Greenpea2

Any cruise I have been on, a few things are not great. I don't think a perfect cruise exists! While I am sympathetic to things that could have been better, it seems to me that the vast majority of complaints here could have been avoided -- or act least expected --by reading these boards BEFORE booking your cruise.

Never had a bad cruise on NCL and have sailed them for 25 years.

Yes, the article said this changes would be coming to other ships as well. The article was written last August, so I'm not surprised it has started. And yes, the soft-serve ice cream (or ice milk, whatever, both taste good to me) is on another deck--can't remember where. Someone else mentioned where in their review.

I have been on the Prima and I will be sailing on the Viva next year. I have been reading posts to see what to expect. It seems like (other than decor) they are very similar, but I found myself wondering what the differences are. Enter the Internet and an article from Forbes published 8/20/23. Some I already knew, but some I did not. Here's what was reported: More capacity in Indulge food hall and restaurants The removal of the second onboard Starbucks venue has allowed more seating space in the Indulge Food Hall. NCL determined that the space was not necessary on Norwegian Prima because it was only being utilized during certain morning hours. There are more seats outside Indulge Food Hall, too. In fact, the overall capacity for all of the restaurants aboard the Viva is greater than on the Prima. Additional seating is also available on the Viva in two of the music and comedy club venues. Soft-Serve Ice Cream Another change on the Viva is a new soft-serve ice cream station. New Starbucks mug series A new collaboration between Norwegian and Starbucks is creating a new “Been There” mug series dedicated to different ships. These are popular collector’s items from travelers that scour the world for Starbucks stores that sell them. Norwegian Viva is the launch ship for this new project. New menu changes On Norwegian Prima, the culinary team expanded the menu significantly to provide more choices, but with the intention of using the same options on a daily basis. Passengers didn’t react in the same way they had hoped, and it will switch back to a smaller rotating menu that changes each day. More light in the cabin A new switch on the vanity mirror gives travelers extra light in the cabin, which was a request of some travelers aboard Norwegian Prima. Norwegian officials say it was an easy fix, confirming that the line does take recommendations from its traveler surveys. Better mattresses The cabins on the Viva have new mattresses that feature a pillowtop cover designed to improve sleeping comfort. More water pressure in the shower A better water flow mechanism allows for stronger water pressure in the cabin showers. More protection for smokers The outdoor smoking section on one of the top decks is now covered from the sun. It was also redesigned to permit a bit more air flow and breezes.

Thanks so much for this thread. Just booked the Viva for next March and am already greedy for info.

The drawers are on the sides of the beds. The open space under the foot of the beds are great for storing large suitcases.

Agree. The living room is much smaller but we rarely use it anyway. Having the second bedroom be a “real” bedroom is totally worth it to me. And the king bedroom is brighter and more spacious feeling than the same category on the Bliss.

Honestly, I think I am in a (happy) daze when I am on a cruise. I never even notice what someone is wearing when I am having a meal...unless it is absolutely gorgeous or nasty-body-parts revealing. 🙂 There's a whole lotta leeway between those two. You will be fine.

Why would anyone question the veracity! As for the dramatic magnitude--I heard no drama. I heard upset and a bit disgusted. Just as I would have been. The drama seems to be coming from some other folks, IMO.

I love NCL. I proudly refer to myself as a Norweenie (a name a friend came up with). But seriously, folks. Rooms not ready until 4:30 AND (even if ONLY) hair and nail pieces in my cabin? Not acceptable. EW. Jinxy you have every right to be upset! Ignore the trolls and nasties. I would be upset too and I am a very easy-going person when it comes to cruising. NCL Joy fail.

None as far as I know. Too much drama here, lol.

Wildra, I was really excited to see another Wildra Word Shenanigans Cruise review--I read your last one and loved it (yes, I am a Wildra newbie). Then I realized this cruise is over and I missed the whole dang thing! Well crap. Oh well, on the bright side, I have 9 more pages to snort, guffaw (how unladylike), giggle, almost choke on my drink and generally just smile a lot. Your humor just is in tune with mine, I guess. Irreverent in the best possible way. You rock! Hopefully next time I will be "on board" with you when YOU are onboard. OK, now back to new-to-me old news. Yay.

Excellent is excellent. I don't reach higher than that and I don't pay for higher than that.

Totally agree with this. We always fill out a couple, or more than a couple, on those that were standouts in our opinion.

It's purely a personal choice. I never tip upfront. But I always tip. Even the one time I had a less than useless butler (only once, long ago). I just gave him something for what he did do, and gave the rest of "his" tip to the room steward. I find the room stewards deserve more or as much as the butler (we don't use the butler services much). I tip the bartenders per drink--sometimes more $ every couple of drinks. Just tip what you feel is right, when you feel like it, and who you think should get it. You can't go wrong that way.

We have never tipped anyone at the Haven restaurant except the server. Always EXCELLENT service.

We have always been escorted by a Concierge when we saw the big shows. On the Prima, we liked the section they gave us. On other ships we moved to the center across from the section--still had bar service that way and the view was better!

What I was trying to point out was that there is no shallow area. I didn't say/mean it is too deep for children. And it was very cold as well.

There are no restrictions on Haven Sundeck on 16. Deck 17 was age 16-plus for us a few months ago and for a friend who cruised a few months before we did. That's all I know. Deck 17 was a peaceful adult area. Hot tubs rarely used, and the smoking area is up there in one corner. I would not worry about your kids not being allowed on Deck 16.

It was spring and we went to the Caribbean.

And I would add that, in my opinion, the infinity pool would not necessarily appeal to children. It's waist-deep and cold. It was nice to stand in a couple times to cool off but brrrr. At least on the Prima! There were a number of kids in the Haven on our cruise but I never saw one on either sun deck. Not even teens. There are places elsewhere that are more fun for them I think.

I just don't agree this is true. I have read numerous happy reviews of the Prima. Including mine. 😉 Many of the things that headed south (embarkation/ports/weather) was not due to the ship being the Prima. Nor were they due to the cruise line. That sort of disappointing thing happens on all cruise lines, all ships. I am sorry, though, that it was a disappointment for you.

Welcome back,Megan! Great review. I am totally exhausted for you!

SO SAD!!

It all looks incredible! But what was that wormy looking thing on a skewer pre-dinner?