NCL Viva Begins Galveston Caribbean Cruises

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

  • The Norwegian Viva began its inaugural winter cruise season from the Port of Galveston, Texas, on December 13, 2025, operating through April 2026.
  • The ship offers seven-day Caribbean voyages to destinations including Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan, and NCL’s private destination, Harvest Caye, in Belize, plus a 14-day extended itinerary.
  • Key onboard amenities include the three-level Viva Speedway racetrack, the Indulge Food Hall featuring Q Texas Smokehouse, and the award-winning Mandara Spa and Salon.
  • The ship is sailing from Galveston’s new 165,000 square-foot Cruise Terminal 16 and is scheduled to return for a second winter season from October 2026 to April 2027

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced the arrival of the Norwegian Viva to the Port of Galveston, Texas, marking the start of its inaugural winter sailing season from the state. The Norwegian Viva debuted at Galveston’s new Cruise Terminal 16 on December 13, 2025, and will operate a season of Caribbean voyages from December 2025 through April 2026, establishing Galveston as its homeport for the winter season. The ship is also scheduled to return for a second winter season from October 2026 through April 2027.

The itineraries include seven-day round-trip Caribbean sailings visiting destinations such as Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan (Bay Islands), Honduras; and Harvest Caye, NCL’s private destination in Southern Belize. An extended 14-day Caribbean round-trip voyage is scheduled for January 10, 2026, with ports of call including St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; 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.

The Norwegian Viva is one of NCL’s newest ships and offers several features. It was recently named one of Newsweek’s “Best Cruise Ship for Families” and boasts spacious accommodations, exceptional service, and various activities. Onboard highlights include the Viva Speedway, a three-level racetrack; the Viva Theater & Club; the complimentary Indulge Food Hall, which features 11 eateries including the Texas-inspired Q Texas Smokehouse; and the award-winning Mandara Spa and Salon. The ship’s deployment from the new 165,000 square-foot Cruise Terminal 16 supports NCL’s strategy of expanding offerings from easily accessible ports and allows Texans to experience a world-class cruise ship closer to home.