BenCoudon

9 minutes ago, Beezo said:

Hahahaha!

For the next class of ships, they will begin with  NCL Del Rio  🙂

On 10/8/2023 at 12:24 PM, Beezo said:

I did a little sleuthing and I noticed NCL refilled trademarks under a different IP subsidiary. Names resubmitted are Luna, Aqua, Bella, and Ultima:

 

https://uspto.report/company/Ncl-Us-Ip-Co-2-L-L-C
 

The original filing a couple years ago is here:

https://uspto.report/company/Ncl-Corp-L-T-D

Based on compare - Ombra, Vela and Aura are out as of right now.

 

 

 

I am sure that the name ULTIMA will be used for the last ship #6

Just want to have your thoughts about this change.

NCL announced a fleet wide adjustments to their solo cabins

https://www.ncl.com/ca/en/newsroom/norwegian-cruise-line-announces-fleetwide-expansion-of-its-solo-stateroom-category/?fbclid=IwAR0liCMGBFAoE4qzbmYiwacyRdzQPWeXjoED2YtdBcDEKH0s1EAFTg_O_JA

In addition to the current solo cabins, they are now offering bookings for Oceanview and Balcony solo cabins.

I was chatting with a travel agent and she mentioned that all what NCL does now is to use current double occupancy cabins and make them single occupancy.  No changes in the actual cabin.  This change include both Prima and Viva.  So it reduces the overall ship capacyty.  And regardless where your solo cabin will be located, your key card will give you access to the solo lounge (for ships that have one).

We will all agree that if you compare today's space available on the solo cabins to the space you will have on a Balcony cabin with single occupancy,  there is a huge difference.

I think that with the construction of the last 3 Prima class ships (it is probably too late to make changes for the Leonardo #3),  I wouldn't be surprised that they would come up with a redesigned section to build balcony cabins for solos that would be much smaller than the current balcony cabins,  They may do the same thing for OV cabins.  What's your opinion on that?

On 10/8/2023 at 7:52 AM, RVACruiser43 said:

I thought we had a name - Aqua.  And I am going with Velva for the 4th ship 🙂  

Shave it off  Tom  LOL

As many others here, I sailed the B2B cruises on the Inaugural sailings on the Prima last year.  There was lots of reviews and comments and I posted my share of them.

I just watched the video made by some youtubers that were on the inaugural sailing of the Viva.  

My interest was more on the video they made than their comments.  After the inaugural sailings, Harry Sommer, (the new CEO of NCLH) said that the ship was 95% perfect.  So I am not surprised to see that the Viva is 98% identical to the Prima.  I noticed only 3 changes.  1. Yes the starbuck outlet has been removed from the Indulge food hall. That may add between 15 and 20 seats in the food hall.  2. In the Metropolitan bar, they made a more permanent area for live music.  And, they add what appears to be a huge interactive board on the wall that goes the lenght of that bar.  3. To mitigate the issue of lack of seats at the Buffet restaurant, they said that mainly for breakfast, people can take their plate and go sit in the Food Republic restaurant which is not that far. As for the other features of the ship, it is identical to the Prima. And I got the impression that they even added more shops on the ship.  

All the other issues that were mentioned for the Prima have not been addressed.  May be they will say that when the Prima was launched, the Viva was already in construction and major changes were not possible. So we will have to wait to 2025 for the launch of the 3rd ship to see if they took into account some of our comments.

Found this article in the Crew Center website

The name of the Norwegian Cruise Line's third Prima class cruise ship could be Norwegian Aqua. The unexpected appearance of this name within the booking engine has ignited speculation among cruise enthusiasts.

While the official announcement is still pending from Norwegian Cruise Line, it's highly plausible that the upcoming addition, set to be delivered in 2025, could indeed be named as the "Norwegian Aqua."

The possibility of a name gaffe has been discounted, as records indicate that Norwegian Cruise Line has already laid claim to the trademark for "Norwegian Aqua." Norwegian Cruise Line secured trademarks for a series of names a few years ago, including "Norwegian Ultima," "Norwegian Luna," "Norwegian Viva," "Norwegian Bella," "Norwegian Vela," "Norwegian Prima," "Norwegian Ombra," "Norwegian Luna," and, significantly, "Norwegian Aqua." The first two Prima Class newbuilds, "Norwegian Prima" and "Norwegian Viva," have already been launched, reinforcing the likelihood that "Norwegian Aqua" is the next contender in line.

1 hour ago, UKstages said:

oh, geez.

 

if the viva is lighter, we can only hope they didn’t remove additional seating from the indulge food hall.

Its easy to explain:  Harry Summer is much lighter than Frank Del Rio 🙃

I just noticed that I will have a very close look at the Viva next year.  I will be boarding the Escape on October 10 2024 in Trieste and, according to port schedule, the Viva will also be docked there on that day.

