Travel
Norwegian Viva review: What to expect on Norwegian Cruise Line’s second Prima Class ship
Norwegian Cruise Line‘s Norwegian Viva takes the best of everything about NCL and wraps it up in a stylish package that offers great food, friendly service, compelling entertainment and modern, classy design. The ship, part of Norwegian’s Prima Class, is interesting in that, while some aspects of the ship experience have shrunk, others have expanded.
The vessel itself is smaller than ships in the line’s previous class, and although it’s family-friendly, it also houses a downsized version of the Splash Academy kids club, which lacks dedicated teen spaces. However, the ship has seen growth in the way of a larger onboard suite area with a better location and one of the fleet’s largest go-kart tracks — something the Prima Class adopted from previous hardware.
Norwegian Viva is the second ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Class. There isn’t much that differentiates Norwegian Viva from its slightly older sister, Norwegian Prima. Both offer a slightly smaller version of the cruise experience found on the line’s Breakaway and Breakaway Plus classes.
What sets the two ships apart are minor elements like art installations, one less onboard Starbucks location and added seating capacity at Indulge Food Hall. But perhaps the biggest differentiator is the entertainment, with Norwegian Viva offering a version of the Broadway show “Beetlejuice: The Musical.”
I sailed on a nine-night voyage when the ship was at roughly two-thirds of its capacity and was disappointed to note the ship sometimes felt crowded. The pools weren’t large enough, it was difficult to snag reservations for go-karts and escape rooms, and some performance venues were standing room only.
I began to wonder, as my colleague did when he sailed Norwegian Prima, has the line made its newest ships too small?
Here’s a recap of everything you’ll need to know before a voyage on Norwegian Viva, from food and entertainment to the types of cabins available, as well as what stood out and what you might want to avoid.
Overview of Norwegian Viva
At 143,535 gross registered tons and carrying 3,099 passengers at double occupancy, Norwegian Viva is smaller than the ships in the last two classes NCL rolled out, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s small.
With dozens of restaurants and bars, a theater, a comedy club, a dedicated rock ‘n’ roll venue, a virtual reality gaming center, and a top-deck go-kart track, Norwegian has managed to pack a lot into a ship that, at times, feels equal parts spacious and crowded.
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On my sailing, it was clear that the ship attracts lots of families — something that became obvious when teenagers regularly overran public areas. (The ship doesn’t have a dedicated teen club, which means they hang out wherever they want. That’s fine if they’re well behaved; on my voyage, they weren’t.)
Overall, it’s a lively vessel with lots to do.
What I loved about Norwegian Viva
Indulge Food Hall
Indulge Food Hall was introduced on Norwegian Prima and makes a return appearance on Viva, and it quickly became my favorite dining venue.
The waiter-served food court experience at Indulge combines some of the best restaurant offerings from around the fleet so that cruisers can try a bit of everything. There’s an abridged version of Q Texas Smokehouse, serving pulled pork sandwiches a la Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss. There’s also a food truck that serves small plates similar to what you can order at Bayamo on Norwegian Escape. I’m a big fan of the Indian dishes from Tamara.
Norwegian Prima features a Starbucks at Indulge, but the food hall concept proved so popular that the line removed the coffee shop on Viva to make room for more tables.
After you seat yourself, you place your order via a touchscreen, and the food arrives in a few minutes.
The best part is that the food is free. That’s particularly notable for a line like Norwegian, which is notorious for its nickel-and-diming. Not only does Indulge Food Hall provide an additional complimentary food option, but some of the food available there comes with a fee at the corresponding stand-alone restaurants (Q and Bayamo, for example) on other ships.
Solo cabins and lounge
Like many of the vessels that came before it, Norwegian Viva includes studio cabins for one — something the line has worked to improve since the first iteration on Norwegian Epic in 2010. What’s special about Viva’s version is that they feel just as upscale as the rest of the ship’s cabins.
The neutral color palette is worlds away from the stark white with green and purple hues that punctuate previous versions. And that aesthetic carries through to the Studio Lounge, a space exclusive to passengers booked in studio cabins.
The ship has 73 cabins for solo travelers, each coming in at 93 square feet of space. They’re small but comfortable and thoughtfully furnished, offering full-size beds, desk/vanity space and open-concept closets. Bathrooms have no main doors because why would you need privacy if you’re traveling alone?
Atrium
Norwegian Viva’s Penrose Atrium on Deck 6 is lighter, brighter and has a more open feeling than some of the atriums on ships in Norwegian’s other classes. It feels like the ceilings aren’t as low, and the space lacks the dark colors that can make other atriums induce a feeling of claustrophobia. It’s a much more pleasant (albeit louder) space than on some of Norwegian’s previous vessels.
Besides a peaceful white, tan and green color scheme, the space, which rises three decks, has comfortable seating — try the felt loungers — and tables. There’s also a central banquette on Deck 6, and a glass light fixture evokes a sky filled with midcentury modern stars. Sprinkled throughout the area are the ship’s whiskey bar, a stand-alone Starbucks counter, a few shops, and desks for Wi-Fi assistance, guest services and shore excursions.
Escape rooms
One of the highlights of more recent NCL ships is Galaxy Pavilion, and there’s one on Norwegian Viva. In addition to a slew of added-fee virtual reality games, it also has two upcharge escape rooms that accommodate up to six people who are OK with being locked in for 45 minutes while hunting for clues that allow them to escape.
A group of friends and I chose a magic-themed experience that had us trying to find a missing magician. Although the crew member managing the experience said we did everything correctly, an equipment glitch prevented us from actually succeeding, which was a shame but not completely unexpected on a brand-new vessel still working out the kinks.
Ultimately, it’s a fun activity to do with friends or family.
Wi-Fi
For cruisers who like to stay connected on vacation, the onboard Wi-Fi situation is often a source of stress. Will the connection be solid? Will you be able to post, stream and check e-mail or attend a Zoom meeting?
On Viva, I had a Wi-Fi plan, powered by Starlink, that allowed streaming for two devices for the duration of my voyage. I’m happy to report that the connection was great. It was my first time on a ship where I wasn’t constantly disconnected, and the service was solid for everything from FaceTime calls to watching Netflix.
Prices are steep, though. You can activate one device for general web browsing, checking emails and messaging for $29.99 per day. To purchase a package with streaming and VPN access for one device, it’s $39.99 per day. A second device can be added for $15.99 per day or $25.99 per day, respectively. Four-device packages are also available, but rates are not posted. Prices are subject to change by itinerary.
What I didn’t love about Norwegian Viva
Allocation of space
I love that Norwegian has tried to outfit its ships with more outdoor spaces that don’t necessarily involve pools and waterslides, but I’m beginning to wonder if the latter have suffered as a result.
The experiment began on Norwegian Breakaway in 2012 with The Waterfront, an outdoor promenade space that connects to several of the vessel’s restaurants for alfresco dining. The concept carries over to Prima Class ships in the form of Oceanwalk, a promenade that fully rings Deck 8. As passengers stroll along, they’ll find pools, loungers, art installations, dining alcoves and a bar overlooking the wake.
However, some of the areas — particularly those allocated for outdoor dining — seemed underutilized. Meanwhile, the ship’s three small pools were almost always crowded, especially on sea days. My sailing was only two-thirds full; that doesn’t bode well for times when the vessel is sold out.
Some of the more in-demand indoor areas are also insufficiently sized. Popular rock club Syd Norman’s Pour House is generally standing room only. If you don’t show up 30 minutes before showtime, you might not get in. The first time I tried to check out a show there, I was met by crowds spilling out of both entrances.
The ship’s Observation Lounge also seems too small at times. This was particularly true on the day we sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar. There wasn’t a single unoccupied table; I circled for 20 minutes to pounce on a table that someone had just vacated.
Kids club
Splash Academy, Norwegian’s kids club, seems like an afterthought on Norwegian Viva. Instead of dedicated spaces for each age group, the facilities lump all children, ages 6 months to 17 years, into just two rooms. Youth counselors organize age-appropriate activities for the 3- to 12-year-old set (think dance parties, arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts), but they still share the same space, which feels inappropriate.
Guppies, which normally caters to kids from 6 months to 2 years old, has no set space on board. Toys are laid out for use by children and their parents when the two existing rooms are not in use.
The ship takes a similar tack with tweens and teens. Entourage, the teen club, has no specific home on Norwegian Viva. Although activities are scheduled for ages 13 to 17, they take place all over the ship. On my sailing, teens often crowded — loudly — into public areas like Starbucks or took to hanging out in stairwells, which created a nuisance for some passengers.
Layout
I understand that any new ship takes a few days to figure out, but some of the layout on Norwegian Viva still doesn’t make sense to me, even after nine days on board.
Some areas aren’t symmetrical, so don’t be surprised if you overshoot your destination if you’re walking on the wrong side of the ship. (I’m talking about you, Le Bistro.) Entrances to the Oceanwalk outdoor promenade area are plentiful but also hard to find in certain areas.
Furthermore, the casino is like a maze. Don’t feel bad if you find yourself at a dead end the first time you pass through; it happens to most of us. If you’re trying to make your way to Deck 18 from the front of the ship, you’ll have to head aft and then make your way up — likely by walking partway through the buffet, which is awkward (and frustrating if you’re fighting crowds during peak times).
Then there are the traffic flow issues. It’s difficult to maneuver your way around the seating area by Starbucks in Deck 7’s atrium, and because there’s no straightforward way across it, you can forget about moving from one side of the atrium to the other without walking all the way around.
Another hot mess is the corridor that runs along Deck 8 aft on the starboard side. It feels narrow, and it travels right through The Local, a 24-hour eatery that serves free pub grub and is, strangely, split into two sections. When trying to find The Local, I unwittingly walked right through without realizing it. I ended up all the way aft at Indulge Food Hall before turning around and doubling back. Several others made the same mistake, which caused congestion in the space.
Noise
If you’re someone who craves quiet time to read, play cards or just relax, Norwegian Viva is not your ship. There is no onboard card room, library or otherwise serene space. (Books are available to read on your electronic devices via the Libby app, which is neat, but it’s not a substitute for a library.)
Starbucks, found in the atrium, is out in the open. Even after hours, you’ll run into blasting music, teens being raucous and the sounds of crew members vacuuming. I also tried the Observation Lounge on Deck 17 forward, but I found teenagers holding court, families loudly playing board games and other noises that added to a cacophony so intense I couldn’t focus.
Ultimately, I resorted to staying in my cabin when I needed some quiet time, but I had a connecting room, and I could hear almost every word spoken by the family on the other side. I was also wakened by the sounds of slamming doors, the movement of balcony furniture and even coughing. Several fellow passengers who didn’t have connecting rooms also said noise was an issue for them.
