Norwegian Viva (along with Prima and Aqua) is a departure from NCL's other ships. Different, and somewhat challenging layout, popular food court with tablet ordering, lots of activities on board, and updated cabins make it a love-it or leave-it experience for NCL faithful.
Once we adjusted to the layouts of Decks 7 & 8, we appreciated the many areas where you can feel like you're on a ship with fewer passengers, as there are not as many grand-sized common areas. That said, the smallish bars can get crowded in the evenings, and some of the ways to get from one space to another just don't make a ton of sense. But, you get used to it.
The outdoor dining spaces on the sides of the ship are great, as are the small infinity pools in those areas. Entertainment was terrific, food was excellent, and the Vibe Beach Club was as great as ever, with the best bar staff on the seas.
There's a sense that this is a ship that emphasizes being on its outdoor space, so I'd be hesitant to book a cold weather cruise on her. But for warm weather cruising, it's a step up for Norwegian in terms of on-ship offerings in activities, food options and places to sit and relax. Try it, and you just may click with it!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Miami is an easy terminal for embarkation. Got an embarkation time ahead of cruise, received a boarding group number in terminal, and were on board in 20 minutes
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Palomar and Onda are well worth the visit. That said, we almost always have great meals in the main dining rooms
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Vibe Beach Club is always a great upgrade. NCL still suffer from passengers that put their towels down early in the morning and hog the lounges. This ship has numerous interesting activities - Go Carts, tube slides, dart boards, virtual reality. Some of them cost extra, but there is plenty to keep kids and adults entertained
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Beetlejuice was outstanding. Big shows are nearly always great on Norwegian
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Super hard working staff. Bars were so busy at happy hour that the staff was overwhelmed but did their best to keep up
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Nearly new ship so very clean
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We had a BB (Balcony) on Deck 10 and it was great. Bathroom is the best of any standard balcony room on NCL.
Ship tip
Keep a print out on you of the deck plans of Decks 7 & 8 for the first couple of days, as the ship is like no other NCL in terms of layout
This 'private island' is not the greatest experience unless you just want a beach day. There is a small zoo-like area with an immersive butterfly house that was cool. I'd recommend finding an excursion here to get away from the private island
Beaches, beach bars. Like most ports, you have to get away from the port area to leave the touristy feel behind. The port area has all the tourist shops, along with a pink flamingo exhibit
We did the Amazing Cozumel Race excursion, which turned out to be one of the most enjoyable experiences. There were 18 teams competing which puts you in old Cozumel to walk/run around, solve clues, check in at points, and finish the competition at a local bar.
I agree that the Prima class ships are wonderful. We had a great time. The Mexican and Carribbean ports can be underwhelming, especially if you have been several times. Cruising is always fun!
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