Norwegian Prima is here!
We sailed out of Amsterdam travelling south to Belgium and France until we disembarked in Southampton. The ship exudes the look and feel of a premium cruise ship with more intimate and upscale areas. Norwegian Prima offers an expansive outdoor deck space - perfect for sunny climes. You can walk over water on the glass bridge, wander through the traditional observation lounge wrapping the perimeter of the forward top of the ship or take a 360° seaside stroll along the breath-taking Ocean Boulevard and discover wonderful experiences in every corner. On both sides of Ocean Boulevard, you will find an infinity pool, loungers, and some day beds with ocean-facing views. The service on board is one of those that puts you first with the highest staff levels, you will always feel prioritised.
The main pool area on deck 17 pool is smaller than I would expect for a ship of this size but there are 2 infinity pool hot tubs either side. Still, it is conveniently located between other popular public spaces, including the Observation Lounge and the Surf Side Café and Grill. On Deck 18 you will find the small Kids Aqua Park, plus the feature water slide — The Wave, a tidal wave style waterslide which is a fun and complimentary family activity. This deck is also home to the entrance for the two new dry slides. First is The Drop, the first drop dry slide at sea. Here, you plunge 10 stories as hitting g-forces equivalent to an F1 race car. Second, The Rush. These dual racing dry slides pit cruisers against each other for a race to the alfresco decks of level 8. Of course, I had to try this and it was so much fun!
For those looking for a more exclusive experience, there is the Vibe Beach Club. For a current price of $249 per person, this reserved sun deck is a private oasis. With a variety of lounging furniture, a bar, and two infinity hot tubs, this adult only retreat might be worth the upgrade for many cruisers.
Perhaps the most popular sports deck activity is the exciting Prima Speedway. For $15 a ride, up to 15 racers can see if they have the driving skills to rank at the top of the leader board. NCL have pulled out all the stops and built a three-level go-kart racetrack atop the ship on Decks 18-20! That’s right, you can race go-karts at sea on the Prima Speedway! I had a go while the Prima was traversing the North Sea and, safe to say, my 20-minute slot was exhilarating!!
While the slides are free, the additional activities on Norwegian Prima’s sports deck will cost money. This includes the fun and creatively themed Tee Time. This mini-golf course is set to cost around $15 for a 9-hole round. At about $45 for 45 minutes (for up to 6 players), the Bull Eye’s is the first of its kind dart lounge at sea. This al fresco loune area is where guests can challenge each other in interactive games like 301, Cricket, and more. Indoors, the attractions at the Galaxy Pavilion on Deck 17 are immersive and fun as well, with a total of 14 virtual reality experiences including simulators and games.
This Norwegian Cruise Line ship is home to several new dining concepts. Where to begin? With over 15 bars and lounges, five complimentary restaurants and eight specialty dining options to choose from, it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever go hungry onboard the Norwegian Prima. What is most impressive is the way in which NCL has tapped into the trend for street food and market-style dining with its Indulge Food Hall. With several ‘stalls’ offering all sorts of cuisine from India to Italy and Latin America, we ordered an endless supply of dishes via an iPad direct to our table. Step outside the Indulge Food Hall and you’ll also find the Soleil Bar. This was my favourite outdoor seating space thanks to the variety of hammocks, loungers and daybeds reminiscent of a beach club. Upgrade your package to NCL's 'Free at Sea' current promotion where you can enjoy Premium Beverages, 2 meals at any of the Speciality restaurants (per 7-night sailing), excursion discounts and 150 minutes free wi-fi.
In the evenings when you are not dining in a speciality restaurant head to Hudson’s (enjoy amazing views while dining) or the Commodore room. Of course, there are also shops, a casino, a fitness centre, and the Mandara Spa. This fabulous area features another two therapy pools in addition to a series of sublime steam and ice rooms, dry saunas, experience showers and a relaxation room — itself another forward-facing observation lounge full of heated and padded recliners.
During our sailing, we were able to see Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. The show featured a phenomenal cast, including three powerful singers playing the lead character at different stages of her life. Following the second showing of the Musical, the Prima Theatre comes alive as Studio 54 - this space transforms from a theatre to a three-story nightclub, complete with disco balls! Several other venues all feature a variety of live music as well. A guitarist played sets in the Local and Penrose Atrium. In Syd Norman’s Pour House, the house band was a Fleetwood Mac tribute band who were excellent! If you want to attend this show, make sure to arrive early as this venue gets packed.
I stayed in a balcony cabin where the décor is modern and sleek with beachy wood tones, a neutral colour palette, and pops of blue. I appreciated the number of power outlets in the cabin. For a bit more luxury….. Why not upgrade to The Haven which is Norwegian Cruise Line´s most premium and spacious accommodation where you will enjoy the personal service of a 24-hour butler and world-class amenities, private dining room, a sundeck with an infinity pool all exclusively reserved for Haven guests. They call it a ‘ship within a ship’ as it feels so private.
Norwegian Cruise Lines have five more ships being built (and christened) over the next five years - keep an eye on my Facebook page for more information!