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I can't imagine any 12-year-old wanting to be lumped in with toddlers. "What's to come is ... a different version of 'Icons,'" said Julie Valeriote, director of entertainment operations for Norwegian Cruise Line, who offered an explanation for why the show didn't seem to stack up. Perhaps the connection speed and reliability aren't surprising, given that Norwegian Viva (as well as many of Norwegian's other ships) runs on Starlink Wi-Fi. I know many people like to disconnect during vacation, but for those of us who want (or need) to stream, post, check email or do work, a solid onboard Wi-Fi connection is crucial. Speaking of cabins in general, another point worth noting is the exceptional lighting.
NCL's Norwegian Prima started the inaugural cruise from Galveston Texas
Passengers can also head down to The Local Bar and Grill on Deck 8, where casual fare like Reuben sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs -- plus a host of other flavorful delights -- is available nearly 24 hours a day. This seems like a problem -- a big one -- until you realize that Surfside is just one of many casual dining venues onboard that are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you've cruised before, or even if you just like to venture a bit off the beaten path, then you might want to skip the typical activities and do something a little different.
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Most Norwegian bookings include basic ship Wi-Fi in the price of the fares. Cruisers who don't have it included or passengers who want to upgrade to a streaming package will have to pay. The cost varies by ship and itinerary, but it's generally costly, ranging from roughly $30 to $35 per person, per day, depending on your needs.
CRUISE SHIP HIGHLIGHTS
They also include access to a private lounge that offers snacks and beverages, along with the chance to socialize with fellow solo travelers. This space offers our most exclusive & centralized suite complex ever — all suites are within easy walking distance of private elevators reserved exclusively for The Haven guests. The Haven accommodations are some of our largest suites ever and include our first new three-bedroom suite in 15 years, and the public areas and suites were designed by Piero Lissoni, one of Italy’s preeminent designers. Additionally, every public area in The Haven offers stunning sea views.
That's not to say kids won't enjoy themselves on Norwegian Viva; our inaugural revenue sailing has been jam-packed with kids of all ages. But we'd be hard-pressed to recommend this ship to those with kids under 10 years of age; other lines simply do a better job of catering to those families. We had the chance to peek into an unoccupied Studio stateroom on Norwegian Viva and found it cozy and perfectly laid-out with modern décor and smart design -- including a great full-size bathroom. Think of it as your travel companion, helping you experience an unforgettable cruise vacation every step of the way.
You'll be seated when you arrive, and you order from a touchpad. Items are priced a la carte and will be made to order, with each delivered when ready, rather than all at once. This specialty restaurant on Deck 7 is as elegant as they come, featuring a bright atmosphere with light blue accents and high-end decor, including giant floor-to-ceiling crystal chandeliers that are stunning.
Norwegian Viva activities
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It's home to a selection of video games, VR experiences and two escape rooms. Games can be played a la carte, and the escape rooms, which cost $15 per person, put groups of up to six people into a locked room for 45 minutes or until they solve clues needed to allow for their escape. The Haven suite complex also has a private wake-facing pool and hot tubs on decks 16 and 17 for passengers booked in The Haven suite enclave. For passengers in the mood for Asian cuisine, Nama sushi and Hasuki teppanyaki on Deck 7 aft are both solid options. The former offers for-fee a la carte sushi and sashimi, and the latter features a traditional experience where diners sit around a grill to watch a chef cook, perform tricks and tell cheesy jokes. Indulge Food Hall, only found on Norwegian's Prima Class ships, offers a food court-style experience where you seat yourself and select free items from a touchscreen menu, similar to an iPad.
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Regardless, it was a fun way to spend some time, especially if you've got a group traveling together. It costs $15 per person to play, and I felt it was well worth the price. The vessel will spend the winter months (roughly mid-November through mid-April) offering seven-night Caribbean voyages from San Juan. The rest of the year, it will be based in Lisbon, from which it will conduct Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries that range from nine to 11 nights.
