Norwegian Viva: Here's what to expect from the cruise line's new ship

Nathan Diller, USA TODAY
·2 min read

The Norwegian Cruise Line family welcomed a new member this week.

The line’s Norwegian Viva ship, the second in its Prima Class, made its debut on Thursday. The ship departed on its maiden voyage from Venice, Italy to Lisbon, Portugal on a nine-day Mediterranean cruise.

"This summer, our guests will have the opportunity to explore Europe aboard our newest magnificent vessel, Norwegian Viva, while enjoying its well-appointed spacious design, elevated experiences, expansive culinary offerings and signature Norwegian Cruise Line hospitality provided by the best crew in the industry," David J. Herrera, the line’s president, said in a news release.

Here’s what travelers should know about the vessel.

Norwegian Viva is the second in the ship's Prima Class.
Norwegian Viva is the second in the ship's Prima Class.

Where will Norwegian Viva sail?

The ship, which can accommodate 3,099 guests at double occupancy, will spend its first few months sailing Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries. The ship will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in December, where it will offer Caribbean cruises.

What can guests expect from Norwegian Viva?

Viva mirrors the design of sister ship Norwegian Prima, which launched last year, with a refined, upscale feel.

Guests can dine at Indulge Food Hall, choosing from 11 distinct eateries; take a ride on the three-level Viva Speedway race track; and chase thrills on The Drop, a free-fall slide. Viva will also feature the line’s Metropolitan Bar, which debuted on Prima using surplus ingredients to serve sustainability-minded cocktails, among other drinks.

The ship will also host the at-sea debut of “Beetlejuice" The Musical in a three-story onboard theater that can turn into a nightclub.

What else should travelers know about Norwegian Viva?

Prices vary by sailing and cabin category, but a nine-day, round-trip Caribbean cruise from San Juan with stops in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba and more departing Dec. 29 currently starts at $2,549 per person based on double occupancy, according to Norwegian’s website.

Viva can accommodate nearly 4,000 passengers at double occupancy.
Viva can accommodate nearly 4,000 passengers at double occupancy.

The fare includes many meals on board, drinks such as regular coffee and iced tea and more.

Guests with disabilities or who need special assistance can fill out a Guest Special Needs Request Form. The line can give passengers accommodations like sign language interpreting services, and all ships in its fleet have wheelchair-accessible staterooms.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Norwegian Cruise Line launches new ship Viva