Norwegian Viva review: Is this the ultimate cruise experience?

This contemporary ship 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 Line (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 Haven sundeck onboard the Norwegian Viva ship — *Norwegian Viva* is a tranquil oasis at sea.

The internal aesthetic is relaxed, contemporary 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 – You can also read our review of Norwegian Prima’s restaurants, bars and lounges to get a comprehensive overview of the Prima Class dining experience.

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

1. Mandara Spa Thermal Pass – Deck 16

The spa onboard Norwegian 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.

recliner lounges at the spa onboard NCL Viva — 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 steam room onboard NCL Viva — 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.

a look inside Hasuki dining space onboard NCL Viva — 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.

the seating area at Spanish Tapas, Indulge Food Hall, NCL Viva — 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 NCL Viva Speedway at sea — The first three-level race track at sea.

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 Norwegian Prima and Norwegian 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.

a couple enjoying drinks by the pool at Vibe Beach Club, Norwegian Viva — 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.

the Haven seating area, NCL Viva — 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 Norweigian Prima, to a Balcony Suite on Norwegian 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 Norwegian Prima to the standard experience I had on Norwegian 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 review of the rooms and suites on Norwegian Prima.

the pool at The Haven, NCL Viva — The Haven sundeck feels like your own private pool.

Weekly travel news, experiences
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1. Outdoor premium space comes at a premium

Premium open-air spaces on ships of this size are the aft and stern. On Norwegian 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.

sun lounges at the Vibe Beach Club, NCL Viva — A deck fitted with sun lounges that beckon.

2. Pool Deck – Deck 17

Norwegian 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.

a woman relaxing in the Infinity Beach pool area, NCL Viva — 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

Norwegian 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 Galaxy Pavilion onboard NCL Viva — 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

The new More at Sea™ package is a great opportunity to drive your holiday budget further. This will offer unlimited premium drinks, more elevated dining options, high-speed wi-fi, and US$50 credit for shore excursions at every port.

the Norwegian Viva ship sailing across Lisbon — *Norwegian Viva* sailing through Lisbon.

From sophisticated new sleeper trains and opulent hotel openings to the exploration of new frontiers, we’re now finding ourselves in our own gilded era of travel. These 21st-century travel experiences are leading the way.

If we were to turn back the clock 100 years, there was a real romance to travel – the dawning of a glamour-filled jet age, refined rail sojourns and first-class cruising where the voyage itself trounced the destination.

We’re feeling a similar excitement in the air about travel in 2026. Think state-of-the-art cruise liners allowing access to destinations formerly off-limits, resort launches where avant-garde architecture takes centre stage, and a return to the days of luxury locomotives. This reoccurrence of the advances, adventure and elegance of a bygone era has not only come full circle; it’s now superior.

How? Travel has become more mindful, intentional and accessible. This includes environmental initiatives by operators determined to leave less impact on the planet and a shift towards a deeper cultural exchange with the local communities we visit. Whether it’s exploring previously hard-to-reach cities such as Uzbekistan’s Khiva, staying with a family to experience village life in Nepal or discovering new frontiers in Antarctica, our round-up of ‘new golden age’ travel experiences is a snapshot of how we are travelling today, as well as into promising new horizons.

Exploring the emerging city of Khiva

The walled inner city of Khiva, Uzbekistan. (Credit: Getty/Mlenny Khiva)

Uzbekistan’s Silk Road city of Khiva used to be off the radar for many travellers, but 2026 has changed all that. You can thank a new bullet train service connecting Khiva to Bukhara and Samarkand, slashing the trip from the capital of Tashkent from 15 hours to under eight. Add renovations to Urgench International Airport, and interest in this fascinating city is rapidly on the rise.

Quick to react has been Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and The Samarkand Express which have added Khiva to their 2026 rail itineraries, while Cox & Kings has included the Central Asian city to its multi-country 2027 ‘Stans’ itinerary.

