Top 5 LIKES and DISLIKES from our NCL VIVA Cruise

Jamie and Sharon share their top 5 likes and dislikes from their recent cruise on NCL's newest Cruise Ship, the Viva!!!
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[@King.of.wishful.thinking]

Oh my word Jamie you’re a man after my own heart. Bluetooth speakers around the pool 🤯😡🤬 i have gotten in so much trouble with people using them around the pool. How rude. Then the whole line thing 🤷🏻‍♂️ why do people think it’s acceptable to let others push in like that 🤯 I swear I’m going to get thrown overboard one day because I just cannot keep my mouth shut. Iv seen the issue you had at the Sid Norman’s club. Frankly the cruise lines need to get this sorted out. I had issues on royal caribbean and carnival due to no organisation / staff controlling the situation. Great video by the way guys 👍

[@Wild1995]

You guys are always so positive so I feel you guys were holding back :) I hope NCL sees your video. All very good constructive criticism.

[@isa0295]

I was just going to book the viva in March 2025 but I have changed my mind. I do not like crowded pools or having to wait in line for people to just skip the line. Thank you, you just saved me 8k!

[@alej8902]

Excellent review! 👌🏻 Thank you very much Sharon and Jamie! Happy Holidays! 🛳️🎄🎅🏻🤶🏻🌊

[@normgreen3215]

One of the biggest things I hated on the Prima was having the same menu in the main dining rooms every night. This is something that may not be felt as much on a 7-day cruise but anything longer will not be good. NCL has said by doing this they can really focus on the quality of the limited items. I didn’t feel that was a significant enough reason. Sure, maybe those select items were a little better than on another ship with a changing menu, but that difference wasn’t enough.

[@jasonjoe1384]

Great review. Thank you. We will be sailing the Viva in October 2025. We just sailed on the Prima so yes we know the layout.

[@Wild1995]

This is the video I have been waiting for!!!!!

[@florisenmatt3.099]

Thx we are going on the viva july 13 2024, always good to hear otherones experience. The ship looks marvelous.

[@JonKaye]

💯 Bluetooth speakers need to be banned. lol. Great video guys! Spot on. We enjoyed the Viva on the preceding transatlantic.

[@csmith2435]

Great observations and thanks for the "heads-up"! Will be cruising the Viva in about 9 days from now so at least we now know some of the good and not so good things we need to take into consideration as we navigate the ship! Thanks again! About to view your 5 Favorite Bars on the Viva! BTW, I do like Old Fashions and would have been surprised and disappointed to find I can't get them at the aft bars! 😎😎😎

[@kingsgaurd]

Hey, bring on your 80's music! I love 80's music.

[@wendyjohnstone229]

They need to get it together and put people in position to keep the lines fair! That needed immediate fixing because that is so discouraging for anyone who wants to see the show. We have literally skipped dinner to make Sids before. Great video by the way!

[@gtjgtj8334]

Great information, guys! I appreciate the reviews as I have never cruised with NCL. Good drinks? Yes, it matters.😊

[@barbaramoore6819]

Thanks for the information, I’m going on it September. Yes drinks matter and NCL should monitor the queue going into venues.. ❤

[@MrBongoClown]

Going on the Viva this weekend and we are looking forward to it, thanks for all the tips. We just got an email saying that they are renovating part of the areas with the Bullseye, the Wave, Mini-golf, and the Stadium for our week long trip. I was bummed about the mini-golf until I watched your video, now I feel better about it :) Can't wait for the food and Beetlejuice.

[@brettparnell8254]

I'm booked on VIVA next year. While normally I look at things like pool size, I booked it anyway cause this itinerary has no sea days so the space will matter far less. I'm with you re indulge, not sure why they put such a limited menu at an aft bar. As someone who pays for the premium plus upgrade, I'll likely just end up getting a couple drinks before heading to indulge in order to get value for my package.

[@maestromuffin1]

I'm booked on the may 6th sailing, with the most amazing itinerary. We have no sea days, so I don't care about the pool either( i've got one at home).

