Ship Comparison
Norwegian Getaway vs Norwegian Viva
For a lively Miami-themed getaway with abundant options, choose Norwegian Getaway; for a modern, sophisticated experience with innovative thrills and intimate spaces, Norwegian Viva is your ship.
The verdict
Choosing between Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Viva comes down to your preferred cruise style. Getaway offers a well-established, high-energy experience with a distinctive Miami flair, perfect for those who enjoy a bustling atmosphere and a wide array of classic cruise activities and dining, especially after its 2024 refurbishment. Viva, as a newer 2023 vessel, leans into modern luxury and innovative thrills, providing a more intimate feel despite its size, with a focus on connecting guests to the ocean and offering cutting-edge entertainment. Both deliver on Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising promise, but Viva offers a more refined and contemporary take on the big-ship experience.
Choose Norwegian Getaway if…
Travelers seeking a lively, social cruise with a vibrant, Miami-inspired atmosphere, extensive dining choices, and a mix of classic and active entertainment.
Best for
- Families seeking diverse activities and dedicated kids' clubs.
- Groups of friends looking for lively nightlife and varied dining.
- Travelers who enjoy a vibrant, social, and energetic atmosphere.
- Guests interested in Caribbean, Bermuda, or Canada & New England itineraries.
Avoid if
- You prefer a quieter, more intimate cruise experience.
- You are sensitive to smoke, as the casino smoke can drift to adjacent areas.
- You dislike additional fees for many 'wow-factor' experiences.
- You are an avid runner, as the jogging track can be crowded and small.
Choose Norwegian Viva if…
Guests looking for a sophisticated, modern cruise experience with innovative activities, high-tech thrills, a focus on ocean connection, and a more intimate feel on a large ship.
Best for
- Guests who appreciate modern design, innovative entertainment, and high-tech thrills.
- Couples or solo travelers seeking a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere with personalized service.
- Foodies eager to explore diverse culinary options, especially the Indulge Food Hall and Onda by Scarpetta.
- Luxury seekers opting for The Haven's exclusive amenities and spacious suites.
Avoid if
- You prefer a very traditional, classic cruise experience without high-tech novelties.
- You are on a tight budget, as many top activities and specialty dining incur extra costs.
- You dislike the sound of go-karts, as the Viva Speedway is above the main pool area.
- You rely heavily on a large, traditional buffet, as Surfside Café & Grill can be crowded.
Overall Vibe
Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Getaway, built in 2014 and refreshed in 2024, carries a vibrant Miami theme across its 146,600 gross tons and 18 decks. The ship exudes a lively, social energy, designed to evoke a South Beach experience at sea. Its quarter-mile outdoor promenade, The Waterfront, is central to this, offering alfresco dining and bars that invite guests to soak in ocean views. The overall atmosphere caters to those seeking an active, fun-filled cruise with plenty of options for diverse interests, from thrilling waterslides to Broadway-caliber shows. It's a ship that encourages guests to embrace a dynamic and energetic holiday.
Norwegian Viva
As the second ship in the Prima Class, Norwegian Viva, launched in 2023, presents a fresh and modern take on cruising. Despite its size, with a capacity for 3,215 guests, it manages to feel surprisingly intimate. Its design emphasizes a connection to the ocean, notably with the 360° Ocean Boulevard and stunning infinity pools. The ship’s vibe is one of casual sophistication, blending innovative, high-tech activities like its three-story race track and virtual reality games with luxurious relaxation in the Mandara Spa. It's built for those who appreciate contemporary style and a dynamic, yet refined, onboard experience.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Getaway, hosting 3,969 passengers and supported by a crew of 1,640, cultivates a bustling and social atmosphere. The ratio of approximately one crew member for every 2.4 guests helps manage the energy of a full ship. It draws a diverse crowd, from families enjoying the extensive kids' facilities and water parks to couples and friends seeking lively nightlife and entertainment. The ship's Miami-inspired decor and numerous public spaces, including the popular O'Sheehan's and the main pools, ensure there's always a hub of activity, fostering a cheerful and engaging environment where guests can connect or simply enjoy the vibrant surroundings.
Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Viva, with its 3,215 passenger capacity, is designed to offer a more Personalized and less crowded experience, reflected in its high staff-to-guest levels, though the exact crew count isn't specified. The atmosphere leans towards adult fun and casual sophistication, attracting travelers who appreciate modern design and innovative features. Despite being a large vessel, its thoughtful layout and numerous intimate spaces, including the 360° Ocean Boulevard and multiple dining venues, help disperse guests, making it feel more boutique. It caters to those looking for a lively yet refined cruise, where relaxation can be found alongside high-energy thrills.
Dining
Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Getaway offers a vast culinary landscape with 20 distinct dining options. Guests can enjoy complimentary meals in the elegant Manhattan Room, with its 1940s supper club ambiance, or the more intimate Savor and Taste restaurants. The Garden Cafe provides a classic buffet, while O'Sheehan's delivers 24/7 pub fare. Specialty options, available for an additional cost, include the interactive Teppanyaki, the charming French Le Bistro, Italian flavors at La Cucina, and premium cuts at Cagney's Steakhouse. The variety ensures every palate is pleased, from casual bites at the American Diner to refined seafood at Ocean Blue.
Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Viva redefines shipboard dining with a focus on diverse, quality experiences. The complimentary Indulge Food Hall stands out with its tablet-driven ordering and global cuisine, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional buffets, though the Surfside Café & Grill is also available. Hudson's main dining room impresses with 270-degree panoramic views and an upscale feel. For specialty dining, Onda by Scarpetta is a highlight for its superb Italian dishes and pizzas. Other enticing options include Mexican at Los Lobos, Mediterranean at Palomar, Japanese at Hasuki, and the ever-popular Cagney's Steakhouse, ensuring a wide array of culinary adventures.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Getaway boasts a robust entertainment lineup, featuring Broadway-caliber shows like "Famous Riffz" and "Bring Back the 90's" in the Getaway Theatre. The ship offers a lively nightlife with its sprawling Getaway Casino, the energetic Bliss Ultra Lounge for late-night dancing, and the adults-only Spice H2O, which transforms into a dance party venue. Guests can enjoy comedy at Headliners Comedy Club, sing along at Howl at the Moon's dueling piano show, or savor cocktails at the unique Skyy Vodka Ice Bar. The ship ensures round-the-clock fun with a variety of bars and lounges, catering to diverse preferences.
Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Viva elevates entertainment with cutting-edge experiences. The Viva Theatre & Club is a transformative venue, hosting productions like "Beetlejuice The Musical" and converting into a Vegas-style nightclub. High-octane thrills await at the three-level Viva Speedway go-kart track and the exhilarating 10-story dry slides, The Drop and The Rush. The Galaxy Pavilion offers immersive virtual reality games, escape rooms, and TopGolf. For nightlife, Syd Norman’s Pour House delivers live rock performances, while multiple bars like the Metropolitan Bar and Whiskey Bar provide sophisticated settings for drinks, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience from day to night.
Cabins & Suites
Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Getaway offers 2,012 cabins, featuring a clean, modern aesthetic with cheerful accents. Standard options range from 119-194 sq ft Inside cabins to 150-334 sq ft Oceanview rooms, and 194-550 sq ft Balcony staterooms, including various family and aft-facing layouts. All include queen-convertible twin beds, ample storage, and glass-door showers. Solo travelers are catered to with 99 sq ft Studios, granting access to a private Studio Lounge. The Haven, a luxurious ship-within-a-ship complex, features expansive suites from 323 sq ft Penthouses to 926 sq ft Deluxe Owner's Suites, offering butler service, private dining, and exclusive access to a courtyard, pool, and spa.
Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Viva prioritizes spaciousness and elegant design across its accommodations. Even standard Inside cabins, ranging from 14-23 sq m, are well-appointed. Balcony staterooms (21-33 sq m), including Family, Aft-Facing, and Forward-Facing options, boast upscale decor and modern power outlets, with cleverly-articulated shower doors. Solo travelers benefit from 8 sq m Studios and exclusive access to the Studio Lounge. The Haven, Viva's premium enclave, features some of the fleet's largest suites, from 34-38 sq m Penthouses to the opulent 195 sq m Premier Owner's Suite with a large balcony, three bedrooms, and an outdoor hot tub, all complemented by butler and concierge service.
Service & Onboard Style
Norwegian Getaway
The service on Norwegian Getaway aligns with Norwegian Cruise Line's "Freestyle Cruising" ethos, promoting a relaxed and casual onboard style. While generally efficient and friendly, the service can sometimes feel more transactional due to the ship's high passenger volume. The Miami-themed decor and vibrant ambiance contribute to a festive, informal setting where guests are encouraged to set their own pace. For those in The Haven, the experience is elevated with Personalized 24-hour butler and concierge services, offering a more attentive and exclusive touch within their private enclave.
Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Viva is designed with a strong emphasis on Personalized service and a sophisticated onboard style. The ship boasts high staff-to-guest levels, ensuring a more attentive and pampered experience for all guests. The modern, sleek interiors and thoughtful design create an upscale yet comfortable environment. The overall vibe is one of casual elegance, where innovation meets comfort. Within The Haven, guests receive dedicated 24-hour butler and concierge service, further enhancing the Personalized luxury, with private areas that feel exclusive and serene, reflecting a commitment to refined comfort and meticulous care.
Best Itineraries
Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Getaway is particularly well-suited for itineraries that embrace its vibrant, outdoor-focused amenities. It regularly sails to the sun-drenched Caribbean, offering opportunities to explore white sand beaches and deep-blue waters. Guests can also enjoy cruises to Bermuda, known for its pink sandcastles, or venture north to the rugged beauty and charming ports of Canada and New England. For those seeking a quick escape, the ship also offers convenient weekend cruises through the Caribbean, making the most of its action-packed sports complex and expansive Aqua Park in warmer climes.
Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Viva, with its innovative outdoor spaces like the 360° Ocean Boulevard, Infinity Pools, and the thrilling Viva Speedway, is ideally suited for destinations that allow guests to fully enjoy these open-air features. While specific itineraries for Viva are not detailed in its current profile, its design encourages warm-weather cruising where guests can live it up from sunrise to late evening, connecting with the ocean. The ship’s blend of high-energy activities and sophisticated relaxation makes it a versatile choice for any region offering scenic coastal views and opportunities for both adventure and serene moments outdoors.
What reviewers say
Norwegian Getaway
4.5/5Norwegian Getaway offers an abundance of dining and entertainment options with a Miami flair. While fees add up for wow-factor experiences, the ship makes the most of outdoor spaces like the Waterfront with its South Beach vibe.
Norwegian Viva
4.5/5After just four days aboard Norwegian Viva, we became converts to its fresh, modern take on the big-ship, mainstream cruise experience. It offers a considerable amount of surprise and delight, feeling smaller and more intimate than its size suggests.
Itineraries to compare
Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.
Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Viva
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

Ship Guide
Norwegian Getaway: Miami Vibes, Endless Entertainment
Experience a vibrant cruise vacation with diverse dining, thrilling waterslides, and a South Beach atmosphere on Norwegian Getaway.

Ship Guide
Norwegian Viva: A Modern Cruise Experience Unveiled
Experience innovative dining, thrilling entertainment, and a surprisingly intimate atmosphere.
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