Viva Review (12/2/23-12/6/23)

[mjdangerous1992]

I recently had the opportunity to experience the Norwegian Viva for its inaugural U.S. journey, marking my first journey with Norwegian Cruise Line and an additional experience for my partner. We've both enjoyed many cruises in the past, and we were full of anticipation for this trip. While the cruise had several positive aspects, there were some areas where it didn't quite meet our expectations.

 

Our Family Suite (Category SJ) faced a challenge with the air conditioning system. The persistent warmth in our room, while not overwhelming, was a noticeable concern in terms of guest comfort. Addressing this would enhance the overall luxury experience that Norwegian prides itself on.

 

Regarding the elevators, we experienced longer than expected wait times, particularly during peak hours. Streamlining this aspect could significantly improve the efficiency and convenience for guests on board.

 

The Seaside Cafe (buffet), while offering a range of culinary options, felt a bit confined during busy times. A more spacious layout would greatly improve the dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy the buffet without feeling crowded.

 

The pool area, given the size of the ship, seemed disproportionately small. Expanding this area could provide a more relaxing and enjoyable experience for those looking to spend time by the pool.

 

We also had concerns about the use of iPads for food ordering at Indulge and Food Republic. The always-active microphones on these devices raises serious privacy concerns. Clarification on this practice and ensuring guest privacy would be greatly appreciated and would help maintain trust in the Norwegian brand.

 

On a positive note, the Norwegian Viva is a stunning ship. The quality of food was impressive across the board, and the staff's dedication and friendliness were remarkable. These aspects truly stood out and made our experience memorable.

 

In summary, while the Norwegian Viva shines in its aesthetics and culinary offerings, there are opportunities for improvement in areas crucial to guest comfort and privacy. Paying attention to these details would greatly enhance the overall experience for future guests.

[schmoopie17]

In other words...it's exactly the same as the Prima (maybe without the creaking walls?)...

[SierraKilo]

We were on the Viva on her inaugural Trans-Atlantic from Lisbon 16th Nov. Our first cruise with Norwegian ( we did a second almost immediately....a 7 day Carribean on Escape which was a quite different atmosphere ! )

 

Balcony cabin on deck 11 .  Several days we had creaking Balcony door/ window noise. Ship movement and /or wind speed dependant we thought.. Surprising for a almost brand new ship.

Thought there was a lack of sun deck area, perhaps too much taken by the Vibe and the Go-Cart track .... Infinity pools are nice , but should be Adults only. Main pool a bit small.

Indulge we thought was excellent....good choices and ordering via tablet stops the manic buffet crush.

Hudsons and Commodore were very good as was the Local Bar and Grill.  Observation Lounge was nice to relax in , but seating a bit of a lottery.  ( Wonder if the mega-jigsaw ever did get finished ? )

Beetlejuice show was superb

[PhillyTravelBug]

Like your mom perspective. Sailing the prima, I felt the same way with the buffet. I would like to experience the ship in a warm climate sailing, but will wait for the Aqua ship. 

[bluesea777]

@mjdangerous1992 welcome to CC!

 

We were on the Viva for the maiden transatlantic crossing and can echo a few of your sentiments about the ship. It was our 30th NCL cruise but our first on a prima class ship, and suffice to say we will not set our foot on a prima class ship again. The Surfside Cafe on the prima class ships (Prima & Viva) has to be the worst buffet on entire NCL fleet.

 

Viva is a very beautiful ship with lovely balcony rooms with super bathrooms, but she is missing a few things that are on other ships.

 

Hopefully you will venture out to try the other NCL ships.

 

 

[schmoopie17]

1 hour ago, SierraKilo said:

 

 Several days we had creaking Balcony door/ window noise. 

 

So, it IS just like the Prima.

 

Maybe the next ship in this class should be called the Jericho, so when the walls come tumbling down it won't be a surprise.

 

Edited December 11, 2023 by schmoopie17

[craig01020]

On 12/11/2023 at 8:46 AM, mjdangerous1992 said:

I recently had the opportunity to experience the Norwegian Viva for its inaugural U.S. journey, marking my first journey with Norwegian Cruise Line and an additional experience for my partner. We've both enjoyed many cruises in the past, and we were full of anticipation for this trip. While the cruise had several positive aspects, there were some areas where it didn't quite meet our expectations.

 

Our Family Suite (Category SJ) faced a challenge with the air conditioning system. The persistent warmth in our room, while not overwhelming, was a noticeable concern in terms of guest comfort. Addressing this would enhance the overall luxury experience that Norwegian prides itself on.

 

Regarding the elevators, we experienced longer than expected wait times, particularly during peak hours. Streamlining this aspect could significantly improve the efficiency and convenience for guests on board.