Ships are docking either side of the Trieste maritime terminal. And as the terminal is right downtown I will have a good view of it both from the street and on the upper deck of the Escape once I have boarded the ship  But...  still 15 months to go for that  🙂

49 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

IKR?  LOL!

 

One of my favorite features of the recent NCL ships is the WATERFRONT with all the outdoor spaces.  Agree about sailing her in warmer climates.

 

But, I sailed the Bliss and the Encore in Alaska. I took advantage of being outside a lot given the stunning views.  I didn't mind layering up when it got chilly.  

 

Looks like the Prima and Viva offer the same outdoor areas.  I mean, you're on a cruise.  Isn't a major part of the appeal to be outside on deck?

 

The outdoor space on the Prima and Viva are much much larger than on the Bliss or Encore.  The issue is not being outside to look at the scenerie.  The issue is they made the eating venues (many specialty restaurants, the indulged food hall, the garden Cafe, and The Locals  very small inside with very large outdoor space. So when you have bad weather, people don't want to eat outside and the inside space is overcrowded. 15 to 45 minutes line-ups just to get a table inside. That what I have experienced when I sailed Northern Europe, Iceland and the Trans-Atlantic,  We had rain, strong winds and cold weather.  There were several days where access to outdoor spaces were prohibited due to strong winds.

People that sailed in the Caribean last winter didn't have those issues.  Most people on the inaugural cruises last fall had the same comments:  Those ships are build for warm weather. 

Finally, note that the entertaiment venues are very very small.  Theater:  About 750 seats.  Sid Norman's under 50 seats.   With 3500 passengers on board, getting a ticket to see the shows is a challenge.  There were many complains last year that on a 7 day cruise, people were not able to get tickets to see Donna Summer show.  If you don't pre-book your shows or don't do it the minute you are boarding the ship, it was sold out even before the ship sailed away.  

10 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Thanks.  I'm thinking the Prima is my next booking.  I really want to sail her.

If you book the Prima (or the Viva) make sure you will be sailing in warm weather. As most of the public spaces are located outdoor, if you sail in cool or cold weather, you will be end up with overcrowded inside venues

According to  Cruisemapper.com, here are the cruises listed for the Viva

Date             Itinerary                                                                         Embarkation

33 minutes ago, SpacemanSpiff said:

You and me both. But I'm sure things will be similar.  Of course, we're about five weeks away from the first cruise (early August), so I'm waiting to see what shows up!

At least, you know that it will be similar to the Prima.  It was worst for us  a year ago when we were getting ready to sail on the Prima and there was absolutely no information available except what great people on the Cruise Critic page were able to find out.  The first real pictures we got was 2 weeks prior to my cruise when media boarded the cruise in Reykjavik for the media cruise

27 minutes ago, PATRLR said:

I can't confirm.  It's an encouraging update, if it's true.  I keep hearing about seating problems in that venue, so, that would mean NCL is listening.  Good sign if true.

 

It would be nice indeed.  But I don't think that adding more seats in the venue is a factor should they made that decision.  For the 22 days I was on the Prima, I never saw lots of people buying stuff at that Starbuck.  If they remove it, it would be because they don't make money with it. This ship has been designed to maximize additional revenue.  X-Large Casino that reduced the atrium, X-Large Galaxy Pavillion that reduce 60% of the observation lounge,  X-Large Vibe that removed 75% of the normal space of the Garden Cafe, Private office for the Art auction people that removed lots of space at Sid Norman,  etc. etc.  If you look at the amount of space allocated to Duty free shops compared to similar or even larger size ships, it is huge.

6 hours ago, JIMESOPUS said:

@itisme1760Welcome to CC !! We had the same issues with the Prima last year, NCL blamed it on a glitch in their booking platform. The only way we could book was thru pre-cruise service which may be the same number you called. We had issues with cancellations too, called back rebooked then had additional issues. Finally gave up and waited till we boarded. 

Agreed.

It appears that NCL has all kind of problems to incorporate new ships into their restaurants and other amenities reservation systems.  Last year, while on the Prima, an officer explained to me that there is a component in the system that has to be completed by the staff onboard the ship.  It has someting to do with the confirmation of the number of seats available in each venue. And it cannot be done until the NCL staff has boarded the new ship, which is about 2 to 3 weeks prior to the first sailing.  So it is safe to say that the situation will repeat itself for every new ship.I had the same issue with reserving a venue for the meet & greet and the gift exchange game.  I received confirmation about 10 days prior to sailing.

