By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) took delivery of Norwegian Viva, its second Prima-class ship, at Fincantieri’s yard in Marghera, Italy, on 3 August.
The ship, which is the 19th to join the NCL fleet, is 965 feet long, 143,535gt and can accommodate 3,100 guests. It offers many of the venues and experiences that debuted onboard the first Prima-class vessel, Norwegian Prima, which entered service in 2022.
Some of the onboard highlights include the three-storey Viva Speedway racetrack, two free-fall drop slides, infinity-style pools, the open-air Indulge Food Hall market with 11 eateries, new dining venues, an exclusive sustainable cocktail bar named Metropolitan Bar, and The Concourse, an outdoor sculpture garden on Ocean Boulevard, a wraparound boardwalk with glass bridges that has been reimagined for Norwegian Viva. The vessel will also feature a redesigned ‘The Haven by Norwegian’ complex, which will boast 107 suites, an expansive sundeck, an infinity pool that overlooks Norwegian Viva’s wake and an outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.
In addition, Norwegian Viva is equipped with systems for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions, cleaning exhaust gases, treating wastewater and connecting to shore power in port.
“Ships as stellar as those of the Prima class are only possible in collaboration with an incredible shipyard like Fincantieri,” said David J. Herrera, president of NCL. “The delivery marks an important milestone for Norwegian Viva, and we are beyond excited to bring this spectacular ship to life as we welcome guests aboard next week.”
Norwegian Viva will embark on its maiden voyage on 10 August and then sail a series of Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises before repositioning to Miami, Florida, for its christening ceremony on 28 November. Latin Grammy Award-winning signer Luis Fonsi will serve as godfather to Norwegian Viva, officially naming the ship in a ceremony that will also feature Latin pop singer Paulina Rubio, Saturday Night Live cast member and Miami-native Marcello Hernandez, and singer Pedro Capó.
Following its christening, Norwegian Viva will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, until March 2024. It will sail Caribbean itineraries with calls in destinations like Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
Fincantieri will also build the remaining four Prima-class ships, which will be delivered up to 2028.
“Norwegian Viva is a testament to our wonderful partnership with NCL,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri. “We are proud to play a role in the innovative Prima class and look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come with the next four highly anticipated Prima-class ships.”