While cruising has seen rough waters in recent weeks, there is some good news on the horizon: new ships being welcomed or announced by cruise lines.
Throughout the pandemic, cruise lines and shipyards have continued their work on new vessels, bringing new ships to market. Ships like Carnival’s Mardi Gras and Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas have reached completion. Others such as Norwegian Prima and Carnival Jubilee have been announced and started work.
Now there is another ship to start getting excited about — Norwegian Viva. The new ship from Norwegian Cruise Line was officially announced today. As a sister ship of the upcoming Norwegian Prima, Viva is the second ship announced in the Prima class.
Smaller than previous Breakaway-class vessels, Prima and Viva seem to represent a move in the fleet toward more of a luxurious experience. All told, NCL says Viva will be 965 feet long, 142,500 gross tons, and hold 3,219 guests at double occupancy. The cruise line also says it will offer the largest inside, oceanview and balcony staterooms in the fleet.
As for luxury, The Haven makes an appearance, with 107 suites, sundeck, outdoor spa, and an infinity pool looking over the back of the ship. Surrounding the ship will be Ocean Boulevard, a 44,000 square foot outdoor walkway that wraps around the vessel, an outdoor sculpture garden, more infinity pools, and even glass bridges over the water.
“Norwegian Viva sets the standard in the premium segment, illustrating our commitment to pushing boundaries in four main areas: wide open space, service that puts guests first, thoughtful design and experiences beyond expectation,” said Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Harry Sommer. “We have taken everything our guests love to the next level with this brand-new class of ships designed with them in mind.”
The ship won’t just focus on luxury, however. Viva will also feature two freefall slides (The Rush and The Drop), as well as a three-level go-kart racetrack, which it says will be the largest at sea.
So when does the ship debut? Norwegian says Viva will join the fleet in June 2023. At first it will homeport in Europe, sailing Mediterranean cruises from Portugal, Italy and Greece. Stateside passengers can experience the new ship in December 2023. At that time Viva will transition to San Juan, Puerto Rico to sail for the winter.
Cruises are already available for booking aboard the ship on NCL’s website.
Viva is being built by Fincantieri in Marghera, Italy. She is the second of six planned Prima-class ships set to debut in the years to come. Her sister ship Norwegian Prima will make her debut later this year.
