside Cafe and Grill is the ship’s standard buffet venue, serving a variety of food from self-serve stations on Deck 17 midship. Because Norwegian Viva also has The Local and Indulge, the space dedicated to the traditional buffet is smaller than on other cruise ships. I didn’t eat a single meal there because when I ventured inside it was so crowded that people could barely move. I elected for more civilized meals elsewhere.

If your stomach is rumbling a bit too much before dinner, the luxuriously appointed Observation Lounge on Deck 17 forward offers gratis between-meal snacks daily from 3 to 5 p.m.

The Haven Restaurant functions as the free main dining room for passengers booked in The Haven suite complex. It’s open daily to passengers with access, and it features a set menu for the entire sailing.

Free soft-serve machines can be found in the buffet and outside on Oceanwalk, near Indulge. Chocolate, vanilla and twist are offered, and the ice cream is vegan. The machines are not available 24 hours a day like they are on some cruise lines’ ships. Norwegian Viva has neither a stand-alone ice cream shop nor a bakery, which was disappointing.

Added-fee food

On Norwegian Viva, dining can be a bit chaotic at peak times, so make reservations for any specialty restaurants you’re considering — and do it on the first day so you’re not left with the crummiest times.

For French food, Le Bistro is your answer. This specialty restaurant on Deck 7 is as elegant as they come, featuring a bright atmosphere with light blue accents and high-end decor, including giant floor-to-ceiling crystal chandeliers that are stunning. There’s no dress code to dine at Le Bistro, but you might want to embrace the experience by making an effort.

I’m generally not a fan of French cuisine, so I played it safe and went with French onion soup and Dover sole, both of which were delicious.

Cagney’s Steakhouse is — you guessed it — Norwegian Viva’s steakhouse on Deck 6 aft. It provides a menu of items like shrimp, tuna tartare, oysters Rockefeller, soups, salads, steaks, fish and sides.

I went with a crabcake, a beefsteak tomato with onions and balsamic vinaigrette, and a petite (5-ounce) filet mignon with a side of truffle fries. If you’re someone who doesn’t eat meat, fish or seafood, you might consider dining elsewhere.

Ever a fan of carbohydrates, I enjoyed Italian-influenced Onda tremendously. It was a nice night as we sailed along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, so my group asked for a table outside, along Oceanwalk on Deck 8, which was absolutely delightful with the city lights as a backdrop and a warm breeze reminding us that we were moving.

We started with a couple of sharable — and absolutely to-die-for — pizzas and a veggie calzone. Then, I moved on to burrata, which was an absolute masterpiece, followed by ricotta and spinach mezzelune (similar to ravioli).

Although the meal was great, the service was a bit on the slow side. It took about three hours from start to finish, and we waited nearly 30 minutes for someone to take our order once we were seated.

Craving seafood? There’s a restaurant for that, too: Palomar on Deck 17 mid. The entrance near the pool area was closed on my sailing, forcing passengers to fight through the buffet to reach the main entrance. That experience did not set the tone for the beginning of such an upscale meal.

Like Cagney’s, Palomar offers a mix of seafood and meats like steak and lamb chops, but it’s heavier on the seafood end. Choose from oysters, grilled jumbo prawns, grilled octopus and several salads for appetizers. Mains include sea scallops, sea bass, filet mignon, New York strip and a whole grilled lobster, with sides such as potatoes, jasmine rice and carrots. I opted for sole (again), preceded by a golden beet salad with cheese and accompanied by asparagus.

Although Palomar features vegetable-based sides and appetizers, vegetarians and vegans will not find suitable mains on the menu.

Food Republic, across from Palomar on Deck 17, is my favorite of NCL’s alternative restaurants. In my opinion, it’s also one of the most underrated.

When I ate there near the end of my voyage, it was nearly empty at 7:30 p.m. — a prime dining time. It seems the issue is that cruisers don’t quite understand what the venue offers. People might also confuse it with Indulge Food Hall, which offers similar fare and a similar ordering system but for zero extra cost.

Food Republic is a street food restaurant that leans heavily Asian. You’ll be seated when you arrive, and you order from a touchpad. Items are priced a la carte and will be made to order, with each delivered when ready, rather than all at once.

If you have a dining package, you can select any four food items, including desserts. Items are served as small plates. I didn’t finish everything and still left absolutely stuffed. The pork belly bao buns and edamame are excellent.

