Norwegian Viva review: Is this the ultimate cruise experience?

The second Prima class ship from Norwegian Cruise Lines is a continuation of the innovations that the company has bet the farm on. Here is what we found.

When one is lucky enough to be among the first to review the maiden voyage of a new class of ship, Norwegian Prima, does it make sense to jump on the identical twin Norwegian Viva? Well sure it does. Inevitably lessons learnt from the first reiteration lead to small tweaks and improvements on the second.

This review is more dedicated to Norwegian Viva but should be read in conjunction with my original review of Norwegian Prima for a more rounded overview of the Prima class ships and whether they will suit you.

What we loved

Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) have two clear differentiators when it comes to their competitors in the mid-scale large cruise market; namely Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and Holland America (they all suit different travellers).

The onboard entertainment is outstanding and the wellness offering via the spa is seriously well executed. Add the busy, full itineraries and the NCL market position becomes clearer.

The Norwegian Viva is a tranquil oasis at sea.

The internal aesthetic is relaxed, luxury beach vibes, with cosy nooks and crannies perfect for unwinding with a book while watching the sea go by. Favourite diners offer a homely and comfortable atmosphere for a relaxed meal.

Here are more specific details of what we loved onboard Norwegian Viva.

1. Mandara Spa Thermal Pass – Deck 16

The spa onboard Viva (and all Prima class ships) is a true highlight. The magic lies in the entire space, which can be accessed with a thermal pass or after enjoying one of the many spa treatments. There are more steam and heat rooms than one thinks possible.

Choose between three saunas – charcoal, infrared or traditional Finnish plus a salt room, steam room and an ice room when things become too hot and sticky. And to finish it all off the warm floatation salt pool and vitality pool. After all that sweating, freezing and warming, the Thermal Lounge is an oasis where you can relax on heated lounges in peace and quiet.

Chic lounges add to the indulgence.

There is an extensive list of spa treatments available. From the stock standard Swedish, deep tissue or bamboo massages (being slapped around like a piñata with bamboo sticks) to facials, pedicures, manicures and body wraps. Things can get a little more serious with injectable cures for wrinkles from Dysport and teeth whitening.

The rates for a Thermal Pass do vary cruise-to-cruise but if you are seeking to relax, then the investment is worth it.

The spa has a range of wellness experiences including a steam room.

2. The Local Bar & Grill Rubens Sandwich – Deck 8

As a devotee to the Rubens, the Viva Rubens at the Local Bar & Grill are the best at sea, no debate. This was my bolt hole for breakfast, lunch and a late-night snack. The bar area is great for a post-excursion drink or to watch any sporting events that may be happening whilst on the cruise.

3. Canvas by U Painting Class – Deck 7 (Hasuki)

This is a great one-hour activity on sea days, similar to Pinot and Picasso or Paint and Sip, but without the booze. Paints and canvas are supplied and a great deal host of fun that gets the brain into a different space. Plus you create your own little keepsake, a canvas to take home.

There were two classes on offer at $35 USD: palm trees or hearts.

Hasuki offers a creative space for art enthusiasts.

4. Los Cabos – Deck 8

This Mexican eatery is a glorious space with killer ‘margs’, quality TexMex favourites (fajitas are our fave) and vibrant decor.

5. Indulge Food Hall – Deck 8

I do love the food hall for convenience and variety. It is a series of stalls hailing from all corners and cuisines of the world. Mix Indian with Texan BBQ, Spanish Tapas, Asian noodles or Middle Eastern rotisserie. Order from the iPad and the food comes straight to you. Grab a seat at the outdoor Soleil Bar for the prime outdoor experience on board.

Pull up a chair and feast on Spanish tapas.

6. Rumours Fleetwood Mac Tribute in the Syd Normon Pour House – Deck 7

This rocking 45-minute show is part drama and part sing-a-long to some of the most recognised songs of the 20^th century. The onboard band energetically tells the story of the affairs, divorces and relationships that were the backdrop to making one of the undisputed greatest albums of all time, Rumours.

The show is nothing short of brilliant, one of the two best I have seen on board a cruise ship, and true to Norwegian’s dedication to incredible contemporary entertainment. The other is the Fab Four tribute in The Cavern Club on board Norwegian Bliss. Yes, Norwegian’s entertainment for the Boomers and Xers is outstanding.

Tip: The shows are very popular so arrive at least 40 minutes before grabbing a seat and a drink.

7. Go Karts – Deck 18

Yes, go-karts are fun. Always. Every day.