Even places like the spa, which should have been quiet, lacked soundproofing. When I walked into my treatment room for a massage, I heard what sounded like bubbling water. I assumed it was some sort of sound machine, but when I asked the therapist, she said it was the plumbing from the men’s locker room. It was kind of soothing until people flushed the toilets, at which point my moments of calm were sidelined by loud whooshing noises.
And minus 100 points to whoever decided the fitness center’s treadmills would be well placed directly over the thermal suite’s heated loungers.
Missing fish
Fans of Norwegian Cruise Line will likely know all about the fish found on the carpet in cabin corridors on the line’s ships. If you’re lost, just look at which way the fish are swimming; they always point toward the front.
I was sad to discover the fish don’t appear on Norwegian Viva. Instead, they have been replaced by more neutral carpeting with triangles that point the way. It’s a minor change, but it’s still disappointing because it was a whimsical way in which NCL set itself apart from other cruise lines.
Norwegian Viva cabins and suites
Norwegian Viva’s cabins consist of all the standard options: inside (no windows), outside or ocean view (with a window), balcony (a sliding-glass door and outdoor balcony space), and suites.
There are other options, too, including studio cabins for solo travelers and extra-fancy rooms in The Haven, the ship’s exclusive suite enclave, which affords booked passengers access to a private restaurant, bar, lounge, pool and sun deck, hot tubs, and concierge services.
All basic rooms are outfitted with two twin beds that combine to form a queen (except studios, which have one static full-size bed); a vanity and desk area with a mirror, electrical outlets and a hair dryer; closet and drawer space; and an interactive TV with live shows, movies (many free but some for a fee), ship channels and your onboard account. A small wall-mounted touchscreen pad near the door controls the temperature and allows you to activate “do not disturb” and “make up room” options.
Standard bathrooms are shower-only with doors rather than curtains. They also include a toilet, a sink, storage space for toiletry items, wall-mounted hand soap by the sink, and body wash and conditioning shampoo in the shower.
Rooms are serviced only once per day, but your room steward is available by phone if you need extras like fresh towels or more hangers. They will deliver a paper copy of the daily schedule to your room each evening and leave it in the mailbox outside your door.
My cabin was the standard balcony variety. In addition to the amenities mentioned above, it offered a sofa across from the vanity, as well as a minifridge. What truly impressed me about my digs were the astronomically comfortable mattress, the number of hooks for hanging items throughout the cabin, the bright lighting (including an illuminated makeup mirror at the vanity), the number of electrical outlets and the amount of storage space, both in the closet and in the bathroom.
What irritated me were the connecting door, thanks to the lack of soundproofing and the whistling I heard anytime my neighbors left their balcony door open; the wire drawers in the closet, which were too small and too open to be useful; the absence of a separate light switch for an exposed portion of the closet that was illuminated anytime I turned on the main cabin lights; and the lack of a bed skirt, which meant my luggage was visible for the entire voyage because I stored it under the bed.
The ship has 44 accessible cabins across inside, outside, balcony and The Haven categories. They offer such accommodations as additional square footage, wider doorways, and shower stools and toilet seat risers in the bathrooms.
Norwegian Viva restaurants and bars
Norwegian Viva houses more than a dozen places to eat and also more than a dozen bars, so there are plenty of choices for even the pickiest of palates.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of dining on this ship is that you don’t have to shell out additional funds to have truly superb meals. The food you’ll find in the two main dining rooms, the 24-hour pub and the food hall is pretty darn tasty — and it won’t cost you an extra cent.
If you do want to try a few extra-fee eateries, take advantage of Norwegian’s Free at Sea offerings, which allow you to choose from several perks, including complimentary dining at restaurants that usually cost extra.
Norwegian Viva restaurants
Free food
The Commodore Room and Hudson’s are the ship’s two complimentary main dining rooms on decks 6 and 7 aft, respectively. The menu changes daily and is the same at both venues. I only ate dinner at Hudson’s once on my voyage, but I was so impressed with the pad thai that I would have asked for seconds if I hadn’t been so full.
Both dining rooms are open nightly. Hudson’s operates from 5 to 9 p.m., and the Commodore Room serves patrons from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dining is open seating, meaning you can show up to eat at any time you’d like and sit with whom you’d prefer.
Indulge Food Hall, only found on Norwegian’s Prima Class ships, offers a food court-style experience where you seat yourself and select free items from a touchscreen menu, similar to an iPad. Waiters will bring each dish as you order it.
The portions tend to be small, so you can try multiple dishes. It’s common for passengers to order a couple of items, eat them and then order a couple more. I highly recommend the guacamole as a starter and something from the Tamara Indian menu, followed by a pulled pork sandwich from Q Texas Smokehouse if you have room left.
Indulge, found on Deck 8 aft, is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with different menus for each meal.
The Local, located just before Indulge on Deck 8, is oddly split into two sections: one with a bar and alcove seating and another with tables where you can sit and order food. Both areas have big-screen TVs where you can watch sporting events. Separating the spaces and serving as a passageway between the two is a small vestibule with a few arcade games.
What’s great about The Local is that it’s open nearly 24 hours. (It closes between 3:30 and 5 a.m.) The food is complimentary, and it’s tasty, typical pub grub like wings, fish-and-chips, sliders, nachos and burgers, as well as lighter fare such as Caesar salads.
Surfside Cafe and Grill is the ship’s standard buffet venue, serving a variety of food from self-serve stations on Deck 17 midship. Because Norwegian Viva also has The Local and Indulge, the space dedicated to the traditional buffet is smaller than on other cruise ships. I didn’t eat a single meal there because when I ventured inside, it was so crowded that people could barely move. I elected for more civilized meals elsewhere.
If your stomach is rumbling a bit too much before dinner, the luxuriously appointed Observation Lounge on Deck 17 forward offers gratis between-meal snacks daily from 3 to 5 p.m.
The Haven Restaurant functions as the free main dining room for passengers booked in The Haven suite complex. It’s open daily to passengers with access, and it features a set menu for the entire sailing.
Free soft serve ice cream machines can be found in the buffet and outside on Oceanwalk, near Indulge. Chocolate, vanilla and twist are offered, and the ice cream is vegan. The machines are not available 24 hours a day like they are on some cruise lines’ ships. Norwegian Viva has neither a stand-alone ice cream shop nor a bakery, which was disappointing.
Added-fee food
On Norwegian Viva, dining can be a bit chaotic at peak times, so make reservations for any specialty restaurants you’re considering — and do it on the first day so you’re not left with the crummiest times.
For French food, Le Bistro is your answer. This specialty restaurant on Deck 7 is as elegant as they come, featuring a bright atmosphere with light blue accents and high-end decor, including giant floor-to-ceiling crystal chandeliers that are stunning. There’s no dress code to dine at Le Bistro, but you might want to embrace the experience by making an effort.
I’m generally not a fan of French cuisine, so I played it safe and went with French onion soup and Dover sole, both of which were delicious.
Cagney’s Steakhouse is — you guessed it — Norwegian Viva’s steakhouse on Deck 6 aft. It provides a menu of items like shrimp, tuna tartare, oysters Rockefeller, soups, salads, steaks, fish and sides.
I went with a crabcake, a beefsteak tomato with onions and balsamic vinaigrette, and a petite (5-ounce) filet mignon with a side of truffle fries. If you’re someone who doesn’t eat meat, fish or seafood, you might consider dining elsewhere.
Ever a fan of carbohydrates, I enjoyed Italian-influenced Onda tremendously. It was a nice night as we sailed along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, so my group asked for a table outside, along Oceanwalk on Deck 8, which was absolutely delightful with the city lights as a backdrop and a warm breeze reminding us that we were moving.
We started with a couple of sharable — and absolutely to-die-for — pizzas and a veggie calzone. Then, I moved on to burrata, which was a total masterpiece, followed by ricotta and spinach mezzelune (similar to ravioli).
Although the meal was great, the service was a bit on the slow side. It took about three hours from start to finish, and we waited nearly 30 minutes for someone to take our order once we were seated.
Craving seafood? There’s a restaurant for that, too: Palomar on Deck 17 midship. The entrance near the pool area was closed on my sailing, forcing passengers to fight through the buffet to reach the main entrance. That experience did not set the tone for the beginning of such an upscale meal.
Like Cagney’s, Palomar offers a mix of seafood and meats like steak and lamb chops, but it’s heavier on the seafood end. Choose from oysters, grilled jumbo prawns, grilled octopus and several salads for appetizers. Mains include sea scallops, sea bass, filet mignon, New York strip and a whole grilled lobster, with sides such as potatoes, jasmine rice and carrots. I opted for sole (again), preceded by a golden beet salad with cheese and accompanied by asparagus.
Although Palomar features vegetable-based sides and appetizers, vegetarians and vegans will not find suitable mains on the menu.
Food Republic, across from Palomar on Deck 17, is my favorite of NCL’s alternative restaurants. In my opinion, it’s also one of the most underrated.
When I ate there near the end of my voyage, it was nearly empty at 7:30 p.m. — a prime dining time. It seems the issue is that cruisers don’t quite understand what the venue offers. People might also confuse it with Indulge Food Hall, which offers similar fare and a similar ordering system but for zero extra cost.
Food Republic is a street food restaurant that leans heavily Asian. You’ll be seated when you arrive, and you order from a touchpad. Items are priced a la carte and will be made to order, with each delivered when ready, rather than all at once.
If you have a dining package, you can select any four food items, including desserts. Items are served as small plates. I didn’t finish everything and still left absolutely stuffed. The pork belly bao buns and edamame are excellent.
On the flip side, my least favorite restaurant was Los Lobos, a for-fee Mexican eatery on Deck 8, near The Local. I’m a huge fan of Mexican cuisine, but when I ate at Los Lobos on fleetmate Norwegian Encore about a month prior, the service was slow, and the food was mediocre. With that in mind, I was skeptical about eating there on Viva.
I dined at Lobos twice during my voyage. The first time was a pleasant surprise, with the tableside guacamole, tortilla soup and chicken enchiladas de mole serving as highlights.
The second time, however, both the service and the food were lacking. Our servers seemed confused when my vegetarian dinner companion asked about meat-free options, and when my chicken tacos arrived, they looked gross — mushy and with brown avocado. The one saving grace was the wonderful strawberry frozen margarita I had.
For passengers in the mood for Asian cuisine, Nama sushi and Hasuki teppanyaki on Deck 7 aft are both solid options. The former offers for-fee a la carte sushi and sashimi, and the latter features a traditional experience where diners sit around a grill to watch a chef cook, perform tricks and tell cheesy jokes.
If you’re feeling more like a night in, you can order room service by hitting the dedicated button on your cabin phone. From 10 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., the menu consists of choices like chicken soup, a selection of salads, fruit and cheese plates, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, spaghetti, flank steak, roasted chicken, tilapia, and a handful of desserts. For the kids, there are items like macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and chicken fingers.
