Norwegian Viva: How to have a hassle-free family holiday

There are two teenagers panting like golden retrievers in the elevator. It’s not a stick they're after, but another ride on the ten-storey slide hanging off the side of the cruise ship.

You might have seen footage of a free-fall drop slide, where terrified riders stand on a platform before it gives way and they plummet into the beyond. There’s one on Norwegian Viva, the brand-new ocean liner from Norwegian Cruise Line, except here you are handed what looks like a body bag before taking the plunge.

As I hesitantly slip into the fabric cocoon in the launch chamber I’m told that it’s to prevent rubbing up against the side of the tube – and then the floor disappears. Sliding from deck 18 to 8 is hair-raising fun and just the tip of the iceberg for the restless and fun-loving on the 3219-passenger ocean liner.

Viva is the next generation ship for NCL. It mirrors the design and structure of sister vessel, Norwegian Prima, with modern design and elevated experiences.

All the adolescents I encounter on the maiden voyage from Rome to Lisbon appear to be having the time of their life, grinning from ear to ear and positively fizzing as they make their way from one activity to the next. It’s probably because they’ve been left to their own devices on what is essentially a floating theme park while mum and dad loll away the afternoon over cocktails at the pool.

The buzz is especially noticeable during our one scheduled day at sea, when, without the pressure to head ashore, passengers can really let their hair down on the attractions. And there are plenty of attractions on offer.

To start, there’s a go-kart speedway paved across three levels with uninterrupted views across the ocean. The electric karts which zoom up to 50kmh around the 430m track are the most popular feature for passengers aboard and bookings are hard to come by in the final days of the voyage. The experience costs US$15 (NZ$25) for eight laps, or you can buy unlimited rides for US$199.

One level down is a themed mini-putt course where you can tap your way between nine colourful themed holes. There is an enclosed cube which serves as a pickle ball arena, there are tables set up for beer pong, and plush leather booths that you can book out for a round of darts.

Through an illuminated warp speed tunnel is the Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality arcade where you can strap on a headset for a shoot em up game, jump behind the wheel of a vibrating Formula 1 simulator, or practise your swing in a digital driving range.

For an additional cost, passengers with an iron-stomach can hop inside a terrifying gyroscope ride that goes all topsy-turvy. A trip on one of the Pavilion's ride-on space motorbikes will have to wait, as it's said the vibrations can disturb guests in the spa downstairs.

But you’d never even know about the spectacle of sound and light above when visiting the Mandara Spa & Salon. The adults-only oasis is hidden away in the centre decks and offers the most relaxing day out at sea. Inside, passengers can select from the menu of seaweed massages and volcanic stone scrubs or purchase a day pass for the Thermal Suite with its two-storey waterfall and all manner of saunas, vitality pools, experiential showers, and ice and snow room.

The forward-facing Thermal Room is the best surprise here where you could easily spend an entire afternoon hopping between heated ceramic chaise longues and cushioned daybeds looking through floor-to-ceiling windows. Here, I prepare my body with lemon water and fresh oranges before heading to the complimentary food court where even lunch can be ordered at the press of a button.

Cruise ships are known for their convenience where it’s easy for travellers to fall into the habit of recreational eating. The complimentary Indulge Food Hall, located on deck 8 takes things to a whole new level, turning all-you-can-eat-style dining into a mouthwatering video game.

There are no sneeze shields or spoons fondled by thousands of fellow travellers; instead diners are supplied touch screens through which they can pick and choose their meal. There are 11 different outlets offering hot and cold food across breakfast, lunch and dinner. You could order a bowl of French onion soup to start and then a Texas brisket sandwich. How about a deep bowl of pad Thai followed by mushroom gnocchi? The options are endless.

Three minutes after placing my order, a freshly baked naan bread arrives hot from the ship's electric tandoor oven. Then, a steaming bowl of chicken tikka masala, a plate of papadams with dipping accompaniments, plus the clashing side dishes of guacamole and a tuna tostada. It's easy to get a bit carried away in the process.

The space has also been cleverly designed so it feels like you are dining in a new establishment on every visit. You can get comfortable inside a cushioned booth, sit up at the bar with a cocktail, or have your meal in a hammock with views across the water. I returned to the food hall several times during my five-day voyage and was pleasantly surprised that the menus change from day to night.

The choice doesn't stop there as specialty options around the ship range from a fine-dining French bistro to an interactive teppanyaki restaurant and Mexican taqueria. Establishments included in the standard fare even impress, especially the main dining room Hudson's with its expansive dining room and the late-night sports bar where cheeseburgers can be ordered at all hours of the day.

Nightfall brings some of the most anticipated entertainment for fun-loving younger passengers. Once the theatre show wraps up, the seating magically retracts to reveal the onboard nightclub. From the upper levels of the theatre it looks like your ordinary dance floor, but closer up it has all the makings of an awkward school disco.

If there’s one way to keep your younger ones in one place, watered and fed, and entertained up to their eyeballs, this might be it. Norwegian Viva is an outstanding choice for a hassle-free family holiday.

Norwegian Viva will sail a series of Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries in 2023/2024. See:

Ocean and river cruising have an impact on the Earth's waterways. To reduce your impact, consider offsetting carbon emissions and booking with cruise lines that use cleaner fuels and adopt recycling practices.