Just a pity I didn’t have the kids with me.

The first three-level race track at sea on the Viva Speedway.

8. Ibiza dance party, Improve Theatre – Deck 7

Walking out of the Rumours show and into the Ibiza dance party was a clutch move to hold onto my youth, but one that I thoroughly appreciated. Think: fluoro glow sticks and 90’s dance bangers and you are on the money. Thankfully I was taking the photos and not in any.

9. Vibe Beach Club

I don’t mean the adults-only Vibe Beach Club on Deck 17 but the overall vibe of the Prima and Viva ships. The cool, luxe beach-side retreat aesthetic works and it does feel like a more upmarket experience. For me, a relaxing holiday should be in places that are better than home and the design, furnishing, colour palette and finishes definitely make you feel you are on a luxe vacation.

Relax in style at Vibe Beach Club.

10. Observation lounge – Deck 17

My number one piece of advice for new cruisers on a ship of this size is to “find your quiet space”. If you do not have a thermal pass and access to the Thermal Lounge in the Mandara Spa then this is your space.

A library with comfortable lounges and a few tables for snacks with tea and coffee and then a bar for an afternoon beverage, this is the most tranquil and peaceful corner of the ship outside the spa.

11. The Haven

Okay, so having experienced The Haven on sister ship Prima, we know these are a highlight for luxury travellers. We did look enviously at the private lifts, pool terrace and restaurant.

Norwegian Viva Haven Lounge is located on Deck 16.

What we would change

Firstly, I should confess that moving from The Haven, with all its associated benefits and perks on Prima, to a Balcony Suite on Viva feels like a big step down. The difference should not be underestimated—it is not like moving from Business to Economy class on an aircraft. It’s more akin to moving from a private Embraer jet to premium economy. Norwegian is far from an economy product, but The Haven offers an experience that’s well beyond Business class.

So, for clarity, my comments here are not looking way down from the heady heights of The Haven on board Prima to the standard experience I had on Viva, but on a like-for-like comparison to other products in this class and price point. I’ve compared the accommodations in more detail in my reviews of both the rooms and suites on Prima and Viva.

The Haven sundeck feels like your own private pool.

1. Outdoor premium space comes at a premium

Premium open-air spaces on ships of this size are the aft and stern. On Viva (and all Prima class ships) the aft Deck 17 is the Vibe Beach Club, a magnificent adults-only retreat with a great bar, cabanas, banquettes and lounges. But it is only available to those who have purchased a pass.

The deck 16 is aft is The Haven pool deck, available only to those guests of the Haven. In the stern is the aforementioned library-like enclosed Observation Lounge.

So for those looking for some outdoor fresh air, this leaves the concourse on Deck 8 and the central pool area of Deck 17, which as I explain below is not as inviting as one would hope.

A deck fitted with sun lounges that beckon.

2. Pool Deck – Deck 17

Prima class ships disperse the pools and sun-lounging for the majority of passengers between Deck 8 and Deck 17 with The Haven’s pool deck at the aft of Deck 16. The pool area on Deck 8, known as Infinity Beach, is compact, but the infinity-edge pool on the side of the ship is fantastic. It effectively moves some of the sun-worshippers to the lower decks.

The challenge is the larger pool area on Deck 17 is that it is enclosed by the waterslide structures and go-kart track making the space feel smaller and more crowded.

Station yourself by the serene pool.

3. Surfside Grill – Deck 17

Surfside Grill is a buffet that’s on the smaller side. This was not a problem for me as I headed straight to The Local Bar & Grill or the Indulge Food Hall.

Who will love it

Viva suits older families or the young at heart who want full itineraries and great entertainment at night. Older families for the go-karts, the Galaxy Pavillion and the packed itineraries.

The young at heart who want to see the world during the day can enjoy a curated wellness program and then some contemporary entertainment that reminds them of their youth.

The indoor gaming complex is where the action happens.

Norwegian Viva Details

Itineraries

Norwegian Viva will be sailing the Caribbean and Eastern Med (Greece to Turkey) circuits in 2025 and 2026. The Caribbean season runs from November to April, and the Mediterranean season operates from April to November.

Five Free at Sea promotion

From time to time, you may see the Norwegian Cruise Lines value-added Five Free at Sea promotion. This will offer free premium drinks packages, free premium dining credits, free wifi packages and free shore excursion credits.

This value add is a great opportunity to drive your holiday budget further but be aware there are terms and conditions and gratuities may not be included.

The Norwegian Viva sailing through Lisbon.