After a pandemic-induced hiatus, cruises are back with a bang. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) recently announced six Prima Class vessels—next-generation ships with cutting-edge designs and an elevated guest experience—to be launched between 2022 and 2027. Of these, the first is called Norwegian Prima and it promises a thrilling adventure when it sets sail in August.
Lap of luxury
The first thing you will notice when you board Norwegian Prima is how spacious it is, whether it’s the living areas or the public spaces—like the expansive Ocean Boulevard where you can enjoy 360° panoramic views or swim up to the horizon in one of the infinity pools designed to blend into the ocean or walk over water across Oceanwalk's glass bridge. The Concourse with its beautiful, interactive artwork is the place for that #cruiselife selfie while La Terrazza is where we’d head with a book (and a drink).
The rooms and suites are spacious and done up in soothing beiges and browns with pops of blue. Many feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and most come with ocean views. Even the bathrooms and shower areas are quite large across all 13 categories of accommodation. If you truly want to indulge, book The Haven, your own ship within the ship. This is Norwegian Prima’s grandest and most luxurious accommodation with a breath-taking sundeck, a personal hot tub, exclusive amenities, and personalised service provided by a concierge and 24-hour butler. The Haven comes with its own lounge and bar, a private infinity pool, and an outdoor sauna and cold room.
Culinary delights
With multiple restaurants, lounges, and bars, you will be spoilt for choice on board the Norwegian Prima. The main dining room, Hudson’s comes with a stunning 270° view and a mouth-watering menu that includes beef Wellington, seafood paella, apple pie, and more. Try the bright, indoor-outdoor Surfside Café for a more casual meal or The Commodore Room for refined fine-dining options. We are particularly eyeing Indulge The Foodhall, the first-ever on NCL’s ships, featuring 11 different eateries and alfresco seating where you can choose between a seat, hammock, daybed, or private cabana (we know where we will be). When you want something a bit more special, take your pick from the Mediterranean seafood speciality restaurant Palomar, or the reimagined hibachi-style Hasuki, or the contemporary sushi house Nama. For a taste of modern Italian along with a fabulous wine list, look no further than Onda by Scarpetta.
Speaking of drinks, there are 11 bars and lounges spread all over the vessel—from the contemporary and spacious Observation Lounge to the sleek Metropolitan Bar featuring zero-waste cocktails, a sustainable spirits menu, and biodynamic wines. There’s also a pool bar, a dedicated whisky bar, a cigar lounge, and even a three-storey, glass-walled atrium adjacent to the casino featuring integrated video poker machines directly on the bar!
Experiences and entertainment
Wondering what to do onboard? How about racing around the first three-level racetrack at sea? Or feel the adrenaline rush as you slide down a 10-storey tall free-fall dry slide. Indulge in a spot of gambling at the casino or get a taste of virtual reality simulations and high-tech gaming at the Galaxy Pavilion. For the more outdoorsy kinds, there’s the massive swimming pool and aqua park with a tidal wave waterslide, a cascading water feature, infinity hot tubs, and even a separate aqua park for kids. Kids have other activities to look forward to as well, including painting, sensory play, sports, and more. Don’t miss catching spectacular gameshows and hilarious stand-up at the three-story theatre (that transforms into a spectacular Vegas-style nightclub), and of course, the Broadway sensation Summer: The Donna Summer Musical where you can dance to the Disco Queen's greatest hits.
Around the world
The Norwegian Prima will embark on its christening sailing in August 2022 from Reykjavik, Iceland. This 10-day cruise calls at nine ports across Iceland, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, and finally disembarks at London. There are plenty of excursions, of course. Head out on a whale-watching tour where you may encounter Humpback, Minke, and Orcas before returning shoreside to visit the unique Husavik Whale Museum. You might be exploring Alesund's unique layout and art nouveau architecture one day and the charms of Amsterdam on a walking tour a couple of days later. Norwegian Prima also offers itineraries covering other routes, such as Oslo to London, Amsterdam to Stockholm, and even a transatlantic 12-day cruise sailing from London to New York via Scotland, Iceland, and Nova Scotia.
If you’d rather explore the Caribbean, Norwegian Prima has itineraries in the region in fall/winter 2022 (and beyond), including a seven-day Miami-to-Miami cruise with halts in Belize and Mexico, or an 11-day jaunt from Galveston, Texas to Miami, with stops across Mexico, Aruba, Curaçao, Bahamas, etc.
Ready for a cruising adventure this year? Find out more details about the Norwegian Prima here.