Founded in 1966, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) was voted Europe’s Leading Cruise Line for the 14th year in a row in 2022. We’re delighted and excited that this month sees the launch of a new NCL ship, Viva – the next breathtaking vessel in its new Prima Class, and the most spacious new cruise ship at sea.
As well as the most outdoor deck space, infinity pools, and even a three-storey racetrack, Viva also includes The Haven, an exclusive enclave with the top-level and most spacious suites, all with the personalised service of a 24-hour butler. We’ve looked at these and the many other reasons to choose Viva for your next cruise.
Sailings
Departing on 26th August 2023, Viva’s maiden voyage is a wonderful nine-day Mediterranean itinerary. From then until November, she will sail the sparkling waters of the Med on various fantastic routes taking in an array of fascinating destinations in the Greek islands, Italy, France, and Spain.
In November, Viva makes a spectacular transatlantic journey from Portugal to spend the winter touring the tropical paradise of the Caribbean and Bahamas. From the summer season 2024, she’ll add Northern Europe to her roster.
Key Features
Viva is packed with amazing, superlative, and sometimes unique experiences, including the fastest slides on the open ocean, a three-level racetrack, the Oceanwalk glass bridge over water, the Vibe Beach Club, and The Concourse seaside sculpture garden with its hi-tech interactive art installations.
One of the features we’re most looking forward to is the new Mandara Spa with its detoxifying saunas, state-of-the-art pools, and two-storey waterfall. The fitness centre will also lure you in with its 270° views to soak in while you work out or during a sunset yoga session.
If you travel with kids, the Splash Academy and Entourage programme for ages 3–17 years are a place where they can make new friends while enjoying creative play, sports, and more, while those with very young kids can take them for sensory play, painting, and more in Guppies.
The main pool deck is a place for both fun and relaxation, with NCL’s first tidal wave waterslide as well as infinity hot tubs. For more aquatic fun, the 10-storey-tall The Drop & The Rush are the fastest slides at sea – The Drop is the world’s first freefall slide and The Rush is made up of duelling slides. For gentler splash time, the interactive kids' aqua park includes a tube slide and tipping buckets.
Other fantastic things to do aboard Viva include zooming around the first three-level racetrack at sea, the Viva Speedway, playing interactive, tech-immersive mini golf at Tee Time, and taking in fantastic entertainment including Beetlejuice The Musical, straight from Broadway, and Ocean Music Fest, a jam session at sea.
Dining is, on the best cruise holidays, a reason to travel in itself, and Viva ticks all the boxes with its array of unmissable venues, including Palomar, NCL's first-ever Mediterranean seafood restaurant, Le Bistro, and Hasuki with its teppanyaki cuisine prepared on a large metal grill in front of your eyes at shared tables. Other highlights include Cagney’s Steakhouse with its Certified Angus Beef® and famous Parmesan-dusted truffle fries, Food Republic with its fusion of foods and cultures from around the globe, and top-notch classic Mexican dishes with a modern twist at Los Lobos.
To book your NCL cruise holiday aboard Viva, call your Travel Counsellor today.
This twelve night cruise connects five of Scandinavia's most distinctive cities in one well built route, sailing from Amsterdam on Celebrity Eclipse with a Veranda cabin, gratuities and private transfers included at both ends. Oslo, Skagen, Stockholm, Tallinn, Helsinki and two full days in Copenhagen. Late May means long evenings, mild temperatures and the best of the region in full swing.
This twelve night road trip connects three of America's most musical cities in one well built route. Flying into Nashville and out of New Orleans with American Airlines, five days car hire and accommodation throughout included, the drive takes you through the heart of the Deep South, from Tennessee through Mississippi and Louisiana. Nashville, Memphis, Natchez and New Orleans, each one different, each one worth the time.
Ten nights through three of Central Europe's great capitals, flying into Budapest with Aer Lingus and home from Prague, with first class rail connections between each city and private transfers at both ends. September is one of the best months to do this trip, with warm days, quieter streets and the cities looking their best.
