Norwegian Viva

Norwegian Viva debuted in 2023 as the second ship in NCL's Prima Class, sharing roughly 95% of its sister Prima's DNA while quietly polishing the first-of-class rough edges. It keeps the same smaller, design-forward formula - about 3,099 guests, up to 36% more space per passenger than typical contemporary ships, and signature spaces like the three-deck Penrose Atrium and the 360-degree Ocean Boulevard promenade, which on Viva includes The Concourse sculpture garden. The result is a ship that reviewers find stylish and less crowded than NCL's older megaships, and it currently sits as the highest-rated Norwegian ship on U.S. News.

Viva's most meaningful upgrade over Prima is dining: it sails with two main dining rooms running rotating daily menus rather than Prima's launch-day single-menu concept, and the popular Indulge Food Hall gained extra seating to ease congestion. Complimentary food and service draw solid praise, and the marquee activities all carry over - the multi-level Viva Speedway go-karts, The Drop freefall slide, Galaxy Pavilion VR, and The Haven, whose stern-facing infinity pool overlooking the wake is a highlight. The persistent knocks are the same as Prima's: a small main pool that's more for standing around than swimming, premium pricing, and plenty of upcharges for activities and specialty restaurants.

Viva is a great fit for travelers who want the Prima-class experience - modern design, strong food, big-ticket activities - on a slightly more dialed-in ship, particularly active couples and families who don't need a sprawling resort-style pool deck. It prices at a premium versus older NCL ships and competes with Royal Caribbean's newest vessels and Celebrity's Edge class; you trade pool-deck size and some a la carte fees for a sleeker, roomier-feeling ship. Don't-miss draws are the go-karts, the expanded Indulge Food Hall, and The Haven's wake-view infinity pool - and since Viva and Prima are so similar, the pick usually comes down to itinerary and date.