It's time to debunk the myth: Cruises are not just for retirees

"Cruise? That's not for young people, it's only for the golden years." How many times have you heard that phrase? I used to think that way too, until I boarded the Norwegian Viva, the third ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) new Prima Class fleet. It turns out the image of cruise ships as floating retirement homes is as outdated as the old ships. Today, cruising is one of the most efficient and fun ways to travel around Europe, the Caribbean, and even Alaska—especially for families and young people who want to see as much as possible in a short amount of time, without lugging suitcases from place to place or dealing with the logistics of flights, hotels, and transfers. You simply wake up every morning in a new destination, with your hotel—complete with all the amenities and attractions—moving with you.

In my opinion, Norwegian Viva represents the quiet revolution taking place in the cruise industry. When I boarded the ship at the port of Lisbon, I realized I was about to experience something entirely different from anything I had known in the world of cruising. This new NCL ship, one of the company’s newest, offers an experience that changes everything we thought we knew about maritime vacations. With a capacity of 3,100 passengers and 1,500 crew members, it provides an exceptional service ratio of one crew member for every two passengers—something you can feel in every corner, at every hour, every day of the journey.

The ship's design is a story of striving for excellence. NCL recruited some of the world’s top designers, including the famous Italian architect Piero Lissoni and the prestigious Rockwell Group. Every corner of the ship is a work of art—from the shopping avenues to the smallest details in the design of the restaurants and bars. The lighting, furniture, and art pieces scattered throughout the ship blend to create a unique atmosphere in every area.

A Global Culinary Journey

The ship offers an exceptional gastronomic experience with 11 specialty restaurants. At the Japanese restaurant Hasuki, the meal is truly a performance. The chef cooks on a giant grill, singing and entertaining diners, turning every dish preparation into a performance. The shrimp is perfectly cooked, the steak grilled to perfection, and the fried rice receives a unique twist with secret spices. The restaurant is open for dinner only, and reservations are required.

Cagney’s Steakhouse is an authentic American celebration. The premium black Angus cuts are dry-aged, and the Parmesan-coated truffle fries have become legendary on the ship. The waiters know each cut in depth and can recommend the perfect doneness and the right wine pairing.

Onda by Scarpetta, the Italian restaurant, takes Italian food to a new level at sea. Their spaghetti is made fresh daily from hand-rolled pasta, and the tomato sauce is cooked for hours. The carpaccio and burrata are a must-try. And as a fan of Mexican restaurants, Los Lobos offers a modern take on traditional cuisine—the guacamole is prepared at the table, the fajitas arrive sizzling at your table with all the toppings, and you can't finish without having churros for dessert.

While the specialty restaurants are excellent, the included restaurants are equally surprising. Hudson’s, with its panoramic 270-degree views, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the morning, it offers fresh omelette stations, warm pastries, and freshly squeezed juices. In the evening, the menu changes daily, with a focus on fresh seafood and premium cuts of meat. The Local, open 24/7, provides an American pub atmosphere with juicy burgers, a classic Reuben sandwich, and perfect fish and chips. The Commodore Room offers a more elegant experience, with a menu that changes nightly.

Mandara Spa

The Mandara Spa represents the pinnacle of innovation in maritime wellness. The unique charcoal sauna, which combines Japanese and Korean techniques, operates at temperatures between 30-50°C. The negative ions released by the charcoal help detoxify and boost energy levels. The spa features eight different thermal experiences, each tailored to specific needs: The refreshing ice room is ideal after the sauna, the experiential showers include the "Queen's Collar," which massages the head and shoulders, and the floating saltwater pool provides a perfect sense of zero gravity.

The innovative treatments include the Sea Wave massage on a special water cushion with a wrap of sea plants and algae, the zero-gravity treatment on the advanced Gharieni Wellmassage 5D bed, which offers eight pre-programmed modes, and the hot stone massage with a sea view. The infrared sauna, the first of its kind in NCL’s fleet, is ideal for relieving muscle and joint pain. The treatments are not cheap, costing around $200 each, but they are nothing short of excellent.

