JAX FAX had the pleasure of cruising on the five-day maiden voyage of the Norwegian Viva, sailing from Venice (Trieste) to Rome (Civitavecchia), with stops in Split, Croatia and Salerno, Italy. While the entire ship provided all the amenities (and more) your clients could want from a cruise ship, there were certain aspects of the ship that we found exceptional. Let’s take a look at our favorite reasons to send your clients on the NCL Viva, or her sister ship the NCL Prima.

Favorite Restaurant

Indulge Food Hall. Not only was this our favorite restaurant, it was also a complimentary choice. Dine around the world with cuisine from India to Italy to Latin America and more. With both indoor and outdoor offerings, you can eat (and drink) at a table, bar or hammock, and enjoy your fill of specially curated food and cocktails. Indulge has an endless supply of mouth-watering dishes. Choose a counter top seat at one of the specialty food kitchens or grab one of the aforementioned seating options to enjoy a variety of specialty cuisines. Either way, order from a table top ipad menu and enjoy a delicious meal.

Favorite Specialty Restaurant

Los Lobos. A premium Mexican restaurant celebrating traditional flavors with a modern twist. I must admit that this choice was based largely on their not to be missed guacamole made tableside. Located on Ocean Boulevard with both indoor and outdoor seating available, our favorite being the outdoor booths for two.

Favorite Bar

Whiskey Bar. Being a bourbon drinker I gravitated to the Whiskey Bar which had an extensive selection of bourbons and scotches. The bartenders were very knowledgeable and mixed excellent cocktails. A close second was the Local Bar and Grill. The Local offers classic pub fare with dishes like the Reuben Sandwich and Fish n’ Chips. It has a variety of beers and drinks on tap and is a great spot to catch a sporting event on their large screen TV.

Favorite Pool Area

Infinity Beach. Located on both sides of deck 8 midships, the Infinity Beach area offers a quiet option to the party atmosphere of the main pool deck. Look directly over the edge of the ship from the infinity pools or catch some rays on a selection of lounge chairs, day beds or sofas. With the Local Bar and Grill just steps away, your clients will find themselves spending the entire day at sea in this oasis on the ship.

Favorite Activity

The Drop & The Rush Slides. At 10-stories tall, Norwegian Viva’s newest slides are the fastest at sea. Dare to experience The Drop, the first free-fall slide in the world. Or race a friend on The Rush, their dueling slides. The nice thing about these slides is that they are “dry” slides, as opposed to water slides, no bathing suit needed! This category was a tough choice since we also enjoyed the Tee Time and Bull’s Eye as well. Tee Time is the the first interactive and tech-immersive mini golf at sea and perfect for families, while the Bull’s Eye private rooms, featuring a dart board, tv and seating, are a great place to get together with friends.

Favorite Spa Area

Thermal Suite. Part of the Mandara Spa, the Thermal Suite is a great place to enjoy a day at sea or relax after a busy day of shore excursions. From multiple detoxifying saunas, ice room, steam room or heated lounge chairs to state-of-the-art pools, or a two-story waterfall, this is the most tranquil setting on the ship.

Favorite Entertainment

Beetlejuice the Musical has been summoned to Norwegian Viva. The hit Broadway show about everyone’s favorite undead guy is coming onboard. Experience the story like never before in this hauntingly good musical based on the Tim Burton movie.

Learn More

Following the ship’s maiden voyage, Norwegian Viva will sail a series of Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries before its official christening ceremony in Miami on Nov. 28, 2023. Luis Fonsi, Latin GRAMMY® award-winning artist and godfather to Norwegian Viva, will attend the celebration to officially name the ship and will be joined by The Queen of Latin Pop, Paulina Rubio; “Saturday Night Live” cast member and Miami-native Marcello Hernandez; and singer Pedro Capó. The ship will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico for a season of Caribbean voyages from December 2023 through March 2024 with calls to 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, Norwegian Viva will return to Europe, where its Mediterranean itineraries offer an unmatched opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Europe. With an average of 10.5 hours in port, travelers will have more time to explore with fewer days at sea. Guests can unpack once, all while enjoying the ease and comfort of their world-class travel accommodations and the ability to wake up in a new destination as the ship transports them from one spectacular European city to another.

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line’s award-winning 19-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.