Cruise Review: Norwegian Prima

Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) goal with the new Norwegian Prima was to create a transformative experience from the guest perspective, according to Harry Sommer, the line’s president and CEO. 

“The question was how can we take everything we’ve learned over the last 50-something years of cruising and create something truly special — not another cruise ship, not the biggest thing out there — but something that provided our guests with a wonderful experience,” Sommer said.

Introducing the All-New Prima Class

In doing so, the ship — the first in the Prima class — staunchly belongs in the premium category, and that’s appropriate given the parent company’s current market positioning. With sister brands Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises serving  upscale and luxury clientele, Prima is now perfectly primed, as it were, to fill the remaining gap in the corporation’s portfolio. 

Sommer also highlighted how Prima offers the biggest cabins available in the fleet, as well as its largest passenger space ratio available to guests — and it shows. The Balcony Stateroom I stayed in was wider than average with bright finishes and colorful artwork, further contributing to a spacious vibe. And even entry-level bathrooms and square-footprint showers sport ample dimensions with guest comfort in mind.

Prima's arrangement is a bit of departure compared to the line's last ship, Norwegian Encore — the sixth in the Breakaway class. Thoroughfares typically favor only one side of the ship with intimate culs-de-sac and smaller venues sprinkled throughout. 

Norwegian Prima Haven and Outdoor Spaces

The Haven ship-within-a-ship complex has been repositioned to the stern, and its infinity pool and sun deck overlook the wake in a much more open atmosphere, versus the preceding courtyard approach. A larger dedicated interior lounge and restaurant are also part of The Haven on Prima. Further improved are the largest suites, all reachable by a private elevator bank for expedited access.

Larger outdoor space on Prima is a consistent theme. Publicly accessible spaces split pools between deck 17 and deck eight. One is a regular variety on the upper level surrounded by limited loungers and sometimes suffering from noise pollution from the nearby Prima Speedway go-kart track — the line’s longest, traversing its own three decks of curves and climbs, among other onboard activities ranging from interactive mini golf to a variety of table sports.

RELATED: Norwegian Cruise Line Previews Robust List of Activities and Entertainment Onboard Prima 

There are fewer aquatic activities on the ship, with only one water slide — The Wave — and a small Kids’ Aqua Park. Featured more heavily are three dry slides descending from the racetrack to the alfresco decks of level eight.

On one side of the ship, The Drop starts with a brief freefall after the floor gives out from under riders before whipping into a calmer, but still thrilling, section of spirals towards the end. The Rush, meanwhile, is a pair of slower racers on the opposite side without the drop element. Both are very fun attractions, but any screams, plus added sound effects, are often heard in tranquil areas. 

The Ocean Boulevard that wraps around the entirety of the ship at mid-height makes for an expansive deck space that feels more voluminous than above. The pair of infinity pools — one overlooking each side of the ship — are a bit smaller than usual (hot tubs at Vibe Beach Club are equal in size, for comparison), but padded cabana-like loungers surrounded by water are a nice addition. 

Fans of Norwegian will appreciate the return of favorites such as a traditional observation lounge wrapping the perimeter of the forward top of the ship, and the return of the Galaxy Pavilion and its virtual thrills, thankfully with no noise spillage here.

Where to Eat

Mirroring the scenic space is Hudson’s, the ship’s largest main dining room with a circular set of wraparound windows and seating only around the edge, providing spectacular views for all diners with no cavernous center.

Other culinary delights encompass returning favorites such as the exceptional Onda by Scarpetta specialty Italian restaurant, as well as the brand-new Palomar, a delicious Mediterranean-style seafood eatery that replaces the former Ocean Blue. Order the unpronounceable but absolutely delicious Galaktoboureko orange custard pie for dessert.

RELATED: Norwegian Prima's Restaurants and Bars Promise to Take Cruise Dining to Another Level

But perhaps the biggest surprise to delight passengers, myself included, is Indulge Food Hall, where diners place their order via tablet. Here, they can then order freely from multiple “trucks” — anything from gourmet salads and tapas to noodle dishes, Indian food and barbecue. By including the Q Texas Smokehouse here, Prima adds value by making what is an extra-cost restaurant on other Norwegian ships complimentary on this one.

The only purchases to be made here are from Starbucks (one of two onboard), Coco’s for specialty sweets or other drinks from the bar. If anything, Indulge makes Food Republic — a similar tablet-ordering experience that comes with a surcharge — seem rather redundant, especially when used for overflow seating from the buffet at midday.

Onboard Attractions and Entertainment

Perhaps the most immediate impression Prima makes, though, is its overall outstanding design, which looks more like something one would expect from Regent than Norwegian — just scaled up. The Penrose Atrium and its asymmetrical undulations are visually magnificent, and the Mandara Spa & Salon is also an inviting retreat. The thermal suite 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.

Further pushing the limits of cruise design — and competing with shoreside resorts — is the Prima Theater & Club. Amping up the once stark show lounge experience of the Breakaway class is a new convertible venue with bleacher-like seating at the core that can tuck away to make the space a nightclub full of special lighting effects.

Broadway-style shows such as “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” are still hosted here, and the talented singing and dancing cast once again knocks this production out of the park. “Noise Boys” features impressive beatboxing, rapping and tap dancing from the creator of NCL’s best rated show, “Choir of Man.” The venue doubles as a nightclub featuring an expansive dance floor where galactic characters invite patrons to join the fun.

Prima marks a departure from previous ships in the fleet. An  elevation of the brand’s cruise experience, Prima is the future of Norwegian and its increasingly premium product.