CRUISE
A VIVACIOUS JOURNEY
BY ERIN ENGLISH
erin@nitravelnews.com
THE blazing Barcelona heat on my back and luggage in hand, there was excitement in the air as I embarked Norwegian Viva for a three day sailing across the Mediterranean ocean. Norwegian Viva is the newest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, bring the total ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet to nineteen. Following just a year after her sister ship, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva is the second ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Class. First impressions are important and upon first
glance, Norwegian Viva stood mighty in the hub of Barcelona’s Cruise Terminal. Much like her sister ship, Norwegian Viva’s exterior is sleek and impressive. One of my favourite features about Norwegian Cruise Line ships are the individual designs on each hull, these identifying features typically tie in with the ship’s
Balcony stateroom. The cabin onboard Norwegian Viva was superb. The cabins are spacious, crisp and bright. Space is maximised to the upmost potential. No little detail is missed. Despite having a keen interest in travel, the ability to pack light has never been one of my strong suits. Sometimes, when staying in a cruise cabin luggage space and other belongings can be a hinderance. Not onboard Viva! As an over-packer - the wardrobe space is amazing, with two split spaces for people to store their clothes, and there is room for suitcases to be slotted underneath the bed. A minor detail that makes a huge difference to your overall cabin experience! Everything slots in perfectly, even your freestyle daily! NCL’s Freestyle Daily is your guide to all
character and for Norwegian Viva this was definitely the case. With blue and purple waves that cascade from the hull right along the exterior, Norwegian Viva is vibrant and eye-catching. “Live It Up’ is Norwegian Viva’s motto and stepping onboard, that is exactly what you are encouraged to do. The check-in process was seamless, after completing
a short online form and after a few checks at the cruise terminal, our three day voyage onboard Norwegian Viva had truly begun. Cruise Cards in hand, it was time to check out the cabin. Our home for the three days was located on Deck 12, and was mid-deck. For the duration of our time on Norwegian Viva, we were staying in a
that’s happening onboard your cruise. Delivered to your cabin on a nightly basis, the freestyle daily will inform you of tomorrow’s destination, when you are expected to arrive, whether you need a tender or it’s a gangway port. As well as the opening times, entertainment options and other need to know features about the next day of cruising. While all the information is available via the TV in your cabin, I find the freestyle daily a brilliant way to plan out your cruising holiday. After checking out the amenities
RUBY ON THE RHINE
in our cabin and freshening up, it was time to explore Norwegian Viva. The decks are easily navigated with panels beside the lifts as well as interactive touch-screen boards throughout the ship, these interactive screens tell you where you are and can pin point an exact destination on the ship. Whether you are looking for a dining spot, a place to grab a quick beverage or even for one of the upcoming shows onboard. Ocean Boulevard was one of the first areas I visited after
boarding, this outdoor walkway is a great place to relax and take in your surroundings. There are quite a lot of outdoor areas onboard Norwegian
Viva, something that is always appreciated. The boulevard is dotted with quirky sculptures and I find that Ocean Boulevard contributes to the modern and sleek feel of Norwegian Viva. Where some other cruise-ships can feel quite closed in until the top sun decks, the integration of indoor and outdoor areas throughout the decks introduces a sense of breathability to Norwegian Viva. On ocean boulevard, you can
choose between enjoying a sun lounger and one of the many infinity pools or you can raise your heart rate with a trip across the glass floor walk-way. There are also a number
ship’s amenities to my bucket-list, including the Viva Speedway. Go-karting at sea? Who wouldn’t add that to their bucket list?
Continued on Page 24......
TICKING OFF THE BUCKET LIST
Natasha Warcholak heads to Svalbard, a remote, yet easily
accessible island in the Arctic circle. As Natasha explores this wonderful destination, you’ll soon learn that it’s definitely a location to add to your bucket list! Read all about it on Page 40...
NI Travel News’ Jonathan Adair and wife, Isobel spent 7 nights onboard an invaluable member of Scenic’s Space-ship fleet, Scenic Ruby. Follow Jonathan and Isobel as they explore six stunning
locations on their journey along the Rhine River. Read all about it on Page 26...
EXPLORE A NEW DELIGHT
Robin Nowacki hopped onboard the brand new EXPLORA I as she embarked on her maiden voyage. Join Robin onboard on Page 30...
As Norwegian Cruise Line welcomes its second ship in the
cruise company’s Prima class - Norwegian
Viva. NI Travel News’ Erin English takes you onboard for a three-day itinerary...
of private seating areas around Ocean Boulevard. If you are wanting to escape the bustle of the pool area but still soak up some sun, Ocean Boulevard is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
After exploring Ocean Boulevard, it was time for a quick jaunt around to see the further facilities of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Viva. In anticipation for this trip, I had added many of the
NEWS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
