Almost everything you can dream of is on Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) new ship VIVA – pampering cocktail bars, a selection of gourmet restaurants, a spectacular spa, unique attractions designed to be documented on social media, and a friendly and friendly crew reminiscent of the legendary guys from the "Love Boat".
20 floors, more than 1,500 staff members, 9 international restaurants (Starbucks inside!), 20 bars and lounges, <> indoor slides and <> racetrack. Welcome to VIVA, Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) new ship that made its Mediterranean launch cruise last August.
Norwegian Cruise Line's Viva cruise ship, photo: Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
On her maiden voyage, VIVA sailed from Venice, Italy, to Lisbon, Portugal, with stops at coastal destinations including Amalfi in Italy, Cannes in France and Ibiza in Spain. The itinerary includes docking for long hours, where passengers can disembark on independent tours of the various cities, or alternatively stay on the ship and enjoy all the good it offers.
In fact, even nine days may not be enough to explore NCL's magnificent concrete and marble monster. This is a huge ship, which can accommodate 3,099 people, and its uniqueness lies in the large spaces it offers guests and its innovative design. This ensures that you won't be stuck in huge lines for meals or waiting for elevators, because of its huge size, and the chances of feeling crowded and crowded are nil.
Our journey began, of course, at the bar. After reviewing the drinks and examining the bartenders, we examined the restaurant offerings: in addition to a variety of free buffet-style dining options, in spacious restaurants with outdoor windows that guarantee panoramic sea views, there are nine international restaurants, with a variety of options for vegetarians, meat lovers, and connoisseurs who dream of gourmet French, Italian or Japanese cuisine.
Norwegian Cruise Line's Viva cruise ship, photo: Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
Don't expect to rest after meals, as there are hot tubs and infinity pools, which seem to have an endless view spilling into the sea, along with hundreds of sun beds. In addition, the ship's schedule is packed with cultural, sporting and entertainment events from sunrise until well after sunset. You can find shopping boulevards with shops, singles meetings, lectures, auctions, stand-up, theater performances (forget the entertainment team, here they bring Broadway shows!) and a bingo night. VIVA's sprawling casino opens when the ship sails, and is equipped with hundreds of tables and slot machines, run by experienced and smiling dealers.
At the Pulse fitness center located at the front of the ship we got free access to the latest fitness machines. Thanks to a crazy sea view, which eases the pain and suffering of training, and the possibility to choose from a huge selection of yoga, spinning, TRX and other classes, there is a solution for those who must burn calories even on vacation. We gave up and continued to conquer the next destination: the spa.
Pool on Norwegian Cruise Line's Viva cruise ship, photo: Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
One of the highlights of the ship is the spa, which features some unique facilities. We discovered an unusual indoor waterfall and the first charcoal sauna at sea, designed for detoxification and relaxation, as well as a salt room, ice room, infrared sauna and salt pool. Along with all the innovations, the spa is equipped with an indoor pool for those suffering from the sun and saunas, and offers massage and beauty treatments.
For the younger audience, VIVA offers activities for children, from a spritz area designed for the little ones, a kids club that operates from morning to evening (with English-speaking instructors), video games, theater performances and unique activities such as an escape room, a golf course and plenty of innovative VR courses in the gaming room, some at an additional cost. Teenagers who haven't figured out what to do yet will discover a whole floor of sports games, including ping pong tables, basketball, soccer and everything a teenager can fantasize about.
The restaurant on Norwegian Cruise Line's Viva cruise ship, photo: Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
Attractions
Three main attractions characterize the VIVA: the wet and dry slides, and the racetrack. Water slides we all know, and here it is a wet, fast and safe tubing slide, suitable for light adrenaline lovers and children. I checked, and it's abnormal fun. Before browsing there is a height and weight measuring station - can't publish my personal data, but I was allowed to browse.
The cherry on top for sports and extreme enthusiasts is undoubtedly the car race track - Viva Speedway. It's hard to believe that they specifically built a runway on a ship, but it's real, and spans three entire floors. The experience is tailored for adults (a child can travel alongside an adult), and the safety instructions are very clear, including wearing helmets and wearing seat belts. Our test drive was successful, accompanied by social media photos (you enjoyed it and didn't advertise? didn't enjoy it!), and with cheers from dozens of safety bouncers along the way. I've never felt more Kim Kardashian.
When we got tired of all the attractions, meals and activities, we returned to the room. The ship's rooms are designed for all family ensembles - rooms for single passengers, rooms for couples, club suites with balcony, spa suites and a wing called "The Haven" that offers a premium experience with 107 separate suites, a private pool and a butler for each room. Just? Even without a butler, VIVA provides an experience that lasts long after the ship docks ashore.
Bedroom on Norwegian Cruise Line's Viva cruise ship, photo: Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
Prices
Interior room from USD 1,326 (per person in double room)
Exterior room from USD 1,972 (per person in double room)
Room with Balcony from USD 2,493 (per person in double room)
The writer was a guest of Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line's Viva cruise ship, photo: Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
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