On Friday, May 5th, an exciting milestone was reached as Norwegian Viva, the second Norwegian Cruise Line Prima Class ship, departed from the Fincantieri shipyard in Maghera for the very first time. Its destination: the Adriatic Sea, where it would undergo rigorous sea trials. These trials involve comprehensive checks of navigation systems for maneuvering the Norwegian Viva. The maneuvers performed during these trials go beyond the routine operations encountered in regular cruise settings.

After an impressive journey, Norwegian Viva arrived at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste on Sunday, May 7th. The ship docked there for a brief period to undergo final painting work, further adding to its visual allure. Once the necessary tasks are completed in Trieste, the sea trials will resume. Only upon successfully passing all the tests during these trials can Norwegian Cruise Line take ownership of the vessel. Meanwhile, interior work on the ship continues, ensuring a complete and experience for future passengers.

The Fincantieri shipyard has a deadline to meet, as Norwegian Viva must be ready for delivery by early August. The inaugural cruise of the second Prima Class ship is scheduled to commence on August 10, 2023, from Trieste, embarking on a 9-day voyage to Lisbon. 

From August to November 2023, Norwegian Viva will offer seven to eleven-day cruises in Southern Europe. Passengers can embark from Lisbon, Piraeus (Athens), Trieste, or Civitavecchia (Rome). Norwegian Viva will then set course for the Caribbean, adding to its list of breathtaking destinations.

It is worth noting that Norwegian Viva will be delivered precisely one year after her identical sister ship, Norwegian Prima. This marks a significant milestone in their shared legacy. Additionally, four more cruise ships from this remarkable class have been ordered, with expected delivery dates in 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028. These future vessels are anticipated to be 10 to 20 percent larger than Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, reflecting the continued growth and innovation within the fleet.