Key Aspects:
- Norwegian Viva has debuted from Galveston for her winter Caribbean season.
- The Prima-class ship set sail on her first 7-night itinerary on Saturday, December 13.
- Norwegian Viva is offering 15 Texas departures this season, including a pair of 14-night sailings.
One of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ships, Norwegian Viva, had made her Lone Star State debut with her first sailing from Galveston, Texas, welcoming guests on Saturday, December 13.
This is the ship’s inaugural season from Texas and she will be offering 7- and 14-night Caribbean itineraries through mid-April, 2026.
“We’re excited to officially welcome Norwegian Viva to Galveston this season,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
“Expanding our offerings from popular, easily accessible ports allows us to bring unforgettable experiences closer to home for more travelers. Norwegian Viva was thoughtfully designed for guests to live life to the fullest, and we’re proud to introduce this world-class cruising option to Texas.”
The 142,500-gross-ton ship is sailing from the new Cruise Terminal 16 that opened on November 7. The state-of-the-art terminal is designed to service MSC Cruises year-round as well as the winter deployments by Norwegian Cruise Line.
“Opening this terminal has allowed Norwegian Cruise Line to expand its presence in Galveston. The beautiful Norwegian Viva allows our cruisers the opportunity to experience a world-class cruise ship,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO.
“The U.S. cruise market continues to select the Port of Galveston as a preferred debarkation point because of ships like Norwegian Viva.”
In addition to Norwegian Viva, ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and MSC Cruises are all currently homeporting from Galveston, offering guests an outstanding variety for their cruise experiences from Texas.
Norwegian Viva‘s Sailings From Galveston
Norwegian Viva is offering a total of 15 departures from the Lone Star State for the 2025-2026 winter season with both one- and two-week cruises available.
The majority of the Prima-class ship’s sailings are 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries. Depending on the departure date, Norwegian Viva will be visiting top ports such as Cozumel, Harvest Caye, Roatan, and Costa Maya.
On January 10, the ship will depart Texas on a 14-night comprehensive Caribbean voyage that will go to both Eastern and Western destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, plus San Juan, Antigua, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Puerto Plata, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.
A second two-week trip leaving Galveston on January 24 is similarly comprehensive but will skip Great Stirrup Cay and St. Thomas to visit Tortola and Ocho Rios instead. The other ports remain the same.
Norwegian Viva will conclude her first season from Texas with her April 4, 2026 departure, another weeklong cruise with an Easter theme.
After returning to Galveston on April 11, the ship will move over to Miami without guests in order to prepare for her 15-night spring transatlantic cruise from Florida to Barcelona.
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Following summer and early fall in the Mediterranean, Norwegian Viva will return to Galveston at the end of October for another Caribbean winter season.
Onboard Norwegian Viva
Guests setting sail onboard Norwegian Viva are in for spectacular experiences, from the modern, airy public spaces to the relaxing Vibe Beach Club to the excitement of the Viva Speedway, the largest three-level racetrack at sea.
Indulge in one of the 11 eateries in the Indulge Food Hall, including the very appropriate and very popular Texas-style barbecue (the brisket is the best!) and the relaxed pub atmosphere of The Local or any of the other included dining options or specialty restaurants.
The ship offers a variety of outstanding entertainment, live music, and more fun, plus the exhilaration of The Drop and The Rush, dueling dry slides that drop a heart-pounding 10 decks.
Pools, waterslides, miniature golf, the Mandara Spa and thermal suite, and plenty of other cruise favorites are also onboard.
Norwegian Viva can welcome 3,215 guests onboard, offering everyone a spectacular opportunity to truly live it up on their cruise vacation.