Check out Khiva’s preserved inner-walled fortress, the first UNESCO site in Uzbekistan, explore ancient minarets and ornate mausoleums, and try traditional fare at Terrassa Cafe & Restaurant. Looking for fancy digs? The Mercure Khiva is due to swing open its doors later in 2026.

Riding the rails on the Eastern & Oriental Express

inside the Eastern & Oriental Express — Onboard the train, rich fabrics are complemented by elm, cherrywood and teak marquetry. (Credit: Ludovic Balay)

Recapture the romance of rail travel through the tropics of Southeast Asia on the refurbished Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia.

The resurgence of train travel reflects how we are travelling today – slower and with a new appreciation for both scenery and cultural exchange. Include a large dollop of old-world glamour, and the three-night Wild Malaysia tour truly delivers. Winding its way deep into the Malay jungle, the journey makes plenty of pit stops for exploration along the way.

Having been resurrected from a 1970s sleeper, the luxury locomotive now comes replete with plush interiors of hand-cut marquetry dressed in oriental silks and embroidery – there’s even a Dior Spa. Watch the world go by from the Observation Car, indulge in fine wining and dining, kick up your heels in the Piano Bar, then snooze it all off in your sumptuous sleeper car.

Embracing Mother Nature in Peru

Travelling to Peru is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of contrasting cultures and landscapes. Whether you’re learning about shamanic natural remedies in the pre-Inca Colca Valley, cruising the wilds of the Amazon on a luxury river ship or discovering firsthand why the contemporary capital of Lima is celebrated for its culinary and artistic scenes, there are myriad reasons why this colourful country is topping wish lists.

One such experience is the Ultimate Peru by River and Rail journey (five days) by Abercrombie & Kent, available in 2026. This incredible river cruise allows you to truly connect with the jungle rhythms of the Amazon via skiff and on foot with in-the-know local guides, and includes nights onboard newly launched luxury riverboat Pure Amazon, an A&K Sanctuary.

Spot exotic creatures such as sloths, macaws, piranhas, and pink dolphins on the daily excursions, before juxtaposing these wild encounters with a return to pure pampering on the boat.

Seeking sustainable community experiences in Nepal

tharu woman — Tharu woman and master weaver Parbati Chaudhary in Bhada Village. (Credit: Bheem Thapa)

While Nepal has traditionally attracted visitors to traverse its majestic mountains – Everest and Annapurna in particular – travel experiences in this beautiful Himalayan nation are expanding.

Home stays, where you reside with Nepali families and take an active part in their daily lives, are a growing attraction. It’s a win:win for local youths – who took their country back after bloody protests in 2025 – wanting to stay in Nepal rather than moving abroad for work, as well as foreigners seeking a deeper cultural experience. Nepali women, Indigenous people and marginalised castes are also benefitting from home stays, upping the feel-good factor even further.

Leading the charge is Community Home Stay Network, which links travellers to local-family hosts. Travel off-the-beaten path to homes in areas including Tharu in the south, learn how to cook Nepali style, and take part in traditions such as making moonshine, dancing and weaving straw handicrafts.

Exploring new frontiers in Antarctica

an ice window at Wilhelmina Bay — A breathtaking ice window captured at Wilhelmina Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula. (Credit: Renato Granieri)

Gone are the days when a trip to Antarctica meant a perilous voyage through the Drake Passage on a vessel holding the mere essentials. Innovative cruise ships now offer a smooth and sophisticated passage to the White Continent, as well as experiences formerly off-limits.

Abercrombie & Kent’s 19-day Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands: Holiday Voyage captures it all. Spot breaching whales and gracefully gliding albatrosses from the deck, before stepping onto this Narnia-like landscape with daily Zodiac excursions. Observe adorable penguin and fur seal colonies, visit Antarctic communities that were previously too remote, and get so close to colossal icebergs that you’ll feel humbled by their scale.

Silversea‘s Antarctica Fly Cruise voyages will soon include a stay at The Cormorant at 55 South, the southernmost hotel on Earth purpose-built to bring uncompromised comfort to guests travelling to Antarctica.

