Debuting in August 2023, Norwegian Viva will sail a selection of bucket-list-worthy Greek Isles and Mediterranean voyages through November, before homeporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico in December 2023 for a season of Caribbean itineraries.
Best known for his extensive list of radio hits including the award-winning, global chart-topping hit, “Despacito,” which was featured on Billboard’s “Hot Latin Song” list for a record-breaking 56 consecutive weeks, Puerto Rican-born Fonsi will fulfil the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming Norwegian Viva at the November 28, 2023 christening ceremony in Miami, the cruise capital of the world.
After completing its christening voyage, Norwegian Viva will be the newest ship to homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico upon arrival on December 15, 2023. It will offer a variety of seven-day Caribbean voyages through April 2024, before returning for a summer season of cruises to Europe from Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Lisbon, Portugal; and Rome (Civitavecchia) and Venice (Trieste), Italy.
Norwegian Viva is the second of six vessels in the company’s groundbreaking Prima Class and sister ship to the award-winning Norwegian Prima. The elevated offerings of the Prima Class prioritise the guest experience and raise the bar on cruising through world-class cuisine, the brand’s most spacious design yet, and stellar onboard activities including the Viva Speedway—the three-level racetrack.
Norwegian Viva features many of the outstanding onboard experiences that makes the Prima Class special, including Indulge Food Hall, the upscale food market exhibiting 11 unique eateries; the fastest slides at sea, The Drop and Rush; and NCL’s industry-exclusive sustainable cocktail bar, the Metropolitan Bar.
Beetlejuice The Musical will be the headline production aboard Norwegian Viva, along with the ship’s full lineup of onboard entertainment offerings debuting this August 2023. Marking the first time the Tony Award-nominated musical will be performed at sea, the 90-minute Broadway adaptation of Tim Burton’s iconic 1988 film narrates the story of the Deetz family as they attempt to remodel an uproariously haunted house.
NCL’s Mideast sailings
NCL’S newly announced 2024/25 itineraries expand its voyages to Antarctica, South America, Africa, Asia, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand by 37 per cent, and its Extraordinary Journeys – the brand’s collection of immersive and port-rich voyages – overall by 15 per cent.
NCL will make its maiden call to Bahrain, with its first dedicated Middle East sailing, offering a seven-day Middle East cruise on Norwegian Sun from Doha, Qatar to Dubai, United Arab Emirates departing April 12, 2025. An overnight stay in Abu Dhabi, UAE will provide travellers with more time to explore the culturally rich destination.
In addition, the open-jaw voyage includes visits to Dammam, Saudi Arabia; Manama, Bahrain – a first time visit for NCL; as well as Dubai and Sir Bani Yas, the largest natural island southwest of Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Part of NCL’s Extraordinary Journeys portfolio, Norwegian Sun will embark on a 16-day cruise in April 2025 from Dubai, UAE to Haifa, Israel featuring 10 ports of call, including Sokhna, Egypt – a brand-new port for NCL. Visiting Sokhna, Egypt allows for easier access to Cairo, where guests can explore the ancient Great Pyramids of Giza.
In November 2024, Norwegian Sky will sail a 16-day Middle East Extraordinary Journey from Haifa, Israel to Dubai, UAE, including the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for guests to transit the Suez Canal in Egypt.