[@j.w.grayson6937]

Thanks for the info as we will be on the 19-day TA in April.

[@rrogers4978]

Couldn’t agree more, sailed on the NCL Escape last fall and experienced the same issues, extra charges everywhere, Sid Norman’s impossible to get into and small main pool area, and apparently it’s even worse on the new ships, for this reason we are done with NCL, sticking with Carnival and having fun without the Nickle and dimeing on Norwegian !

[@greensam7074]

Just off the Scarlet Lady in the Med and was contemplating a change for our next cruise, to the Viva, but after hearing about the added costs and tiny venues, think I’ll stick with Virgin Voyages after an amazing experience on the Scarlet Lady

[@NauticalNurseNancy]

I remember sailing past your ship as we headed out on the Carnival Magic! The Viva sounds like a great ship and I think you did a fantastic job of the highs and lows of the ship!

[@nudonarises]

Thank you guys for this information. My family and I will be cruising February 2025

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Our pleasure!

[@stevebartley628]

You probably are too young but there used to be the best mini golf course - Green Gables -ever in Phoenix, located at 24th st. and McDowell (?). Roght next to the restaurant of the same name that had a knight in armor to direct the parking !

[@lisanorton7963]

My husband and I drove by there the other day and were reminiscing about it .

[@arlenemaxwellcopeland1644]

thumbs up and thanks for the review.

[@jennifertriesthat]

Great video! Thank you for the information. 🙂

[@RogerWilco1]

I think some of these "issues" are deliberate-- the bars limited drink selection, spreads everyone out to all the bars, rather than them all going to one in a central area and it being overcrowded while the others are empty. The fee for darts and mini-golf are also to manage utilization so that people are not angry that the lines are too long and they can't play. When it was $40 that was probably because demand was way too high.

[@mwroysan]

Thanks for that video. We'll take your experience into consideration when Wifey(Sharon as well😂😅) and I sail on her in the Mediterranean in June👍🏻

[@vonniebench]

Yea, that's why we're going on an old ship in May.Great review, thank you!

[@raybrown8887]

I would have to agree charging for coffee and a danish isn't cool.

[@QueenBee2018gail]

OK I don’t drink a whole lot but yes, I agree with you all the bars you should be able to get a good drink because I am one of those ones that like frozen margaritas and frozen drinks

[@moniquesmith4310]

Drinks matter especially since we bought a drink package

[@carlosgonzalez5889]

My third NCL cruise will be in August on the same ship and I'm already so dissapointed with the size of the pool areas. Such a terrible thing!!! 😔

[@CristiHarris]

How would you compare the Viva/Prima to the Encore/Bliss? We loved the Encore (and the Escape) and are considering another NCL cruise. Thinking about one of the newer ships. Thanks!

[@nehadhanda592]

Thank you for the analysis. We are taking our 8year old. Do they have traditional arcade their (excl all the VR stuff)? Do they have more than 1 waterslide besides the dry one and purple one?. Thanks

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Yes, they have a waterslide, plus the dry slides. I don't recall a "regular" arcade. The deck plans show an arcade room adjacent to the Galaxy Pavilion on Deck 17, but we did not see it. The kids club, Splash Academy, will surely have video games for the kids to play. Have a great cruise!!

[@user-im8cf9fr5h]

Had the exact same experience on the Joy in October. I’ll go back to HAL and Celebrity.

[@richardg8651]

No other cruise line is as good as NCL in separating it's customers from their money .

[@Cornelius_Pop]

Absolutely NCL is the worst with nickel and dimming.

[@jorgecollado6948]

The last NCL cruise we went to my dad turned to my mother and said, “what are all these charges??? Did we forget to pay for the cruise itself?” 😂

[@larrygallagher9255]

We were orginally scheduled on the Viva but after the reviews of the Prima we cancelled. It sounds like the issues for the Prima have just followed to the Viva. We only cruise NCL but will not do the new ships.

[@rgruenhaus]

Listening to interviews with NCL management it sounds they are not Listening to guests. The Aqua will have cocos removed and the worst change is that they are taking out the 2nd Starbucks!

