On Location: Norwegian’s new Viva cruise ship pleases with premium experiences

Norwegian Cruise Line’s new 3,100-passenger Viva cruise ship is a head-turner, not just because of her bold blue hull art, but also for her curves.

The rounded aft, sloped funnel cover, hairpin turn of the go-kart track and corkscrew slides hanging off the side command attention.

PAX News attended Viva’s maiden voyage from Trieste, Italy, travelling from August 10 to 14, and had an exclusive interview with Cruise Director Marzena Slodyczka to discuss the ship’s features.

“On this voyage, the average guest age was about 40 and there were about 500 children under 18," says Slodyczka.

"However, guest demographics change every week based on destination, itinerary and time of year."

Viva is the second ship of the six-ship Prima class — a twin sister to Prima launched last year — but Viva has had a few nips and tucks based on feedback.

The ship has four pools, six hot tubs, 22 dining venues, 19 bars and lounges, a go-kart track, wet and dry slides, a sprinkler park, virtual rides, outdoor games, a theatre, a casino, a spa and gym, shops and children’s centres to keep your clients happy, whether they’re solos or multi-gen families.

When you enter the atrium, the modern decor is bright with whites, beiges and blues.

The recessed lighting mimics a starry night sky and the pale wood staircases are understated. 

The walls and ceiling also have rounded indentations that create a spaceship vibe.

Other spaces are warmed up with interesting abstract art for pops of colour, punctuated with elegant touches of black for sophistication.

Exterior features

Crowning the top of Viva is the Speedway, a three-storey, 1,400-foot (426 metres) long go-kart track with 14 turns and great ocean views — if you dare look up.

The karts can reach speeds of about 30 mph (48 km/h). 

A ride costs $15 and clients can purchase a discounted package.

For vertical thrills, the Drop is a 10-storey spiral slide that hangs over the side of the ship.

Step into the glass floor capsule, wait for the ominous countdown and within seconds the floor hatch opens and drops you at G-force speed.

“On Prima, some people slowed down inside the slide and needed to scoot to get going again," says Slodyczka.

"But we’ve made adjustments on Viva that help. We also have different sound effects inside.”

Two other dry slides called the Rush are intertwined and guests can race a friend.

The Wave is a wet slide ride on an inflatable tube that flushes guests down a pipe and out to a bowl that’s steeply banked. 

A children’s sprinkler park is also nearby.

The main pool area has two hot tubs. 

Many guests on Prima thought the pool and area were too small and the go-kart track too big. 

It’s been an on-going ‘chill versus thrill’ debate. 

On Viva, while the pool is the same size, seating is more flexible for crew to arrange.

Vibe Beach Club is a private, adults-only area with two hot tubs accessible with a purchased pass (about $200 for a week; book pre-cruise).

Haven guests are spoiled with a stunning aft infinity pool and two hot tubs.

Dining

Viva has such a strong emphasis on dining experiences that there are 22 venues, eight of which are fee-based specialty restaurants. 

The vision was to offer more intimate, land-style dining experiences from around the world, and several also have outdoor seating.

There are two lovely dining rooms and the food is excellent. 

Menus also change daily for seven days, unlike when Prima launched.

The Hudson seats about 400 guests and its 270-degree panoramic view is spectacular. 

The Commodore seats about 250 guests and is equally charming.

Indulge Food Hall has iPad menus to order from its seven small eateries, including The Texas Smokehouse, Tapas, The Garden, Pudls, Latin Quarter, Seaside Rotisserie and Tamara.

“On Prima this area was so popular it got crowded, so on Viva we removed the Starbucks and added more seats," says Slodyczka. 

"We also placed iPads outside the venue to save time inside.”

Prima had two Starbucks and Viva has one.

Other venues include Surfside Café (buffet), Local Bar and Grill (pub fare) and room service.

Specialty restaurants include the sophisticated Le Bistro (French), which has giant floor to ceiling chandeliers; Onda by Scarpetta (Italian); Cagney’s Steakhouse; Los Lobos (Mexican); Hasuki; Nama Sushi and Sashimi; Palomar (Mediterranean); and Food Republic (international).

Encourage clients to purchase a dining package to save money.

Bars and lounges

With 19 bars and lounges, there are plenty of places to relax, make friends and enjoy musicians.

Metropolitan prides itself on sustainable cocktails and biodynamic wines. 

Belvedere has crafted cocktails. 

Luna and Soleil bars are popular for beers and cocktails.

The beautiful Observation Lounge at the bow offers drinks (as well as an afternoon tea) and stunning views. 

Waves bar has pool-side drinks. 

Whiskey is ideal for after-dinner drinks. 

Speedway Bar is near the race track. 

Cigar smokers will enjoy the Humidor Lounge.

Entertainment

Viva’s theatre features Broadway-style shows and Beetlejuice will be available at the end of August. 

Icons is a concert of the work by musical legends.

Ocean Music Fest features tunes ideal for dancing and Press Your Luck is a game show.

“Viva’s theatre chandelier is different because it can move up and down and provide light shows,” says Slodyczka.

Bars with entertainment include Syd Norman’s Pour House, which is always packed due to its rock and roll performers.

“We added more seating than Prima,” says Slodyczka. 

The Improv at Sea has comedians and is also popular, so advise clients to go early. 

Penrose is the spacious atrium bar featuring musicians and dancing.

Galaxy Pavilion is a fun, noisy space due to its 14 virtual-reality rides and two escape rooms. 

“My favourite ride is the new Gyro capsule," says Slodyczka. 

"It’s a virtual spaceship mission that spins you around and upside down. And the escape rooms are also very good."

Clients can save money by buying a package.

Suites

More than 1,600 staterooms are available in a wide range of categories, including 95-square-foot (9 sq. m) solo cabins. 

Mattresses have been updated since Prima.

There’s also about 100 private-access Haven suites that have their own premium dining, bars, hot tubs and pool.

Don’t book clients in any stateroom with an adjoining door unless it’s to be near family or friends. 

A neighbour’s conversation can be easily heard through the door.

“We always evaluate guest feedback and make adjustments, if possible," says Slodyczka. 

"We also customize activities for each voyage — especially for the children. We want our guests to have lots of options whether it’s dining, entertainment or activities.”

Viva is currently cruising Europe and in December 2023 will homeport in San Juan, PR, for Caribbean sailings.

Diane Tierney has been on 87 cruises to 48 countries and has 123,000 followers on Instagram @Cruiseguru.

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