Norwegian's Latest Cruise Ship Boasts a Go-kart Track, Infinity Pools, and an Outdoor Dining Area

Norwegian Cruise Line's newest vessel will launch in the Mediterranean in June 2023, accommodating over 3,200 guests, featuring several infinity pools, an open-air food hall, and an outdoor go-kart track among its many offerings.

Norwegian Viva was introduced on January 12, 2022, showcasing summer itineraries that include renowned ports such as Athens and Lisbon, along with access to Italian destinations like Civitavecchia near Rome and Trieste close to Venice. After its Atlantic crossing in November, the Viva will be based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, starting December 15, 2023.

"At NCL, we visit more ports than any other contemporary cruise line, surpassing Royal [Caribbean], Princess, and certainly Carnival," stated Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, in an interview with T+L. "This will further enhance our reputation for exploring new and exciting destinations."

The newly announced ship will boast many of the extravagant amenities featured on the previously revealed Norwegian Prima, a sister ship to Viva set to launch this summer. This is intentional, Sommer explained to T+L.

"The Prima was an incredible success for us," Sommer remarked. "It represented our first new ship design in a decade, and concepts like space, service, design, and experience resonated profoundly with our guests, leading to a record-breaking launch for us."

"I thought, 'Oh my God, we have a winner,' so we won't be making significant changes with [Viva]," Sommer noted. "The primary focus is on itineraries. We have some excellent routes on Prima around Iceland, Norway, Amsterdam, and London (Southampton) that have been very well received. However, on Viva, we're taking it up a notch. We’re essentially offering a Mediterranean tour: Lisbon, Ibiza, Palma, Barcelona, Florence, Rome, Naples, Sicily, Dubrovnik, Venice, Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Istanbul—this is just a portion of the ports we’ll visit."

Guests on the 3,219-passenger vessel will enjoy a vast array of stateroom options, ranging from budget-friendly selections to luxurious suites. Notably, there will be 107 opulent suites located in a special area of the ship called The Haven by Norwegian, exclusively for suite guests. Alongside spacious accommodations, The Haven features a private restaurant, sun deck, outdoor spa, and infinity pool.

"We've discovered that, for somewhat more affluent guests, The Haven is the ideal balance. They can enjoy the large-ship experience," Sommer stated, "while benefiting from the perks of a smaller vessel, including butler and concierge service, upscale decor, and more spacious cabins. It's truly the best of both worlds." Sommer added with a chuckle, "It sounds clichéd, but I’ve personally experienced it!"

Dining options will feature the Indulge Food Hall, showcasing 11 unique concepts, along with an Italian eatery, Onda by Scarpetta, which has already become a favorite on the Norwegian Encore. "Everything we introduced on Prima will also be available on Viva," Sommer shared. "We will unveil our next major food announcement in early March."

Overall, Viva will host over 20 dining venues, Sommer noted. The new ship will also include a three-level go-kart track called the Viva Speedway, capable of accommodating up to 15 racers, as well as a variety of thrilling rides first introduced on Prima, such as The Drop and The Rush, promising adrenaline-pumping experiences.

The Viva will feature several innovations aimed at minimizing the vessel's environmental footprint. Similar to its sister ship, Viva will be equipped with a selective catalytic reduction system designed to reduce sulfur and nitrogen oxides, aligning with current International Maritime Organization standards. Additionally, Viva will offer shore power capabilities, which can significantly lower emissions while in port by allowing the ship to draw cleaner energy from the grid.

Norwegian Viva will provide eight-, nine-, and 10-day itineraries starting June 15, 2023. Prices begin at $2,099 per person for the inaugural nine-day journey from Lisbon to Civitavecchia, Italy, close to Rome.