8 minutes ago, bianks said:

if we reserve tables at the complimentary dining rooms, like hudsons, is it a big deal if we are running late or decide not to go ? we want to book something in each night but its hard to know how our children will cope after port stops and excursions literally every day. With the time change from Australia to Europe, I just don't know what to expect regarding dinner times!!! 

I don't think you need to make reservations at neither Hudson nor the Commodore complimentary dining rooms.  Both are rather huge and never saw them with a line-up.  And  I am not even sure if they accept reservations.  You show up when ever you are ready and it will not be a problem.

2 hours ago, JIMESOPUS said:

Docked in Trieste, unable to zoom in .. lol, Viva is the on far left approaching the dock, and both Crystal ships don't have webcams working. The Gem on the right, maybe someone will take a picture and post it

You may remember that the Prima, after few days of sea trials, went to dry dock in Trieste for about 1 week (if I remember correctly). May be this is standard procedures for Fincantierie when they do sea trials

On 4/7/2023 at 9:05 AM, BenCoudon said:

I am currently in Rome, cruising on the Oceania Riviera.  At a bar, I met a guy that is working for Fincantierie and he boarded my ship to do some work to prepare the introduction of the next Oceania Ship this fall.  He appeared to be quite aware of the schedule of the NCLH with Fincantierie

He said that the sea trials for the Viva are currently scheduled for the 2nd week of May.  But that is flexible.  It may happen 1 weak earlier or 1 or 2 weeks later but thus far, everything seems on schedule.

He also mentioned that several problems that have been identified during the sea trials of the Prima and since the introduction of the Prima have already been fixed on the Viva.  So he expects the sea trials to be a bit shorter this time.  But they have a big log of tests that have to be performed and all of them must be done.

For the sea trials of the Viva, this is in line with what the Fincantierie guy told me on April 7.  As it appears they are few days ahead of schedule, this is a good sign.

13 hours ago, bianks said:

how is the NCL VIVA going? 
I'm getting nervous I saw something about some production delays? 
We are booked for the end of August. 

I don't think you need to worry.

You may want to read the latest press release concerning the Viva dated March 23, 2023 (few weeks ago)

https://www.nclhltd.com/news-media/press-releases/detail/537/norwegian-cruise-line-announces-tony-award-nominated

The press release states:  Debuting in August 2023, Norwegian Viva will sail a selection of bucket-list worthy Greek Isles and Mediterranean voyages through November, before homeporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico in December for a season of Caribbean itineraries.

As I was away for the last month, I am not sure if anyone saw this information.  It was included in the press release that covered the 2022 NCLH financial satement

"The Company has modified certain existing newbuild contracts which has resulted in an increase in ship contract costs of approximately €1.2 billion. These changes include the previously communicated modification and enlargement of the last four Prima Class vessels as well as additional modifications to the final two ships in this class to accommodate the use of green methanol as an alternative fuel source in the future. Compared to the first-generation Prima Class vessels, these changes will result in an approximately 10% increase in gross tonnage for the third and fourth ships and an approximately 20% increase in gross tonnage for the fifth and sixth ships. As a result, delivery dates for these ships have shifted and the Company now expects one next generation Prima Class ship to be delivered each year from 2025 through 2028. "

So the 3rd ship will not be delivered until 2025.  No new ship in 2024

3 hours ago, bluesea777 said:

Well, hope you’d reconsider - Viva’s TA will take her on the more southerly route and

we’re going to have many warm/hot days and Viva will be a perfect ship to try out!

th

We live in Bermuda and when we learnt Viva was doing Lisbon-New York via Funchal and Bermuda we jumped on it. But when its itinerary got changed to Lisbon to Miami we decided to stick with it as that southerly route is our preferred TA route. It will be our 7th TA. 
 

if you haven’t done so, check the prices!

 

I have already booked  Seattle to Miami, 21 days, starting October 28 in the Haven of the Encore.

I did 10 days in the Haven on the Prima and I didn't like it.  And Harry Sommer said that the Viva will be almost identical to the Prima.  So no thanks for me. We all have our own preferences and although they did a great job with the Cabins on the Prima class, I find there are so many design issues on this new class of ship.  Just one example:  the observation lounge is about 1/3 of the size of the Bliss or Encore.  This is because they allocated most of the space to the Galaxie Pavillon (more revenue).  On sea days, if you arrive there after 9:30 am, no seats available.  These ships are not for me.  Have a great cruise

5 minutes ago, bluesea777 said:

Thank you for the updates @BenCoudon! Keep them coming!

 

are you going to be on the Lisbon-Miami TA Nov 16-27 2023? Prices have greatly dropped for that maiden TA!

 

 

Not sure I will see that guy again.  He was on the ship only for a few days.

For the Nov 16-27 TA,  I cancelled that cruise after my sailing on the Prima inaugural sailings last October.