When it comes to protecting this fragile eco-system, the future is also looking bright: HX Expeditions has partnered with the University of Tasmania to create a world-first educational course allowing cruise guests to dive into Antarctic science and sustainability, while A&K pours funds into conservation efforts and uses energy-efficient hybrid ships – all in trademark luxury, of course.

Indulging in New Zealand’s exceptional dining

Ayrburn, Queenstown — The Ayrburn precinct serves up delicate dishes.

By welcoming the Michelin Guide to sample Aotearoa/New Zealand’s finest gastronomy for the first time, our cousins across the ditch have now become serious players on the world culinary scene.

And there’s never been a better time to experience NZ’s greatest gastronomy with the inaugural guide currently going to press. Sample haute cuisine in Queenstown with a side serving of theatrics by culinary director Paul Froggatt at Essence in the new ROKI Collection hotel, and pull up a chair at Amisfield for its delicious degustation experience under new chef Sung Peng, with the world-renowned restaurant slated to reopen in July.

And it’s not just Queenstown holding all the culinary cards. The Michelin inspectors travelled to rate the best epicurean artistry in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington and Ōtautahi/Christchurch against the world’s most renowned restaurateurs (bring loose pants).

Bedding down at design-led hotels and farm stays

a woodfired sauna at Azuma Farm Koiwai — A woodfired sauna deepens the meditative state at Azuma Farm Koiwai. (Credit: Azuma Farm Koiwai)

New grand dames on the global hotel stage are receiving a standing ovation for their triumphant 2026 openings.

Return to old-world elegance at the Orient Express Venezia, a reimagined former 15^th-century royal residence set in Venice’s Palazzo Dona Giovannellii. It certainly makes for a regal stay, with grand Neo-Gothic windows and restored Baroque splendour blending seamlessly with modern luxury flourishes. Also bringing the fantasy factor is France’s Zannier Île de Bendor on a petite private island off the Provençal coast. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea – and with three luxe, design-led accommodation concepts to choose from – this resort exudes golden-era glamour.

In a breath of fresh air, we’ve also seen an uptick in farm stays. Trade the urban rush for a rambling rural retreat at Sibbjäns, Sweden’s first boutique farm stay, or opt for horseback riding followed by woodfired saunas on the sprawling eight-hectare Azuma Farm Koiwai in Japan.

Cruising the Danube on a festive Eastern Euro adventure

The magical Pécs Christmas Market in Hungary. (Credit: Emily Murphy)

Dreaming of a white Christmas? While floating past snow-dusted, fairytale cities on a river ship in Eastern Europe makes for an amazing voyage, when you add the magic of Christmas the whole experience becomes, well, more magical.

From twinkling trees and tinsel to red-nosed reindeer and wreath decorations, the festivities greet you the moment you step aboard AmaMagna by AmaWaterways. The ship then spirits you away along the Lower Danube for a seven-night Gems of Southeast Europe adventure from Romania to Hungary.

Explore Bulgaria’s medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo, glide into the dramatic Iron Gates crossing into Serbia; and sip on fine wines at Croatia’s Kast Winery (one variety made famous by Queen Elizabeth II). The highlight? For many it’s wandering the shimmering Christmas markets in Hungary’s Pécs. Peruse stalls selling unique handicrafts, try the traditional treat of kürtőskalács (chimney cake), and warm your cockles with a cup of mulled wine.

Delving into the buzzing city of Beijing

Lama Temple, Beijing — Calm and chaos at Lama Temple in Beijing. (Credit: Natasha Bazika)

Walking the line between its imperial past and a frenetic, futuristic present – Beijing is an exciting city to dive into.

If you want to be centrally located, the palatial Peninsula Beijing is hard to beat. From here, strap in at street level for a stroll among the city’s famed hutongs (ancient alleyways), pausing to taste traditional delicacies such as jianbing (savoury breakfast crepe) and dumpling soup. Then scope out the narrow lanes dotted with siheyuan courtyard homes (there are only 1000 left), and if you love to shop, head to Taikoo Li Sanlitun for a mix of luxury brands and local labels.