Room service is no longer free on Norwegian Cruise Line ships, and a $9.95 surcharge applies to all deliveries, along with a 20% delivery charge. (Note that this is not a tip.) Order enough items to make it worth the cost. Although tipping is not expected, it’s nice to offer a couple of dollars to the crew member who delivers your meal.
Breakfast — including continental options — is offered from 6:30 to 10 a.m. for $4.95, plus a 20% delivery charge.
When I placed a late-night order for an 11-inch pizza, a cheese plate, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it cost me $11.94, and it took an hour and 13 minutes to arrive. The pizza was lukewarm with way too much garlic, and the sandwich bread was stale.
However, when I ordered room service breakfast one morning, it arrived five minutes ahead of the earliest delivery time I selected, and the French toast was tasty.
Norwegian Viva bars
Although it’s not a bar where you can purchase alcohol, Starbucks was my favorite haunt on Norwegian Viva. Found in the atrium on Deck 7, it’s a nice central meeting spot that took care of my daily caffeine fix.
Unfortunately, coffee there isn’t covered by the basic alcohol package that’s included with most fares. (This is something I’ll never understand, given that it costs less than just about any alcohol except beer. The same is true for bottled water, which also isn’t included.) On the bright side, if you have a Wi-Fi package and funds preloaded in your Starbucks app, you can pay that way and earn stars.
One deck down, directly under Starbucks, is the Whiskey Bar. There, passengers can find a selection of whiskeys. I prefer sweet drinks, so I went with peanut butter whiskey and club soda. Be sure to say hello to Craig — one of the best bartenders I’ve ever had on a ship — who warned me that adding simple syrup to the mix would make it too sweet. I decided to trust him, and I’m glad I did.
The Metropolitan Bar on Deck 7, which often hosts live music, hardly ever seemed crowded. That’s unfortunate because the concept is unique in that it recycles leftover galley items into drink ingredients and garnishes so they don’t go to waste.
The menu comprises 11 beverages created with watermelon rind cordial, spent coffee ground cordial, banana peel syrup and pineapple peel. I tested the Cucumber Cool — vodka, elderflower liqueur, lime juice and cucumber pulp cordial — and loved it. On the wall across from the bar is a cool electronic art installation that senses when people pass by.
If you find yourself meandering on Deck 8’s Oceanwalk, you might consider stopping at Soleil Bar, found all the way aft overlooking the wake. It’s a great space, but it lacks shade in a big way. I suppose that means its name is fitting, but it can be brutal to sit there in warm-weather destinations. On my Italy sailing, I was drenched in sweat within five minutes of arriving.
Should you decide you’d rather drink indoors and out of the sun, make your way to the nearby Luna Bar, located inside Indulge Food Hall.
The upscale Belvedere Bar is a great place to grab a predinner drink if you’re dining at the nearby Commodore Room, and the Penrose Bar serves as a central watering hole for anyone taking in live music or participating in activities on Deck 6 of the Penrose Atrium. There’s also a bar in the casino and one by the pool (Waves Pool Bar).
Looking for a place to hang out with a drink and your thoughts? Check out the Humidor Cigar Lounge, which is outfitted with couches, chairs and a selection of cigars; the Observation Lounge, which has a bar, afternoon snacks and sweeping views; or the Studio Lounge or Haven Lounge if you’re booked in a cabin that grants you access to either one.
Norwegian Viva entertainment
Norwegian Viva’s onboard diversions are varied and interesting. From Broadway-caliber shows and live music to dance parties, bingo, trivia, video games, slides and games like “Deal or No Deal,” there’s a lot that graces the Freestyle Daily, Norwegian Viva’s daily schedule of activities.
You can certainly have fun without paying more, but many of the ship’s most noteworthy pastimes come with a price tag. If trying the newest and flashiest amenities is important to you, build some extra funds into your vacation budget.
Norwegian Viva activities
Free daily activities include trivia, murder mysteries, balloon twisting seminars, dance classes, and pool games and competitions (such as the Mr. Sexy Legs contest). You’ll also find sports equipment — cornhole boards, table tennis paddles and the like — laid out on the deck for passenger use.
The Splash Academy is free for kids ages 3 to 17. As mentioned earlier, the two-room playroom on Deck 15 is smaller than it should be and does not include a teen club. Teen activities take place around the ship. Staff members set out toys for babies and toddlers to enjoy with their parents or caregivers at select times.
Norwegian Viva has three pools that are open to everyone: a main pool on Deck 17 (with two hot tubs) and two infinity pools on the sides of Deck 8’s Oceanwalk area. All of them felt small for the size of the ship, particularly on sea days. All pools have accessible lifts, but none of the hot tubs do.
A kids splash area is on Deck 18, near the entrance to The Wave waterslide. Two dry slides — The Drop and The Rush — spiral 10 decks down the side of the ship. The entrance for those is also on Deck 18. All slides are complimentary.
The Haven suite complex also has a private wake-facing pool and hot tubs on decks 16 and 17 for passengers booked in The Haven suite enclave.
NCL is notorious for charging extra for everything from dining to activities, and Norwegian Viva is no exception. Although nightly entertainment is free, many of the best daytime activities come with an additional price tag.
Many of the ship’s extra-fee attractions can be found on upper decks 17 and 18. There, you’ll find the adults-only Vibe Beach Club on Deck 17. The line charges a pretty penny for access to this dedicated area with hot tubs, sun loungers and a bar. (But don’t be fooled; just because it’s exclusive doesn’t mean it’s private. Other passengers can look right into the space from Deck 18.)
Up on Deck 18 is the Tee Time miniature golf course. Norwegian became the first cruise line to charge for minigolf — free on all other ships that have it — when it launched its Prima Class vessels. A single round at Tee Time on the course’s nine holes costs $5 per person, and teams can accommodate up to six people.
When you swipe your card, a machine dispenses a physical ball (no fun colors, which is disappointing) with an electronic component tied to your name. When you place your ball in the designated starting point on each green, it recognizes who you are. (It would be super fun to have a few drinks before playing a round during which you swap balls with your friends.)
Digital screens keep score for everyone, and arbitrary points are awarded for feats my teammates and I never did figure out. The sensors are ultrasensitive; if you move your ball, even to position it a club’s head away from the wall, it could count as a stroke.
Viva’s version was an interesting and sometimes infuriating way to play. Ultimately, I prefer regular minigolf. This is a prime example of, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Another strange flex on Prima Class ships is The Bull’s Eye, a suite of semiprivate areas that groups of up to six people can rent to play darts for 50 minutes for $10 per person. The underwhelming game area was not crowded when I passed through on my way to Tee Time, which shares the same space.
Also on Deck 18 is the entrance to Viva Speedway, the ship’s go-kart track. From there, you can sign up to drive, check in for your reservation or head up one deck to grab a drink at the Viva Speedway Bar so you have something to sip on as you watch drivers zoom past.
It’s fun to experience the go-karts once, but for me, they aren’t much of a thrill after the first time. (For safety reasons, Norwegian has dampened the maximum speed on them, so they’re a bit on the slow side.)
The Galaxy Pavilion on Deck 17 forward is an attraction carried over from NCL’s Breakaway Plus Class ships. It’s home to a selection of video games, virtual reality experiences and two escape rooms. Games can be played a la carte, and the escape rooms, which cost $24 per person, put groups of up to six people into a locked room for 45 minutes or until they solve clues needed to allow for their escape.
Looking for something free to do on Deck 18? Check out The Stadium, a large alcove of games like table shuffleboard, table tennis, foosball and beer pong — but without the beer. You’ll also find a pickleball court, as well as Subsoccer tables that allow you to play soccer against a single opponent while seated and looking down through a clear table.
The two-level Mandara Spa is also nearby, with an entrance on Deck 16. In addition to for-fee treatments (massages, manicures, pedicures), the ship offers a gorgeous and expanded thermal suite that has salt and steam rooms, a sauna, a massive split thalassotherapy pool, an ice room, heated tile loungers, and more. On my sailing, thermal suite passes were $339 per person for nine-day access.
The state-of-the-art fitness center features yoga equipment, free weights and Technogym machines like bikes, ellipticals, rowers and treadmills. Gym use is free, but some exercise classes cost extra.
You can spend or possibly win money at the Deck 6 casino or at bingo games hosted throughout the cruise.
Note that the ship does not have laser tag or a basketball court, as do other NCL ships.
Norwegian Viva shows
Two of Norwegian Viva’s top shows weren’t ready when I sailed on the ship’s inaugural sailing. Broadway show “Beetlejuice” was in tech rehearsals at the time, and an onboard rendition of the popular game show “Press Your Luck” also hadn’t debuted.
Ken Davis, who produces the entertainment for Norwegian’s new-builds, told me in an exclusive interview that “Beetlejuice” brings with it the original creative team from the show’s run on Broadway. That includes the associate director, as well as the original costume designers and choreographers.
They’ve had to adapt the show to fit on the Viva Theater’s smaller stage, of course, but that has allowed the team the flexibility to tweak things they didn’t like about the original version. So, when it debuts — offering two shows on each of two nights during a typical voyage for four total performances — the show promises to be even better than the original.
“Icons” is an original show featuring dancers and singers who perform tunes by iconic musical artists. It runs at least once per seven-night voyage, with two show times in the Viva Theater.
On my cruise, the ship offered a couple of unpolished performances, and what I saw was incredibly lackluster. The show features six talented singers in sparkly outfits belting out songs from vocal superstars like Bruno Mars, Celine Dion, Elton John and Lady Gaga. The result was stale and outdated, lacking the modern flair and polish of most new-ship shows.
In a one-on-one interview, Julie Valeriote, Norwegian’s director of entertainment operations, divulged that the show will eventually involve a different stage layout with a thrust to connect the performers more closely with their audience, who will be seated at tables throughout the space.
What’s interesting about the Viva Theater & Club is that the venue can transform from an auditorium-style setup to one where the seats are partially condensed or fully tucked away like bleachers, converting the venue into a club with a dance floor. Part of the reason “Press Your Luck” and “Icons” weren’t fully ready is because the stage and seating layouts couldn’t be changed while “Beetlejuice” was in tech rehearsals.
Syd Norman’s Pour House, which debuted on Norwegian Breakaway in 2018 and offers tribute performances by a fantastic band, also returns on Norwegian Viva. Syd Norman, a fictional character whose face appears on the lounge’s logo, draws from the personas of club owners who found success during rock ‘n’ roll’s heyday.
Inside, you’ll find a small stage, a bar, walls adorned with rock memorabilia, and a few tables with intentionally mismatched chairs and stools. In fact, seating is in such short supply that if you don’t get to the club at least 30 minutes prior to showtime, you’ll be standing. The place is so popular that if you don’t arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes ahead of time, you won’t even be able to get through the doors.
The performances are out of this world, headlined by a cast of four phenomenal singers who gave me goosebumps. The show you truly won’t want to miss is “Rumours,” where the quartet jams out to every track from Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album, complete with interludes highlighting some of the band’s real-life struggles. Even if you’re not a huge Fleetwood Mac fan, you should still check out the show or any of the quartet’s other performances.
