Grecian Yearn #4 – Travelogue – Cruise Ship Review – Norwegian Viva

I just returned from a 7-day cruise around the Greek islands on one of NCL’s newest ships – the Viva. This Prima-class ship was built in Italy and entered service two years ago. It’s similar in style/design to the Virgin Cruise ships that were constructed by the same Italian shipbuilder. This 142,500 ton vessel is 965 ft. in length with a capacity for 3,195 passengers and a crew of 1,500. The ship is tastefully appointed and is well laid out. The Viva has some innovative dining concepts and will please any palate. The spa/relaxation area is stellar as well.

The boarding process was the fastest and most efficient I’ve ever experienced. My check-in time was 11am, and we breezed through check-in with no waiting and were aboard the ship within 10-15 minutes. I was traveling with my friend Doug, and we had both booked single studio cabins which were great – ideal for one person with room/space to feel at home. A nice added perk is the Studio Lounge where you can get coffee/tea/beverages/snacks 24/7 – accessible only to Studio guests. We were on level 13 forward that provided easy access to the Spa/gym/relaxation lounge on level 16 and the main pool area/café on level 17. Other restaurants, shops, guest services were located on levels 6/7/8.

This ship was by far the smoothest and most stabile vessel I’ve ever cruised on. I get my sea legs quickly and never get seasick, but the ship’s stabilizers are so good that you hardly feel you’re moving. Incredibly comfortable cruising experience. Even when the winds kicked up a couple days, there was just an ever so slight rocking motion.

The spa/relaxation level was excellent, and incorporated several types of saunas and steam rooms in addition to jacuzzis with therapeutic jets. The contoured, heated lounger chairs in the relaxation area provided warm, comfort, peace and quiet to escape the crowds onboard.

My only complaint is that the main pool area is so small, especially given the 3,000 passenger count. That is the one big design flaw. Otherwise, five star review across the board.

The itinerary included stops in Volos, Bodrum (Turkey), Crete, Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes. Doug had never visited Greece before, so it gave him a great cross-section of what this beautiful country has to offer. Really enjoyed visiting the hilltop monasteries at Meteora during the Volos stop. Bodrum was a charming coastal town but was very hot and humid. Crete was wonderful and dry/arid. Mykonos provided us with a fun, relaxing beach club day. The incredible vistas of Santorini were breathtaking and Rhodes provided a pleasant history lesson in the island’s importance during the crusades of the Middle Ages as well as its more recent Italian influence during the first half of the 20th century. We arrived back in Athens/Port of Pireaus at 6am today and the disembarkation process proved to be as quick and smooth as the embarkation process. Grabbed our luggage, got a taxi and was back home before 8am. Schatzie was thrilled! My two favorite cruise lines are NCL and Holland America. I like aspects of both lines for various things. I was very impressed by the Viva, and I’m sure her sister ships, the Aqua and the Prima are equally as nice. Bon Voyage and Happy Cruising!