After a lot fanfare, together with a star-studded naming ceremony Aug. 27 in Reykjavik, Iceland, headed by the ship’s godmother, singer Katy Perry, Norwegian’s latest and most opulent ship, Norwegian Prima, made her inaugural debut in Miami this month.
Ten years within the planning and constructing, Norwegian Prima is the primary of what is going to be six Norwegian Prima-class ships. Whereas not the biggest ship NCL has ever constructed, it’s little question the grandest, at the least in line with the veteran NCL cruisers onboard. (Since that is really the primary cruise we’ve taken on a Norwegian ship, we couldn’t make comparisons.)
At just below 1,000 toes in size and weighing 143,000 tons, its 20 decks accommodate some 3,200 passengers. Pam and I have been invited as a part of a particular three-day inaugural cruise for largely media, journey advisors and invited company. We shortly found there was far more to see and expertise than we might get to in lower than 72 hours. However let’s dive in.
,,, “one factor is clear: NCL has launched a profitable method with the brand new Norwegian Prima-class ships. The second, Norwegian Viva, debuts in 2023.”
Our start line was NCL’s shiny new Terminal B on the Port of Miami, the place the embarkation course of was one thing lower than easy. Since there was no curbside baggage service, we waited in a protracted line for check-in, solely to seek out they have been splitting up folks with giant luggage from these with small ones for safety scanning. Pam and I ended up in separate locations however have been capable of get reunited for boarding (good factor — she had the passports). After navigating one other lengthy line ready for the elevators, we lastly made it to our stateroom on Deck 13. Now we are able to exhale.
Ours was a household balcony stateroom, with a up to date beige and blue tone coloration scheme. We had loads of room to stow our belongings, and have been glad to see a beneficiant variety of plugs for home equipment and USB connections. The lavatory was roomy, with a full dimension bathe. We wished the secure was positioned greater within the closet for simpler entry, however general, we discovered our stateroom each stunning and practical.
Now, time to discover.
Typically described as a “resort at sea,” that label isn’t incorrect. The design group behind Norwegian Prima clearly aimed for an elevated, upscale expertise with options that will attraction to all ages. In that regard, they hit the bullseye. Let’s hit a few of the highlights and takeaways:
— Eating. Cruising is all concerning the meals and the service, proper? Norwegian Prima gives a variety of specialty and included-with-the-fare eating places. Hudson’s, one of many two principal eating rooms positioned aft on Deck 7, falls within the latter class. With its 270-degree views from the floor-to-ceiling home windows and modern decor, it’s really beautiful and shortly turned one among our favourite locations to do breakfast and lunch. One deck up is the Native Bar and Grill, open 24 hours with each indoor and out of doors seating, in addition to the Indulge Meals Courtroom, that includes 11 various kinds of delicacies in a “meals truck” motif, additionally complimentary. We didn’t get an opportunity to eat there, however it was all the time crowded, and we heard good issues. Up high on Deck 17 is the Surfside Cafe and Grill, that includes all-day eating buffet-style.
On our cruise we dined at three of the ship’s specialty eating places: Meals Republic (Asian fusion), Le Bistro (French) and Palomar, the road’s first Mediterranean seafood venue. We loved every, particularly the fantastic Dover Sole at Le Bistro and the Branzino for Two, ready tableside at Palomar. We liked the big chandeliers in Le Bistro — attractive. One thing to notice: Pricing is a la carte, though you’ll be able to pre-purchase specialty restaurant packages previous to crusing that offer you credit to make use of on the restaurant of your selection. By the way in which, you’d be sensible to make your reservations as early as potential. Eating slots can refill quick.
There are various different eating choices, which we hope to get to on a future voyage. For sure, nobody will go away hungry. Our solely suggestion is supply 24-hour pizza someplace on the ship. You by no means know once you’ll crave pizza.
— Bars. You’ll be able to’t go very far in any course with out working right into a bar, which is okay with us. For those who like your bar darkish and modern (we do), head for the Belvedere Bar on Deck 6 for a handmade cocktail. The Whiskey Bar on Deck 8 all the time drew a crowd, and when it wasn’t closed for personal occasions, it’s laborious to beat the bar on the Commentary Lounge, ahead on Deck 17. Every time we wanted to relax or calm down, that’s the place you possibly can discover us.
