Curator’s statement
When considering a spring break trip, we wanted to go somewhere warm to escape the cold weather but also wanted the vacation to have something special for everyone in the family. A cruise to the Caribbean out of San Juan, Puerto Rico was just the right fit! It not only offered a ton of kid-friendly activities but also plenty of entertainment for the adults as well. And instead of just visiting one sunny destination, we got to visit seven amazing islands!
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Pre-cruise stay:
We always recommend flying in at least a day before your cruise’s scheduled departure. For this Spring Break cruise, we stayed at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino. The resort is conveniently located near the San Juan Cruise Port, which makes it easy to get to your cruise ship on embarkation day. In addition to its rooftop infinity pool with stunning views of the San Juan Bay, its 24/7 casino, full-service spa and renovated guest rooms, the resort is also ideally situated near the Distrito T-Mobile where you’ll find a variety of restaurants and entertainment options. Our son loved the ropes course at TOROVERDE Urban Park a great way to burn off some energy after a long flight!
An overview of the ship:
The Norwegian Viva, one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ships, offers a blend of luxury, innovation and comfort. Launched as part of the Prima Class, it delivers an exceptional cruising experience with its modern design and top-notch amenities.
Specifically, you’ll find that the Norwegian Viva features a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that emphasizes open spaces and light. The staterooms are beautifully appointed, ranging from well-designed interior rooms to expansive suites. The Haven, Norwegian’s exclusive suite area, also offers unparalleled luxury with private access, a dedicated restaurant, and an exclusive sundeck.
Dining options for everyone:
When it comes to dining options, the Norwegian Viva does not disappoint… there is literally something for everyone! There are a number of complimentary options including the main dining rooms: Hudson’s, which offers 270-degree floor to ceiling views of the ocean, and the stylish Commodore Room. You also have classic pub fare at The Local Bar & Grill — perfect for late night munchies; a variety of cuisines from around the world at the innovative Indulge Food Hall; and, of course, the traditional cruise buffet at the Surfside Cafe. We tried them all on our seven-day voyage, and enjoyed every minute!
But what’s extra special about the Norwegian Viva is its eight specialty dining venues. Our favorites included the classic steakhouse experience at Cagney’s, the traditional Japanese Teppanyaki dinner and show at Hatsuki, the romantic fine French cuisine at Le Bistro and the modern Italian elegance of Onda by Scarpetta. We truly appreciated the personalized service and experiences we had at these distinctly different establishments.
There are also a ton of bar and lounge options throughout the ship where you can enjoy just about any cocktail or mocktail imaginable! Our favorite was the Observation Lounge with its peaceful views of the ocean and beyond.
Top-notch entertainment:
Entertainment on the Norwegian Viva is nothing short of spectacular. The ship hosts a range of shows, from Broadway-style productions to live music performances. The state-of-the-art main theater is a central hub for evening entertainment, offering something for everyone. We loved the Broadway production of Beetlejuice: The Musical and the Icons concert featuring the songs of musical legends like Dolly Parton, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga, as well as the more intimate shows at Syd Norman’s Pour House.
In addition to music, we had so much fun playing Deal or No Deal and watching Press Your Luck Live! We even attended a fun 90s-era Prom Night event.
Our son joined us for some of these exciting entertainment options, but what he really loved was the Viva Speedway where you can race go-karts, as well as the thrilling waterslide and dry slide, mini golf, the virtual reality games and escape rooms at the Galaxy Pavilion and the Splash Academy kids club. He was in heaven and begged us never to leave!
Wellness options:
The Norwegian Viva’s Mandara Spa offers multiple detoxifying saunas, state-of-the-art pools and even a two-story waterfall. You must try the adults-only, stunningly beautiful Thermal Suite that features hot and cold spaces designed to deliver both physical and psychological health benefits including pain relief, mood improvement, increased concentration and overall sense of peace. In addition to the spa, the ship’s Pulse Fitness Center offers a plethora of exercise equipment, fitness classes and more… all with a 270-degree of the ocean.
Ports of call:
This particular cruise was in a different port each day, which maximized our ability to experience lots of destinations all in one trip! We visited the following exciting Caribbean islands:
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Prior to embarkation, we enjoyed exploring Old San Juan, including the amazing views from Castillo San Felipe del Morro. We also had an amazing meal at Casita Miramar, which is a five-minute Uber ride from the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands: You can’t miss the The Baths on the nearby island of Virgin Gorda. It’s famous for its stunning natural beauty, characterized by giant granite boulders that create a series of grottoes, pools and tunnels along the coastline.
St. Johns, Antigua: We opted for the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Adventure while in port, and it was a day filled with ziplines and adventure!
Bridgetown, Barbados: We joined the Welchman Hall Gully & Beach Break excursion, and had the most lovely guide who shared so much about the history and culture of the island. It was fun to experience a tropical rain forest environment and the beautiful Batts Rock Beach all in the same day!
Castries, St. Lucia: While in St. Lucia, we boarded a speedboat bound for Soufriere… it was a great way to see the iconic, twin Piton mountains. During our excursion, we also stopped at the mineral-rich mud baths and snorkeled in the turquoise waters off Anse Chastanet beach.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten: We opted to rent a car in St. Maarten… it was super convenient! After picking up the car at the port, we drove around the Dutch and French sides of the island, stopping at Orient Bay for some beach time and in Grand Case for lunch at the Rainbow Cafe. After a phenomenal beachside meal, we drove to the famous Maho Beach to catch the landings of some Airbus A330 jumbo jets landing at the airport… quite an experience!
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands: On this day, we enjoyed sailing across Pillsbury Sound to the enchanting island of St. John on a catamaran before snorkeling in the turquoise waters just offshore. On the return cruise to St. Thomas, the champagne was flowing and an array of cheeses, breads and fresh tropical fruits were served.
Need to know
The Norwegian Viva represents a modern evolution in cruise ship design and service. It offers a luxurious and enjoyable experience for both seasoned cruisers and first-timers. With its diverse dining options, innovative activities, and top-notch entertainment, the Norwegian Viva stands out as a premier choice for anyone looking to explore the high seas in style and comfort.
Most NCL cruise fares include your stateroom accommodations as well as access to the many complimentary dining establishments and nightly entertainment shows. Generally speaking, specialty dining restaurants, shore excursions and some onboard activities require an extra fee, although Norwegian does offer special perks like unlimited open bar, credits toward specialty dining and shore excursions, free wi-fi and more with certain packages. Reach out and I’ll be happy to provide you with a quote for an upcoming Norwegian Cruise Line sailing!
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Puerto Rico. In need of further inspiration? Check out Kyle Rose's guide, French Polynesian Bucket List Trip to Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.
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