Today, the Norwegian Cruise Line extended a warm welcome to its inaugural passengers, ushering them aboard the freshly minted Norwegian Viva. This eagerly awaited vessel, the second of the esteemed Prima Class, embarked on its maiden voyage from the picturesque setting of Venice (Trieste), Italy.
Presenting an impressive debut in the European waters, the Norwegian Viva embarked on a splendid nine-day voyage through the Mediterranean, charting a course from Venice (Trieste), Italy to the enchanting city of Lisbon, Portugal. Along the way, the ship graced some of Europe’s most breathtaking coastal havens, including the alluring Salerno, nestled along Italy’s Amalfi Coast; the glamour of Cannes on France’s captivating Cote d’Azur; and the vibrant isle of Ibiza, a gem within Spain’s Balearic Islands, among several other remarkable ports of call. The Norwegian Viva has a captivating itinerary ahead, promising unforgettable journeys through the Greek Isles and the Mediterranean until November, before settling into its seasonal homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, come December, ready to indulge travelers in Caribbean escapades.
Resonating with the acclaimed design of its award-winning sibling, the Norwegian Prima, the Norwegian Viva boasts a series of remarkable onboard offerings. Among them is the Viva Speedway, an impressive three-level racetrack, and the Indulge Food Hall, an upscale culinary haven housing 11 distinct dining experiences. Adrenaline junkies will relish the thrill of the fastest slides at sea—The Drop and Rush—while cocktail enthusiasts can savor unique concoctions at the Metropolitan Bar, a pioneering sustainable concept within the cruise industry.
The Norwegian Viva’s refined and expansive design is adorned with a splendid array of artwork throughout the ship. Notably, The Concourse, an outdoor sculpture garden of considerable value, captures attention, as does a dynamic and interactive 52-foot-wide art piece by contemporary British digital artist Dominic Harris. Exclusively crafted for the Norwegian Viva, Harris’ creation titled “Every Wing Has a Silver Lining” is showcased at the Metropolitan Bar. This captivating digital artwork responds dynamically to passing movement, fostering engaging interactions with its audience. Adding to the onboard allure, the ship offers a world-class entertainment roster, featuring the humor-packed Tony Award®-nominated production “Beetlejuice The Musical” and the iconic game show “Press Your Luck LIVE,” an immersive experience where guests vie for extraordinary grand prizes.
Following the vessel’s inaugural voyage, the Norwegian Viva will set sail on a captivating series of Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, leading up to its official christening ceremony in Miami on November 28, 2023. The esteemed event will witness the presence of Latin GRAMMY® award-winning artist Luis Fonsi, who holds the role of the ship’s godfather. Joining him in this momentous occasion will be notable figures such as The Queen of Latin Pop, Paulina Rubio; Miami-native Marcello Hernandez from “Saturday Night Live”; and singer Pedro Capó. The ship’s subsequent journey will find it anchored in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where it will offer a season of Caribbean explorations from December 2023 through March 2024. Ports of call will include Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
In May 2024, the Norwegian Viva will once again grace European waters, its Mediterranean itineraries providing an unmatched opportunity to bask in the beauty and culture of Europe. Travelers will enjoy an average of 10.5 hours in port, affording them more time for exploration with fewer days spent at sea. Guests can unpack their belongings just once, all while relishing the convenience and luxury of their world-class accommodations, awakening in new and exciting European destinations as the ship expertly navigates its way from one captivating city to another.