Cruising on the Norwegian Viva is an experience packed with great dining, creative entertainment, and some of the most modern spaces at sea. But after spending a full week on this ship, I couldn’t help noticing patterns—small missteps that ended up costing travelers time, money, and stress. Some were classic first-timer mistakes, while others surprised me because they came from people who clearly knew their way around a cruise ship.
Whether you’re sailing the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or a transatlantic itinerary, these insights will help you enjoy a smoother and more rewarding cruise vacation. If your itinerary includes a new cruise port, even better—several of these mistakes directly affect how much you’ll enjoy your time ashore.
Below is a breakdown of the 20 biggest mistakes I watched people make on my Norwegian Viva cruise, and exactly what you can do differently.
1. Forgetting to Make Dining Reservations Early
The Viva shines when it comes to dining variety, but many restaurants fill up fast. I saw travelers turned away from Palomar, Hasuki, and Los Lobos simply because they didn’t reserve ahead. Even if you prefer to stay spontaneous, secure at least two or three must-try dinners right after your cruise booking.
2. Ignoring the Viva’s Unique Deck Plan
The Viva has a split-deck design that confuses more people than you’d expect. Guests kept walking to dead ends and getting frustrated. Studying the layout—even for five minutes—helps you navigate the ship like a pro.
3. Underestimating How Popular the Vibe Beach Club Is
Some people assumed they could get into Vibe whenever they wanted. But this adults-only retreat sells out before the ship even leaves port. If Vibe is important to you, book it the moment your cruise booking opens the option.
4. Showing Up Late to Shows in the Viva Theater
Shows like “Beetlejuice” and the Donna Summer musical fill up quickly. I saw people arrive five minutes late and end up standing in the back. Aim for 20 minutes early—it makes a big difference.
5. Booking the Wrong Specialty Dining Package
Several repeat cruisers assumed the 3-meal package would be enough. On Viva, with so many premium venues, many ended up paying extra à la carte. If food matters to you, go for the higher package upfront to save money.
6. Forgetting Sunscreen on Embarkation Day
The Waterfront and pool deck areas get busy the moment you board. I watched several people burn on day one because they didn’t pack sunscreen in their carry-on. Your stateroom might not be ready for hours—don’t leave essentials in your checked bag.
7. Trying to Do a Shore Excursion in Every Port
This one surprised me. Travelers were exhausted by day three because they tried to pack too much into every cruise port. It’s okay to skip a shore excursion and enjoy the empty ship for a few hours.
8. Overpacking for a Warm-Weather Itinerary
A lot of people brought jackets, jeans, and extra shoes they never once touched. Viva is casual and warm-weather friendly. Save the luggage space for souvenirs instead.
9. Showing Up to the Pool Deck at 11 AM Hoping for a Chair
By 10 AM, chairs near the pool are usually gone. I saw guests wandering for 25 minutes looking for somewhere to sit. Early birds get the best views here.
10. Not Using the Virtual Queuing System
The ship uses a digital queue for restaurants and activities, but many guests ignored it—then got frustrated when they were told to return later. Using the app saves time and eliminates unnecessary waiting.
11. Believing the Viva Speedway Is Just for Kids
It’s not. I watched adults light up like kids once they got on the track. Many cruisers regretted skipping it because they assumed it was a novelty. Book early—spots disappear fast.
12. Skipping Indulge Food Hall Because It “Looks Like a Food Court”
This might be the biggest sleeper hit on the ship. So many guests walked past it assuming it wasn’t special. In reality, some of the most flavorful dishes onboard are hiding here, and the service is fast and friendly.
13. Not Checking Weather Before a Shore Day
Several people booked beach-focused excursions only to arrive at port with cloudy skies and rough water. A quick weather check could have led them to choose culture or food-focused activities instead.
14. Waiting Too Long to Do Laundry
Cruisers rushed to the laundry rooms on day six, only to find long waits. If you need laundry, do it early in the week when machines are open.
15. Not Bringing a Refillable Water Bottle
The Viva has great water stations—but many guests relied only on disposable cups. A refillable bottle keeps you hydrated during port days and reduces plastic waste.
16. Forgetting that Tax-Free Rules Don’t Apply in Every Port
Some travelers assumed every cruise port had the same duty-free limits. Customs rules vary widely, and several cruisers were caught off-guard at disembarkation. Read port-specific shopping rules before buying big-ticket items.
17. Booking Transfers Without Comparing Prices
I overheard several passengers complaining about overpriced transfers they booked before checking local options. Researching taxis and rideshares at each port can save a surprising amount.
18. Leaving Everything for the Last Sea Day
People waited until the final day to enjoy the spa, complete shopping, or visit that last restaurant. By then, everything was packed. Spread out your must-dos so you’re not fighting crowds at the end.
19. Not Keeping Track of Onboard Spending
The Viva makes it easy to tap and go—but those small charges add up. I saw travelers shocked at their final bill. A quick daily check helps keep your budget on track.
20. Forgetting to Disconnect and Actually Enjoy the Cruise
This might be the most common mistake. Guests kept refreshing messages, checking work emails, and scrolling through social media. The best moments I saw happened when people unplugged and soaked in the ocean views, live music, and incredible food.
Quick Recap: The Most Avoidable Mistakes
Here’s a fast list of the issues I saw most often:
- Not reserving dining or shows early
- Rushing through every port
- Ignoring the ship’s layout
- Missing out on popular onboard spaces
- Overpacking or under-packing
- Letting stress creep into your vacation
Small changes make your cruise vacation much more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
The Norwegian Viva is one of the most modern and feature-packed ships at sea. With a little planning—and by avoiding these common mistakes—you can enjoy smoother days, tastier meals, better port experiences, and a more relaxed mindset throughout your trip.
If you’re gearing up for your first sailing or your fifteenth, these simple adjustments will help you get more value from your cruise ship, more fun at every cruise port, and more unforgettable memories from your cruise adventure.