On the flip side, my least favorite restaurant is Los Lobos, a for-fee Mexican eatery on Deck 8, near The Local. I’m a huge fan of Mexican cuisine, but when I ate at Los Lobos on fleetmate Norwegian Encore about a month prior, the service was slow, and the food was mediocre. With that in mind, I was skeptical about eating there on Viva.

I dined at Lobos twice during my voyage. The first time was a pleasant surprise, with the tableside guacamole, tortilla soup and chicken enchiladas de mole serving as highlights.

The second time, however, both the service and the food were lacking. Our servers seemed confused when my vegetarian dinner companion asked about meat-free options, and when my chicken tacos arrived, they looked gross — mushy and with brown avocado. The one saving grace was the wonderful strawberry frozen margarita I had.

For passengers in the mood for Asian cuisine, Nama sushi and Hasuki teppanyaki on Deck 7 aft are both solid options. The former offers for-fee a la carte sushi and sashimi, and the latter features a traditional experience where diners sit around a grill to watch a chef cook, perform tricks and tell cheesy jokes.

If you’re feeling more like a night in, you can order room service by hitting the dedicated button on your cabin phone. From 10 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., the menu consists of choices like chicken soup, a selection of salads, fruit and cheese plates, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, spaghetti, flank steak, roasted chicken, tilapia and a handful of desserts. For the kids, there are items like macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chicken fingers.

Room service is no longer free on Norwegian Cruise Line ships, and a $9.95 surcharge applies to all deliveries, along with a 20% delivery charge (note this is not a tip). Order enough items to make it worth the cost. Although tipping is not expected, it’s nice to offer a couple of dollars to the crew member who delivers your meal.

Breakfast — including continental options — is offered from 6:30 to 10 a.m. for $4.95, plus a 20% delivery charge.

When I placed a late-night order for an 11-inch pizza, a cheese plate and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it cost me $11.94, and it took an hour and 13 minutes to arrive. The pizza was lukewarm with way too much garlic, and the sandwich bread was stale.

However, when I ordered room service breakfast one morning, it arrived five minutes ahead of the earliest delivery time I selected, and the French toast was tasty.

Norwegian Viva bars

Although it’s not a bar where you can purchase alcohol, Starbucks was my favorite haunt on board Norwegian Viva. Found in the atrium on Deck 7, it’s a nice central meeting spot that took care of my daily caffeine fix.

Unfortunately, coffee there isn’t covered by the basic alcohol package that’s included with most fares. (This is something I’ll never understand, given that it costs less than just about any alcohol except beer. The same is true for bottled water, which also isn’t included.) On the bright side, if you have a Wi-Fi package and funds preloaded onto your Starbucks app, you can pay that way and earn stars.

One deck down, directly under Starbucks, is the Whiskey Bar. There, passengers can find a selection of whiskeys. I prefer sweet drinks, so I went with peanut butter whiskey and club soda. Be sure to say hello to Craig — one of the best bartenders I’ve ever had on a ship — who warned me that adding simple syrup to the mix would make it too sweet. I decided to trust him, and I’m glad I did.

The Metropolitan Bar on Deck 7, which often hosts live music, hardly ever seemed crowded. That’s unfortunate because the concept is unique in that it recycles leftover galley items into drink ingredients and garnishes so they don’t go to waste.

The menu comprises 11 beverages created with watermelon rind cordial, spent coffee ground cordial, banana peel syrup and pineapple peel. I tested the Cucumber Cool — vodka, elderflower liqueur, lime juice and cucumber pulp cordial — and loved it. On the wall across from the bar is a cool electronic art installation that senses when people pass by.

If you find yourself meandering on Deck 8’s Oceanwalk, you might consider stopping at Soleil Bar, found all the way aft overlooking the wake. It’s a great space, but it lacks shade in a big way. I suppose that means its name is fitting, but it can be brutal to sit there in warm-weather destinations. On my Italy sailing, I was drenched in sweat within five minutes of arriving.

Should you decide you’d rather drink indoors and out of the sun, make your way to the nearby Luna Bar, located inside Indulge Food Hall.

