Is Norwegian Viva’s Complimentary Dining Any Good? An Honest Review Plus Photos

• Introduction: My First Atlantic Crossing on the Norwegian NCL Viva Prima Class Ship
• Emptying my Delta SkyMiles Accounts to get Value Flying to Lisbon Portugal
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• Are Centurion Lounges Worth the Effort Anymore at Mexico City T1?
• Air France A350-900 Business Class New Seats Review Mexico City to Paris MEX-CDG
• Air France A321 Euro Business Class Review With Blocked Middle Seats
• THE ONE Palácio da Anunciada American Express Fine Hotels Review Near Lisbon Portugal Cruise Port
• Review: Vibe Beach Club Plus Cabana on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Viva – Is the Upgrade Worth the Cost?
• Norwegian Viva Cabin 16136 Review: Mid-Ship Balcony on Deck 16 – Full Tour & Pros and Cons
• Emergency Dentist in the Dominican Republic: Leaving Norwegian Viva for Urgent Dental Care
• Is Norwegian Viva’s Complimentary Dining Any Good? An Honest Review Plus Photos
• Norwegian Viva Specialty Dining Review – Should you pay to Enjoy “Better” Meals?
• What is the Entertainment Like on the Norwegian Viva?
• How Much Does it Cost to Take an Uber from Galveston, Texas to Houston Airports?
• How You Get Paid Taking an Oversold Flight Bump From Delta Air Lines
• Delta Air Lines A220-300 Comfort Plus Review. How Much Better than Coach
• Final Thoughts on my 15 day Atlantic Crossing on the Norwegian Viva Prima Class Ship

After hundreds of nights at sea with NCL, I have a very good grasp of what their main dining meals are like. Overall, the quality is good, and the flavors are excellent. At the end of this post, I will have a few #ProTips to help you make the most of your main dining experience.

I also want to state from the start that the main dining experience is not as great as it was a few years ago. From quality to quantity, everything is a little bit less than before. I hope feedback from guests turns this back around. Let’s dig in with breakfast.

Every day, even on port days, the main dining room is open for breakfast. The menu does not change day to day but there are a few featured items you can select from that helps on longer voyages. There are also a few items that you can get for upcharge (think steak) but I do not recommend them as the quality vs. cost is just not there. However the NCL kitchens are masters at perfect poached eggs and I highly recommend them.

Another tip is to always ask for “fresh eggs”. Fresh eggs in the breakfast burrito is so much better and is a solid choice. On to lunch / dinner appetizers next.

It is hard to go wrong with French onion soup and the flavor of this one is good. I do wish the bread on top was a bit thinner – a minor complain. The Caesars is fresh, crisp and lite and I love the wedge crouton on top.

Hush puppies with a spicy jalapeno sauce? Yes please. Crab cake done perfectly? May I have another. Lobster cheese ravioli? Meh, I would pass on this that was once a succulent indulgence. On to lunch / dinner choices.

You can only have lunch in the main dining room on embarkation day and sea days. The rest of the voyage you have to go to either the buffet (that is not the greatest honestly) or the bar restaurant, The Local (was O’Sheehans). When open you can enjoy the same great service as you would get at breakfast or dinner. My wife often chooses the chicken quesadilla’s and the pork chop with fries is also excellent – especially with the chimichurri sauces on the side.

My wife is more of a fish fan than me but she really enjoyed what you see above and for me the shrimp scampi is always a winner (tip – ask for extra shrimp). Either seafood choice will leave you smiling and satisfied. For me the “stock” dinner New York strip is always a winner (compared to what MSC offers). Not only was my request for medium perfect but just look at the quality of this cut?!

Another great choice, especially so if you have shareholder nonrefundable onboard credits to burn, is the $30 upcharge for surf and turf. You are paying about the same as you would in required gratuities to go to a specialty on the package.

While not in the main dining room another complimentary dining option on Prima class ships is the “Indulge Food Court”. You order from a tablet and in minutes food is brought to your table. There are a number of choices you can pick from but do not order everything at once. Start with the appetizers (all you want – customized any way you want) and then move on to order your main meal. Lastly desserts!

I am only covering two because most of the time I just do not have room for desserts. That said they make an outstanding creme brulee that pairs well with a cognac (included with the adult drink package). Same goes for the chocolate lava cake – just yum!

Overall, as you can see, I think you will be pleased with NCL Viva’s main dining options. Do keep in mind they are happy to mix and match any sides with any of the main entree options so all you have to do is ask. There is now a small upcharge if you want two main entree options but not so at the Indulge Food court so go there if you are crazy hungry.

Have you recently been on an NCL Prima class ship? Did you enjoy the main “free” dining options as much as me? – René