How We Assess NCL Viva Reviews

At Norwegianista, we’ve scoured the internet to bring you a comprehensive round-up of reviews on the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Viva. Launched in 2023, this stunning ship can accommodate approximately 3,219 passengers, making it one of the newest and most luxurious ships on the seas. With its sleek design and eco-friendly technologies, the Viva truly stands out in the crowded world of cruise ships. One of its unique selling points is the extraordinary array of entertainment options, including the largest racetrack at sea—a feature that has left travelers buzzing with excitement (although not thrilled about the extra charges for using it). Whether you’re drawn in by its culinary delights or its sun-kissed destinations like Greece, Turkey and Puerto Rico, the Viva offers a cruising experience like no other. Let’s dive into the upcoming itinerary and take a look at some reviews from passengers who have actually cruised aboard NCL Viva.

Upcoming Itinerary for Viva

As we sail into the future, the NCL Viva is set to embark on some exciting voyages. Here’s a look at the captivating destinations you can explore aboard NCL Viva

• Greece – October 2024
• Turkey and Italy – October 2024
• Lisbon to San Juan, Puerto Rico – November 2024
• Caribbean Islands – December 2024 to April 2025
• San Juan to Lisbon – April 2025

Dining Reviews for Viva

Reviews for dining on the NCL Viva are a mixed bag, with some reviewers expressing dissatisfaction with the food offerings and service. One reviewer criticizes the breakfast buffet for closing too early at 10 a.m., forcing guests to wait until lunch with only snacks available in between. Furthermore, their dining experience was marked by the absence of high-end staples such as lobster, escargots, and smoked salmon, leaving them with what they describe as the “cheapest food” they’ve experienced on a cruise. They found that these restrictions extended to other dining venues on board, attributing this to the ship’s separation of guests into various classes or groups, which they found pretentious and limiting. This is a theme with other reviews that complain about the paid-for Haven taking approximately 1/3 of the ship space.

Another reviewer echoed similar concerns about limited menu options and flexibility, particularly at the exclusive Haven restaurant where the menu remained unchanged during their nine-day voyage. They describe the food in this section as largely inedible, with dishes such as Chicken Milanese and a falafel sandwich noted for being excessively salty. However, they did find the specialty dining options to be satisfactory, suggesting a variance in quality across different dining venues on the ship. Overall, dining on the NCL Viva seems to present a potential area for improvement, particularly in terms of variety and customization to meet guests’ preferences.

They try to upcharge for EVERYTHING. We spent $20K on a room. The least they could do is provide water.

Entertainment on Board NCL Viva

Entertainment on the NCL Viva receives a combination of both enthusiasm and critique from its guests. A central feature of onboard entertainment is the go-kart track, for which a reviewer noted the $15 per ride fee as a potential deterrent, though they mentioned a $199 unlimited ride promotion available at the start of the cruise. This promotion might appeal to those planning to engage frequently in go-karting. It’s clear that while the go-karts are an exciting feature, they require a significant financial commitment to fully enjoy. Another common remark on NCL’s model is that they like to charge for everything, no matter how small.

The ship’s theatre productions receive positive remarks, particularly the creative transformation of the seating area into a dance floor post-show. One reviewer praised the theatrical performances, including Syd Norman’s Prom Night, which created a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. The entertainment lineup aimed at different musical tastes, including 70s/80s nights and 2000s music, had mixed success. While the former was a hit with a buzzing dance floor, the latter seemed less crowd-pleasing, resonating primarily with the entertainment staff rather than the guests. These discrepancies highlight a need for more tailored entertainment options that cater to the diverse interests of the ship’s guests.

Cabin Reviews for Viva

Guests onboard the NCL Viva have shared mixed yet insightful experiences about the ship’s accommodations. One reviewer praised their Interior room for its ample storage and spacious bathroom, highlighting that the shower was a particular delight. This suggests that even some of the more modest cabins on the Viva offer a comfortable and well-considered design for travelers seeking both practicality and comfort.

Another traveler had the opportunity to experience the luxurious three-bedroom Haven apartment, describing it as beautiful with plentiful storage and space. The review emphasized the quality of the beds, labeling them as fantastic. The butler, Arian, and attendant, Randolph, received special praise for their hard work and exceptional care, going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. This suggests that premium accommodations on the Viva live up to expectations with not only comfort but also personalized service.