A small wall-mounted touchscreen pad near the door controls the temperature and allows you to activate "do not disturb" and "make up room" options. One of the highlights of more recent NCL ships is Galaxy Pavilion, and there's one on Norwegian Viva. In addition to a slew of added-fee virtual reality games, it also has two upcharge escape rooms that accommodate up to six people who are OK with being locked in for 45 minutes while hunting for clues that allow them to escape. I sailed on a nine-night voyage when the ship was at roughly two-thirds of its capacity and was disappointed to note the ship sometimes felt crowded.
The pizza was lukewarm with way too much garlic, and the sandwich bread was stale. The second time, however, both the service and the food were lacking. Our servers seemed confused when my vegetarian dinner companion asked about meat-free options, and when my chicken tacos arrived, they looked gross — mushy and with brown avocado. The one saving grace was the wonderful strawberry frozen margarita I had.
You could save a few dollars by booking a Wi-Fi package before you embark. Free daily activities include trivia, murder mysteries, balloon twisting seminars, dance classes and pool games and competitions (such as the Mr. Sexy Legs contest). You'll also find sports equipment — cornhole boards, Ping-Pong paddles and the like — laid out on the deck for passenger use. Free soft-serve machines can be found in the buffet and outside on Oceanwalk, near Indulge. Chocolate, vanilla and twist are offered, and the ice cream is vegan.
The Haven Restaurant functions as the free main dining room for passengers booked in The Haven suite complex. It's open daily to passengers with access, and it features a set menu for the entire sailing. However, some of the areas — particularly those allocated for outdoor dining — seemed underutilized. Meanwhile, the ship's three small pools were almost always crowded, especially on sea days. My sailing was only two-thirds full; that doesn't bode well for times when the vessel is sold out. Passengers sailing aboard Norwegian Viva can even access The Haven with their own private bank of elevators located aft of the midships stair and elevator towers that are accessible to all guests.
Don't feel bad if you find yourself at a dead end the first time you pass through; it happens to most of us. If you're trying to make your way to Deck 18 from the front of the ship, you'll have to head aft and then make your way up — likely by walking partway through the buffet, which is awkward (and frustrating if you're fighting crowds during peak times). Entourage, the teen club, has no specific home on Norwegian Viva. Although activities are scheduled for ages 13 to 17, they take place all over the ship.
It's one more little way Norwegian elevates (literally) the experience for its highest-paying passengers. Norwegian Viva will boast eye-catching hull art designed by Italian graffiti and sculpture artist Manuel Di Rita, commonly known as “Peeta,” who also illustrated the exceptional hull design on Norwegian Prima. World-class architects who helped design Norwegian Prima including Rockwell Group, SMC Design and Miami-based Studio Dado, also have returned to influence the aesthetic of various restaurants, staterooms and public areas. Other nighttime events include club dance parties in both the main theater and Syd Norman's, comedy in the main theater and dedicated comedy venue Improv at Sea, and rotating acts that stay on board for a few sailings. On my voyage, I saw violinist Christopher Watkins, who plays well-known songs on a violin adorned with more than 1,000 Swarovski crystals. Surfside Cafe and Grill is the ship's standard buffet venue, serving a variety of food from self-serve stations on Deck 17 midship.
This is one of the least soundproof rooms I've had on any ship, and I've been woken up a couple of times by slamming doors or people talking loudly. Although the "Icons" singers are immensely talented, the show reminded me of something straight off cruise ships in the 1990s. The only things missing are feather boas, giant headdresses and perhaps some high kicks. But Valeriote told TPG during an exclusive interview that eventually the show will utilize the thrust portion of its stage, which will come out partway into the audience. Tables will be set up throughout the space, and the singers will interact with attendees as they perform.
I highly recommend the guacamole as a starter and something from the Tamara Indian menu, followed by a pulled pork sandwich from Q Texas Smokehouse if you have room left. Fans of Norwegian Cruise Line will likely know all about the fish found on the carpet in cabin corridors on the line's ships. If you're lost, just look at which way the fish are swimming; they always point toward the front. And minus 100 points to whoever decided the fitness center's treadmills would be well placed directly over the thermal suite's heated loungers. It's difficult to maneuver your way around the seating area by Starbucks in Deck 7's atrium, and because there's no straightforward way across it, you can forget about moving from one side of the atrium to the other without walking all the way around.
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