Norwegian Viva

The 2023-built Norwegian Viva cruise ship is the second of six PRIMA-Class NCL liners constructed in Italy by Fincantieri (Marghera Yard/Venice). By volume (142500 GT), Viva’s sistership is Prima (2022). The PRIMA PLUS series includes the 10% larger (158000 GT) sisterships Aqua (2025) and Luna (2026), as well as the 20% larger (172000 GT) sisterships Aura (2027) and TBN6 (2028).

The vessel (IMO number 9823998) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311001127) and registered in Nassau.

Each NCL PRIMA-class vessel has a construction cost of EUR 730 million (USD 850M).

NCL’s previous BREAKAWAY PLUS-Class ships were all built by Meyer Werft Germany (in Papenburg).

The ship’s design incorporates 20 decks, 1646 staterooms, 142500 GT, a passenger capacity of 3215 (double occupancy), and 16 elevators (including two dedicated to The Haven). The Haven complex (public areas plus 107 staterooms) was designed by the Italian firm Lissoni & Partners (Piero Lissoni).

Like sistership Prima, Norwegian Viva’s hull artwork is created by Italian graffiti artist Manuel Di Rita (Peeta).

History - construction and ownership

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH). Founded in 1966, NCL is headquartered in Miami, Florida and publicly traded (NASDAQ/NYSE). NCLH’s major shareholders include Apollo Global Management (USA), Genting Group (Malaysia), and TPG Capital (USA).

In 2017, NCL’s global cruise market share was 8.7% (passengers) and 8.4% (revenue).

NCLH owns the brands NCL, Oceania, and RSSC-Regent.

Decks and Cabins

Norwegian Viva staterooms (1646 total) are offered in 35 categories and 7 main types: The Haven Suites (107), Suites, Club Balcony Suites (Mini-Suites), Balcony, Oceanview, Inside, and Studios (solo cabins without single supplement). The PRIMA design features 18 Suite categories (including the fleet’s first 3-bedroom suites) and the largest-ever Inside, Oceanview, and Balcony cabins in the NCL fleet.

The ship has 41 ADA-certified wheelchair-accessible staterooms in the following categories: HB-Haven Aft Penthouse (1), BA-BB-BF Balcony (16), O4 Oceanview (7), IA-IB-IF Inside (17). “Guaranteed” cabin categories include MX-Club Balcony Suite, BX-Balcony, OX-Oceanview, and IX-Inside.

The smallest category is T1-Studio (95 ft2 / 9 m2). Inside cabins range from 160-255 ft2 (15-24 m2). Oceanview cabins feature a large round window and come as Standard (185 ft2 / 17 m2), Large (235 ft2 / 22 m2), and Family (235-370 ft2 / 22-34 m2). Balcony cabins range from 230-360 ft2 (21-34 m2) with balconies sized 45-100 ft2 (4-9 m2). The largest accommodation is The Haven Premier Owner’s Suite (capacity 8) measuring 2100 ft2 (195 m2) with an 830 ft2 (77 m2) wraparound terrace.

The vessel has 20 decks, of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 9 contain cabins.

Staff/crew accommodations total 912 cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

PRIMA-class ships feature expanded indoor and outdoor public spaces, reduced passenger density (compared to BREAKAWAY/BREAKAWAY PLUS), new dining and entertainment concepts, 35 dining venues and bars/lounges (including seven fleet-first food venues), and enhanced service levels.

The Waterfront promenade was reimagined as the enlarged Ocean Boulevard. The 360-degree Promenade (44000 ft2 / 4090 m2) encircles Deck 8 and incorporates multiple venues, two infinity pools, Oceanwalk glass bridges, Indulge Food Hall (NCL’s first open-air marketplace), and The Concourse outdoor sculpture garden (with works by Alexander Krivosheiw and David Harber).

Penrose Atrium is NCL’s first 3-level atrium (decks 6-7-8). The glass-walled space features panoramic sea views, futuristic design, a 3-ton crystal chandelier (by Lasvit, Czechia), topographic-inspired wall art, and shops and bars (including Starbucks, Whiskey Bar, Penrose Bar, Viva Casino).

