Norwegian Cruise Line introduces new Prima Class ship, Norwegian Viva

The new ship from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Norwegian Viva, has been unveiled and will begin sailing Mediterranean itineraries in June 2023. 

The Norwegian Viva will include more open spaces and will homeport in southern European cities including Lisbon, Venice, Rome, and Athens.

The NCL cruise ship will then sail the southern Caribbean for the 2023-2024 northern hemisphere winter season, offering getaways from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Norwegian Viva was built by Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri in Marghera, Italy, and will debut at 294 metres long, weigh 142,500 gross tonnes and accommodate 3,219 guests at double occupancy.

The cruise ship offers The Haven by Norwegian, NCL’s ultra-premium keycard only access ship-within-a-ship concept.

The Haven’s public areas and 107 suites have been designed by Piero Lissoni, with features including an expansive sundeck, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake and an outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.

The Prima Class’ variety of recreational activities include The Rush and The Drop, the fastest freefall drop dry slides at sea, and the Viva Speedway, the largest three-level racetrack at sea. 

Norwegian Viva will also feature Ocean Boulevard (featured image), the 44,000 square foot outdoor walkway which wraps around the entire ship; 11 eateries at indulge food hall; The Concourse, boasting an outdoor sculpture garden; Oceanwalk’s glass bridges over water; and expansive pool decks and infinity style pools at Infinity Beach.

Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of NCL, is proud of the new cruise ship and thinks it’s a step forward for the cruise line company. 

“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.

“We have taken everything our guests love to the next level with this brand-new class of ships designed with them in mind.”

Architects who helped design Norwegian Prima including Rockwell Group, SMC Design and Miami-based Studio Dado, have also returned to influence the aesthetic of various restaurants, staterooms and public areas.

General Manager Merchant Ships Division at Fincantieri, Luigi Matarazzo said, “Norwegian Viva, the second of six Prima Class vessels being built with us, reinforces the great collaboration between Norwegian Cruise Line and Fincantieri.” 

“We were extremely satisfied that Norwegian Prima, the first of the new class, earned record-breaking bookings and we are excited to see how Norwegian Viva will live up to her sister ship. 

“As we proved our resilience during these challenging times, this announcement represents another testament to Fincantieri´s global leadership role in the cruise sector.”