The first of the new NCL Prima class ships, the much-anticipated Norwegian Prima debuted last week sailing from Reykjavik to Amsterdam with global singing sensation Katy Perry as Godmother onboard.
At full capacity carrying 3,100 guests the ship has a contemporary feel. Addressing invited guests from around the world at the christening, Norwegian Cruise Line’s President and CEO Harry Sommer shared the teams’ vision to “create something which didn’t feel like a cruise ship”. There’s no getting away from the fact that some areas still feel like a cruise ship, but those areas are complemented by pockets of the ship which are more akin to a high-end boutique hotel.
Dining
Norwegian Prima Cruise Ship Amenities | Onboard Experience | Norwegian Cruise Line (ncl.com)
Boasting fifteen restaurants, Prima really does have something for everyone. Complimentary dining options include the Surfside Café and Grill offering themed buffet style dining plus both the Commodore Dining Room and Hudsons with a more relaxed waiter service. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu remains the same in each of these restaurants, however they offer plenty of choice.
Speaking of choice, complimentary dining also includes the ‘Indulge Food Hall’, a food market concept offering dishes from 11 restaurants allowing you to dine around the world, from India to Italy. Orders are made via iPad—gimmicky but efficient—with the food delivered to the table, far more appealing than the images presented on screen. In short: great food served within minutes! Then there’s the ‘Local Bar & Grill’ with seating both indoors and outside; it’s classic pub fare with speedy service and a lively atmosphere.
There are eight speciality restaurants, including Norwegian’s first-ever Mediterranean restaurant Palomar. Diners will experience delicious seafood with perfectly paired wines, the seafood salad starter a particular winner!
Entertainment & Activities
(Norwegian Prima Cruise Ship Amenities | Onboard Experience | Norwegian Cruise Line (ncl.com))
Targeting the family market, attractions onboard include mini golf; speedway karting over three decks; a superb gym; a tidal wave waterslide; The Drop and The Rush slides; and Bulls Eye, a fun venue for groups to play darts. The virtual world of the Galaxy Pavilion, the first flying theatre simulator at sea, plus the ever-popular Escape Rooms will keep children and adults entertained.
The top deck outdoor pool area is small for a ship this size due to the amount of space required to house the Speedway and Wave Park. However it’s likely that the vibes of Ocean Boulevard and Infinity Beach, with its quieter areas and infinity pools, are likely to attract sunworshippers too.
The spa is spectacular, boasting a two-storey waterfall. Guests are required to purchase Thermal Suite Passes to experience the spa saunas and pool areas.
Evening entertainment includes shows at the Prima Theatre and Club with its retracting seating – turning the venue in to a nightclub post show. Syd Normans Pour House is already proving a favourite, featuring the talented house band. It’s hard to sit still as they entertain guests with various themed shows including a walk-through the making of the classic Fleetwood Mac album ‘Rumours’.
There’s no shortage of bars onboard, a particular favourite, the Soleil Bar at the aft of the ship which is great for relaxing outside watching the sun set.
Cabins
Staterooms are as elegant as one would expect on a new ship. A note on the wardrobe space: for long dresses, you need to lift the bottom rail and push upwards, which instantly changes the wardrobe from 2 short rails to one long one! The balcony furniture is high quality and very comfortable, inviting guests to spend time on their balcony.
Norwegian Prima is the first of six Prima Class ships, with Norwegian Viva launching Summer 2023. There’s a lot to look forward to and plenty to get excited about for both loyal and prospective sailors.
Next steps
Norwegian Prima will depart on inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from the Netherlands, Denmark and England beginning Sept. 3, 2022, before making her way to the U.S. She will then sail voyages to the Caribbean from New York City, Galveston, Texas, and Miami in October and November before settling into her homeport of Port Canaveral, Florida, and Galveston, Texas for the 2023 and 2024 cruise season.
Talk to our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678 to book your cruise.
One Response
Just returned from a cruise on the Prima. Stylish ship but very uncomfortable seating for older passengers. Ship was two-thirds full, but very difficult to find a place anywhere to sit. The Atrium is badly designed with metal fold up chairs having to be brought in during entertainment in the evening and a very unsuitable huge sofa that was impossible to sit on. Theatre very small and only one big production show. The complimentary dining rooms were exactly the same in each with restricted menu repeated every day. The buffet meals area was very busy both at breakfast and dinner and yet again difficult to find a seat. Stylish but small deck seating areas but not much use going to Iceland! On the whole, pretty but uncomfortable and not a trip I would repeat.