Other nighttime events include club dance parties in both the main theater and Syd Norman’s, comedy in the main theater and dedicated comedy venue Improv at Sea, and rotating acts that stay on board for a few sailings. On my voyage, I saw violinist Christopher Watkins, who plays well-known songs on a violin adorned with more than 1,000 Swarovski crystals.
Every evening, you’ll also find plenty of live music throughout the ship. Check the Freestyle Daily or the NCL app for details.
Norwegian Viva itineraries and pricing
Norwegian Viva splits its time between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. When it’s positioned in North America during the winter months (roughly mid-November through mid-April), it sets sail from home ports in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Galveston, Texas. When it repositions to Europe for the rest of the year, it spends most of its time sailing from Piraeus, the port for Athens, Greece. It also offers a selection of voyages from Rome, Istanbul and Barcelona.
Fares for a nine-night Mediterranean cruise in October 2025 from Piraeus to Istanbul start at $171 per person, per night for an inside cabin. Prices for a seven-night Caribbean itinerary in February 2026 begin at $152 per person, per night for an inside cabin.
Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.
What to know before you go
Required documents
If you’re a U.S. citizen departing on a Norwegian Viva cruise in Europe, you must have a passport for travel. For round-trip sailings from San Juan, you can use your original birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. However, we recommend passports in all situations. If you’re using a passport, it must have at least six months’ validity from the day your voyage ends.
Gratuities
Norwegian Viva adds automatic surcharges of $20 to $25 per person, per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. Passengers can tweak the amount up or down at the guest services desk before the final morning of the sailing, but they will be required to fill out a form. A 20% gratuity is also tacked onto bar, spa and specialty restaurant purchases.
Wi-Fi
Most Norwegian bookings include basic ship Wi-Fi in the price of the fares. Cruisers who don’t have it included or passengers who want to upgrade to a streaming package will have to pay. The cost varies by ship and itinerary, but it’s generally pricey, ranging from roughly $30 to $35 per person, per day, depending on your needs. You could save a few dollars by booking a Wi-Fi package before you embark.
Carry-on drinks policy
Passengers are allowed to bring their own bottles of wine on Norwegian Viva, but they’ll be charged a corkage fee of $15 per bottle. Passengers are not allowed to bring nonalcoholic beverages on board.
Smoking policy
Norwegian Viva provides special areas for smokers to light up cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes. They include the casino, the Humidor Cigar Lounge (cigars only) and a covered spot on Deck 18.
Laundry
Norwegian Viva doesn’t offer self-service laundry facilities. Cruisers can, instead, pay an extra fee for send-out laundry or dry-cleaning services. Housekeeping will return your clothes in a day or so unless you pay extra for expedited services.
Sometimes, the ship offers laundry deals, allowing passengers to fill a bag with as many clothes as they can fit for a set price. Members of certain tiers of the line’s Latitudes Rewards loyalty program receive free or discounted laundry services.
Electrical outlets
Cabins on Norwegian Viva are equipped with both North American-style 110-volt outlets and European-style 220-volt outlets, as well as USB ports. In my room, there was one USB port on each of the two bedside reading lamps. Near the vanity, there were also three North American outlets, one European-style outlet, one USB-A outlet and one USB-C outlet.
Currency
Norwegian Viva’s onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. Passengers can withdraw cash from onboard ATMs but will pay a hefty surcharge.
The ship is cashless, so you’ll use your room keycard like a charge card to make purchases, which are then charged to your onboard account.
Drinking age
The drinking age on Norwegian Viva is 21. If their parents are sailing, passengers 18 to 20 years old can drink beer and wine in international waters with a signed waiver.
Dress code
Norwegian Cruise Line has no formal nights. “Freestyle” cruising, a term the line coined, means you can wear just about anything wherever and whenever you’d like.
Daytime attire generally consists of T-shirts and jeans or shorts. At dinnertime, cruisers might choose to put on khakis with collared shirts or sundresses; it’s usually casual, though. Playing dress-up is purely optional.
Bottom line
Although passengers will pay extra for many things on Norwegian Viva, and some of the ship’s public spaces aren’t large enough to accommodate demand, the vessel is still a wonderful second iteration of the line’s Prima Class.
The artwork is fun, the food is largely delicious, and with “Beetlejuice” and Syd Norman’s “Rumours” headlining the entertainment, passengers will never be bored, day or night.
Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:
Drivers are being warned of long traffic delays across major motorways around the UK as the country is battered by Storm Eowyn.
The Met Office has issued several yellow, amber and rare red warnings as Storm Eowyn brings winds of more than 100mph and torrential rain.
At present, the M25 in Kent is closed anti-clockwise between J3 (M20 J1/Swanley) and J2 (Dartford) following a collision.
While lane one remains open, lanes two, three and four remain closed, with National Highways: South-East calling on drivers to allow extra time for their journey.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Drivers are being urged to consider whether they need to travel during the dangerous conditions
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
It follows an accident on the clockwise section of the M25 on Thursday, which claimed the life of a 53-year-old man in a single-vehicle crash.
Thames Valley Police reported that a blue Ford Kuga crashed between Junction 15 for the M4, near Slough, and Junction 16 for the M40, near Denham, Buckinghamshire.
The driver died at the scene and no other passengers or vehicles were impacted by the accidents. TVP said it was supporting the man’s next of kin.
Storm Eowyn has prompted the closure of the Severn Bridge for several hours, with National Highways: South-West monitoring wind speeds at the Severn Crossing with the M48.
The Met Office has issued several red weather warnings
PA
Drivers along the M1 northbound are waiting in hour-long delays as traffic officers continue to work on emergency carriageway repairs.
The lane closure between J28 and J29 near Mansfield has been in place since late last night, with three of four lanes closed at present.
Lane one of the section remains closed for the ongoing long-term roadworks, with lane four open to traffic. Drivers are again being asked to allow extra time for their journeys.
The M62 Ouse Bridge (between J36 and J37) is closed to high-sided and vulnerable vehicles due to strong winds.
National Highways has provided guidance for motorists who may be impacted by strong winds
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
National Highways have called on drivers to make themselves aware of the vehicles that are vulnerable during strong winds, including motorhomes, vans, motorcycles and double-decker buses.
Speaking yesterday, Alice Simpson, spokesperson for RAC Breakdown, called on drivers to “avoid the roads” unless it is absolutely necessary.
This followed the Met Office issuing multiple red weather warnings, with Simpson saying they were the “strongest possible signal” that motorists should take care.
She added: “With the worst conditions expected in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, we strongly urge motorists in these areas to stay safe by parking away from trees that could be uprooted by 100mph winds.
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Storm Eowyn has been described as ‘the worst storm in a century’
WX charts
“Those in northern England and northwest Wales, where amber warnings apply, should also take great care if setting out.
“It’s best to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, avoid coastal routes where the strength of the wind will be most severe and watch out for debris.”
Tanzania has implemented new health measures following an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the Kagera region, where nine suspected cases have been reported, including eight deaths.
The Government issued a travel advisory on 21 January requiring mandatory temperature checks at all entry points into the country, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office warned.
The outbreak has prompted heightened surveillance measures as health officials work to contain the spread of the virus, which belongs to the same family as Ebola.
Under the new travel advisory, all travellers entering Tanzania must undergo temperature checks at all points of entry.
Measures have been introduced to control the spread of the virus
GETTY
Those leaving the Kagera region face additional requirements, including mandatory exit screening and completion of an online form.
The measures are part of Tanzania’s efforts to monitor and control the spread of the virus across its borders.
Visitors to Tanzania should also be prepared to present their return or onward tickets at border control points as part of the enhanced screening process.
The suspected cases were identified across two districts in the Kagera region – Biharamulo and Muleba – as of January 11, 2025.
Health officials officially reported the outbreak on January 13, 2025, with laboratory results still pending confirmation.
The cluster of cases has raised significant concern among health authorities, with eight of the nine suspected cases resulting in fatalities.
The rapid progression of the outbreak has led to the implementation of strict monitoring protocols across the affected districts.
Marburg virus disease poses a severe health risk, with historical fatality rates ranging from 25 per cent to 88 per cent.
As of January 11, eight deaths were reported in connection to the Marburg virus disease outbreak
GETTY
The virus belongs to the same family as Ebola and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever in infected individuals.
Health officials are particularly concerned about the high mortality rate observed in the current outbreak, with eight deaths among nine suspected cases.
The severity of the disease has prompted Tanzanian authorities to implement comprehensive screening measures whilst awaiting laboratory confirmation of the suspected cases.
As regular readers know, I’m a big fan of cabins with balconies. As I explained in a recent story, there’s nothing quite like being able to step onto a balcony on a ship to breathe in the fresh ocean air.
But that doesn’t mean I’m opposed to the idea of staying in a cabin without a balcony. In fact, at times, I’ll even book a cabin that doesn’t have a window — or, as they’re known in the cruise world, an “inside” cabin.
If you’ve never been on a cruise before, you might not even know there’s such a thing as a cabin without a window. But there is, and they’re actually quite common. Many ships operated by major lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line have hundreds of windowless cabins.
That may seem almost unthinkable to people who are used to staying at hotels on land. After all, there aren’t a lot of hotels that have hundreds of rooms without windows. If there were, we’re guessing they wouldn’t be huge sellers.
But it’s fair to say that accommodations on cruise ships have their own set of quirks.
The upside of an inside
The lack of a window isn’t the only reason to pooh-pooh the idea of staying in an inside cabin.
In addition to offering nary a peek at the world, inside cabins — named because they’re generally located toward the middle of ships, away from exterior walls — also often are the smallest cabins on any cruise ship. Many are downright tiny. That latter point can be a big turnoff for some cruisers.
But there are advantages to inside cabins, too. For starters, inside cabins often are significantly less expensive than ocean-view cabins. They also offer a sort of “less is more” minimalism that can appeal to a keep-it-simple crowd.
Related: 5 reasons to turn down a cruise ship cabin upgrade
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For me, at least, there are times when a cabin that’s inexpensive and modest in size is just fine, even if it doesn’t have anything in the way of a view.
After all, for the most part, I’m not taking cruises to spend a lot of time in a cabin. Like most cruisers, I get on ships to enjoy all they have to offer in their public spaces and to explore all the wonderful places to which they sail.
In that context, does it really matter if the room where I’ll sleep each night is big and fancy?
Related: The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
To steal a line from Arthur Frommer, the legendary guidebook author and guidebook company founder, “Most of the time you’re in your room on vacation, your eyes are closed.”
Frommer said that to me years ago during an interview about his favorite hotel rooms. He thought spending huge sums on fancy digs was a waste. His words stuck with me over the years, and now I see their wisdom.
Here are six reasons you might want to seriously consider the least expensive inside cabins on any cruise ship.