And it wouldn’t be a well-rounded trip to this history-rich city without experiencing its highlights reel. Admire golden-topped architecture in the Forbidden City, take a hike on the Great Wall of China and pay a visit to Tiananmen Square for both remembrance and observation on how it operates today.

Embarking on a round-the-world cruise

Can’t decide where to go on a cruise? On a round-the-world voyage you can live out all your dreams at sea.

It’s not a new idea – the first world cruise occurred more than a century ago on Cunard’s RMS Laconia in 1922 – but a reimagining. If you don’t have a spare year up your sleeve, you can now join for specific legs of the journey (unlike the 1922 trip), and ships have been modernised with sustainability measures, contemporary designs and a less formal feel.

Queen Anne, also by Cunard, cruised the world in 2026 with guests joining at handpicked ports, including in Central America for the extraordinary experience of crossing the Panama Canal. If you want the full adventure by circumnavigating the globe, Queen Anne will set sail on another world voyage in 2028.

Discovering the joys of small-group travel in Spain

Intrepid Travel's olive oil and wine tasting at Molino El Vínculo, Grazalema — Sample organic wine and olive oil on a tasting tour in Molino El Vínculo in Grazalema with Intrepid Travel. (Credit: Intrepid Travel/Tim Luck)

Small-group touring is a travel trend currently soaring, with many embracing it as an authentic, intimate and insightful way to visit a country – with VIP benefits to boot.

The small-group format, typically capped at five to 15 guests, is now accounting for around 62 per cent of group travel worldwide. And operators such as Intrepid Travel, APT Luxury Travel and Janesco Travel are among the frontrunners in this space, handling all navigation and insider experiences within an intimate group led by expert guides.

Seeking a Spanish sojourn? Small-group journeys to the vibrant southern Andalusia region are now topping bucket lists. Be mesmerised by flamenco dancers from a professional dance school (rather than touristy versions), learn how to make authentic sangria with a private class, skip queues at the Real Alcázar of Seville royal palace, and score a seat at the best Andalusian restaurants, sans waitlist.

Learning from the past in Japan

inside the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum — The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum presents a sobering dive into the nuclear event. (Credit: Eleanor Edström)

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to experience a war-time atomic bomb, hopefully the closest any of us will ever get is a visit to Nagasaki.

While on a cruise excursion to the Japanese city aboard the Diamond Princess, you can visit the fascinating hypocentre of the Second World War bomb dropped to widespread annihilation in 1945. While there is no doubt this is heavy material to digest on a tour, it comes with a message of hope – that the horror of a nuclear war should never happen again.

There is also much more to this 11-day Japan Explorer Cherry Blossoms with Princess Cruises voyage. Witness the world’s most active volcano in Kagoshima, join a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto and marvel at Mt Fuji in Shimizu. Also don’t miss the onsen experiences onboard the ship or its many mouth-watering local culinary offerings. Next departure is March 2027.

Supporting a typhoon-ravaged community in Vietnam

Zannier Bai San Ho — Time to kick back at Zannier Bãi San Hô. (Credit: Amber Hunter)

When typhoon Typhoon Kalmaegi ripped through Vietnam’s south-central coast in November 2025, it left a devastating trail of destruction.

And Zannier Bãi San Hô, an expansive 98-hectare beachfront resort, took a direct hit. An incredible five-month clean-up and restoration has now seen the Green Globe-certified retreat reopen, thanks in large part to the local community who rallied to help rebuild it. The support goes both ways; the 180-strong resort staff is made up of 177 locals – their livelihoods dependent on it.

You can help by simply booking a stay here. It’s hardly a punish, when you consider the beauty and luxury of this place; picture private pool villas and powder-white beaches. Take to the sapphire waters for water sports, visit local fishing villages and sweat it out at the onsite fitness centre. Or, if relaxing’s more your jam, simply loll by the pool with a good book.