I’ve been a fan of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Class ships ever since I laid eyes on Norwegian Prima at the Fincantieri’s Marghera. Italy, shipyard where it was built. My admiration for the ship was bolstered when I sailed on its maiden voyage out Iceland.
I had the same reaction to the second Prima Class ship, Norwegian Viva, when I sailed on its inaugural itinerary out of Trieste, Italy, earlier this month.
Here are five things of many things to love about 143,535 gross ton, 3,100-passenger ship – from my perspective, of course.
The Crew
The crew is exceedingly friendly and efficient without being obsequious. From what I observed, they remembered guests names immediately, along with their food-and-drink preferences. As a case in point. Craig, who served as a bartender at the Whiskey Bar when I sailed on Prima and now serves in the same position on Viva, remembered my name as well as the name of my companion.
Norwegian Viva’s crew is exceedingly friendly and efficient. Pictured, Craig at the Whiskey Bar. (Photo Credit: Claudette Covey)
Dining Options
Guests who do not purchse specialty dining packages have five excellent complimentary options to choose from, including two main dining rooms, Hudson’s and The Commodore Room. Although the two restaurants originally featured fixed menus on Prima, that has changed. Both now offer rotating menus, providing guests with more daily entrée options.
The Indulge Food Hall, which features 11 different culinary options, has been expanded to include more outdoor space and additional tablets for guests to order from. Another option is The Local Bar and Grill, which is open from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 a.m. (Recommend the sweet chili chicken wings to your clients.)
The Surfside Grill serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner, with delicious options that change from day to day.
Guests accommodated at the Haven by Norwegian are privy to complimentary dining at the Haven Restaurant, which serves signature dishes with indoor and outdoor seating.
Travelers who purchase dining package receive a significant bang for their buck. There’s eight dining options – Cagney’s Steakhouse, Onda by Scarpetta, Le Bistro, Palomar, Food Republic, Nama Sushi|Sashimi, Hasuki and Los Lobos – in addition to Starbucks.
Penrose Atrium aboard Norwegian Viva. (Photo Credit: Claudette Covey)
Public Areas
Viva features a generous number of public areas that will appeal to a wide swath of travelers. There’s the gorgeous three-deck Penrose Atrium, which serves as a jumping-off point for shops, restaurants, bars and public areas.
One of the things I love most about Viva is its myriad outdoor bar and lounge areas, including the Soleil Bar, set at aft end of the Indulge Food Hall’s on the Ocean Boulevard walkway, which encircles the vessel.
And coming soon – Viva’s multifaceted three-story theater will debut an adaption of “Beetlejuice The Musical.”
The Thermal Suite
The thermal spa lounger offers some of the best views on Norwegian Viva. (Photo Credit: Claudette Covey)
The full-service Mandara Spa includes a Zen-inspired thermal pool area on Deck 17 with a two-story waterfall and a charcoal sauna, infrared sauna, salt room, ice room steam room and more. It’s the perfect place to destress – and its observation area proffers of the best views on the ship. Cost for passes vary depending on cruise length. The rate for sailings of seven to 10 days is $339 – and in my view, well worth the price.
Accommodations
Standard staterooms and suites are designed to maximize space – and they do just that. Accommodations are appointed with mosaic art, which enhance their ethereal ambiance. The large bathrooms have ingeniously designed shower doors that pivot in an arc to open and close. Enhancements improved water pressure in the showers, and new mattresses with pillowtop covers.
Norwegian Viva is 19th in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and the second of six Prima Class ships to enter service through debut through 2028. It will be christened in Miami by recording artist and actor Luis Fonsi in Miami on November 28.
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