You’ll save money
This is, for sure, the big allure of inside cabins. They can be an incredible deal.
At the time of this story’s publishing, fares for inside cabins on six-day Royal Caribbean cruises out of Fort Lauderdale in January 2026, for instance, were available for about 20% less than fares for balcony cabins. The fares for inside cabins were less than half the cost of the least expensive suite.
Specifically, you could get on the line’s amenity-packed Allure of the Seas out of Fort Lauderdale on a Jan. 11, 2026, departure for $760 per person, if you were willing to stay in an inside cabin. That works out to just $109 a day.
Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know
The thing to remember here is that all of Allure of the Seas’ major attractions, from deck-top pools and surfing simulators to an indoor ice skating rink and a giant theater with Broadway-style shows, are open to everyone on board, whether they’re staying in the smallest or biggest cabin. So are nearly all the ship’s onboard restaurants, bars and lounges.
Other than having to sleep in a smaller, windowless room, you’ll be getting much of the same onboard experience as someone who pays far more for a snazzy cabin but at a fraction of the price.
You’ll sleep like a baby
There is no dark in the world like the dark of an inside cabin. Once you turn off the lights, it will be pitch black — the kind of darkness that’s almost scary to contemplate.
This can be a bit disorienting for someone who’s used to at least a little moonlight getting into the bedroom at home. But if you’re the kind of person who has trouble sleeping with any kind of light disruption, an inside cabin can be pure bliss. You’ll go to bed without any worry about the morning sun sneaking through your curtains to wake you prematurely. And moonlight is definitely not a problem.
Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships you should definitely avoid
Inside cabins can be particularly appealing if you’re sailing far north around the summer solstice when the sun stays up for much (or all) of the day. We’re talking about places like Alaska, the Norwegian coast and around Iceland and Greenland. Ditto if you’re sailing far south during the winter to places such as Antarctica or the more southerly parts of South America.
You’ll spend more time enjoying the ship
The trick to having a blast on a cruise ship is to dive right into anything and everything it has to offer. If it has a rock wall, you need to climb it. Karaoke? Get ready to sing. Leave no waterslide or late-night comedy show unexperienced. To do this, of course, you need to get out of your room, and there’s no better motivation to venture out of your room than to have one that lacks much space or even a window.
When I book inside cabins, I find that I get up and out early. Instead of ordering room service for breakfast, I’ll head to a restaurant with a view and then explore the ship more than usual in the morning. I’ll spend daytime hours playing on the ship’s top decks and evening hours out late at the bars, lounges and showrooms.
Related: 7 reasons you should splurge for a suite on your next cruise
By offering you little more than a small, dark place to rest your head at night, inside cabins can be just the impetus you need to make the most of your cruise vacation.
You might get less seasick
Worried about getting seasick on your next cruise?
The most stable place to be on any cruise ship is low down on the vessel near its equilibrium point, which is generally near its center. Since inside cabins are closer to the center of a ship than “outside” ocean-view and balcony cabins, they can be more stable in rough seas. The trick is to find an inside cabin toward the center of the ship in both directions — lengthwise and widthwise.
The counterargument to this, for the record, is that you can’t look at the horizon when you’re in an inside cabin — a common tip for people experiencing seasickness. And you won’t have access to fresh air as you would in a balcony cabin.
If you’re solo, you might avoid extra fees
Nearly all cruise ship cabins are designed for two travelers, each paying their own fare, and solo travelers generally have to pay an extra fee to stay in one alone. But some ships have special inside cabins specifically designed for solo travelers. If you’re traveling alone and stay in one of these special cabins, you can avoid the extra solo traveler fee, known in the industry as the “single supplement.”
Norwegian, which has been at the forefront of the solo cabin trend, now has hundreds of inside cabins for solo travelers spread across more than half a dozen vessels.
Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise
While Norwegian’s solo cabins do have windows, they open up onto hallways, not the outside of the ship. They’re also unusually small, at around 100 square feet, but they’re superbly designed to maximize storage space, too. Additionally, they’re clustered around exclusive lounges where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings.
Royal Caribbean, Cunard and Holland America are among other lines that have been adding solo cabins to some ships — many of them inside cabins.
There are a few ocean-view cabins designed for solo travelers in the industry, but they are very rare.
You might still get an ocean view (with a twist)
On a few innovative cruise ships, there are windowless inside cabins that offer a view of the outside world, thanks to the magic of technology.
On some Disney Cruise Line ships, some inside cabins come with “magical portholes” that show real-time views of the outside. They’re actually screens built into the walls of the cabin to give the illusion of a porthole view.
Royal Caribbean has gone a step further, adding large “virtual balconies” to inside cabins on some ships. These are floor-to-ceiling LED screens that show real-time views of the outside, built into the walls of the cabins in such a way that they offer the illusion of a balcony.
If this idea sounds a little hokey, it is. But I’ve stayed in these cabins, and the illusion is surprisingly real. The addition of the screens really changes the feel of the rooms. The Disney cabins are particularly fun, as Disney characters sometimes make cameo appearances in the magical portholes. If you have young kids with you, they’re going to love it.
Bottom line
Booking a room without a window on a cruise ship might seem like an odd choice. But there are good reasons to consider one, not the least of which is that rooms without windows on cruise ships — known as “inside” cabins — can be an incredible value.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
Travel
Qantas Frequent Flyer announces sweeping changes to loyalty program — here’s what to book now and what to book later
Australian airline Qantas has announced a mixed bag of changes to its loyalty program. Some award rates and carrier-imposed surcharges will increase later this year, but the airline will also add additional award availability and new partner award tickets. Thankfully, these Qantas Frequent Flyer changes won’t take effect until Aug. 5.
Given the news, there are some redemptions you should book now and others that you should wait to book until later this year. Here’s what you need to know about the changes so you can plan accordingly.
Higher prices and surcharges for Classic Flight Rewards
For bookings made from Aug. 5 on, Qantas will increase the cost of its cheapest saver-level redemptions (called Classic Flight Rewards) and saver-level upgrades for Qantas-operated flights by 5% to 20%, depending on the route.
On the shortest domestic routes like Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Sydney Airport (SYD), rates for Classic Flight Rewards will increase from 8,000 points each way to 9,200 points, with the fees, taxes and surcharges of 55 Australian dollars (about $34.50) remaining the same.
The price increase will be more substantial on long-haul services, such as Qantas flights from Sydney to Europe. Bookings made from Aug. 5 on will rise from 144,600 to 166,300 Qantas points each way, and fees, taxes and surcharges will increase from AU$473 to AU$648 (about $297 to $406).
Classic Flight Rewards are often hard to find, especially on long-haul routes in premium cabins. This has been especially apparent since the airline launched dynamically priced Classic Plus Flight Rewards in 2024. These award tickets are tied to the cash price of a flight and are much more expensive.
Verdict: Book now.
Higher redemption rates for partner airlines
Qantas is a member of the Oneworld alliance, meaning you can redeem Qantas points on partner airlines like American Airlines, British Airways and Alaska Airlines. The airline also partners with carriers outside the Oneworld alliance, such as Air France, KLM and Emirates.
For bookings made from Aug. 5 on, Emirates flights will be priced according to the Qantas award chart (rather than the partner award chart). Because of this, award rates and surcharges will increase for Emirates-operated flights, as with Qantas-operated flights.
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Qantas has not yet revealed the price increases of other partner airlines, though it says it will do so in May (for bookings made from Aug. 5 on). Currently, you can book domestic flights within the U.S. on routes like New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) from just 8,000 Qantas points, a great deal given that other Oneworld carriers have devalued short-haul domestic flights.
If you want to redeem Qantas points on partner airlines, you should do so before the prices rise in August.
Verdict: Book now.
Related: A step up from your average economy: Flying Emirates’ A380 from Dubai to Johannesburg
New premium economy award options
For the first time, starting in October, you can redeem Qantas points for premium economy seats on flights operated by Finnair, Air France, KLM and Iberia. Due to this change, the program promises that 200,000 new premium economy award seats will be added.
If you don’t have enough Qantas points to book business-class award seats on these airlines, you may wish to wait until August to book premium economy seats.
Verdict: Book later.
Related: Is Iberia premium economy worth it on the Airbus A330 from Madrid to Dallas?
New Classic Flight Rewards seats on Hawaiian Airlines
In advance of Hawaiian Airlines’ entry into the Oneworld alliance, you will be able to redeem Qantas points for flights on the airline starting in October.
Qantas promises 800,000 Hawaiian Airlines award seats will be available to Qantas Frequent Flyer members.
Verdict: Book later.
Related: A new era for Hawaiian Airlines as it launches Dreamliner service: TPG was on the inaugural
Lower award prices for Jetstar flights
Jetstar is Qantas’ wholly owned low-cost subsidiary, comparable to Europe’s EasyJet in terms of passenger experience, pricing, rules and restrictions. Jetstar is not a Oneworld alliance member, so partner points or miles cannot be used to book Jetstar flights (nor can you use non-Qantas Oneworld status).
You can already redeem Qantas points for Jetstar flights. However, from Aug. 1 on, the cost of Classic Flight Rewards seats on Jetstar for popular Australian routes like Melbourne Airport (MEL) to SYD will drop to just 5,700 Qantas points.
If you want to get from point A to point B and aren’t fussed about traveling on a full-service airline or using your Oneworld status benefits, this will be an inexpensive way to fly domestically within Australia.
Verdict: Book later.
Changes to earning points
In addition to the above pricing changes, Qantas will increase the number of points members earn on domestic cash tickets by up to 25%. The airline will also award additional points on select international tickets.
Earning Qantas points via credit cards
While there are no Qantas-branded credit cards available in the U.S., you can transfer rewards from three programs with transferable currencies directly to Qantas Frequent Flyer:
Each has a transfer ratio of 1:1, so 10,000 credit card points equal 10,000 Qantas points.
Additionally, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Qantas Frequent Flyer at a 3:1 ratio, meaning 3 Marriott Bonvoy points become 1 Qantas point. Marriott will also add 5,000 bonus points when you transfer 60,000 Bonvoy points to an airline.
Bottom line
Devaluations are an unfortunate reality of collecting points and miles. We recommend earning transferable points for precisely this reason; if one transfer partner devalues, you can always book with another.
These changes announced by Qantas represent higher prices and surcharges for both flights operated by Qantas and its partner airlines within and outside the Oneworld alliance.
However, there are some upsides. Qantas is giving members six months’ notice before any price increases. And, for the first time, members will be able to book Hawaiian Airlines and premium economy award tickets on several partner airlines.
For flights that will increase in price, you should consider booking as soon as possible.
If you’ve been excited about the possibility of flying a United Airlines Boeing 737 to Mongolia, you’re in luck. The airline has just officially started selling flights to Ulaanbaatar.
The Chicago-based carrier just filed the details of this creative new route, as first seen in Cirium schedules.
