Let’s answer the age-old question: how much stuff can you actually pack into a cruise ship?
Norwegian Prima kickstarted a new era for Norwegian Cruise Line in 2022. This was the first of several Prima-Class ships to elevate onboard entertainment to new heights, packing in just about everything Norwegian could fit inside a cruise ship. If you are traveling with your family and children and looking for a high-energy ship with a new, crazy activity around every corner, you’ll have a great time aboard Norwegian Prima and its sister vessels.
What we like about Norwegian Prima
So, do you love the idea of a theme park inside a cruise ship? Yes, we are talking about a mini-Disney World while you sail the Caribbean. If you answered yes to this question, then you should already elevate Norwegian Prima to one of your most anticipated ships for your next cruise.
There’s a ton to do on this cruise ship, even more than on Breakaway Plus Class ships like Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore. Okay, let me catch my breath and see if I can fit this all into one paragraph.
This ship has a huge go-kart track that spans multiple decks, a special mini-golf course with video game elements, a private game room called The Bull’s Eye, two massive 10-story slides on the sides of the ship, the Galaxy Pavilion VR entertainment complex (where you can also find the Escape Room), a sports complex, multiple pools, and a kids’ waterpark. The go-kart track is also bigger than the ones on Bliss and Encore, giving you more room to channel your inner Lewis Hamilton and zip past everyone.
This is also a beautiful ship, with some indoor spaces often compared to Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-Class ships. That’s impressive, considering a cruise on Norwegian Prima starts at around $520, while sailing on an Edge-Class ship will cost you nearly double. The atrium is gorgeous, and the staterooms are spacious with a modern, elegant design that ranks among the fanciest on mainstream cruise lines. There’s also a good chance Norwegian Prima drew inspiration from Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas, the two luxurious sister brands of Norwegian Cruise Line.
We can’t end this section without talking about Indulge Food Hall, a new dining experience that debuted on the Prima-Class ships. In addition to the traditional buffet and two main dining rooms, you get complimentary access to Indulge Food Hall. So, you basically sit at a counter, order food from an iPad, and choose from around six different restaurants scattered across the ship. You can mix and match your favorites, and everything is brought right to you. It’s an amazing, easy, and convenient way to enjoy your go-to dishes while also trying new ones, and definitely an idea other cruise lines should copy.
What we don’t like about Norwegian Prima
One of the main downsides of Norwegian Prima is the lack of open spaces, or rather, that most spaces feel small and a bit claustrophobic. That’s the trade-off of cramming so much into one ship: there’s simply less room for big, airy areas. As a result, indoor spaces not only feel smaller but also get crowded quickly.
The Observation Lounge, which is fantastic on the Breakaway Plus Class ships from 2019, feels much smaller and underwhelming here. The main buffet is also one of the smallest we’ve seen, giving you yet another reason to head straight for Indulge Food Hall. There are multiple pools onboard, but they’re all on the smaller side and spread across the ship, likely an attempt to disperse crowds that doesn’t work as well as intended.
There’s no shortage of entertainment options, sure, but keep in mind that almost all of them come with an extra charge. The go-kart racing track? Costs extra. Galaxy Pavilion? Costs extra. The arcade? Yep, get ready to open your wallet, and the same goes for the Bull’s Eye. At least the two huge slides are included in your fare.
And one final thing, I still don’t know why the Donna Summer musical was apparently removed from Norwegian Prima. This was the big musical that debuted with the launch of the ship in 2022, but it’s nowhere to be seen nowadays, and Norwegian didn’t say what happened for it to just go poof. It was an awesome 90 minute blockbuster show that got replaced by a Bossa Nova spectacle that, while still fun, just isn’t as great as the Donna Summer one.
Conclusion
Do you love mega-resorts at sea? Do you love ships packed with crazy activities and a new entertainment option at every turn? Then you’ll love Norwegian Prima and everything it has to offer. This is a ship with something new around every corner, featuring gorgeous indoor spaces… that are also on the smaller side and can get crowded pretty quickly. If you’re okay with that and traveling with your family, you’ll still have a great time onboard.
Norwegian Prima FAQ
How much does a cruise on Norwegian Prima cost?
Prices vary depending on the date and stateroom category, but fares typically start at $520 for a 4-Day Bahamas Cruise
What are the main destinations for Norwegian Prima?
Norwegian Prima primarily sails to Europe and the Caribbean.
Where does Norwegian Prima sail from?
Norwegian Prima sails from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Is Norwegian Prima good for children?
Absolutely! Kids will love it onboard, with a Kids Club, waterparks with waterslides, a huge playground, a sports complex, an arcade, and of course, the go-kart racing track.
Does Norwegian Prima visit Great Stirrup Cay?
Yes, Norwegian Prima does visit the private island of Great Stirrup Cay in select itineraries.
