---

August 10, 2023

The cutting-edge vessel by Norwegian Cruise Line is now officially part of the fleet, following its delivery to the operator on August 3rd. This marks the nineteenth addition to NCL’s fleet and the second ship in the groundbreaking Prima Class, built at the acclaimed Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

This historic event heralds the arrival of the second vessel within the Prima Class, with six ships set to debut by 2028. Building on the success of the 2022 launch of the Norwegian Prima, the Norwegian Viva is set to raise the cruising bar even higher. The ship’s slogan, “Live it Up,” encapsulates the enhanced guest experience and onboard features of this innovative class, including expanded offerings, more spacious designs, exciting onboard activities like the three-story Viva Speedway, and novel dining concepts, such as the Indulge Food Hall – an open-air culinary market boasting eleven unique eateries.

“Exceptional ships like those in the Prima Class are only made possible through collaboration with an outstanding shipyard like Fincantieri,” stated David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “This delivery marks a significant milestone for the Norwegian Viva, and we are thrilled to bring this spectacular vessel to life as we welcome guests on board next week.”

While the ship presents many of the hallmark features of the Prima Class, Norwegian Viva offers its own distinct offerings. Notably, it debuts the at-sea production of the Tony Award®-nominated show, “Beetlejuice,” where guests can “Live it Up” with the undead in a musical adaptation of Tim Burton’s 1988 film of the same name. Additional evening entertainment includes Press Your Luck Live – an immersive game show experience straight from the television screen, providing audience members the opportunity to participate in the classic game and win prizes.

Spanning 965 feet in length, with a gross tonnage of 143,535 and a capacity for 3,100 guests, Norwegian Viva also features The Concourse – an outdoor sculpture garden along Ocean Boulevard, a wrap-around boardwalk that brings guests closer to the water than ever before. Reimagined for Norwegian Viva, the area will showcase works from six artists who have been featured on prior ships of the NCL group: Kevin Box, Jonathan Prince, Arik Levy, Richard Hudson, Sophie Elizabeth Thompson, and Pablo Atchugarry. A new artistic addition will also grace the Metropolitan Bar, the ship’s exclusive sustainable cocktail lounge, titled “Every Wing has a Silver Lining” – a 52-foot-long interactive artwork exclusively designed for Norwegian Viva by contemporary British digital artist Dominic Harris.

“Norwegian Viva stands as a testament to our wonderful partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line,” stated Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri. “We take pride in being part of the innovative Prima Class and eagerly anticipate continuing our collaboration in the years ahead with the much-anticipated quartet of Prima Class ships.”

After its maiden voyage scheduled for August 10, 2023, Norwegian Viva will embark on a series of Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries before its official christening ceremony in Miami on November 28, 2023. Luis Fonsi, the Latin GRAMMY® award-winning artist and godfather of Norwegian Viva, will participate in the celebration to formally name the ship. He will be joined by the queen of Latin music, Paulina Rubio; “Saturday Night Live” cast member and Miami native Marcello Hernandez; and singer Pedro Capó. The ship will be based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a Caribbean voyage season from December 2023 through March 2024, with stops in Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Martin; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Stay tuned for further insights, tips, and reviews on Norwegian Viva and the other ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet on Cruising Journal, featuring opinions, photos, and available cruises.

Gabriele Bassi

Comments