CIRIUM
United’s new 1,900-mile route from Narita International Airport (NRT) to Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) will commence on May 1 with three times weekly service in each direction. (The westbound service will operate on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, while the eastbound flight will operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.)
Pro tips: The biggest mistakes people make with travel rewards credit cards
Flights from Tokyo will depart at 4:30 p.m. and land in Ulaanbaatar at 8:55 p.m. The return service will leave at 9:55 a.m. and land in Toyko at 3:45 p.m.
United plans seasonal service in this new market with flights scheduled to end on Oct. 12, 2025.
These flights are timed to connect with United’s primary transpacific departure and arrival banks from Narita. United operates long-haul flights from Narita to Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark and San Francisco.
United will deploy a Guam-based Boeing 737-800 on this route, featuring 16 business-class recliners, 48 Economy Plus extra-legroom seats and 102 standard economy seats.
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Seeing a United Boeing 737 in Mongolia might be puzzling for some, but it’s being operated as part of historical fifth-freedom rights that United has in Tokyo for flights that originate in the U.S. and continue onwards to other countries.
In recent years, United hasn’t really taken advantage of these rights, instead focusing on boosting its hub in Guam. That said, Guam hasn’t been as busy or lucrative as it has in the past, so United seems to be experimenting with new uses for the jets it stations in Micronesia.
Flight review: Is United Airlines premium economy worth it to Europe?
In fact, United has been busy in recent months turning its presence at NRT into a de facto gateway hub within the larger region. The airline recently commenced new flights from Tokyo to Cebu in the Philippines, and now it’s adding three more short-haul regional routes from the airport (Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Koror, Palau; and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia).
United says that its joint venture partnership with Japanese airline All Nippon Airways will help these routes take off. (For instance, ANA doesn’t currently fly from Narita to Ulaanbaatar.) The new flights will also be supported by travelers looking for one-stop connections from the U.S.
“We are thinking about Tokyo differently than how it’s been thought of in the past. I think Tokyo is a real asset to us. … And when we went through the data, a lot of this traffic was connecting over Beijing, but is not doing so anymore. And so this is a way to connect it over Tokyo,” United’s network chief Patrick Quayle told TPG back when the routes were announced in October.
If you’re looking to book the new route, one-way fares start at $326 in economy and $753 in business class. Introductory mileage rates are quite steep, with one-way economy flights starting at 30,000 miles and business-class flights starting at a whopping 75,000 miles.
There was no saver award availability on the new routes as of time of publication.
Related reading:
Having elite status with an airline you frequent — such as JetBlue — can make your travels more comfortable, efficient and seamless.
However, since earning elite status often requires a significant commitment of travel time and money, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of a frequent flyer program before funneling your business to that airline. For some individuals who are airline free agents, it may not make sense to pursue elite status at all.
This guide will evaluate JetBlue Mosaic status and explain how the status tiers work, how to earn them and whether striving for this status is worth the effort for JetBlue flyers.
Related: Complete guide to airline status matches and challenges
What is JetBlue Mosaic status?
JetBlue rewards the most frequent flyers in its TrueBlue loyalty program with Mosaic status and the TrueBlue points they earn while flying the airline.
Unlike the legacy U.S. carriers, which offer complimentary upgrades on domestic flights to their most loyal members, many of JetBlue’s aircraft are not equipped with its luxurious, well-regarded Mint business-class cabin. Instead, JetBlue elite members benefit from earning bonus points, selecting Even More Space seats and getting free checked bags, among other benefits.
Your JetBlue Mosaic status begins when you meet the criteria and is valid for the rest of that calendar year and the entirety of the following year. So, if you reach the status requirements in June 2025, you will hold the status through Dec. 31, 2026, giving you a year and a half to benefit from the perks.
Related: A business-class boost: Reviewing JetBlue’s Mint Suite
JetBlue Mosaic status tiers
TrueBlue is free to join, and all members start at the “basic” level. While the program initially offered a single status tier, this changed in 2023 when JetBlue overhauled TrueBlue and Mosaic.
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The four published tiers of JetBlue elite status are:
- Mosaic 1
- Mosaic 2
- Mosaic 3
- Mosaic 4
The differences among the tiers are based on the amount you fly and spend with JetBlue. As you fly more with JetBlue and/or utilize a cobranded credit card (among other activities), you can move up in the program.
Mosaic 1 is very similar to the former stand-alone Mosaic status. With each higher tier reached, more valuable perks become available.
How to qualify for JetBlue Mosaic status
JetBlue uses a metric known as Tiles for Mosaic status qualification purposes. Tiles can be earned in one of two ways: through qualifying spending on JetBlue flights and vacations, or with JetBlue credit cards.
You earn one Tile for every:
This means you can reach JetBlue Mosaic status entirely through credit card spending, spending with JetBlue or with some combination of the two.
Here’s what you’ll need to qualify for each Mosaic tier:
| Status tier | Tiles needed | Status earned exclusively by JetBlue travel spending |
Status earned exclusively by JetBlue credit card spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mosaic 1 | 50 | $5,000 | $50,000 |
| Mosaic 2 | 100 | $10,000 | $100,000 |
| Mosaic 3 | 150 | $15,000 | $150,000 |
| Mosaic 4 | 250 | $25,000 | $250,000 |
As you can see, earning status solely through credit card spending isn’t feasible for most travelers. It’s often easiest to use a combination of the two methods — for example:
- $3,000 in JetBlue flights (30 Tiles) plus $20,000 in card spending (20 tiles) gets you Mosaic 1 status.
- $5,000 in JetBlue flights (50 Tiles), $3,000 in Paisly purchases (30 Tiles) and $20,000 in card spending (20 Tiles) gets you Mosaic 2 status.
JetBlue Mosaic status benefits
Basic members earn 3 TrueBlue points per dollar spent on JetBlue flights (except Blue Basic fares, which earn 1 point per dollar), plus an additional 3 points per dollar when they book on JetBlue’s website (1 point per dollar for Blue Basic).
While working their way to Mosaic 1, basic members enjoy “Perks You Pick” — a selection of benefits you can choose from when you earn 10, 20, 30 and then 40 Tiles. These options include:
- Early boarding with Group B (except on Blue Basic fares)
- Priority security (where available)
- Free inflight alcoholic drink (one drink per flight)
- Double bonus points on a JetBlue Vacations package (one-time use only)
- 5,000 TrueBlue bonus points
Note that these are one-time selections, so you can’t (for example) pick 5,000 points at all four thresholds.
Then, once you hit 50 Tiles, you’ve officially earned JetBlue Mosaic status.
Mosaic 1 status
This is the lowest elite tier in JetBlue’s program, where you will receive:
- 3 bonus points per dollar spent on JetBlue flights
- Priority security and boarding
- First two checked bags free
- Complimentary beer, wine, and liquor (up to three drinks per Mosaic member per flight)
- Even More Space seats at check-in at no extra cost
- Same-day switches with no fee or fare difference
- Preferred core seating (excludes Blue Basic starting March 1)
- Dedicated check-in lines and phone support
- Heathrow Express upgrades (pending availability)
- Avis Preferred Plus status match
Mosaic 2 status
You’ll receive all of the same perks as Mosaic 1, as well as:
- Select Even More Space seats at booking at no extra cost
- Status match to Avis President’s Club
Mosaic 3 status
When you elevate your JetBlue elite status further, you unlock these benefits:
Mosaic 4 status
At TrueBlue’s top tier, you will receive everything mentioned above, as well as:
- Two additional Move to Mint certificates (pending availability), plus two more certificates for every additional 100 Tiles earned after reaching Mosaic 4 (starting in January)
- Gift Mosaic 1 status to a TrueBlue member of your choice (these members don’t receive a Perks You Pick selection)
- Dedicated Mosaic 4 phone support
However, the benefits continue beyond there. Once you reach Mosaic 1, and each time you level up through JetBlue elite status, you can choose an additional perk from the Perks You Pick menu, which includes:
- Complimentary FoundersCard Blue membership
- Pet-fee waiver
- $99 one-time statement credit for JetBlue Plus or Business cards
- 20-Tile bonus for yourself or a giftee
- 15,000 TrueBlue bonus points
- Mint Suite priority access to select the best seats (pending availability)
- IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status
Can a credit card help earn JetBlue status?
JetBlue has three credit cards, all issued by Barclays:
| Card | Best for | Sign-up bonus | Earning rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JetBlue Plus Card | Frequent JetBlue flyers | Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days |
|
$99 |
| JetBlue Card | Casual JetBlue flyers | Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on qualifying purchases within the first 90 days |
|
$0 |
| JetBlue Business Card | Small-business owners | Earn up to 60,000 bonus points: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 on qualifying purchases in the first 90 days and 10,000 points when a purchase is made on an employee card in the first 90 days |
|
$99 |
The information for the JetBlue Plus Card, JetBlue Card and JetBlue Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
You’ll earn 1 Tile toward Mosaic status with every $1,000 spent on any JetBlue credit card, with no limit. This means you can, in theory, earn JetBlue elite status without ever stepping on a plane.
But this would require a lot of spending, and don’t forget the opportunity cost. You may get more value by putting your expenses on a card that earns transferable points on dining, travel or other popular categories. Due to their expansive lists of transfer partners, these transferable currencies are generally more valuable than JetBlue points. Plus, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Citi ThankYou Rewards points to JetBlue at a 1:1 ratio. American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to JetBlue at a 1:0.8 ratio.
Is JetBlue Mosaic status worth it?
If you earn Mosaic status anytime in 2025, your status lasts until Dec. 31, 2026. The earlier you achieve status, the longer you can enjoy it.
However, the Mosaic perks outlined above will only be helpful if you fly JetBlue regularly while your status is valid. There’s little benefit in focusing time and money on earning Mosaic elite status if you can’t enjoy the benefits.
If you value time-saving perks like priority boarding and security plus the money-saving benefits of free seat selection, checked bags and upgrade certificates, Mosaic elite status could be very valuable. However, the top perks require a lot of spending to earn, so be sure it’s worth that investment.
Another thing to consider is whether or not JetBlue’s route network matches your flying preferences. Mosaic elite status could be beneficial if your home airport is a JetBlue hub, such as Fort Lauderdale, Boston or New York. It may be less beneficial if your plans involve mostly international travel, since JetBlue has a limited international network (primarily in the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe).
A third factor determining if JetBlue Mosaic’s status is worth it is how much you value TrueBlue points. JetBlue prices award tickets based on the cost of a paid ticket, and TPG’s January 2025 valuations peg TrueBlue points at 1.3 cents apiece. However, this redemption value is generally lower when you redeem points for JetBlue Mint tickets. Since you’ll be collecting TrueBlue points on your pathway to earning status, ensure they unlock the rewards you want.