Rooms are bright, modern and spacious with lots of clever storage solutions. The bathrooms were amazing. Better even than the Edge class ships of Celebrity. The balcony was also a much bigger size than on some other more premium lines.

What’s the Crew Like on board NCL Viva

The crew onboard the NCL Viva has received varied feedback from passengers, pointing to a range of experiences with service quality. One septuagenarian guest expressed dissatisfaction with the staff’s patronizing demeanor, feeling uncomfortable with being told to engage in “washy, washy” hygiene practices before entering dining areas or being told that ice cream is “yummy, yummy for your tummy” in coffee. Despite this, they acknowledged that the cabin steward and a few restaurant servers provided commendable service, suggesting a divide in service quality and approach among different crew members (source).

Another passenger noted instances of rudeness from some staff, particularly during disembarkation when scanning cards at ports, expressing a desire for more approachable and friendly interactions with the crew. However, this was presented more as an isolated occurrence rather than a consistent experience throughout their cruise (source). These varied reviews imply that while some crew members excel in customer service, there may be room for improvement in ensuring a consistently welcoming and professional behavior across all touchpoints.

They try to upcharge for EVERYTHING. We spent $20K on a room. The least they could do is provide water.

How Crowded is NCL Viva?

The reviews on the NCL Viva indicate varying experiences regarding the ship’s crowd levels. One reviewer noted that the buffet felt consistently overcrowded due to it being served only on one side of the ship. This operational limitation seemed to concentrate the diners into a single area, possibly creating a bottleneck during meal times. Such congestion may detract from the otherwise pleasant dining experiences that guests anticipate on a cruise.

In contrast, another reviewer provided a more positive outlook, highlighting the ship’s various dining and recreational options that effectively dispersed the crowds. Despite the ship being fully booked, this guest did not face difficulties in finding a dining table or sunbeds by the pool. The availability of additional complimentary dining venues and smaller swimming pools contributed significantly to managing the flow of passengers, minimizing the impact of a potentially crowded environment.

Our only real disappointment was the WIFI, unlike MSC, you used up your paid wifi to use the app. Wifi on the Viva was also poor, but expensive.

Spa & Gym Reviews

Opinions on the wellness amenities aboard NCL Viva appear to be quite polarized among reviewers. One passenger expressed dissatisfaction with the allocation of space on the top decks, noting that much of it was devoted to The Haven, Vibe Beach Club, and the Race Track rather than the main pool area. This layout prioritizes upselling these exclusive areas while potentially overshadowing the needs of regular cruisers who, according to the review, preferred the classic poolside experience rather than amenities like Race Track. Furthermore, the noise from the race track and inconsistent music volume around the pool area could detract from relaxation for some guests.

Conversely, another cruiser praised the Vibe Beach Club despite its additional cost. The quiet, child-free setting, complete with sunbeds and hot tubs, was a major draw for this traveler. The dedicated service and upgraded bar menu further enhanced the experience, providing a tranquil retreat away from the hustle of the main deck. This reviewer found the Vibe Beach Club essential for those seeking guaranteed serenity, while others who preferred a lively atmosphere with children could opt to forgo this exclusive option.

General Comments

In a review of NCL’s brand new ship, some travelers expressed dissatisfaction with various aspects of their cruising experience. They noted that many amenities required additional fees, such as access to certain areas of the ship, fresh orange juice, and even basic activities like mini golf and arcade games. The reviewer also recounted issues with customer service, highlighting dismissive staff and a lack of accountability when problems arose. Moreover, they shared a particularly frustrating experience involving a tour-guided purchase of a supposedly Turkish rug, which turned out to be made in China, with no recourse for a refund.

Conversely, another review painted a much more positive picture of the NCL Viva. The reviewer was thoroughly impressed by the ship’s stunning design and luxurious amenities, describing the cabins as spacious and the ship’s interiors as visually captivating. As experienced NCL travelers, they found the staff exceptionally friendly and the dining experience memorable, particularly praising the attention to detail in the complimentary dining room. They highlighted the ship’s thermal spa as the best at sea and encouraged others not to be swayed by negative reviews, suggesting that those dissatisfied may have had unrealistic expectations of a cruise experience.

What do you think of the Viva reviews? Would you consider sailing on this ship after reading these reviews, or have you already experienced the Viva yourself? If so, do you believe these reviews reflect the true onboard experience? Share your thoughts and engage in the discussion in the comments section below.