“Why did it have to be Norwegian?” I lamented when I read the cruise line’s big news. Beetlejuice: the Musical will be the headline production aboard its newest ship, Norwegian Viva.
Then again, maybe I’m being unfair. My husband Wayne and I have only cruised with them once. It was an okay experience, but not great. Partly because by the time we gave Norwegian a try, we were already seasoned cruisers with over a dozen sailings under our belts on several other cruise lines. Wayne and I each had our favorites by then, so Norwegian had its work cut out in the wowing us department.
On our other voyages, we’d heard good things from fellow cruisers about Norwegian, though. There were things that some liked about them better than the lines we each preferred. And they do always have great itineraries with reasonable prices. We decided to give them a go when we sailed from New Orleans to the Western Caribbean in 2011.
While we had a great time, and the ship was beautifully appointed, we weren’t all that impressed with the food (just “eh”), our stateroom (so tiny!), or the onboard activities (boring). The best thing about it was the itinerary. (Costa Maya, Belize, Honduras, and Cozumel.)
I also don’t remember anything about the shows. They weren’t bad, but they weren’t remarkable either. However, I have a feeling if I ever cruise on the Norwegian Viva, which may be what lures me to try Norwegian again, I’ll definitely remember the show. It’s one I’ve been wanting to see.
The Tony Award®-nominated Beetlejuice: The Musical Sets Sail for the First Time
This isn’t the first time Norwegian Cruise Line has brought a Broadway hit to the high seas. Other world-class productions on some of their other ships have included, Six, Jersey Boys, Footloose, and more. Now it’s Beetlejuice: The Musical‘s turn, which will run exclusively on Norwegian Viva.
Per Norwegian:
The 90-minute Broadway adaptation of Tim Burton’s iconic 1988 film narrates the story of the Deetz family as they attempt to remodel an uproariously haunted house. The musical’s paranormal antics will be heightened by NCL’s three-story multi-purpose Viva Theatre & Club and its immersive special effects and cutting-edge lighting and audio.
“NCL has a history of pioneering the cruise experience and delivering the high-caliber entertainment programming our guests expect,” David J. Herrera, incoming president of Norwegian Cruise Line said. “We are dedicated to pushing the envelope, delivering on those expectations, and putting our guests first as we elevate our onboard offerings for the ultimate vacation at sea. This summer, I cannot wait to bring the fun and nostalgia of ‘Beetlejuice’ to our all-new Norwegian Viva.”
Press Your Luck LIVE At-Sea
In 2022, the Norwegian Prima, the same class of ship as the Viva, debuted “The Price is Right LIVE,” based on the iconic TV show. It was a success. Following in those footsteps, Norwegian Viva will offer “Press Your Luck LIVE.”
Okay, as far as game shows go, the “no whammy” one was my fave in the 80s. I was over the moon when ABC rebooted it in 2019. But now it’s going to be on a cruise ship? My most favorite form of travel?
Okay, Norwegian, well played. As one of my favorite lines from Austin Powers goes, “Your stock is rising. Number Two.” You had me at Beetlejuice: The Musical, but “Press Your Luck LIVE” cinches it.
What Else Norwegian Viva Offers
Okay, so the entertainment is enough to convince me to give Norwegian another shot. Or, specifically, to give the Norwegian Viva a shot. But what about Wayne? I know he’d attend both the musical and game show with me, but he’s not enough of a fan of either to make him consider investing our vacation dollars with the cruise line again.
But the Norwegian Viva offers a couple of other things that would tempt him, starting with the food. In addition to offering world-class cuisine, the Viva also has something called the Indulge Food Hall, an”upscale food market exhibiting 11 unique eateries.”
My man is a classic. The way to his heart is through his tummy. He’d be very interested in seeing what the food hall was all about.
He’s also all boy —and hails from a family of race car drivers. That’s why I know the Viva Speedway—the ship’s three-level racetrack—would be something he’d really want to see and do. He’s all about speed, which he can also get a dose of on The Drop and Rush, “the fastest slides at sea.”
But the thing that is almost always the deciding factor for us when it comes to cruising (besides the price) is the itinerary. Viva’s ports of call will make it an easy sell to Wayne.
Where Norwegian Viva Will Sail
The Viva debuts in August 2023 and “will sail a selection of bucket-list worthy Greek Isles and Mediterranean voyages through November.” Then it’ll cross the Atlanta and head for its homeport San Juan, Puerto Rico, in December, where it will spend the winter season exploring a selection of Caribbean itineraries.
Wayne never says no to Greece. (In fact, it’s not uncommon to find him watching YouTube travel videos of Greek destinations or ones of expats talking about life there.) And as far as Puerto Rico…well, you never have to talk either one of us into saying “Yes!” to a getaway there. It’s always amazed, never disappointed. Especially San Juan’s picturesque (not to mention haunted) forts.
The musical, the game show, the race track, the food, the ports…all of that is reason enough to perhaps plan two trips aboard the Norwegian Viva this year!
Beetlejuice the Musical Trailer
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Would you book a voyage on the Norwegian Viva just to see Beetlejuice: The Musical too?
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, as well as obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of healing, to learn how she channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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I’m not much of a cruiser, so I wouldn’t, but I do understand the Beetlejuice appeal!
That’s a very honest answer, Priscilla. I always appreciate those! (Well, I always appreciate all of your comments. Thanks for taking the time to leave them like you do.)