Pools and Water Facilities

The ship’s pool area offers a variety of aquatic leisure options. The small infinity pools, located at strategic points along the ship, provide perfect photo spots with endless sea views. The main pool, though relatively small compared to the number of passengers, is well designed with comfortable sunbathing areas and a cozy poolside bar.

The single waterslide offers a light thrill, especially for kids and young-at-heart adults. The interesting novelty is the three dry slides connecting Deck 18 to Deck 8—a creative and fun way to travel between floors. Though relatively slow, they provide an enjoyable alternative to elevators, especially for children.

Attractions and Innovation

The ship offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else at sea. The Viva Speedway is a spectacular go-kart track spread across three levels, featuring fast but safe cars. The experience, complete with professional helmets and checkered flags, gives you the feeling of a real Formula 1 race. The ride costs $30, including a safety briefing and professional guidance.

The arcade and VR areas present the future of maritime entertainment. The advanced simulators include car races, roller coasters, and other extreme experiences, all with motion systems that replicate the real thing. Access to the arcade is free, but using the facilities costs extra. Nearby, there's also an escape room for fans of the genre.

Entertainment and Shows

In addition to a dance club and several bars, including a fine whiskey bar, the ship features a massive theater where the musical “Beetlejuice” is currently being shown. The Tony Award-nominated musical is making its cruise debut. The three-level theater, equipped with advanced lighting and sound systems, offers an experience on par with Broadway. The 90-minute production, starring Michelle D’Amico from the original cast as Lydia, combines beloved classics like “Day-O” and “Jump in the Line” with stunning special effects.

The entertainment doesn’t stop with the musical. Live performances take place throughout the evening at the various bars, ranging from jazz music to cabaret shows. The bars themselves are an attraction—Metropolitan Bar, for example, serves sustainable cocktails made from recycled materials sourced from the kitchens.

A Journey Between Ports

Our itinerary was a fascinating journey through the treasures of the Mediterranean. In Seville, the kayaking experience on the Guadalquivir River offered a unique view of the city. The peaceful paddling along the ancient riverbanks, surrounded by historic buildings and beautiful gardens, was the highlight of the visit. A lunch in a restaurant with panoramic views of the river and the famous tower completed the experience.

In Gibraltar, we had a surprising combination of history and nature. In the famous rock nature reserve, we met the famous Barbary apes, explored ancient tunnels from the Great Siege, and enjoyed breathtaking views of two seas and two continents. The local guide shared fascinating stories about the area's rich history.

Palma de Mallorca was a fascinating lesson in architecture and Mediterranean lifestyle. The gothic La Seu Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe, is particularly impressive due to its massive stained-glass windows and Gaudí's unique design. The Almudaina Royal Palace, still in use by the Spanish royal family, blends Moorish and Christian elements. The narrow streets of the old town offer excellent shopping, from local designer stores to international luxury brands.

Advanced Accommodation

On the ship, like in any hotel (even a floating one), there are several levels of accommodation. I stayed in a double cabin with a balcony, which was spacious, well-ventilated, and designed in pleasant neutral colors. But the most significant innovation in lodging is the solo cabins, which are priced more affordably than a traditional double room. Those who choose this option get access to a dedicated studio lounge, complete with a stocked bar and 24/7 snacks, to create social opportunities for solo travelers. This is a smart response to the rise in solo travel, which now accounts for nearly 18% of global bookings in the tourism industry.

Practical Tips

A 7-10 day cruise costs between $1,300 and $1,800 per person in a double cabin (excluding flights), with special deals for families and during off-peak seasons that can significantly reduce the price. Currently, the company is promoting the "More At Sea" offer, where for an additional cost, but at a significantly reduced rate compared to the regular price, you get discounts on shore excursions at every port, internet minutes on the ship, a specialty restaurant package, and a drinks package (sodas/alcohol).

When you're already on board, it's advisable to book the specialty restaurants and spa treatments in advance—good spots fill up quickly. While most activities are included in the price, keep in mind that extra expenses will be needed for attractions like the go-karting and VR areas.

Norwegian Viva represents the future of the cruise industry—a perfect blend of technological innovation, meticulous attention to detail, and an overall commitment to providing experiences that truly live up to the modern traveler’s expectations.