Leading cruise operator Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will launch the second of six project Leonardo-class ships, the Norwegian Viva, in August this year.

Leading cruise operator Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced the featuring of musical comedy Beetlejuice” The Musical as the headline production aboard its newest ship, Norwegian Viva, along with the ship’s full lineup of onboard entertainment offerings. In a press statement, NCL says that Norwegian Viva is slated to debut in August, marking the first time the Tony Award-nominated musical will be performed at sea.

The statement adds the premise of the 90-minute Broadway version of Tim Burton’s classic 1988 film, where Deetz family embarks on a journey to restore an outrageously haunted mansion. The three-story multi-purpose Viva Theatre & Club by NCL, with its immersive special effects and state-of-the-art lighting and audio, will heighten the musical’s spooky shenanigans. Norwegian Viva will also feature returning guest favourites, including Improv @ Sea Comedy Club, Syd Norman’s Pour House, which features rock-and-roll tributes to Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, and other legendary artists of the Classic Rock genre and more.

‘‘NCL has a history of pioneering the cruise experience and delivering the high-caliber entertainment programming our guests expect.  We are dedicated to pushing the envelope, delivering on those expectations, and putting our guests first as we elevate our onboard offerings for the ultimate vacation at sea.  This summer, I cannot wait to bring the fun and nostalgia of Beetlejuice to our all-new Norwegian Viva,’’ says David J Herrera, incoming president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Norwegian Cruise Line says that it has previously debuted shows including Six, Jersey Boys, Footloose and more across its current 18-ship fleet. This news follows the enormously successful opening of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical on Norwegian Prima, which featured a stunning performance from American Idol season two finalist Kimberley Locke during its 2022 debut season.

‘‘We pride ourselves on not only delivering amazing performances for theater fans but introducing guests to Broadway and West End-calibre shows, which are made even more special by the incredible setting of the Viva Theatre & Club that seamlessly transforms from a best-in-class theater experience to an expansive nightclub,’’ says Richard Ambrose, NCL’s Senior Vice President of Entertainment and Cruise Programming.

The statement adds a highlight of the elaborate Beetlejuice production, where performers dance and sing along to show tune classics including Day-O, and Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora), while also reveling in the nostalgia from the pop culture classic film. Michelle D’Amico, who was a cast member of the Broadway production of Beetlejuice will join Norwegian Viva playing the role as Lydia for the first-at-sea rendition.

In the statement, NCL adds that Norwegian Viva will also feature a live game show experience with the cruise industry’s first Press Your Luck Live at-sea, following the successful debut of one of the most recognisable game shows in the world, The Price is Right Live, aboard Norwegian Prima last year.

NCL adds that Norwegian Viva is the second of six vessels in the Cruise Line’s highly anticipated Prima Class, the brand’s first new class of ships in nearly 10 years. The unique offerings of the Prima Class prioritize guest experience and raise the bar on cruising through world class cuisine, the Brand’s most spacious design yet, and stellar onboard activities including the Viva Speedway-the three-level racetrack.