7 Nights Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay, Dominican Republic & Tortola Cruise

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED

My wife and i sailed the viva february 2025 for 7 nights southern carribean. We were a bit hesitant given all the negative reviews about the size of some spaces on the ship. For background, we have been on 7 cruises-we did the celebrity(apex)last year, royal carribean(harmony & navigator of the seas) and carnival(miracle). HERE IS OUR HONEST OPINION OF THE VIVA: NEGATIVES: 1. THE VERY SMALL POOL CRAMMED IN BETWEEN TWO TALL AREAS 2. Make the entire ship accessible to all. We did not like seeing the haven have the optimal spot on the ship. 3. DO NOT CHARGE FOR MINATURE GOLF, DARTS AND THE RACING CARTS-MAKE IT ALL INCLUSIVE 4. The drinks at the bars need to be better, most of them were way to sweet and allow the guests that have the more at sea drink have free access to top shelf liquors. NOW FOR THE POSITIVES: 1. The ship was beautiful-yes i wish the atrium area was more grand and bigger but it was still very nice. Yes the pool area was small however there was still plenty of seating on deck 8(ocean walk area) to find a lounger and sit near the infinity pools. The soleil bar on the back of the ship was nice as well. 2. Entertainment-this was better than we expected. Syd normans venue was amazing, beetlejuice was awesome and we loved seeing press your luck game show. YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED BY THE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE VIVA 3. Food-the main dining room was nice and we looked forward to being seated and eating a nice meal with beautiful views. The real gem of the ship was: indulge food hall, local bar & grill and the speciality restaurants. They did a great job with this. I think if they did not have the indulge food hall or local, then i think the food would be about the level of royal carribean. However having these two venues elevated it close to the celebrity level. Also everyone is complaining about the buffet and how it was so small. We found it to be fine especially since you had the indulge food hall and local to go to. 4. Service: the staff was great and friendly. I think there were a couple of bartenders that really stood out to make our experience so good. RICHEL MANUEL AND ALI WERE AWESOME AND WERE PROBABLY THE BEST BARTENDERS WE HAVE MET ON THE SEA 5. Activities: the raceway was amazing, tee time miniature golf and darts were all fun. I WISH THEY DID NOT CHARGE BUT THEY DID DO A GREAT JOB WITH EACH OF THESE ACTIVITIES The ship is nice, new and clean. We enjoyed the trivia sessions the staff put on and talking with fellow cruisers-people were considerate and friendly which is always nice. At least on our cruise we were always able to find a lounger outside and a place to sit in the indulge food hall or local bar. We have read the negative blogs and watched the negative video about this ship and i think people are exagerating the negatives. We were apprehensive about going on this ship but we came away with one of the best cruise experiences. We would definitely want to sail with norwegian again perhaps on a totally different newer ship(after the aqua in 2026).

NCL Viva different but in a fabulous way

So sad to see so many folks complain. Comparing this ship to other NCL ships, and to other lines. If all ships were the same, they wouldn’t cater to a specific guest. Viva was spectacular; for those, like us, who appreciate her nuances. We’ve sailed Celebrity, RC, Princess, Disney, Regent, QM2, and Ncl. We started sailing NCL because we’re older parents, and wanted a quiet Haven experience for us, while our son could lose his mind in the big ship area. I’ve never wanted to venture outside The Haven. I’m 59, granted, but always felt 4000 people in a huge space felt like a bad frat party…. loud, obnoxious drunken folks with their bare feet up on chairs, passed out, and everywhere felt crowded. Now, our son is off to college, but we still chose Viva for the Haven. But this is the first time I’ve ever wanted to venture out of the Haven, on the ship. Design is modern, warm, inviting. Yes there aren’t any huge spaces. Because NCL wanted a different vibe here… smaller more intimate spaces, where you can talk and relax, with beautiful modern furnishings, and quiet spaces. The walk around on deck 8 is spectacular… so many places to sit, infinity pool areas, beautiful outside bars and extensions of specialty restaurants. Very thoughtful design. Haven is always fantastic. Specialty restaurants were great. Didn’t enjoy Food Republic as much as on the other ships. Indulge was great. Yes the buffet is tiny. They want guests here to unload the buffet concept and try other complimentary small spaces. Worked for us.., never went to the buffet. Lots of outdoor spaces… so yes wouldn’t recommend this ship for a chilly itinerary. Yes the activities on board mostly have an extra charge, but it was so much fun indulging in the offerings. Don’t pick this ship if you’re expecting a complete all included experience. Not much in the way of kid spaces. Keep that in mind. Not every ship is for every cruiser. This hits the mark perfectly for a slightly older crowd, not wanting non stop parties with too many people; who want elevated design, quiet refined energy, many food options, and plenty of fun. Spa is great! Staff kind and helpful. Don’t expect perfection… it’s a 6000 person floating hotel for crying out loud. If you love the RCCL vibe, then have at it. If you like the older NCL ships, please enjoy! But don’t knock this beautiful ship. It’s just right if you know what experience you’re looking for. We had a blast! I say bravo NCL for a different design which is perfect for the right guest. Headed to Prima soon and can’t wait. And Haven continues to be pricey but worth every penny.

Better than Great!!!! Beautiful Boat!

We honestly cannot believe the negative reviews and you should not either …. We are on board as I type this and my god this cruise ship is stunning! The cabins (balcony) are so spacious and beautifully designed…. Airy and bright with loads of storage. The bathrooms are huge by cruising standards. There is beautiful seating everywhere on the ship …. Stunning textiles and textures… eye candy everywhere…. We are platinum sailors with NCL and this is the most beautiful ship we have been on. The staff are above and beyond friendly … so much fun at the bar last night and dinner service was exceptional… we had wings in the pub 5 star lol and our main meal in the complimentary dining room was very good and the room itself is over the top! Dress up ….. I think the negative reviews are people showing up to this ship in crocs and a tank top expecting to get black out drunk and have everything for free ….. this is cruising the way it’s suppose to be … classy! You can still smell the new on this ship and we are so pleased to have been able to sail with Viva! Do not listen to the bad reviews it’s an absolute treat to be on this boat! The thermal spa is the best at sea…. We could spend all day there.