December 15, 2025
NCL PRESSR RELEASE: MIAMI (Dec. 15, 2025) — Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today announced the arrival of Norwegian Viva® to the Port of Galveston in Texas, marking the beginning of her inaugural sailing season from the Lone Star State.
Norwegian Viva kicked off her first official Galveston-based season on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, establishing Galveston, Texas as her new homeport for the Winter 2026 cruise season through April 2026. As one of NCL’s newest ships, Norwegian Viva will offer a series of seven-day round-trip Caribbean sailings, as well as extended 14-day Caribbean round-trip voyages.
The seven-day itineraries will visit tropical destinations such as Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan (Bay Islands), Honduras; and Harvest Caye, NCL’s resort-style private destination in Southern Belize, where guests can unwind by the 15,000-square-foot swimming pool, reserve private cabanas and much more. The ship’s 14-day voyage on Jan. 10, 2026 will visit: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, which will soon debut a brand-new pier, a massive 28,000-square-foot heated pool with swim-up bars, a kid’s splash zone, an adults-only area and more.
“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.”
Recently named on Newsweek’s “Best Cruise Ship for Families” list, Norwegian Viva is bringing a new level of adventure to the Gulf Coast, providing guests with thoughtfully curated cruise experiences for guests to effortlessly reconnect with those who matter most while discovering the best of the Caribbean by sea. The award-winning ship boasts spacious accommodations, elevated experiences, exceptional service, and standout activities perfect for multi-generational families. Norwegian Viva also features an array of culinary options for all, from Italian to Mediterranean and even Texas-style barbecue at Q Texas Smokehouse, where the menu includes smoked meats like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, along with traditional sides. This Texas-inspired food station is one of 11 eateries that can be found within the complimentary Indulge Food Hall. Additional highlights include: the Viva Speedway, the largest three-level racetrack at sea; the Viva Theater & Club, a mesmerizing three-story theater that transforms into a spectacular Vegas-style nightclub; and expansive outdoor spaces like Ocean Boulevard to connect guests closer to sea. Additionally, the ship’s luxurious and world-renowned Mandara Spa and Salon® was recently named the “Best Spa” by Cruise Critic in its “Best in Cruise Awards” and offers unparalleled relaxation and so much more.
Norwegian Viva’s debut call in Galveston sailed from the port’s new Cruise Terminal 16, a 165,000 square foot state-of-the-art terminal that opened in November.
Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, said, “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. The U.S. cruise market continues to select the Port of Galveston as a preferred debarkation point because of ships like Norwegian Viva.”
Norwegian Viva will return to Galveston, Texas for her second winter season to the Caribbean beginning in October 2026 through April 2027 offering seven-day roundtrip Caribbean voyages. To learn more about Norwegian Viva and her stand-out amenities and itineraries, please click here.
For more information about the Company’s award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.
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About Norwegian Cruise Line
As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line® has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 59 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, the company continues to deliver curated, effortless experiences that cater to every type of traveler – from seasoned cruisers to families of every size. With award-winning entertainment, globally inspired dining and thoughtfully designed accommodations, including solo staterooms, Club Balcony Suites, and The Haven by Norwegian®, the brand’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept, NCL ensures every guest enjoys a seamless and personalized journey. To further deliver guests with more value, the Company’s signature Free at SeaTM package provides added benefits and inclusions such as unlimited open bar; specialty dining credits; high-speed Wi-Fi; shore excursions credits; and with select sailings guests can enjoy free airfare as well as third and fourth guests sail free. Its fleet of 20 contemporary ships sail to nearly 350 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian.
Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.
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