Below is the complete list of Norwegian Viva restaurants and food bars:

• The Commodore Room & Hudson’s (Main Dining Rooms, complimentary, revamped menus with international dishes, vegetarian/vegan options, build-your-own pasta—24 combinations—and a Specialties menu sampling items from specialty restaurants).
• Indulge Food Hall (11 eateries, indoor-outdoor seating, 120 menu items across breakfast/lunch/dinner; includes Luna Bar, Indulge Outdoor Lounge, Soleil Bar, Waves Pool Bar, Viva Speedway Bar, Starbucks seating area).
• Los Lobos Cantina (new NCL specialty concept; Mexican cuisine with tableside guacamole, fresh tortillas, Tacos Al Pastor, Chicken Enchiladas de Mole, handcrafted cocktails).
• Onda by Scarpetta (Italian specialty dining; indoor/outdoor seating; gourmet Italian cuisine, wines, pizzas, homemade pasta, seafood, desserts; Waterfront terrace).
• Coco’s (patisserie with artisan desserts).
• Seaside Rotisserie (grilled and spit-roasted meats).
• Nudls (noodle dishes and global street food).
• Tamara (classic Indian cuisine with vegetarian options).
• Tapas Food Truck (Spanish-inspired street food).
• Q Texas Smokehouse (Southern US barbecue).
• The Local Bar & Grill (classic American comfort dishes and cocktails).
• Garden Kitchen (custom salads with 12+ ingredients).
• The Concourse (outdoor art garden; seven sculptures valued over USD 2M).
• La Terraza (open-air lounge with forward views).
• Infinity Beach (two aft infinity pools and two midship Oceanwalks).
• Palomar (Mediterranean seafood specialty restaurant).
• Hasuki (Japanese hibachi restaurant).
• Nama (sushi and sashimi bar).
• Le Bistro (French specialty dining).
• Cagney’s Steakhouse (prime steaks and seafood; reservations only; cover charge; separate breakfast/lunch service for suite guests).
• Food Republic (Asian-fusion cuisine, à la carte, iPad ordering).
• Observation Lounge & Bar (with telescopes).
• Humidor Cigar Lounge.
• The Belvedere Bar (craft cocktail lounge).
• Surfside Cafe & Surfside Grill (casual dining and made-to-order options).

Metropolitan Bar (deck 7) is NCL’s first “sustainable bar,” offering zero-waste cocktails, “green spirits,” and biodynamic wines. The venue also features “Every Wing Has a Silver Lining,” a 16-m digital artwork by Dominic Harris (UK), displaying interactive butterflies reacting to guest movement.

Other culinary offerings include The Latin Quarter (Latin cuisine), Just Desserts (cakes and pies), and Just Ice Cream.

“The Haven by Norwegian,” designed by Lissoni & Partners, spans eight decks and includes suites, exclusive public areas, and private venues located aft. The 107 Haven Suites have exclusive access to two private elevators connecting decks 6–18. All public spaces feature floor-to-ceiling sea views.

The Haven Sundeck spans decks 16–18 and features:

• Deck 16: stern infinity pool, outdoor spa (glass-walled sauna and cold room), Concierge Desk, Haven Outdoor Restaurant, Haven Outdoor Lounge & Bar.
• Deck 17: two Jacuzzis and outdoor showers.
• Deck 18: infinity pool with stern-facing glass wall, large sunbathing area with loungers and showers.

Complimentary 24-hour butler service is included.

The onboard wellness complex unites the Mandara Spa and Pulse Fitness Center.

• The Gym offers modern equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, steppers, free weights), an Aerobics Studio (spinning, yoga, pilates, dance, cardio, strength training, TRX), and a Performance Recovery Room (with Hyperice products).
• The indoor Spa features a charcoal sauna, 2-deck cascading waterfall, Salt Room, Steam Room, Ice Room, Infrared and Finnish saunas, Experiential Showers, Vitality Pool, Flotation Salt Pool, Relaxation Lounge (22 heated stone loungers), 20 treatment rooms, and locker rooms.

PRIMA-class ships also introduce new spa therapies (Welnamis and Wellmassage5D massage beds), Ocean Spa Wave Massage, Zero Gravity Wellness Massage, and ELEMIS “Aroma Spa Ocean Wraps.”

The Aqua Park (three decks high) includes two pools, five multi-level waterslides (Ocean Loop), two racing slides (The Rush), one freefall dry slide (The Drop), the “Tidal Wave” innertube slide, four Jacuzzis, a pool bar, and a large sundeck.

