Norwegian Cruise Line has welcomed the first guests to sail aboard its new Norwegian Viva, the company’s highly anticipated new ship and second of the Prima Class, as it embarked on its maiden voyage from Venice (Trieste), Italy.

Making a grand debut in Europe, Norwegian Viva is now sailing on a nine-day journey through the Mediterranean, taking guests from Venice (Trieste), Italy to Lisbon, Portugal with stops in seaside destinations including Salerno, off Italy’s picturesque Amalfi Coast; Cannes along France’s stunning Cote d’Azur; and Ibiza, Spain in the Balearic Islands.

The ship will sail a selection of Greek Isles and Mediterranean voyages through November, before homeporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico in December for a season in the Caribbean.

Mirroring the design of the award-winning sister ship Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva features onboard experiences including the Viva Speedway—the three-level racetrack; Indulge Food Hall, an upscale food market exhibiting 11 unique eateries; the fastest slides at sea, The Drop and Rush; and NCL’s industry-exclusive sustainable cocktail bar, the Metropolitan Bar.

Norwegian Viva’s upscale and spacious design is elevated by an expansive array of artwork across the ship, including The Concourse, a multi-million-dollar outdoor sculpture garden, and a dynamic, interactive 16-m.-wide art piece by contemporary British digital artist Dominic Harris.

The ship’s entertainment lineup is headlined by the Tony Award-nominated comedy “Beetlejuice The Musical” and the game show “Press Your Luck LIVE,” an immersive experience where the audience participates to win incredible grand prizes.

Following the ship’s maiden voyage, Norwegian Viva will sail a series of Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, before its official Christening ceremony in Miami on Nov. 28.

In May 2024, Norwegian Viva will return to the Mediterranean.