Finally, consider the perks that are important to you. You may be able to get these by simply adding a JetBlue credit card to your wallet, rather than going out of your way to earn Mosaic status. For example, the JetBlue Plus Card includes a free checked bag for you and three companions, 5,000 points on your cardmember anniversary, 50% off eligible inflight purchases, and 10% of your TrueBlue points back as a rebate when you book JetBlue-operated award flights. This may be plenty for a casual JetBlue flyer.
Bottom line
Earning elite status on any airline is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring loyalty throughout the year. However, JetBlue provides some flexibility in that you can reach Mosaic status through a combination of flying and credit card spending.
With perks such as complimentary Even More Space seat selection, Mint upgrades and priority service, the rewards for your loyalty to JetBlue can be very worthwhile. This is especially true for those who live in cities with a significant JetBlue presence, especially with Mint service (JetBlue’s award-winning business class).
The first thing that struck us as we disembarked our flight at Innsbruck Airport — other than the fresh, bracing air—was the breathtaking mountain scenery encircling us. Towering, snow-dusted peaks are all around, glowing in the morning sunlight – a natural amphitheatre promising several days of history, fun and adventure.
The second thing that stood out was the remarkable ease of travelling from the airport to the heart of Innsbruck. Few international airports in Europe allow you to be dining in a restaurant in the city centre within an hour of landing, but in Innsbruck it’s possible to achieve this effortlessly. Once through passport control and the baggage claim area, the F bus immediately outside the airport doors swiftly connects you to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (the main train station from which you can easily explore the Old Town on foot) in just 15–20 minutes.
And so, we did just that, stopping at Weisses Rössl for a wonderful Tyrolean lunch. But for first-time visitors to the city, I’d strongly recommend taking a private guided tour. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Innsbruck’s rich history, culture and hidden gems that might otherwise go unnoticed. Our certified Austria guide, Monika, greeted us with a warm smile and the promise of unique insights — stories and details that only someone with centuries of family roots in the city could share.
We set off to explore the city’s layers of history, noting that the streets are dotted with intricately wrought-iron signs. These ornate markers, each a miniature work of art, once served as advertisements for the city’s merchants. From gilded boots to gleaming scales, these signs were not merely decorative but also practical, helping visitors and locals to navigate Innsbruck’s winding streets before literacy was widespread.
We are led to the nearest bridge where we pause to take in a view that perfectly encapsulates Innsbruck: the River Inn, flanked by the pastel façades of Mariahilfstrasse. Each building was painted a different colour—a tradition that began as a way to identify homes and shops but has also become a symbol of the city’s vibrant personality.
Here, Monika drew our attention to the river’s formidable presence. In Spring, the snowmelt floods its banks, often threatening to breach the bridges that connect the city. It’s a reminder of how closely life here is intertwined with nature and the surrounding landscape.
The marketplace near the bridge is alive with energy each morning – it’s a thriving hub of farmers and vendors selling everything from ripe produce to Alpine cheeses, something which the locals take an immense pride in.
Innsbruck’s history unfolded as we entered the Old Town. Monika led us to the Golden Roof, the world-famous symbol of the city with its 2,657 fire-gilded tiles. Built by Emperor Maximilian I, the roof was a symbol of his power and influence when Innsbruck was the capital of Europe.
Maximilian’s legacy looms large here and there’s a plaque that lists notable visitors to the city, including the likes of Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Maria Theresa,he mother of Marie Antoinette.
Through strategic marriages, Maximilian expanded his empire across the continent, earning the title of Europe’s last knight. But even an emperor’s resources are finite. When his ambitious projects drained his treasury, he left Innsbruck for Vienna, where he died. He’s not buried in the city he so adored, but statues of significant historical figures, particularly from the Habsburg dynasty – which had been built to surround the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I – remain in the Hofkirche.
These statues are a marvel of Renaissance craftsmanship, each figure etched with exquisite detail. Monika pointed out one particularly fascinating statue, which cleverly depicts the artist’s self-portrait in the elbow. Preserved in Innsbruck, these statues survived the bombing of Vienna during World War II, and a poignant reminder of the city’s role as a guardian of history.
Nearby, Dom St. Jakob’s painted ceiling is an exquisite work of art. What appears to be a grand dome is, in fact, a flat ceiling – a masterpiece of illusion, painted to create depth where none exists.
Innsbruck’s spirit of resilience came alive again as Monika recounted the fire that once ravaged the city. From its ashes rose the domed walkways that now characterise the Old Town, offering shelter from weather and a demonstration of the city’s ability to adapt and endure. This theme of survival is mirrored in its people – as Monika noted, those born in Innsbruck often stay or, if they leave, feel an irresistible pull to return. There’s something magnetic about life here, a harmony that blends tradition with progress.
That progress is evident in the youthful energy coursing through the city, thanks to its thriving university, whilst Innsbruck’s proximity to Italy and Germany adds to its vibrancy; introducing new cultures and cuisines. Yet Innsbruck itself feels complete, its charm rooted in its people and its connection to the land.
Our tour ends at Adlers Hotel, a modern counterpoint to the city’s historic heart. It has been a fascinating insight into Innsbruck and a wonderful way to begin our trip. As we say farewell, we now understand what Monika means about the pull of the place. – we’ve only been there a few hours but are already longing for more.
Disclosure: Our trip was sponsored by Innsbruck Tourism.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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As Los Angeles slowly begins to assess the damage caused by recent wildfires, it’s clear that rebuilding will take years and cost an astronomical sum of money. Some reports estimate a cost as high as $40 billion. Not to mention the threat of more fires remains strong as the Santa Ana winds and dry conditions persist. The possibility of rain showers this weekend offers hope that the worst of the fires could be over — though the rain could bring new challenges to the area.
In response to the devastation and lingering conditions, LA Mayor Karen Bass signed an executive order on Jan. 21 ordering expedited cleanup in burn areas and mitigation of fire-related pollutants in local stormwater systems, beaches and ocean water. The order also directs the city’s department of public works crews to clear and remove vegetation, shore up hillsides with reinforced concrete barriers, lay down sandbags and clear debris from affected neighborhoods ahead of rainfall.
“With rain in the forecast, it’s imperative we take aggressive action to prevent additional damage in burn areas and to protect our water and ocean from hazardous runoff,” Bass said in a press release. “These communities have already endured unimaginable loss — we are taking action against further harm.”
The Eaton and Palisades fires have killed at least 28 people and destroyed more than 14,000 structures in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. According to the Associated Press, the Palisades fire had reached 61% containment and the Eaton fire had reached 87% as of Tuesday.
As city and county leaders begin the recovery process, tourism and hospitality officials have announced that the City of Angels wants and needs the support of visitors.
“Los Angeles has always been a beacon to the world — a place where dreams are born and stories unfold from the silver screen to iconic landmarks,” Visit California president and CEO Caroline Beteta said in a press release sent to TPG. “One of the best ways to support the comeback of Los Angeles is to plan a trip.”
Much like Maui after it suffered its own horrific wildfires, Los Angeles is hoping tourism can help kickstart its economic recovery from the calamitous event. The fires not only destroyed homes and entire neighborhoods, but local businesses as well.
“The city, along with its iconic sites and experiences — the Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood, the Santa Monica Pier, Getty and Getty Villa, Griffith Observatory and many more — remain intact and accessible to visitors from around the world,” Beteta said. Of course, some wonder if the time is right to visit the city so soon after the destruction.
Is now the right time to visit Los Angeles?
This is a tricky question. Just as Maui struggled with balancing its all-important tourism industry and locals’ rebuilding needs, LA has to manage a similarly delicate situation.
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Obviously, the areas most affected by the fires, like Pacific Palisades, should be off-limits to visitors. Many residents are still unable to return home to survey damage; the last thing they or first responders need is intrusive tourists trying to get a close-up look. The air quality remains poor in some parts of LA, so that’s also something to consider before booking a trip.
However, many shops and restaurants have reopened in popular areas such as Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and West Hollywood. To highlight the urgency of keeping tourism alive and aiding recovery efforts, city hotel and tourism officials put out a call to action on Jan. 21 urging visitors to not cancel their travel plans.
According to their statement in a press release sent to TPG, more than 540,000 people work in the LA tourism industry in some capacity, and a significant number of those employees were likely affected in some way by the wildfires. The influx of visitors and the money they spend helps them get back on their feet.
To give you an idea of just how important tourism is to the city’s bottom line, nearly 50 million people visited Los Angeles in 2023, contributing more than $40 billion in sales to the local economy along the way. Additionally, visitors in 2023 contributed $312 million in Transient Occupancy Tax revenue from their hotel stays.
What’s open in Los Angeles?
As we mentioned earlier, many of the city’s most popular attractions have already reopened. Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures have both resumed studio tours on their Hollywood lots. Major theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood and Knott’s Berry Farm have all resumed operations, as have the world-renowned Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park (in view of the iconic Hollywood sign).
Most museums — including the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park, the La Brea Tar Pits, the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures — are also operational again.
Speaking of the Oscars, the film adaptation of “Wicked” just scored 10 Academy Award nominations. If you are in LA and want to see the touring production of the stage musical, it has resumed performances at the Pantages Theatre and is playing through Feb. 2.
There are still a number of attractions that have not reopened, though. The Getty Museum in Los Angeles remains closed through Jan. 27. Meanwhile, the Getty Villa — which, despite being located in Pacific Palisades, escaped major damage from the wildfires — is closed until further notice. The popular Runyon Canyon and Will Rogers State Historic parks are also closed.
How you can help Los Angeles recover
One of the easiest ways to contribute to recovery efforts as a visitor is to give the local economy a little help. Dine LA Restaurant Week is going on from Jan. 24 through Feb. 7; you can find a list of participating restaurants and make reservations here. Each reservation at one of these restaurants will benefit wildfire relief efforts coordinated by the American Red Cross.
Another easy way to contribute is to attend one of several fundraising events occurring in the city over the next few weeks. Discover Los Angeles has an extensive list of upcoming relief efforts on their website.
Something else that’s desperately needed? Volunteers. Some LA-based organizations that need help include:
- Habitat for Humanity LA: It needs contributions and volunteers to help wildfire survivors rebuild.
- LA Food Bank: It needs many people to help the local food bank feed some of the thousands of people affected by the fires.
- LA Animal Services: It needs foster pet parents to help with the number of dogs and cats who have ended up in local shelters since the start of the fires.
More volunteer resources are available on the city’s official website.
We’ll keep this story updated as we get more information.
It’s no secret that 2025 is going to be an “epic” year for Universal Orlando Resort. The resort’s third park, Universal Epic Universe, is scheduled to open on May 22. But you don’t have to wait until then to explore some of the park’s other exciting new developments.
In addition to Epic Universe, Universal is opening three new hotels and adding 2,000 guest rooms to its portfolio this year. The first of these, Universal Stella Nova Resort, opened on Jan. 21, 2025, and TPG was among the first to stay at this galactically cool property.