The upscale Belvedere Bar is a great place to grab a pre-dinner drink if you’re dining at the nearby Commodore Room, and the Penrose Bar serves as a central watering hole for anyone taking in live music or participating in activities on Deck 6 of the Penrose Atrium. There’s also a bar in the casino and one by the pool (Waves Pool Bar).

Looking for a place to hang out with a drink and your thoughts? Check out the Humidor Cigar Lounge, which is outfitted with couches, chairs and a selection of cigars; the Observation Lounge, which has a bar, afternoon snacks and sweeping views; or the Studio Lounge or Haven Lounge if you’re booked in a cabin that grants you access to either one.

Norwegian Viva entertainment

Norwegian Viva’s onboard diversions are varied and interesting. From Broadway-caliber shows and live music to dance parties, bingo, trivia, video games, slides and games like “Deal or No Deal,” there’s a lot that graces the Freestyle Daily, Norwegian Viva’s daily schedule of activities.

You can certainly have fun without paying more, but many of the ship’s most noteworthy pastimes come with a price tag. If trying the newest and flashiest amenities is important to you, build some extra funds into your vacation budget.

Norwegian Viva activities

Free daily activities include trivia, murder mysteries, balloon twisting seminars, dance classes and pool games and competitions (such as the Mr. Sexy Legs contest). You’ll also find sports equipment — cornhole boards, Ping-Pong paddles and the like — laid out on the deck for passenger use.

The Splash Academy is free for kids ages 3 to 17. As mentioned earlier, the two-room playroom on Deck 15 is smaller than it should be and does not include a teen club. Teen activities take place around the ship. Youth staff set out toys for babies and toddlers to enjoy with their parents or caregivers at select times.

Norwegian Viva has three pools that are open to everyone: a main pool on Deck 17 (with two hot tubs) and two infinity pools on either side of Deck 8’s Oceanwalk area. All of them felt small for the size of the ship, particularly on sea days. All pools have accessible lifts, but none of the hot tubs do.

A kids splash area is located on Deck 18, near the entrance to The Wave waterslide. Two dry slides — The Drop and The Rush — spiral 10 decks down the side of the ship. The entrance for those is also on Deck 18. All slides are complimentary.

The Haven suite complex also has a private wake-facing pool and hot tubs on decks 16 and 17 for passengers booked in The Haven suite enclave.

NCL is notorious for charging extra for everything from dining to activities, and Norwegian Viva is no exception. Although nightly entertainment is free, many of the best daytime activities come with an additional price tag.

Many of the ship’s extra-fee attractions can be found on upper decks 17 and 18. Here, you’ll find the adults-only Vibe Beach Club on Deck 17. The line charges a pretty penny for access to this dedicated area with hot tubs, sun loungers and a bar. (But don’t be fooled; just because it’s exclusive doesn’t mean it’s private. Other passengers can look right into the space from Deck 18.)

Up on Deck 18 is the Tee Time miniature golf course. Norwegian became the first cruise line to charge for mini-golf — free on all other ships that have it — when it launched its Prima Class vessels. A single round at Tee Time on the course’s nine holes costs $10 per person, and teams can accommodate up to six people.

When you swipe your card, a machine dispenses a physical ball (no fun colors, which is disappointing) with an electronic component tied to your name. When you place your ball in the designated starting point on each green, it recognizes who you are. (It would be super fun to have a few drinks before playing a round during which you swap balls with your friends.)

Digital screens keep score for everyone, and arbitrary points are awarded for feats my teammates and I never did figure out. The sensors are ultra-sensitive; if you move your ball, even to position it a club’s head away from the wall, it could count as a stroke.

Viva’s version was an interesting and sometimes infuriating way to play. Ultimately, I prefer regular mini-golf. This is a prime example of, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Another strange flex on Prima Class ships is The Bull’s Eye, a suite of semi-private areas that groups of up to six people can rent to play darts for 50 minutes for $20 per person. The underwhelming game area was not crowded when I passed through on my way to Tee Time, which shares the same space.

Also on Deck 18 is the entrance to Viva Speedway, the ship’s go-kart track. From there, you can sign up to drive, check in for your reservation or head up one deck to grab a drink at the Viva Speedway Bar so you have something to sip on as you watch drivers zoom past.

It’s fun to experience the go-karts once, but for me, they aren’t much of a thrill after the first time. (For safety reasons, Norwegian has dampened the maximum speed on them, so they’re a bit on the slow side.)

