Norwegian Cruise Line Christens All-New Norwegian Viva

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) christened Norwegian Viva, the Company’s much-anticipated new and second ship in the award-winning Prima Class.

“To christen Norwegian Viva in Miami is incredibly special to many of us at NCL, not only because Miami is our hometown, but also because we can share this moment with our local family and friends,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Launching a ship is a team effort. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to everyone in the NCL team, our partners, and especially our incredible crew who have helped bring Norwegian Viva to life and care about and provide excellent vacation experiences for our guests.”

Following the arrival of Norwegian Viva in August and her initial summer season of European voyages, over 1,500 guests joined the christening ceremony held yesterday in the Company’s LEED® Gold Certified terminal at PortMiami. The Prima Class is committed to breaking new ground in ship design and amenities, reflecting NCL’s unwavering dedication to elevating the guests and aboard experience at the forefront.

“As a Company, it has been a milestone year with the debut of next-generation ships across all three of our best-in-class cruise brands, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “The addition of Norwegian Viva elevates our world-class fleet even further, offering our valued guests another incredible way to holiday, discover new experiences, and create unforgettable memories.” Norwegian Viva’s initial guest satisfaction scores have outshined any new build in the NCL fleet’s history, a testament to how stunning this ship is and the high level of care and attention delivered by our fantastic crew on board.” 

The vessel was formally named and christened by Luis Fonsi, Norwegian Viva’s godfather and GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter, singer, and producer, with the customary champagne bottle break over the ship’s hull, which represents good fortune and safe journeys for those who sail onboard.

The evening’s festivities continue with an unparalleled and next-level entertainment lineup headlined by Fonsi singing his award-winning and global chart-topping song “Despacito,” as well as other famous Latin hits like “No Me Doy Por Vencido” and “Échame La Culpa.” Other brilliant artists with real Miami and Latin origins include “Saturday Night Live” cast member and Miami native Marcello Hernandez; Paulina Rubio, the Queen of Latin Pop; and just announced GRAMMY® Award-nominated musician Pedro Capó.

“It’s so exciting to celebrate the magnificent Norwegian Viva in true Latin style in Miami and alongside fellow A-list Latino entertainers,” said global artist Luis Fonsi. “We are giving her a proper despedida before she makes her debut in my hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico.”

The unveiling and dedication of the Knut Kloster Hall, a newly added installation at the NCL Terminal that pays homage to the Company’s founder, Knut Kloster, and colourfully shares details on NCL’s 57-year history of innovation in the cruise industry, were also part of the Norwegian Viva’s christening festivities.

Norwegian Viva, which is 965 feet long and has a capacity of 3,099 guests, has unique, thrilling activities such as the three-story Viva Speedway; elevated offerings such as Indulge Food Hall, an open-air food market featuring 11 unique eateries; and an awe-inspiring art collection with standout pieces such as British digital artist Dominic Harris’ 52-foot-wide interactive work of art named “Every Wing has a Silver Lining” installed at the Metropolitan Bar. 

Following the debut voyage and select voyages from Miami, the ship will reposition to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she will be the newest ship to homeport when she arrives on 15 December 2023. Norwegian Viva will offer port-intensive seven-day Caribbean voyages through March 2024, with calls to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, with no days at sea.

Norwegian Viva will return to cruise Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries in April 2024, providing an unmatched opportunity to experience Europe’s beauty and culture. Furthermore, NCL’s year-round ‘Free at Sea’ offer offers travellers more value by including vacation-enhancing benefits such as unlimited open bar, speciality dining, shore excursion credits, complimentary Wi-Fi, discounted rates for the third and fourth guests, and free round-trip airfare for the second guest.