Beetlejuice and tons of crazy activities welcome you to the second Prima-Class ship
Norwegian Viva is the second Prima-Class ship, following Norwegian Prima, and it launched in 2023. This is a modern ship with tons of things to do, very similar to Norwegian Prima, but with some smart updates. Like Prima, Viva focuses on the Caribbean and Europe, with a special emphasis on the Greek Isles. If you love the idea of a mega-resort at sea packed with activities, you won’t be disappointed.
What we like about Norwegian Viva
This is a ship that’s easy to fall in love with if you enjoy a ton of activities. Much like Prima, it’s often compared to a theme park at sea, packed with exciting experiences for guests. The list of things to do onboard is seriously impressive… so impressive, in fact, that it deserves its own paragraph just to cover all the crazy fun you can find.
There’s a multi-level go-kart racing track, a VR entertainment complex called Galaxy Pavilion (complete with an escape room), a sports court, a classic arcade, a mini-golf course with videogame elements, two massive ten-floor dry slides, a private game room called The Bull’s Eye you can even rent with friends, a children’s waterpark, and multiple pools. There’s definitely no shortage of fun onboard, especially for those who love indoor activities as much as pool time.
We can’t wrap this section without talking about Indulge Food Hall, the innovative dining experience that debuted on the Prima-Class ships and was featured on our Norwegian Prime review. Alongside the traditional buffet and two main dining rooms, you get complimentary access to Indulge Food Hall. Here, you sit at a counter, order from an iPad, and choose from around six different onboard restaurants. Mix and match your favorites, and everything is delivered straight to you. It’s an easy, convenient, and fun way to enjoy your go-to dishes while sampling new flavors. Like we stated on our Norwegian Prima review, this is definitely a concept other cruise lines should consider copying.
Norwegian Viva is largely similar to Norwegian Prima, but it brings some smart improvements. For one, there’s more seating space. The Starbucks in Indulge Food Hall was removed, giving guests more room to relax and, let’s be honest, space was a big issue on Norwegian Prima. Norwegian Viva also features its own Broadway-style version of Beetlejuice: The Musical, which is a ton of fun and arguably better than the shows on Norwegian Prima, especially now that the Donna Summer Musical is no longer onboard the Prima.
What we don’t like about Norwegian Viva
Some of Norwegian Prima’s issues carry over to Viva. Even with a bit more room to move around, indoor spaces can still feel cramped given the number of guests onboard. That quickly creates a crowded feeling, and the swimming pools feel small for a ship of this size. The busy environment also makes it harder to snag reservations for the go-kart track and escape room.
I’m not sure this ship is better than Norwegian Prima. It still feels crowded and noisy, which isn’t an issue if you’re traveling with kids and want a theme-park-at-sea experience, but it’s definitely a downside if you’re looking for peace and quiet (unless you book a room in The Haven).
The ship does have some smart updates, like slightly larger restaurants and the Beetlejuice musical, but on the flip side, it’s often more expensive than Prima. Considering all that, it’s fair to give them the same score in the end.
Conclusion
Norwegian Viva is a ship for anyone who wants to try tons of different activities. Much like Norwegian Prima, it’s packed with things to do, and the larger restaurants - especially the expanded Indulge Food Hall - are a welcome touch. That said, it’s still a ship that can feel crowded, and its sometimes complicated layout could benefit from bigger open spaces.
Norwegian Viva FAQ
How much does a cruise on Norwegian Viva cost?
Prices vary depending on the date and stateroom category, but fares typically start at $780 for a 5-Day Caribbean Cruise
What are the main destinations for Norwegian Viva?
Norwegian Viva primarily sails to Europe and the Caribbean.
Is Norwegian Viva good for children?
Absolutely! Kids will love it onboard, with a Kids Club, waterparks with waterslides, a huge playground, a sports complex, an arcade, and of course, the go-kart racing track.
Does Norwegian Viva visit Great Stirrup Cay?
Yes, Norwegian Viva does visit the private island of Great Stirrup Cay in select itineraries.