The virtual reality Galaxy Pavilion on Deck 17 forward is an attraction carried over from NCL’s Breakaway Plus Class ships. It’s home to a selection of video games, VR experiences and two escape rooms. Games can be played a la carte, and the escape rooms, which cost $15 per person, put groups of up to six people into a locked room for 45 minutes or until they solve clues needed to allow for their escape.

Looking for something free to do on Deck 18? Check out The Stadium, a large alcove of games like table shuffleboard, Ping-Pong, Foosball and beer pong — but without the beer. You’ll also find a pickleball court, as well as Subsoccer tables that allow you to play soccer against a single opponent while seated and looking down through a clear table.

The two-level Mandara Spa is also nearby, with an entrance on Deck 16. In addition to for-fee treatments (massages, manicures, pedicures), the ship offers a gorgeous and expanded thermal suite that has salt and steam rooms, a sauna, a massive split thalassotherapy pool, an ice room, heated tile loungers and more. Thermal suite passes were $339 per person for nine-day access.

The state-of-the-art fitness center features yoga equipment, free weights and TechnoGym machines like bikes, ellipticals, rowers and treadmills. Gym use is free, but some exercise classes cost extra.

You can spend or possibly win money at the Deck 6 casino or at bingo games hosted throughout the cruise.

Note that the ship does not have laser tag or a basketball court, as do other NCL ships.

Norwegian Viva shows

Two of Norwegian Viva’s top shows weren’t ready when I sailed on the ship’s inaugural sailing. Broadway show “Beetlejuice” was in tech rehearsals at the time, and an onboard rendition of the popular game show “Press Your Luck” also hadn’t debuted.

Ken Davis, who produces the entertainment for Norwegian’s new-builds, told me in an exclusive interview that “Beetlejuice” brings with it the original creative team from the show’s run on Broadway. That includes the associate director, as well as the original costume designers and choreographers.

They’ve had to adapt the show to fit on the Viva Theater’s smaller stage, of course, but that has allowed the team the flexibility to tweak things they didn’t like about the original version. So, when it debuts — offering two shows on each of two nights during a typical voyage for four total performances — the show promises to be even better than the original.

“Icons” is an original show featuring dancers and singers who perform tunes by iconic musical artists. It runs at least once per seven-night voyage, with two show times in the Viva Theater.

On my cruise, the ship offered a couple of unpolished performances, and what I saw was incredibly lackluster. The show features six talented singers in sparkly outfits belting out songs from vocal superstars like Bruno Mars, Celine Dion, Elton John and Lady Gaga. The result was stale and outdated, lacking the modern flair and polish of most new-ship shows.

In a one-on-one interview, Julie Valeriote, Norwegian’s director of entertainment operations, divulged that the show will eventually involve a different stage layout with a thrust to connect the performers more closely with their audience, who will be seated at tables throughout the space.

What’s interesting about the Viva Theater & Club is that the venue can transform from an auditorium-style setup to one where the seats are partially condensed or fully tucked away like bleachers, converting the venue into a club with a dance floor. Part of the reason “Press Your Luck” and “Icons” weren’t fully ready is because the stage and seating layouts couldn’t be changed while “Beetlejuice” was in tech.

Syd Norman’s Pour House, which debuted on Norwegian Breakaway in 2018 and offers tribute performances by a fantastic band, also returns on Norwegian Viva. Syd Norman, a fictional character whose face appears on the lounge’s logo, draws from the personas of club owners who found success during rock ‘n’ roll’s heyday.

Inside, you’ll find a small stage, a bar, walls adorned with rock memorabilia and a few tables with intentionally mismatched chairs and stools. In fact, seating is in such short supply that if you don’t get to the club at least 30 minutes prior to showtime, you’ll be standing. The place is so popular that if you don’t arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes ahead of time, you won’t even be able to get through the doors.

The performances are out of this world, headlined by a cast of four phenomenal singers who gave me goosebumps. The show you truly won’t want to miss is “Rumours,” where the quartet jams out to every track from Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album, complete with interludes highlighting some of the band’s real-life struggles. Even if you’re not a huge Fleetwood Mac fan, you should still check out the show or any of the quartet’s other performances.

