Crossing the Atlantic in Comfort: A Transatlantic Repositioning Cruise on the Norwegian Viva

Amanda Davis
Apr 16
5 min read

View from a ship's deck overlooking a harbor with sailboats, city skyline, and a rainbow beneath cloudy skies. Mood is serene and scenic.

Josh and I have always been drawn to the allure of the open ocean. There’s something truly special about the rhythm of the waves, the vastness of the horizon, and the sense of adventure that comes with exploring new lands. Last April, we embarked on an unforgettable journey: a transatlantic repositioning cruise aboard the Norwegian Viva. This wasn't just any cruise; it was a unique opportunity to cross the Atlantic in comfort, visiting a variety of fascinating ports along the way. This post will detail our experience, offering insights into the ports we visited, the excursions we enjoyed, and the unique value proposition of a repositioning cruise.

Embarkation in San Juan: A Taste of Island Life

Our adventure began in vibrant San Juan, Puerto Rico. We flew in the day before boarding the cruise to explore Old San Juan, with its colorful buildings, historic forts, and delicious street food. From mofongo to plantain fritters, we savored the local flavors and soaked up the lively atmosphere before boarding the Norwegian Viva. We stayed at the Hyatt Place San Juan, which is VERY close to the larger cruise terminal in San Juan. It was the perfect location to set us up for a quick Uber to the cruise port the next morning.

Collage: Fountain with flags; pastel buildings, person near pigeons; fried food on napkin; street scene; text "From Lawrence With Love."

Island Hopping in the Caribbean: St. Thomas, La Romana, and St. Maarten

Our first port of call was St. Thomas, USVI. We opted for the "Flavors of St. Thomas Food Tour," a fantastic way to experience the island’s culinary scene and learn about its history. We indulged in Caribbean classics, from curried chicken to rum cocktails, and explored hidden gem foodie haunts in Charlotte Amalie.

Next, we sailed to La Romana, Dominican Republic. Adventure called, and we answered with the "Buggies Fun Escapade." Let me tell you, it was FUN! We raced through the countryside in open-air buggies, getting completely covered in mud (totally worth it!). We explored a cave with eerie geological formations and ended our adventure with some relaxation time on a secluded beach.

Our third Caribbean stop was Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Josh wasn't feeling well, so we skipped our planned excursion. I took the ferry to downtown Philipsburg to replace my tennis shoes, which had met their demise during the muddy buggy excursion in La Romana.

Collage: Plate with food, chef flaming dish in restaurant, person with helmet in muddy go-kart, scenic waterfront view; text: "From Lawrence with love".

Reaching for the Heights: St. Lucia and Barbados

In Castries, St. Lucia, we took a "Touch the Iconic Pitons" tour. I hiked to a viewpoint that offered breathtaking views of the majestic Pitons, twin volcanic spires that are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hike was a lot, but the views were simply stunning.

Our final Caribbean stop was Bridgetown, Barbados. We joined a "Barbados Turtle & Shipwreck Snorkel Adventure." Snorkeling in Carlisle Bay, surrounded by colorful fish and graceful sea turtles, was an unforgettable experience. The shipwrecks added an element of mystery to the underwater world.

Collage: Kayakers on a tropical beach, a person hiking by a mountain, coastal village view, and a beach with turquoise umbrellas. "From Lawrence With Love" text.

Stepping onto a New Continent: Porto Grande, Cape Verde

Our next stop was a significant milestone: Porto Grande, Cape Verde. This marked our first time on the continent of Africa! We took a "Highlights of Cape Verde" tour, exploring the island’s diverse landscapes, from the volcanic peak of Monte Verde to the beautiful beaches of Baia das Gatas and Praia Grande. We also enjoyed a sample of "pontche," a traditional island cocktail.

Collage of four images: a garden with a windmill, a beach with cliffs, an arid landscape, and a busy indoor market. Text: "From Lawrence with Love".

Exploring the Spanish Isles: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote

The next leg of our journey took us to the Spanish Canary Islands. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, we visited Mount Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The volcanic landscapes were otherworldly, and the views were spectacular.

In Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, we indulged in a "Lunch, Wine & Coffee in Agaete Valley." We toured a coffee plantation, learned about the unique characteristics of Canarian coffee, and enjoyed a traditional Canarian lunch paired with local wines.

Our final stop in the Canary Islands was Arrecife, Lanzarote. We visited Jameos del Agua, a unique underground complex designed by artist César Manrique. The blend of nature and architecture was truly impressive. We followed this with a delicious seafood lunch at Restaurante Villa Toledo.

Collage of images: people on rocky steps, desert rock formation under cloudy sky, bright blue pool with palm trees, colorful garden with flowers.

Moroccan Adventures: Agadir and Casablanca

Next, we explored Morocco. In Agadir, we took a "Highlights of Agadir" tour, visiting the ruins of the Old Quarter, exploring the Medina Coco Polizzi, and experiencing the vibrant Souk El Had.

In Casablanca, we took a "Casablanca Highlights & Hassan II Mosque" tour. We visited the central market, explored the Habous quarter, and marveled at the grandeur of the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world.

Collage of Moroccan scenes: a camel near ancient walls, a vibrant market with olives, fresh crabs, and a minaret against a blue sky. "From Lawrence with Love" text.

A Taste of Spain: Cadiz

Our final port of call before reaching Lisbon was Cadiz, Spain. We enjoyed a "Lunch in a Classic Cadiz Style," savoring the fresh seafood and local flavors at the historic El Faro restaurant. We also admired the beautiful beaches that surround the city.

Collage of vibrant city scenes: a beach boardwalk, street with palm trees, people walking by colorful buildings, and a cathedral view. Text: From Lawrence with Love.

The Norwegian Viva: A Ship Unlike Any Other

One of the most exciting aspects of this trip was experiencing the Norwegian Viva. It’s clear that Norwegian Cruise Line has really innovated with this ship. The layout felt completely different from other ships we’ve sailed on. We especially enjoyed exploring all the new dining options. From the upscale flavors of Onda to the casual global cuisine of Food Republic and the diverse offerings of the Indulge Food Hall, there was something to satisfy every craving. We also made sure to try specialty restaurants like Hasuki, Le Bistro, Cagney's, and Palomar. The variety and quality of the food were truly impressive. The ship itself felt more modern and bright, and we loved discovering all the different nooks and crannies. Our favorite part of the ship was Hudson’s dining room. There wasn’t a bad seat in the house and everyone had an ocean view. It was a spectacular dining venue!

Collage of cruise ship scenes: vibrant theater, outdoor lounge with sea view, poolside beds, and elegant dining area. Text: "From Lawrence with Love."

Lisbon and Beyond: Exploring Portugal

Our transatlantic journey concluded in Lisbon, Portugal. However, our adventure didn't end there. We spent five additional days exploring this captivating city and surrounding area. We stayed at the Iberostar Selection Lisboa, which was ideally situated for exploring. We took a Hop On Hop Off bus, indulged in a Tuk Tuk Food Tour with Eating Europe (where we had the best Pastel de Nata ever!), enjoyed a sunset cruise on the Tagus River, explored the coves of Arrábida by boat, captured the city’s beauty on a night photography tour, savored the flavors of Portugal on a food and wine tour with Oh My Cod Food Tours, and took a day trip to Nazaré and Óbidos to see where the giant waves occur in the winter and a medieval town.

Yellow tram in Lisbon, people under colorful umbrellas, Belem Tower by the waterside, and a sign reading "From Lawrence with Love".

Rocky coastal scenes with blue skies, a white and red boat named Nazaré on the beach, a cliff with a lighthouse, and a church with red flowers.

The Value of a Transatlantic Repositioning Cruise

Our transatlantic repositioning cruise on the Norwegian Viva was truly an unforgettable experience. From the vibrant ports we visited to the unique features and dining experiences onboard the ship, every moment was filled with adventure and discovery. This journey reminded us of the magic of travel, the joy of exploring new cultures, and the thrill of experiencing the world from a different perspective. And the value? Repositioning cruises often offer incredible value for the money, as cruise lines seek to reposition their ships for different seasons.

Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, a transatlantic repositioning cruise offers a unique and enriching way to see the world. We hope our experiences inspire you to embark on your own adventure and discover the wonders that await you across the ocean.