[@Cat.baby_kitty]

Hello my friend. that was perfect. I support you to achieve all your dreams. I am waiting for your new movies. Good luck

[@rgruenhaus]

If only this video could be presented in front of NCL management!

[@jlawrence0181]

Do you think they care?

[@CynthiaclangeLange]

Thanks for the info, we cruise on the Viva in 2025

[@deborahbolton3417]

I don’t have anything else to say, but you said everything that I was thinking of. Those venues have to be bigger. I agree with you I said I wasn’t gonna say anything but I did well thank you for your video and have a happy new year.🎉🎉🎉🎉🙏🏼💕⚓️🛳️🦩

[@chrismccarty3738]

I haven’t been on the viva but we did a Norwegian Fjords cruise on the Prima. These ships aren’t made for the cold North Sea. I will not be able to get my wife on either of these ships again.

[@bearbullcruising6427]

Hey Jamie, hey Sharon, thanks for the video I’m not into bars because I don’t drink so non-alcoholic cocktails are my drink of choice, other than soda moo juice and of course it seems like on all cruise lines. The comedy venues are way too small. It should be held in the main theater maybe it’s because of the drink service you can have in a more intimate atmosphere, but or the comedians like that intimate atmosphere, but doesn’t work well for the guests I don’t think and especially those with disabilities trying to maneuver with the mobility scooter or whatever into those tiny venues

[@tomparry4523]

I booked a studio solo stateroom on the NCL Aqua in August 2025 for a bermuda cruise, it's bigger than the Viva ncl cruise, I think you should book a NCL Aqua in August 22nd from New York to bermuda, I will be on that cruise, we can meet and talk, I also have a Friend coming with me in a Studio stateroom right beside my Studio room, I will invite you into the studio lounge and the hallways look alot better, we will give you a tour of the studio staterooms and lounge, it's something different

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

We are booked on the Aqua for December 2025 New Years Cruise!!

[@heideleskun1163]

You'd think bars would have at least the basic standards. Sounds like those you mentioned don't really do that. I'm not a "fancy" drink person so I'd have to get a drink then go back to those areas as it's great views.

[@kathleemcallister]

you 2 make a lovely couple

[@BeefromSC]

I’m shocked, didn’t know you had to pay for mini golf and I agree, room service food from menu’s being served in the buffet or dining room should be free with a tip only!! Same food, why not? I can see if you ordering food from specialty areas that you pay for anyway!!! Ok, enough of my added venting, thanks for sharing 🛳️🛳️

[@rgruenhaus]

I was thinking of the Viva Haven, but I want more of what the money gets. Cruising with Ben and David didn't paint a good image in their over 10 day cruise in the Mediterranean.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Well, we would definitely go on this ship again.We will actually be on Prima in summer of 2024. We heard from some friends in the Haven that they aren't huge fans of the Haven set up on these Prima class ships, but you still get all the Haven bells and whistles. Also, remember, negative reviews get more views and clicks than positive ones! lol Thanks for watching!

[@rgruenhaus]

@SharonatSeaTravel Ben and David rarely give disappointing happenings without it being a reality if all the variables are given, but I am still looking for responses. NCL reps on CAS and Pre-cruise concierge line are reluctant to agree with the negatives and I understand calls can be monitored and even comments in KZbin videos can make hosts look bad in the eyes of those they might not want to disturb a connection with.

[@rgruenhaus]

@SharonatSeaTravel still no specifics! All generic statements that leave it to the imagination only to get onboard and they tell you otherwise because once onboard they know you can't do anything about it.

[@HowardT1879]

Well said guys. Ncl definitely have to manage those lines cause that a recipe for disaster.

[@stevebartley628]

I hope the sound in the main theater wasn’t WAY TOO LOUD LIKE THE PRIMA

[@willie2094]

Where is Sharon @ Sea 😮

[@jasonreed3524]

Syd Norman’s & the Comedy club are way too small, the performers who did “Rumors” were really great. It was hard to watch people break in line and just claim a bunch of seats like they paid for them, it ruins the experience when you have to let your blood pressure cool off. Also the pool area is way too small in the common area and drink service was often difficult. If I ever go again it will be in the Haven….after I win the lottery.

