Like a kid in a candy store. That’s how I felt while exploring the loads of activities families have access to on board the dazzling Norwegian Prima. Multi-deck dry and wet slides? Check. Hunting virtual zombies? Check. Go-kart racing along three decks? Check. Food truck vendors? Check. Live game show at sea? Check.
This is the first of six vessels to debut within Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, the brand’s first new class of ships in nearly 10 years (the 3,100-passenger Norwegian Viva is set to debut this year, with one following each year through 2027). And, as we experienced during a recent sailing, the Norwegian Prima, welcoming 3,100 passengers with 1,646 staterooms in 35 categories, is pushing the boundaries when it comes
to catering to families with kids and teens in tow. Oh, and there are approximately 1,500 crew members to cater to all in
the family.
Fun For All
First stop: Indulge Food Hall, serving appetizing cuisine from Latin America to Italy to Asia as well as yummy cocktails and desserts. Feels like a very trendy upscale food court as there are numerous options all in one area, with hip food trucks thrown in. Cool aesthetics and a great place for families to meet up for breakfast, lunch or dinner. For a less boisterous hangout when it comes to evening options, we thoroughly enjoyed a couple of specialty dining eateries: Nama Sushi & Sashimi—as its name suggests, this is where one goes for traditional Japanese culinary bites and a hip urban-like vibe—and the very classy Onda by Scarpetta, where one finds Scarpetta’s signature pasta entrees as well as a long wine list. And this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg as Prima is home to a bevy of delightful dining options…think Mexican at Los Lobos and Med delights at Palomar (with stunning views). However, for jaw-dropping views—270-degrees through floor-to-ceiling windows—get a table at Hudson’s, Norwegian’s redesigned main restaurant. Ok, enough about food (but it’s so good).
With all that energy packed in, we headed to Galaxy Pavilion, where we battled virtual zombies, hopped on a virtual rollercoaster, and hitched a ride on a sleigh through a winter wonderland…virtually, of course. Then it was off to the Prima Speedway, the first 3-level racetrack at sea (passengers race against each other…given my non-competitive spirit, I came in dead last every single time, but it’s all about the giggles along the way). Speaking of fun, there’s no way passengers who love thrills can avoid the ship’s 10-story dry slides—it’s a quick zip from deck 18 to 8 on both The Drop, a free-fall slide, and The Rush, dueling slides, and the exhilaration is unbeatable. Oh, and there’s also a wet slide—Norwegian’s first tidal wave waterslide.
For more sedate fun, passengers can head to Deck 18, where a Carnival-like atmosphere reigns: In one corner there’s a tech-immersive mini-golf area, in another a space for playing a round of darts. Or, if tabletop shuffleboard, pickleball, subsoccer and beer pong are more your client’s speed, then they need to head to The Stadium, where they’ll also find a few twists on (also on deck 18) classic games like ping pong and foosball.
A don’t-miss is “The Price is Right Live”—yes, passengers are fully immersed in this classic game show, where they might be the ones to “come on down” to contestant’s row to bid their way to pricing games and the opportunity to spin the wheel. During our sailing, we caught “Summer: The Donna Musical” at the Prima Theater. Everyone was dancing in their seats to more than 20 of Summer’s hits, and the pièce de résistance was when the theater transforms into a full disco (that alone is a sight to behold).
One of the coolest spaces on board, though, is Syd Norman’s Pour House, modeled after rock houses such as CBGB’s. Here, the house band plays classic rock, but it’s what hangs on the walls that is truly remarkable, including stunning photos of rock legends.
Time for Some R&R on Board Norwegian Prima
There are three heavenly places your clients need to indulge in when on board the Prima: The Observation Lounge, with its relaxing views of the ocean and the place
to grab a book, get cozy and nibble on some tasty snacks; the Thermal Suite at
the Mandara Spa, which includes detoxifying saunas, an ice room, hydrotherapy pools and a gorgeous 2-story waterfall (don’t miss the expansive relaxation area with hot-stone loungers and breathtaking views of the horizon); and Infinity Beach, with an infinity pool that seamlessly blends into the ocean.
THE Accommodations
For the most exclusive digs, you’ll want to recommend your clients head to The Haven, encompassing several accommodation categories, including the 2,100-sq.-ft. The Haven Premier Owner’s Suite with Large Balcony. All Haven cabins come with 24-hour butler service as well as concierge service. For families, a great recommendation in The Haven is the 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Large Balcony.
For mere mortals, Prima’s accommodations outside The Haven are just as delightful. Our balcony stateroom proved to be more than ample and comfortable for two adults, although it’s also a great recommendation for parents with one child. The Family Balcony can sleep four, but it could prove to be a little tight if the kids
are a bit older. A family with teens should opt for two staterooms. That said, these are all top-notch staterooms with a large bathroom and more than enough closet/storage space.
Where in the World is Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Prima will return to NYC to
offer roundtrip sailings to Bermuda starting March 28, 2023, through May 14, 2023,
before returning to Europe sailing all summer from Reykjavik, Iceland and Southampton, United Kingdom.
For more information, visit ncl.com.