— Leisure. For those who’re going to supply an elevated expertise, it needs to be across-the-board. That may be mentioned of the ship’s exhibits, staged ahead on the multi-level Norwegian Prima Theater and Membership. The productions are Broadway high quality. The primary evening was “Noise Boys,” an lively present much like “Stomp.” It takes benefit of the theater’s a number of configurations by extending the primary flooring stage into the viewers. On the final evening we noticed “Summer season: The Donna Summer season Musical.” NCL introduced the Broadway hit that traces the lifetime of disco legend Donna Summer season to sea, showcasing powerhouse vocals from the three girls who symbolize completely different phases of her life.
Talking of disco, we had probably the most enjoyable attending the ship’s Disco Get together, the place they opened up the complete first flooring to flashing lights, disco hits and NCL dancers roaming the group dressed of their 80s finest. It was a complete blast. Whereas we didn’t get round to it, we heard the ship’s model of “The Value Is Proper” can be a bit hit with cruisers. Once more, phrase to the sensible: Reserve the exhibits early. They scan your room key for admittance.
— Enjoyable. The place to start out? The dual, 10-story slides or the three-level, go-kart race observe speedway? To not point out the Galaxy Pavilion, with its array of VR experiences, and The Stadium, the place you’ll be able to play pickleball and different video games. Whereas I handed on The Drop or The Rush, the place company get a quick journey from Deck 18 to Deck 8, I did don a face defend and helmet to hurry across the 1,400-foot go-kart observe. And the VR rollercoaster may have you hanging in your seat. Whereas some are complimentary, many, like VR and the go-karts, are additional cost. There’s additionally The Wave waterslide and the Aqua Park for youths.
— Leisure. The ship has numerous locations to lounge and a large assortment of chairs, sofas and couches to settle again and benefit from the passing waves. One of many ship’s finest and hottest options is the wrap-around Ocean Boulevard on Deck 8. There may be out of doors eating, a glass walkway over the ocean, bars, specialty eating places and small infinity swimming pools the place you’ll be able to benefit from the water or recline on a daybed. Remember the principle pool on Deck 17 is small, so it’s possible you’ll need to reap the benefits of the pool areas on Deck 8. And don’t miss The Concourse, additionally on Deck 8, with its dramatic, million-dollar sculptures.
We additionally frolicked on the Vibe Seaside Membership, an additional cost space for company 18 and up that contains a bar and infinity scorching tubs. It’s positioned on Deck 17.
For the last word in leisure, go to the gorgeous Mandara Spa and Salon on Deck 16. I had a day cross, which entitled me to make use of the thermal swimming pools, heated lounges and adjoining amenities. For the exercise-minded, you’ll discover the fully-equipped Pulse Health Middle can meet all of your wants. Personally, a martini within the Commentary Lounge works wonders.
— Lodging. There are over 1,600 staterooms on Norwegian Prima, together with The Haven, NCL’s non-public retreat the place company benefit from the providers of a 24-hour concierge and butler and a restaurant for his or her unique use, in addition to their very own sundeck and infinity pool. Friends even have their very own non-public elevator. We will dream, proper?
There are in fact locations to buy and a big on line casino. The ship’s centerpiece is the three-story Penrose Atrium, smooth and classy with its wrap-around staircases. Make sure and take a look at the Creativeness Wall within the Photograph Gallery. You’ll be able to star in an interactive video. It’s enjoyable, and free, and you’ll share it on social media.
On the cruise we made one cease at Norwegian’s non-public island within the Bahamas, Nice Stirrup Cay. NCL has made retaining the island’s pure magnificence a precedence. Friends take pleasure in a number of white sand seashores and eating selections, plus a wide range of water sports activities and a zipline. On our go to we had entry to the non-public a part of the non-public island, Silver Cove. Right here you’ll be able to lease a seaside home for the day, dine at their non-public restaurant or spend time at their Moet and Chandon Ice Bar, the place you’ll be able to sip Moet to your coronary heart’s content material. Guess the place we stayed the longest?
As said earlier, there’s far more to see and do on Norwegian Prima than you will get to in lower than 72 hours. However one factor is clear: NCL has launched a profitable method with the brand new Norwegian Prima-class ships. The second, Norwegian Viva, debuts in 2023.
Ed. Notes: Images courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line
See sailings:
Norwegian Prima Cruises (cruisecompete.com)
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises (cruisecompete.com)
