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. While not the biggest ship NCL has ever constructed, it’s little doubt the grandest, no less than in response to 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 slightly below 1,000 toes in size and weighing 143,000 tons, its 20 decks accommodate some 3,200 passengers. Pam and I had been invited as a part of a particular three-day inaugural cruise for largely media, journey advisors and invited visitors. We rapidly found there was rather more to see and expertise than we’d get to in lower than 72 hours. But let’s dive in.
,,, “one thing is obvious: NCL has launched a winning formula with the new Norwegian Prima-class ships. The second one, Norwegian Viva, debuts in 2023.”
Our place to begin was NCL’s shiny new Terminal B on the Port of Miami, the place the embarkation course of was one thing lower than clean. Since there was no curbside baggage service, we waited in an extended line for check-in, solely to seek out they had been splitting up folks with massive baggage from these with small ones for safety scanning. Pam and I ended up in separate locations however had 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 will 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 had been glad to see a beneficiant variety of plugs for home equipment and USB connections. The rest room was roomy, with a full dimension bathe. We wished the secure was positioned increased within the closet for simpler entry, however total, we discovered our stateroom each lovely and practical.
Now, time to discover.
Often described as a “resort at sea,” that label isn’t incorrect. The design staff behind Norwegian Prima clearly aimed for an elevated, upscale expertise with options that might attraction to all ages. In that regard, they hit the bullseye. Let’s hit a number of the highlights and takeaways:
— Dining. Cruising is all in regards to the meals and the service, proper? Norwegian Prima affords a variety of specialty and included-with-the-fare eating places. Hudson’s, one of many two major 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 up to date decor, it’s really gorgeous and rapidly grew to become one in all our favourite locations to do breakfast and lunch. One deck up is the Local Bar and Grill, open 24 hours with each indoor and out of doors seating, in addition to the Indulge Food Court, that includes 11 several types of delicacies in a “food 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: Food 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 cherished the massive chandeliers in Le Bistro — beautiful. Something to notice: Pricing is a la carte, though you’ll be able to pre-purchase specialty restaurant packages previous to crusing that provide you with credit to make use of on the restaurant of your alternative. By the best way, you’d be sensible to make your reservations as early as potential. Dining slots can refill quick.
There are many different eating choices, which we hope to get to on a future voyage. Needless to say, nobody will depart hungry. Our solely suggestion is provide 24-hour pizza someplace on the ship. You by no means know while you’ll crave pizza.
— Bars. You can’t go very far in any path with out working right into a bar, which is ok with us. If you want your bar darkish and up to date (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 arduous to beat the bar on the Observation Lounge, ahead on Deck 17. Whenever we would have liked to sit back or loosen up, that’s the place you would discover us.
— Entertainment. If you’re going to supply an elevated expertise, it must be across-the-board. That could be mentioned of the ship’s exhibits, staged ahead on the multi-level Norwegian Prima Theater and Club. The productions are Broadway high quality. The first night time 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 night time we noticed “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.” NCL introduced the Broadway hit that traces the lifetime of disco legend Donna Summer to sea, showcasing powerhouse vocals from the three girls who symbolize completely different phases of her life.
Speaking of disco, we had essentially the most enjoyable attending the ship’s Disco Party, 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. While we didn’t get round to it, we heard the ship’s model of “The Price Is Right” can also be a bit hit with cruisers. Again, phrase to the sensible: Reserve the exhibits early. They scan your room key for admittance.
— Fun. Where to start out? The twin, 10-story slides or the three-level, go-kart race observe speedway? Not to say 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. While I handed on The Drop or The Rush, the place visitors 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 could have you hanging in your seat. While 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.
— Relaxation. The ship has plenty of locations to lounge and a large assortment of chairs, sofas and couches to settle again and benefit from the passing waves. One of the ship’s finest and hottest options is the wrap-around Ocean Boulevard on Deck 8. There is 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. Be conscious the primary 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 hung out on the Vibe Beach Club, an additional cost space for visitors 18 and up that contains a bar and infinity sizzling tubs. It’s positioned on Deck 17.
For the last word in rest, go to the attractive 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 services. For the exercise-minded, you’ll discover the fully-equipped Pulse Fitness Center can meet all of your wants. Personally, a martini within the Observation Lounge works wonders.
— Accommodations. There are over 1,600 staterooms on Norwegian Prima, together with The Haven, NCL’s personal retreat the place visitors 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. Guests even have their very own personal elevator. We can dream, proper?
There are after all locations to buy and a big on line casino. The ship’s centerpiece is the three-story Penrose Atrium, smooth and trendy with its wrap-around staircases. Be certain and take a look at the Imagination Wall within the Photo Gallery. You can 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 personal island within the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. NCL has made retaining the island’s pure magnificence a precedence. Guests 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 personal a part of the personal island, Silver Cove. Here you’ll be able to lease a seaside home for the day, dine at their personal 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 rather more to see and do on Norwegian Prima than you will get to in lower than 72 hours. But one factor is clear: NCL has launched a profitable method with the brand new Norwegian Prima-class ships. The second one, Norwegian Viva, debuts in 2023.
Ed. Notes: Photos courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line
See sailings:
Norwegian Prima Cruises (cruisecompete.com)
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises (cruisecompete.com)