 

The Seaside Cafe (buffet), while offering a range of culinary options, felt a bit confined during busy times. A more spacious layout would greatly improve the dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy the buffet without feeling crowded.

 

The pool area, given the size of the ship, seemed disproportionately small. Expanding this area could provide a more relaxing and enjoyable experience for those looking to spend time by the pool.

 

We also had concerns about the use of iPads for food ordering at Indulge and Food Republic. The always-active microphones on these devices raises serious privacy concerns. Clarification on this practice and ensuring guest privacy would be greatly appreciated and would help maintain trust in the Norwegian brand.

 

On a positive note, the Norwegian Viva is a stunning ship. The quality of food was impressive across the board, and the staff's dedication and friendliness were remarkable. These aspects truly stood out and made our experience memorable.

 

In summary, while the Norwegian Viva shines in its aesthetics and culinary offerings, there are opportunities for improvement in areas crucial to guest comfort and privacy. Paying attention to these details would greatly enhance the overall experience for future guests.

 

I've never seen a cruise ship review written like an annual employee performance review. I'll bet you're a manager or HR person. 

[insidecabin]

It was made very clear numerous time by management prima class is different learn to like it.

 

Some of the design and operation decisions are for the benefit of the company and not the passengers.

 

Pax are not supposed to all want to hang out around the pool you are supposed to use the sun decks and the extended prom deck.

 

The buffet is small you are supposed to use the other food venues at meal times.

Buffet is so small it can't do staggered service (limited options on the grill) like the other ships.

 

The food opening hours are set to allow cleaning time between service and keep the venues busy all the short time they are open, better utility of crew.

Result, often the Local is the only option and that gets rammed

 

[bluesea777]

58 minutes ago, insidecabin said:

It was made very clear numerous time by management prima class is different learn to like it.

 

Some of the design and operation decisions are for the benefit of the company and not the passengers.

 

Pax are not supposed to all want to hang out around the pool you are supposed to use the sun decks and the extended prom deck.

 

The buffet is small you are supposed to use the other food venues at meal times.

Buffet is so small it can't do staggered service (limited options on the grill) like the other ships.

 

The food opening hours are set to allow cleaning time between service and keep the venues busy all the short time they are open, better utility of crew.

Result, often the Local is the only option and that gets rammed

 

The Nama sushi and Food Republic remained CLOSED at lunchtime on each of our no less than seven (7) sea days during our Viva TA crossing last month. 
 

There were only 4 lunchtime options on Viva and after a few days none of them started to appeal anymore. 
 

Sorry NCL, we would rather return to other ships than the Prima class ships. 
 

P.S. in addition to the above, the designers (that we have heard) had no cruising experience when the Prima class ships were built. For the trivia buffs I’m sad to say that the venues that the trivias are held are jokes!

 

The biggest joke of them all is the Surfside Cafe being the one third of size of the next smallest Garden Cafe in the fleet. 
 

 

[insidecabin]

Informed no demand for sushi lunch.

 

Agree not a lot of variety on lunch buffet all of the TA  cruise, indulge also gets a bit repetitive once you work through the menu.

 

 

There was something about the sushi rice at all venues that had rolls not great.

 

They need food Republic seating for overflow, maybe if they did food it would help since people are there anyway.

 

Our evening visit to food Republic was not great recall Encore was much better, went multiple times

[ColdCruise]

On 12/11/2023 at 4:37 PM, schmoopie17 said:

So, it IS just like the Prima.

 

Maybe the next ship in this class should be called the Jericho, so when the walls come tumbling down it won't be a surprise.

 

The next ship will be a Prima+ class called Aqua. It’s suppose to be about 200 longer than Viva/Prima.

 

Our experience on both Prima (Sep 22) and Prima (Nov 23) was very positive and we’d book Aqua if only they had an interesting itinerary besides “same ole, same ole”. You can check my “Almost Live…” report for Viva here, lots of photos

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2972677-almost-live-…-sailing-aboard-the-ncl-viva-on-her-maiden-trans-atlantic/

@SierraKilo O

On 12/11/2023 at 4:37 PM, schmoopie17 said:

So, it IS just like the Prima.

 

Maybe the next ship in this class should be called the Jericho, so when the walls come tumbling down it won't be a surprise.

 

ur cabin was right above the clearest ion of the drop slide….I never saw those pools so empty! You must be a very early riser!

 

 

[dexddd]

Our Prima FR same as others, very good.

[craig01020]

On 12/13/2023 at 11:40 AM, insidecabin said:

It was made very clear numerous time by management prima class is different learn to like it.

Is that "management" still around?

[insidecabin]

1 hour ago, craig01020 said:

Is that "management" still around?

They are running Viva.