Vibe Beach Club is an adults-only retreat (extra charge) featuring two cantilevered infinity whirlpools, a pool bar, sun loungers, and private cabanas.

Syd Norman’s Pour House (introduced on Norwegian Breakaway in 2018) is a rock-and-roll venue with live band performances.

Headliners Comedy Club hosts “The Second City,” “Howl At The Moon,” “The Improv at Sea,” and the “Science of Comedy.”

The Viva Theater & Club spans decks 6–7–8 and features a large stage, dance floor, customizable seating, a large moving LED screen, UHD media, and advanced sound and lighting systems. It transforms into a nightclub in the evenings.

• Featured production: “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” (75 minutes, 20+ hits).
• NCL’s interactive game shows: “The Price is Right,” “Supermarket Sweep,” “Press Your Luck,” “Beat the Clock.”

NCL Viva was the first to introduce the Broadway-style “Beetlejuice The Musical” (90 minutes), hosted at Viva Theater & Club, as well as the 2023-debuted “Press Your Luck LIVE.” Productions were developed in partnership with Fremantle.

As with BREAKAWAY/BREAKAWAY PLUS ships, Viva features the “Viva Speedway” racetrack (fleet’s largest), The Rush (dueling slides), and The Drop (freefall slide).

“Viva Speedway” spans three decks with a longer straightaway, 14 turns, a total length of 420 m (1378 ft), and capacity for 15 racing cars. The track loops around and through the funnel. The Speedway Bar serves the venue.

“Galaxy Pavilion” is an indoor virtual-reality gaming complex with 14 attractions, four new simulators, two escape rooms, and the fleet’s first Topgolf Swing Suite powered by Full Swing Golf.

“The Bull’s Eye” offers digital darts with automatic scoring and instant replays.

“Tee Time” provides a 9-hole mini-golf experience.

Additional lounges, clubs, and facilities include:

• Viva Theater & Club (bar/nightclub)
• Penrose Atrium
• Penrose Bar
• Cruise Next, Sales Office, Shore Excursions & Guest Services
• Casino (VIP & Smoking)
• Belvedere Bar
• Splash Academy (kids 3–12), Guppies Nursery (6 months–2 years), Kid’s Aqua Park
• I-Connect Internet Café (24-hour), Art Gallery
• Whiskey Bar
• The Gateway mini mall
• Beauty by Design & Aficionados (cosmetics/perfumes), plus tax-free spirits

Additional retail includes Roberto Coin, Effy Jewelry, Timeless Luxury & Fine Watches, Pandora, The Zone & Eye Style, Tech @ Sea, and Perspectives Photo Studio.

Itineraries

Norwegian Viva’s inaugural season starts on August 10, 2023, in the Mediterranean, followed by a Transatlantic repositioning to the USA for Caribbean deployment.

The shortened 2023 Mediterranean season (affected by construction delays) is based on 9-10-day itineraries from Lisbon, Civitavecchia-Rome, Trieste-Venice, and Piraeus-Athens.

The Adriatic–Mediterranean itineraries include ports in Spain (Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Barcelona), Croatia (Dubrovnik), Slovenia (Koper), Sicily (Siracusa, Messina), mainland Italy (Ravenna), Turkey (Istanbul, Kusadasi), Greek Islands (Santorini, Mykonos), Malta (Valletta), and Gibraltar (UK).

In the Caribbean, Norwegian Viva is homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico for 7-day roundtrip itineraries.

The inaugural 2023–2024 Caribbean season (from December 15) is based on 7-8-9-day sailings visiting Tortola (BVI), St Maarten (Philipsburg), St Thomas (USVI), Barbados (Bridgetown), St Lucia (Castries), and Antigua (St Johns).

In summer 2025 (May–September), the ship returns to Europe and is homeported in Piraeus–Athens, Greece.

On February 16, 2017, the shipowner NCLH (Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd) signed with Fincantieri an order for four NCL LEONARDO-class vessels (renamed “NCL PRIMA” in 2021) for the NCL brand.

• The newbuilds were scheduled for delivery between 2022 and 2025 (one ship per year), with an option for two additional units. On July 12, 2018, NCLH exercised this option, ordering two more vessels (PRIMA PLUS series), scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028.
• The NCLH–Fincantieri agreement was backed by CDP (Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA, founded in 1850 and based in Turin) and SACE SpA (Servizi Assicurativi del Commercio Estero, founded in 1977 and serving as the Italian Export Credit Agency).
• All shipbuilding contracts were signed by Frank Del Rio (NCLH’s President and CEO) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri SpA’s CEO).

