The Norwegian Viva is a cruise ship that offers exciting amenities such as a three-level racetrack where guests can pilot electric go-karts with stunning ocean views. In addition to the racetrack, the ship also features live entertainment, stylish outdoor areas, and excellent dining options like the Indulge Food Hall, serving seven different cuisines. The ship, which debuted in 2023, has a boutique and design-forward feel compared to other Norwegian ships. With a length of nearly 1,000 feet and accommodations for around 3,200 guests, the Viva offers robust amenities and entertainment without feeling like a massive floating shopping mall.
During a 10-day Mediterranean itinerary aboard the Viva in November 2025, I was impressed by the ship’s functionality as a floating hotel. It offers plenty to do on sea days without overwhelming guests with attractions they may never use. The signature racetrack attraction on the Viva had a $15 per-ride upcharge, providing a thrilling experience against Mediterranean backdrops. Other features include Ocean Boulevard, with infinity pools and hot tubs, and a vibrant multistory atrium hosting various activities throughout the day.
The cabins on the Viva are thoughtfully designed, with smart choices to maximize storage space. I stayed in a balcony stateroom that felt surprisingly spacious, with rolling suitcases fitting neatly under the bed and ample shelves and drawers for storage. The private balcony offered views of public decks and pools. Prices for balcony rooms on the Viva can vary widely throughout the year, with opportunities for discounts during sales or last-minute bookings.
For those looking for a more exclusive experience, The Haven on the Viva offers upgraded staterooms and public spaces, with access to a private pool, dining room, and priority tender access. Overall, the Norwegian Viva offers a mix of thrills, relaxation, and luxury for guests looking to cruise the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Although I enjoyed checking the weather from my balcony daily, I realized that the interior rooms were very similar to mine. Opting for a room without a balcony or window could save up to 40% or more, with prices starting at $2,000 to $3,000 for a couple on a 10-day Mediterranean cruise. Since I spent minimal time in my cabin, the savings would have been worth it.
I selected this cruise itinerary to explore multiple destinations without the hassle of logistics. Cruising along the coastal regions of the Mediterranean was perfect for me. I ventured on my own to places like Santorini, where I hiked 20 miles from Fira to Oia in one day. In Mykonos the next day, I continued my exploration. While I usually prefer solo adventures, I joined NCL excursions in Zadar, Croatia, and Corfu, Greece, to visit places that were a bit far from the ports.
Even though the NCL excursions in Zadar and Corfu were pricier than taking a taxi, the convenience of having a guaranteed bus and being assured of returning to the ship on time made it worth the cost. The peace of mind was invaluable during these excursions.
The Norwegian Viva offered a variety of dining options, with the Indulge Food Hall being my favorite due to its extensive selection and consistently high-quality food. The tablet system allowed me to order from seven different cuisines, and the food was delivered directly to my table.
I tried out four specialty dining restaurants thanks to my More at Sea package, which included extras like open bar and specialty dining credits. Hasuki, the teppanyaki venue, was the most entertaining with lively chef performances. The specialty restaurants served higher-quality cuts of steak compared to the complimentary main dining room. While the premium price for these restaurants may not have been solely justified by the food quality, the elegant atmosphere and intimate dining experience could be worth it for a special occasion. Palomar, known for its Mediterranean cuisine, quickly became my favorite onboard dining option. The galaktoboureko dessert, a custard dish baked between layers of crispy phyllo dough, was a standout that I even sought out at a bakery in Greece after my cruise with NCL. Despite online complaints about small portion sizes at specialty restaurants, I found that it helped reduce waste on a cruise ship where unlimited food is readily available. Plus, there’s always the option of a second dinner at the buffet if you’re still hungry.
For a fancy dining experience without the specialty dining upcharge, The Commodore Room and Hudson’s are great choices. While both restaurants offer similar food, Hudson’s wins in terms of atmosphere with its stunning 270-degree views over the ship’s stern. Another waiter-service option, The Local Bar & Grill, serves bar food like nachos and burgers 24/7.
When it comes to beverages, aside from basic options like water, tea, coffee, and select juices, most drinks come at an additional cost, which is standard across the cruise industry. There are various bars onboard, from poolside spots to elegant lounges to the energetic rock-themed Syd Norman’s Pour House.
While NCL may lag behind competitors in terms of cocktail innovation, the entertainment onboard the Viva was top-notch. “Beetlejuice: The Musical” was a highlight, with excellent performances and slightly grown-up humor that was well-received. Other entertainment options included a mentalist who combined magic tricks with psychology to create illusions.
In terms of activities, the Viva offers attractions like waterslides, dry slides, and complimentary activities like foosball, ping pong, and pickleball. Despite being on a sold-out sailing, the ship rarely felt crowded, with quiet retreats like the Observation Lounge providing a peaceful escape. The ship also handled congestion well, especially during breakfast on busy port days, by opening seating in adjacent specialty restaurants to relieve crowding.
Overall, my experience on the Viva was exceptional, with standout dining options, top-notch entertainment, and a variety of activities to keep me entertained throughout the cruise. While waiting in line to board the ship, there was no worry about missing it since everyone else was in the same situation. However, it was frustrating to spend precious vacation time this way.
The Norwegian Viva is perfect for destination-focused cruising. It serves as a great home base for itineraries packed with port visits. With amenities like a racetrack, entertainment options, various dining venues, sports courts, and mini golf, there is plenty to keep you occupied on sea days. Yet, there is not an overwhelming amount of activities on board, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out when exploring the ports.
For me, the Norwegian Viva was an ideal way to experience the Mediterranean coast. I wanted a cruise that allowed me to visit a new Greek island or Italian city every day, and the Viva delivered on that promise.
(Top photo by Sally French)
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