Unforgettable Memories from Our Norwegian Viva Caribbean Cruise

7 Islands. 20 Friends. Endless Memories.

In February 2025, I set sail on a Norwegian Viva Southern Caribbean cruise with 19 of my favorite people. Over the course of seven days, we island-hopped our way through sun-soaked destinations, enjoyed oceanfront balcony views, and soaked up all the food, fun, and tropical vibes the Viva had to offer. With San Juan, Puerto Rico as our departure point, we hopped from island to island, soaking up culture, sunshine, and a whole lot of laughter. The Viva wasn’t just our mode of transport—it was a stylish floating home base that made exploring five unique destinations seamless and fun.

This was more than just a vacation—it was a reset, a reunion, and a chance to chase sunsets with sand in our shoes and tropical drinks in hand.

First Impressions: A Stylish, Social Ship

From the moment we stepped aboard, the Norwegian Viva made a strong impression. The ship is sleek and modern, with wide-open decks, infinity pools, and panoramic ocean views at nearly every turn. It struck the perfect balance between luxury and laid-back—ideal for a big group like ours. There were plenty of spaces to gather, and just as many cozy corners when we needed a little downtime.

My Home Base: A Balcony with a View

I booked a balcony stateroom, and it was one of the best decisions I made. Waking up to Curaçao’s colorful coast or sipping coffee with ocean breezes each morning made the trip feel even more special. The room was thoughtfully laid out with great storage (thankfully, I had my cruise packing list to keep things streamlined). From swimsuits to wrinkle spray and theme-night outfits, I brought exactly what I needed—nothing more, nothing less.

Want to make packing easy for your cruise, too? Check out my full guide:
👉 The Ultimate Cruise Packing List: Essentials You Need (and Might Forget!)

The rainfall shower, comfy bed, and floor-to-ceiling windows made it feel more like a boutique hotel than a typical cruise cabin.

Island Itinerary: Southern Caribbean Highlights

We explored five unforgettable ports over seven days, each one offering its own kind of magic. Some days we stuck together, others we split up for different adventures—but every stop added something special to the trip.

• Punta Cana (La Romana), Dominican Republic – Our day started with a stroll around the port, which felt more like a mini resort with shops, palm-lined paths, and a huge swimming pool you could actually enjoy without even leaving the port. It was a relaxing, easy way to kick off the week.
• Aruba – We kept things simple with a classic beach day, which turned into a celebration when one of our friends got engaged! Between the sunshine, turquoise water, and surprise proposal, it was the perfect stop.
• Curaçao – I opted for a full day of exploring, starting with the Hato Caves, followed by swimming with turtles, and finishing at Playa Kalki—a gorgeous, lesser-known beach with crystal-clear water and soft sand. It felt like a hidden gem.
• St. Lucia – We booked with Louis Boat Excursions for a day on the water, cruising past the iconic Pitons and stopping at a few beautiful beaches for swimming, sunshine, and a delicious local lunch. It was a breezy, relaxed way to take in the island’s beauty—definitely one of the standout days.
• St. Kitts – We spent the day at Carambola Beach Club, which offered a full-service experience on a quiet, stunning stretch of coastline. The scenic drive there was worth it on its own—seeing the Atlantic and Caribbean sides from above was a real highlight.

Each island gave us something different—relaxation, adventure, and in Aruba’s case, romance too. The best part? No two days on our Norwegian Viva Caribbean cruise felt the same.

Norwegian Viva Dining Onboard: Casual to Elevated Eats

Food was a highlight throughout the Norwegian Viva Caribbean cruise. Our group mixed and matched between included options and specialty restaurants. Some of our favorites:

• Cagney’s Steakhouse – A medium-rare filet paired with truffle mashed potatoes. Worth the calories.
• Onda by Scarpetta – Elegant yet cozy. The pizza was bellissimo, and their Pappardelle Bolognese was unforgettable.
• Los Lobos – A lively Mexican spot that served up tableside guacamole, enchiladas de mole, and margaritas we’re still talking about.
• Hudson’s & The Local – Reliable go-tos for breakfast, from late-night snacks. Did someone say nachos at midnight?
• Indulge Food Hall – Fast, fresh, and fun. You could try global street food bites without ever leaving the ship. The pulled pork sandwich and Cobb salad were a perfect lunch.

After Dark: Bars, Parties, and Nightlife

Evenings on the Viva were anything but dull. The ship came alive after sunset, offering something for every mood.

We spent time at all the best bars:

• The Local – Casual drinks and comfort food made this a favorite hangout.
• Observation Lounge – Perfect for pre-dinner cocktails with panoramic views.
• Penrose Atrium Bar – The central hub with nightly live music ranging from piano to acoustic sets.
• Metropolitan Bar – Eco-friendly cocktails with a creative twist (the spicy cucumber drink was a surprise hit).
• Soleil Bar – Ideal for golden hour drinks with ocean views.
• Whiskey Bar & Belvedere Bar – Great spots for martinis, nightcaps, and conversation.

As for nightlife? We hit up multiple themed parties throughout the week:

• 80s Prom Night – Neon, big hair, and throwback tunes made it one of the most fun nights of the cruise.
• Glow Party – A DJ-fueled dance party under the stars.
• Latin Night and 70s Disco Night – Each with its own vibe and high energy.

If dancing wasn’t your thing, there were comedy shows, karaoke, and plenty of live music. Not every performance was a home run (Beetlejuice the Musical didn’t wow us), but ICONs and the entertainment at Syd Norman’s definitely delivered. Whether you wanted a chill night or one that went well past midnight, the Viva had you covered.

Tips from Our Group of 20

Traveling with a big group can be a blast—as long as you don’t expect everyone to be on the exact same schedule. Here are a few things that worked well for us:

• Embrace the go-with-the-flow mindset – Not everyone will want to do the same excursion or eat at the same place every night—and that’s okay. Let people do their thing and plan to reconnect later.
• Pick a central “rally bar” – We naturally gravitated toward places like The Local or Penrose Atrium Bar as home base. Having an easy, central place to meet up (especially before dinner or a show) kept things simple.
• Reserve the big stuff early – Specialty dining and excursions fill up fast, so book those in advance—especially if you’re trying to do them as a group.
• Plan for theme nights – A few fun outfits for disco, glow night, or prom can turn a regular night into a cruise highlight.
• Pack smart (but stylish) – Whether it’s sunscreen, a day bag, or wrinkle spray for all those theme night looks, packing right made the week so much easier.
  👉 Grab my Cruise Packing List: Essentials You Need (and Might Forget!)
• Create a shared photo album – With so many cameras snapping away, it’s easy to lose track of everyone’s best pics. Set up a shared Google Photos or iCloud album early in the trip so everyone can upload and access photos in one spot. It makes it so much easier to relive the memories—and grab that perfect group shot you might’ve missed.

The best part of cruising with friends? There’s always something to do together, and always space to do your own thing too.

Wrap-Up: Sunsets, Sips & So Much More

Would I cruise on the Viva again? Absolutely. This cruise was the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. From quiet balcony mornings to dancing at sea under the stars, it had everything I love about travel—plus the joy of sharing it with people I care about.

If you’re planning a cruise and want an experience that combines great food, memorable destinations, and stylish comfort, the Norwegian Viva Southern Caribbean itinerary is a solid choice.

Just don’t forget your sunscreen, dancing shoes, and a great spot on the ship to gather your crew for cocktails and laughs.