[@desireehall-bl6qt]

I miss your show

[@melvinjacobs2328]

Bars and drinks matter.

[@maryreed6930]

Wondering if your cabin along the back of the elevators was noisy?

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Not at all....can't recall any elevator noise. Thanks for watching!

[@desireehall-bl6qt]

Matter of opinion and that’s alright

[@willie2094]

This is APB For Sharon @ Sea 🧐

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Hi Willie..SAST will be back around soon. Check our most recent post under the community tab on our main You tube page.

[@CherryBombLove]

You have to pay to play darts and golf?! that sucks!

[@helenalovelock1030]

What is your favorite NCL ship ?

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

We would have to say Encore has been our favorite NCL ship so far.

[@nitab1971]

The Encore

[@debbiem73]

$10 for mini golf? Wow talk about nickel and diming. Never sailed in NCL but this ship layout doesn’t look like one I would enjoy

[@QueenBee2018gail]

And that’s the only thing a Cruise on his NCL for 14 years and I think it’s the new ships that are light way so I know I’m not gonna go on the new ships. I’ll stick with the old ones.

[@Cat.baby_kitty]

❤❤❤🎉🎉

[@Cha-y412]

You know what I hated on our recent Prima transatlantic trip, people that show up at the breakfast buffet wearing PAJAMAS!

[@vonniebench]

Did you say $45 for room service? I must have not heard correctly...

[@julietaylor2497]

It's $4.95. You can see it on the menu at 8:05 in the video. I believe there are more charges for lunch and dinner room service, but don't quote me on that, I don't order room service.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Hi Vonnie..$45 total if you were to order coffee and danish every morning of your cruise. (4.95 + tax and gratuity per day)

[@stevebartley628]

How was disembarking? Ours off the Prima was HORRIBLE. Totally unorganized

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Not the quickest ever..but not really bad. We always grab breakfast in the mdr. Carried off our own bags, headed off ship just after 8:30..hit dry land just after 9. Elevators can be the longest wait!!lol

[@claudettemerena6597]

Plentiful drinks (and wide range of selections), food, cleanliness, pool area, entertainment, and top notch customer service should STANDARD on all cruises, especially for the money that we pay. My family's NCL experience to Alaska was terrible. I'm done with cruising. It's just not worth the aggravation.

[@user-vo6dv5wk3q]

WARNING STAY AWAY FROM NCL YOU WILL LEARN THE HARD WAY. BOOK ANY OTHER LINE IF YOU WANT TO BE TREATED WITH RESPECT ON ANY SITUATION THAT COMES UP. WENT ON THE VIVA IN THE HAVEN IN A VERY EXPENSIVE ROOM. EVEN BEFORE WE WENT ON BOARD WE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NON EXISTENT.TRY CELEBRITY RETREAT OR THE NEW SUN PRINCESS. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!

[@John-qb8vd]

Oh thank you for “ being” warned. I’ve cruised with NCL exclusively almost. Maybe the “ problem” was you.

[@jlawrence0181]

I am NOT doing NCL again on ANY cruise. What good is having entertainment when there is no one in the venue managing it? On the Epic, we good get to the comedy club an hour before the show to watch groups saving 5-10 seats. HAL, Celebrity, and Princess have management staff to control the crowds. In the included dining venues, I am of the opinion that NCL allows the service to deteriorate so that people will head to the pay options. Did you find the staff to be friendly?? On the Epic in February 2023, I never saw such an unhappy crew.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

We have always had very good experiences with the crew on NCL and have enjoyed the included dining, but we agree about those venues. They need to stop the seat saving and manage those lines!!! Thanks for watching!!!

[@jlawrence0181]

@@SharonatSeaTravel Agreed. On all the other lines they have an officer managing crowds and acting as ushers.

[@texasgirl8446]

That’s why I don’t cruise with NCL

[@maski-travel]