The vessel’s name (Norwegian Viva) was officially revealed on January 11, 2022.

The ship’s namesake is A-Rosa Cruises’ riverboat A-Rosa Viva (built 2010).

Like all units in this class, Norwegian Viva was constructed by Fincantieri at the Marghera Yard near Venice, Italy.

The vessel (Fincantieri Marghera Yard/hull number 6299) is powered by five main Wärtsilä diesel engines — three model 8L46 (8-cylinder) and two model 12V46 (12-cylinder) — plus one Caterpillar diesel generator (model 3516C HD) and six Alfa Laval auxiliary boilers (one oil/gas-fired and five exhaust-gas-heated).

The diesel-electric propulsion system includes three bow thrusters (Brunvoll FU115) and two aft thrusters (ABB Azipod XO).

The registered shipowner is LEONARDO TWO LTD (a subsidiary of NCLH), with NCL BAHAMAS LTD listed as the ship manager.

The vessel was launched/floated out from drydock on August 2, 2022. The ceremony was attended by Harry Sommer (NCLH’s CEO and President), Luigi Matarazzo (Managing Director of Fincantieri’s Merchant Shipping Division), and Frank Del Rio (NCLH’s CEO and President).

NCL’s Viva was officially delivered by Fincantieri Marghera to NCLH on August 3, 2023. Delivery had been postponed from the original date of June 30.

The ship departed Fincantieri Marghera on May 5 and arrived at Fincantieri Trieste on May 7 for final outfitting and painting, followed by planned Adriatic Sea trials.

On June 23, 2023, David J. Herrera (NCL’s President) announced the ship’s godfather — Luis Alfonso Rodriguez Lopez-Cepero (known as Luis Fonsi, a Puerto Rican singer and songwriter born in 1978). Luis Fonsi is widely known for the hits “Despacito” (2017, featuring Daddy Yankee/Ramon Luis Ayala Rodriguez) and “Échame La Culpa” (2019, a duet with Demi Lovato).

The ship’s official christening ceremony was held on November 28, 2023, in PortMiami (Florida, USA). The naming event featured live performances by celebrity entertainers such as Paulina Susana Rubio Dosamantes/Paulina Rubio (Mexican singer, born 1971), Pedro Capó (Puerto Rican singer, born 1980), and Marcello Hernandez (American stand-up comedian/actor/writer, born 1997). The event was attended by David J. Herrera and Harry Sommer.

Norwegian Viva’s homeporting in Puerto Rico (San Juan) began on December 15.

Refurbishment 2024 review

The ship’s first refurbishment was an “on-the-go” project conducted during the Transatlantic crossing (April 7–26, relocation voyage from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Lisbon).

In an email sent to booked passengers, NCL informed them that several onboard spaces/venues would be temporarily closed during the voyage for planned upgrades and enhancements.

Among the modified venues was the Speedway Bar (deck 19), which was converted into Entourage (the teen club lounge). Upgrades were also completed in Galaxy Pavilion (deck 17), The Bull’s Eye (deck 18), Tee Time (mini-golf, deck 17), The Stadium (game space, deck 18), and The Wave (waterslide, deck 20).

Inaugural itineraries 2023

Due to construction delays (primarily supply-chain disruptions caused by the COVID crisis and the Russia–Ukraine conflict), the 2023 inaugural cruise — initially scheduled for June 15 — was rescheduled first to July 3 and ultimately to August 10. A total of eight Mediterranean voyages were canceled (departures on June 15 & 24, July 3–12–21–30, and August 8 & 17).

The tables below show the ship’s inaugural itineraries (by homeport/destination/region), with prices in USD per person based on double occupancy.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE 2023) 9-day Mediterranean from Venice/Trieste to Lisbon — from US$1800 pp

(Inaugural Transatlantic crossing 2023) 16-day westbound from Europe to the Caribbean — from US$2480 pp

(Inaugural Caribbean cruise) 7-day “Caribbean, Curaçao, Aruba and St Lucia” itinerary — from US$1330 pp

(Inaugural New Year Holiday 2023–2024) 7-day “Caribbean, Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia” — from US$1550 pp

Godspeed!