I will see what changes they are making on Leonardo #3 before booking again this class of ship.

2 hours ago, JIMESOPUS said:

 

I am currently in Rome, cruising on the Oceania Riviera.  At a bar, I met a guy that is working for Fincantierie and he boarded my ship to do some work to prepare the introduction of the next Oceania Ship this fall.  He appeared to be quite aware of the schedule of the NCLH with Fincantierie

He said that the sea trials for the Viva are currently scheduled for the 2nd week of May.  But that is flexible.  It may happen 1 weak earlier or 1 or 2 weeks later but thus far, everything seems on schedule.

He also mentioned that several problems that have been identified during the sea trials of the Prima and since the introduction of the Prima have already been fixed on the Viva.  So he expects the sea trials to be a bit shorter this time.  But they have a big log of tests that have to be performed and all of them must be done.

1 hour ago, The Traveling Man said:

Ben, your recollection of the Copenhagen to Southampton cruise is different from mine.  Most of that cruise was in Norway and most days it was either too cold, too windy, or too rainy to make use of the outdoor seating at the food hall, the buffet, or the specialty restaurants.  Especially in the food hall, the ship design relies heavily on outdoor seating to provide adequate space for the expected number of passengers who wish to eat there.  I don't recall the precise number of passengers on that voyage, but it seemed like it was more than 50% capacity.  I do recall the absolute cluster flop of a mess upon disembarking in Southampton.  Much of the problem could be attributed to UK Customs, but the Prima crew seemed to be doing nothing to alleviate the situation.  I do agree with you that the observation lounge is woefully undersized for a ship with that many passengers.  Several of the venues, such as the internet cafe which you mentioned, are shoehorned into odd nooks and crannies.

I did not talk about the Norway weather.  We all agree that it was far than optimal.  I said that the reason we did not had space issue was because we were far to be at full capacity.  I confirmed with one officer and also with the Haven concierge that we were just shy of 2300 passengers on the Copenhagen to Southampton cruise.  So it was about 55% full.  For the disembarking in Southampton, I can't comment as I continued to New York City.  But totally agree with you that for the later part of the cruise (Amsterdam, Bruges and Le Havre, weather was really too cold to use the outdoor area for meals.  

23 hours ago, Cruising Lynne said:

I disagree that the Prima buffet is the right size. Where you pick up the food isn't that bad, but there is not enough seating. I especially disliked sitting in the area next to the grilled food. I didn't like the low ceilings and closed in feeling. It may not have been so bad if the lay out of that deck, and elevator placement, didn't make the buffet area into a major cut through to get to the pool from the elevators on that end of the ship.

 

I agree that the Royal buffet and announcements to leave are annoying. I also agree that the Indulge Food Hall is a great addition to the Prima. I would sail Prima again just to go to the Food Hall!

 

I enjoyed cruising on Prima and look forward to trying out the future ships. I am excited to see what changes they make. People should not pay too much attention to the bad reviews, and try it out for themselves.

 

 

 

 

Everyone is entitled to his opinion.  I presume that people that didn't experience issues with the size of the buffet, the indulge food hall and the locals were sailing on the Prima after she arrived in the Caribean.  I sailed the back to back Copenhagen to Southampton and then to New York city vial Iceland.  For the first cruise, we had no space issues as we were sailing under 50% capacity.  But the TA was a totally different story.  As the weather was cold and rainy, it was not possible to eat outside.  For the buffet, it was very difficult to find a place to sit between 7:30 am and 9:00.  And I don't consider the food hall being a good alternative as, for breakfast, it is "grab and go".  My preference is not pre-prepared food.  For the locals, again before we were not able to use the outdoor space, on several sea days, there was a 45 minutes line-up for lunch.  Similar situation with the Food hall.  It was fully packed for lunch.  Speaking of space, although the 3 level atrium is beautiful,  there are almost no space to sit except at the Whisky bar on deck 8.  If you need to go to the internet cafe, good luck.  It is squeezed behind the Starbucks.  As for the observation lounge on deck 17, it has 1/3 of the size of the one on the Encore. Most of the space was allocated to the Galaxy Pavillion.  The Prima as many nice features.  I really enjoyed the cabins.  I already cancelled my bookings on the Viva and unless the itinerary is exceptionnal in a warm climate area, I will not sail her again

12 hours ago, EPTCB said:

The Cruise Critic write-up of the Prima mentions "cabins to avoid include any room above or around the ship's theater, which doubles as a night club and can be loud late into the night."

 

Anybody have experience with deck 9 forward cabins? If so, which cabin were you in and was noise from the theater an issue?

For the Trans-atlantic  Southampton to NewYork, I was in forward facing cabin 13702.

Never heard the glimpse of a noise due to the theatre below.