Review: Norwegian Viva

What is the line? Norwegian Cruise Line

Name of ship? Viva

Passenger occupancy? 3,250

Itinerary? A five-day sailing through Rome, Livorno, Cannes, Ibiza, and Lisbon

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for? Norwegian is the line of choice for passengers who prefer to do their own thing—"freestyle cruising,” as their tagline puts it. That’s not to say you’re left for dead. Rather, everything from shore excursions to onboard activities are joyfully opt-in, so travelers can mix and match to their hearts' content.

Tell us about the ship in general Built in Italy in 2023, Viva is the second entry in Norwegian’s Prima class, the brand’s first new fleet of ships in over a decade. It follows in the wake of the Norwegian Prima, and is for the most part that ship’s mirror image—wide-halled interiors done in a softly luxurious neutral palette, with soft blue wave decals cresting on the hull. All of the shiny, indulgent features are present as well, from a virtual reality arcade room and rooftop go-kart track to a vast and bustling casino.

Who is onboard? As Norwegian caters to ages 2 through 92, expect to rub elbows with nearly all age groups (I did, however, notice a lack of travelers aged 25 to 35.) During my voyage it felt as though numerous family reunions were convening before my eyes: the grandparents, the babies, and the parents in between. As I wandered the ship in the evenings, I noticed gangs of tweens roving with impunity—a social ecosystem developed quickly among the young in the short, five-day voyage, and a hierarchy could easily be observed.

Describe the cabins There are 1,586 staterooms aboard the Viva. I lay my head in a balcony suite with lovely proportions, which encompassed a full closet, loveseat, and ample floor space. A step above these are the Haven suites, which have their own private club and restaurant in addition to uber-luxe trappings. Standard balcony staterooms are tighter, but they are far from the smallest of all: those would be the 94-square-foot studios, outfitted with a single bed, impressive storage capacity, and private bathroom. These accommodations are ideal for solo travelers, especially thanks to a Studio Lounge for exclusive mingling.

Tell us about the crew From the security that checks you on and off the boat during port days to the dedicated room stewards (mine, Linda, could recognize me and greet my by name from a hundred yards away), the crew is attentive and competent. With 1,506 total crew members aboard, they are also abundant—you’ll never need to look for help.

What food and drink options are available on board? With six complimentary and nine specialty (available at additional cost, including Starbucks) dining options, as well as 24-hour room service, cruisers will be hard-pressed to sample everything. When making your specialty reservations—which you should do immediately upon embarkation—consider Le Bistro for its floor-to-ceiling chandeliers and fabulous duck, as well as Palomar for its penthouse water views and seafood. The former, as well as the bars in proximity to the casino, feel very Vegas, for better or worse.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting? Mandara Spa is a highlight for its thermal suite—book a pass and make your way between charcoal and Finnish saunas, an aromatic steam room, and dips in the wave pool. Treatments are varied and elegant; enjoy a massage atop a bed of warm mineral matter and then hit the salon for a trim and a shave.

Activities and entertainment I’m not sure that boredom is a possible affliction here. From the top down, there’s the 18th-floor Stadium with its three-level Go-Kart racetrack, mini-golf course, and veritable carnival of mini-games. There are three slides—one wet, two dry—and the aforementioned arcade. I watched karaoke and heard (but did not see—it was too crowded) a Fleetwood Mac cover band. While it wasn’t ready during my sailing, Beetlejuice will also premiere on board later in the season.

How was the experience for families? This is an experience designed for families—save for one adults-only section, kids are welcome and granted free rein over the entire ship. They also get dedicated experiences of their own, including Splash Academy and Entourage, the complimentary youth and teen programs, respectively.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out? Having never cruised before, I was dazzled by the experience of going to bed staring out at the dark and silent ocean only to wake up at port in a new city. From Livorno, I joined an excursion to the medieval city of Lucca for pasta and wine, but in Cannes and Ibiza I wandered from the port on foot. If you enjoy seeing a city at night—having dinner on the ground, maybe taking in some of the nightlife—be sure to book an itinerary that stays in at least one port overnight.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise? Usual initiatives include the ban on plastic straws and water bottles—boxed water is better—but the showstopper is Metropolitan, a cocktail bar where drinks are made from the ship’s food waste. I drank a Mai Tai into which breakfast’s almond croissant had been crushed.

Anything we missed? Take advantage of the quieter details—Ocean Boulevard’s glass floor lets you see the ocean roll by beneath your feet.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking. For families and anybody with mobility issues, I can’t say there’s a better way to see many destinations in one fell swoop.