The hotel’s design is inspired by the vast and beautiful wonders of outer space, which you can see reflected throughout the property starting with the exterior. The facade of the hotel is covered by more than 140,000 colorful dichroic tiles that change color based on the lighting and time of day. When I arrived around midday, they were shimmering in an entire rainbow of hues, but in the evening they take on darker blues and purples.
Upon entering the lobby, you’ll see space-themed artwork inspired by NASA photographs. The cosmic aura continues through to the nebulalike purple, blue and white color scheme and the spaceport windows in the guest rooms.
Here’s a first look at Universal Stella Nova Resort, including cost, amenities, dining and theme park perks.
What does it cost to stay at Stella Nova Resort?
Stella Nova Resort is part of Universal’s Prime Value lodging category (Universal Aventura Hotel and the soon-to-open Universal Terra Luna Resort also belong to this collection).
Prices start at $147 per night (plus tax), but this price is only available for stays of four nights or longer. On average, we found pricing to be closer to $200 to $230 per night for a one-night stay. Every room at Stella Nova is a standard two-queen room, so the only price difference you will find is if you choose a pool-view room over a standard view. You’ll pay between $10 and $20 more for a pool view.
The parking cost for overnight guests is $30 plus tax per vehicle per night.
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Stella Nova Resort is bookable via the Capital One Travel portal. Eligible Capital One cardholders can book this resort via Capital One Travel and pay in cash with their Capital One card or redeem Capital One miles. When you pay using your card, you can earn up to 10 miles per dollar spent, depending on the Capital One card you carry.
Among the Capital One cards you should consider using if booking this way are:
Stella Nova Resort location
Stella Nova, along with Universal’s other two upcoming hotels, is located adjacent to Epic Universe. Epic Universe itself is about three miles from the rest of Universal Orlando, but there is a complimentary shuttle service between the new park (and its hotels) and the rest of Universal Orlando Resort. From Stella Nova, it is about a 12-minute bus ride to Universal Orlando’s main security area that leads to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk (bus transfer is available to Volcano Bay water park).
From Orlando International Airport (MCO), it’s about a 20-minute drive to Stella Nova Resort. Universal does offer a paid shuttle service called the SuperstarStar Shuttle, but ride-hailing services and rental cars are also readily available.
Inside Stella Nova Resort guest rooms
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TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
All 750 rooms at Stella Nova Resort are double queen rooms that sleep up to four guests, so the layouts are similar in every guest room, though you can choose from standard-view and pool-view categories. ADA-compliant rooms are available. A standard-view room looks over the back of Epic Universe. You can see portions of the park peeking out, which builds the excitement for your vacation.
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Universal Stella Nova Resort. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Inside the rooms, the color scheme is similar to that of the hotel’s public areas, with space-inspired art. A few fun details, like a galactic mural behind the beds, Creamsicle-colored accent pillows and sleek, curved furnishings add to the futuristic feel.
The beds are soft and comfortable, with a thin coverlet that isn’t necessarily a bad thing when you consider the typical outside temperatures in Orlando. I also appreciated that there was a QR code on the TV that I could scan to use my phone as a remote control (there is a standard remote, as well).
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Universal Stella Nova Resort. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Similar to many other Universal Orlando hotels, the bathroom is split-style, with a sink and vanity in the center and a door that separates it from the toilet and tub. This not only allows for privacy but also makes it easier for multiple guests to get ready simultaneously.
The specialty Cosmic Ember bath products had a fresh scent, and I loved the continuity of the branding even for the shampoo, conditioner and soap.
Guest rooms are also equipped with standard amenities like a coffee and tea maker, mini refrigerator, hair dryer and iron. Standard Wi-Fi is complimentary, or you can upgrade to premium Wi-Fi for $9.95 per day.
Stella Nova Resort amenities
Stella Nova offers similar amenities to Universal’s other Prime Value properties. It has a resort-style pool complex with a 10,000-square-foot pool, a hot tub, a kid’s splash pad and lawn games like hula hoops and table tennis. The resort shows poolside movies on select nights (check at the front desk for a weekly schedule).
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Universal Stella Nova Resort. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
The hotel also has a 24-hour fitness center, an arcade, laundry facilities, an Avis car rental desk, a ticket desk to assist with theme park planning needs and a gift shop so special (for now, at least) that it is one of the first hotels to feature a large collection of Epic Universe merchandise. I saw shirts, toys and collectibles representing all of the lands coming to the new park and some general Epic Universe-branded merchandise.
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Universal Stella Nova Resort. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Universal Creative turned an unused portion of the third floor with no guest rooms into a “sky bridge” with starry lights in the ceiling, which is already proving to be a popular spot after being open only a couple of days.
If you can’t resist getting that perfect Instagram photo in this trippy space, try to do so quietly so as not to disturb the guests staying on this floor.
Stella Nova Resort dining
Stella Nova Resort has several dining options to keep you fueled up for your theme park adventures.
Cosmos Cafe and Market
Located in the hotel lobby, Cosmos Cafe and Market is a quick-service outlet that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. It also offers a selection of grab-and-go items like ice cream, snacks, prepackaged salads and sandwiches and coffee drinks.
The menu is comprised mostly of American classics like burgers, fries, pizza and pasta, but there are some specialty items as well. I stopped by for lunch during my stay (which was too brief to make time for breakfast).
I tried the hot honey pizza ($15.50), which was topped with cheese, garlic cream sauce, buffalo chicken and, of course, hot honey. It was tasty — and spicy. I had the Mexican street corn ($7) on the side, which was by far my favorite dish and a huge portion for being a side item. My dining companion had the Stella burger ($15.50), which was a delicious classic burger.
All in all, the food was good and filling, but there are so many good dining options inside the park and at CityWalk, I think I would save my Stella Nova meals for when I needed something before heading out for the day or when I was starving after a long day at the parks.
Nova Bar
Nova Bar is also located in the lobby and is open daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. In addition to classic beer, wine and cocktails, you’ll find space-themed drinks like the Black Hole ($16), which is basically an espresso martini, and the Super Nova (also $16), a whiskey-based cocktail with cherry-infused Campari and tart cherry syrup served smoked over a large ice cube.
Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill
Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill are the hotel’s poolside drink and dining options. Starters include things like chips and salsa, hummus and veggies and a Mexican shrimp cocktail. For your meal, you can choose from a selection of salads, burgers, sandwiches and wraps.
Galaxy Bar has a lengthy beer list with a mix of cans and drafts and a handful of hard ciders and seltzers.
Pizza delivery
Direct-to-room pizza delivery is also available daily between 5 p.m. and midnight. You can place your order via phone or the online order form.
Stella Nova Resort theme park perks
Like all Universal Orlando hotels, guests enjoy certain perks that only onsite hotel guests enjoy. These include early access to select theme parks and attractions each morning. Which park(s) and attractions you get access to can vary by day, but you’ll get a 30-minute head start at Volcano Bay and a full hour at Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios.
Stella Nova guests also get park-to-hotel package delivery, resort-wide charging privileges using their room key and complimentary shuttle service to and from Universal’s theme parks and CityWalk. Even if you drive, I recommend using the shuttle service because Universal does not offer free theme park parking to hotel guests.
Stella Nova (like its sister property, Terra Luna) has a walking path that will lead to Epic Universe when the park opens in May. It’s about a 10-minute walk, but you can also take the shuttle if you choose.
Things I loved about Stella Nova Resort
- I am a sucker for good theming, so I was all-in on the chic spaceship vibes Stella Nova was giving off. Everything from the futuristic lobby seating to the artwork felt upscale and ultramodern. With theme parks leaning more and more toward immersing guests in the worlds they create, it only makes sense that Universal would extend this sentiment to its hotels.
- The excitement for Epic Universe’s grand opening this year is palpable among theme park fans. Stella Nova offers the first and only way for Universal guests to stay so close to this groundbreaking new park and get a glimpse inside even while they are still putting the finishing touches on the attractions. Aside from adding to the anticipation, once the park does open, guests staying at Stella Nova Resort will be only a short walk or bus ride away from Epic Universe.
- Especially while everything in the hotel is shiny and new, you cannot beat this resort’s level of theming and amenities at such an affordable price point. Universal has hotel rooms that range from the $150 range all the way up to as much as $800 per night. Obviously, you get what you pay for, and Stella Nova appears to be a great value for the nightly rate.
Things to consider before staying at Stella Nova Resort
- Though you are a stone’s throw from Epic Universe when you stay at Stella Nova, you are a few miles away from the rest of Universal Orlando Resort. If you prefer the convenience of taking a boat, bus or short walk to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk, that will not be an option when you stay here.
- Unlike Universal’s Signature Collection properties (like the upcoming Universal Helios Grand Hotel), you won’t find amenities like multiple pools, waterslides, formal sit-down dining, 24-hour room service or luggage delivery. If those are luxuries you are acclimated to, you need to consider whether you can do without them at Stella Nova.
Bottom line
Universal Stella Nova Resort is the first of three new hotels opening near Epic Universe this year and it sets a high bar. Universal Terra Luna Resort opens on March 25, 2025, and should be similar in all but its theming, while Universal Helios Grand Hotel will become Epic Universe’s flagship hotel when it opens along with the new park on May 22, 2025.
The reasons for staying at this particular hotel will be obvious once the park opens, but it offers a rare opportunity to be among the first guests on Epic Universe property for those who choose to stay here now even before May. I can confidently say I was not ready to come back down to Earth after my out-of-this-world visit to Universal Stella Nova Resort.
Related reading:
Jan. 23, 2025
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3 min read
New Chase bonus spending offers and a chance to earn a $100 statement credit
Chase is back with another targeted promotion: Eligible Chase cardholders can earn 5 or 7 bonus Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on groceries, gas and dining purchases made with select credit cards.
This promotion targets more than 25 credit cards. Ultimate Rewards earning potential varies based on credit card but applies to purchases of up to $1,000 made between Jan. 15 and March 31.
Below are some of the credit cards with this targeted promotion:
To participate in this promotion, log into your Chase account to see if you are targeted. Eligible cardholders can earn 5 or 7 bonus points for each dollar spent on grocery, gas and dining purchases (on up to $1,000 in purchases) for transactions from Jan. 15 until March 31 at 11:59 p.m. EST. After activating the offer, select cardholders will receive a $100 travel credit for bookings of at least $400 made by Jan. 31 and for travel by Aug. 31.
Other credit cards — including the Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card, the Iberia Visa Signature® Card and the Disney® Premier Visa® Card — are eligible for this promotion, so be sure to check your Chase account to see if you’ve been targeted.
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The information for the Aer Lingus Visa Signature and Iberia Visa Signature cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
You can stack this offer with the previously announced offer in December that gives Targeted Chase cardholders the chance to earn 10,000 bonus points through the Chase Travel℠ portal. Note that your hotel stay must total at least $400 in a single transaction, and you must book travel by Jan. 31 for trips completed by Aug. 31.
Featured image by ANDRESR/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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