Other nighttime events include club dance parties in both the main theater and Syd Norman’s, comedy in the main theater and dedicated comedy venue Improv at Sea, and rotating acts that stay on board for a few sailings. On my voyage, I saw violinist Christopher Watkins, who plays well-known songs on a violin adorned with more than 1,000 Swarovski crystals.

Every evening, you’ll also find plenty of live music throughout the ship. Check the Freestyle Daily or the NCL app for details.

Norwegian Viva itineraries and pricing

Norwegian Viva will split its time between Lisbon, Portugal, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, both of which will serve as seasonal home ports for the ship.

The vessel will spend the winter months (roughly mid-November through mid-April) offering seven-night Caribbean voyages from San Juan. The rest of the year, it will be based in Lisbon, from which it will conduct Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries that range from nine to 11 nights. It will also sail a handful of voyages from Rome and Athens, Greece.

Prices for seven-night Caribbean voyages in early 2024 start at $139 per person, per night for an inside cabin. Fares for the Mediterranean cruises in autumn 2024 start from $155 per person, per night for an inside cabin.

Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

What to know before you go

Required documents

If you’re a U.S. citizen departing on a Norwegian Viva cruise in Europe, you must have a passport for travel. For round-trip sailings from San Juan, you can use your original birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. However, we recommend passports in all situations. If you’re using a passport, it must have a least six months’ validity from the day your voyage ends.

Gratuities

Norwegian Viva adds automatic surcharges of $20 to $25 per person, per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. Passengers can tweak the amount up or down at the guest services desk before the final morning of the sailing, but they will be required to fill out a form. A 20% gratuity is also tacked onto bar, spa and specialty restaurant purchases.

Wi-Fi

Most Norwegian bookings include basic ship Wi-Fi in the price of the fares. Cruisers who don’t have it included or passengers who want to upgrade to a streaming package will have to pay. The cost varies by ship and itinerary, but it’s generally costly, ranging from roughly $30 to $35 per person, per day, depending on your needs. You could save a few dollars by booking a Wi-Fi package before you embark.

Carry-on drinks policy

Passengers are allowed to bring their own bottles of wine on Norwegian Viva, but they’ll be charged a corkage fee of $15 per bottle. Passengers are not allowed to bring nonalcoholic beverages on board.

Smoking policy

Norwegian Viva provides special areas for smokers to light up cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes. They include the casino, the Humidor Cigar Lounge (cigars only) and a covered spot on Deck 18.

Laundry

Norwegian Viva doesn’t offer self-service laundry facilities. Cruisers can, instead, pay an extra fee for send-out laundry or dry-cleaning services. Housekeeping will return your clothes in a day or so unless you pay extra for expedited services.

Sometimes, the ship offers laundry deals, allowing passengers to fill a bag with as many clothes as they can fit for a set price. Members of certain tiers of the line’s Latitudes loyalty program receive free or discounted laundry services.

Electrical outlets

Cabins on Norwegian Viva are equipped with both North American-style 110-volt outlets and European-style 220-volt outlets, as well as USB ports. In my room, there was one USB port on each of the two bedside reading lamps. Near the vanity, there were also three North American outlets, one European-style outlet, one USB outlet and one USB-C outlet.

Currency

Norwegian Viva’s onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. Passengers can withdraw cash from onboard ATMs but will pay a hefty surcharge.

The ship is cashless, so you’ll use your room keycard like a charge card to make purchases, which are then charged to your onboard account.

Drinking age

The drinking age on Norwegian Viva is 21. If their parents are sailing, passengers 18 to 20 years old can drink beer and wine in international waters with a signed waiver.

Dress code

Norwegian Cruise Line has no formal nights. “Freestyle” cruising, a term the line coined, means you can wear just about anything wherever and whenever you’d like.

Daytime attire generally consists of T-shirts and jeans or shorts. At dinnertime, cruisers might choose to put on khakis with collared shirts or sundresses; it’s usually casual, though. Playing dress-up is purely optional.

Bottom line

Although passengers will pay extra for many things on Norwegian Viva, and some of the ship’s public spaces aren’t large enough to accommodate demand, the vessel is still a wonderful second iteration of the line’s Prima Class.

The artwork is fun, the food is largely delicious and with “Beetlejuice” and Syd Norman’s “Rumours” headlining the entertainment, passengers will never be bored day or night.

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers: