A Three-Story Racetrack, Food Hall, and Infinity Pools: Inside the Norwegian Prima

The Norwegian Prima, the first in a new class of six ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, represents a bold leap forward in cruise ship design and passenger experience. Stepping aboard is akin to entering a floating city, one brimming with innovative features and attractions designed to cater to every taste. Forget the traditional notions of cruising; the Prima redefines the experience with a unique blend of adrenaline-pumping activities, sophisticated relaxation, and diverse culinary adventures. The allure of A Three-Story Racetrack, Food Hall, and Infinity Pools: Inside the Norwegian Prima is undeniable.

From the moment you embark, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of modern luxury and excitement. The ship’s design emphasizes open spaces, natural light, and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor areas. This creates a sense of freedom and exploration, encouraging passengers to discover the ship’s many hidden gems.

Staterooms: A Sanctuary at Sea

The staterooms on the Norwegian Prima are designed with comfort and space in mind. Even the interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins offer more square footage than previous Norwegian Cruise Line ships. The "Family Balcony" stateroom, a generous 231 square feet, exemplifies this commitment to spaciousness. Configured to comfortably accommodate up to four guests, it features a double sofa bed and a couch that can be converted into two lower beds.

Storage is plentiful, a welcome surprise for any traveler accustomed to cramped quarters. The bathroom boasts ample shelving, a drawer, and a cabinet beneath the sink, providing plenty of space for toiletries. Thoughtful touches like multiple outlets, including USB C and USB ports integrated into the bedside lamps, ensure that all your devices stay charged and ready for capturing those unforgettable moments.

The balcony, furnished with two chairs, offers a private haven to soak in the stunning ocean vistas and picturesque port destinations. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee, read a book, or simply unwind while the ship glides through the water. While the sounds of the go-karts racing above can sometimes be heard, closing the balcony door effectively creates a tranquil retreat.

For solo travelers, the Prima offers studio rooms featuring full-size beds, private bathrooms, and exclusive access to the Studio Lounge. This dedicated space provides an opportunity to meet and mingle with other solo cruisers, fostering a sense of community and eliminating the need for a single supplement.

Lounges and Decks: Sun, Sea, and Serenity

The Norwegian Prima’s pool deck is a sprawling oasis, offering more space than any previous NCL ship. The main pool area invites passengers to take a refreshing dip, while the tidal wave waterslide adds an element of aquatic adventure. Two infinity hot tubs provide the perfect spot to relax and soak in the breathtaking views. The sun deck offers an abundance of chaise lounges, providing ample space for sunbathing and relaxation.

For a more exclusive and secluded experience, the Vibe Beach Club, available to passengers 18 and older with the purchase of a pass, offers its own bar, two additional infinity hot tubs, and private cabanas. This tranquil retreat provides a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of the main pool deck.

The upper decks, located on levels 17 through 19, offer panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and provide access to attractions like The Wave, Kids’ Aqua Park, and Prima Speedway. La Terraza, situated on level 8, offers a more intimate setting with comfortable chairs and binoculars for wildlife spotting.

The twin Infinity Beaches, located on the port and starboard sides of level 8, feature two stunning infinity pools that seamlessly blend into the ocean horizon. These serene spaces offer breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility, although their proximity to The Drop and The Rush landing areas can make them somewhat busy at times.

Indoor spaces like the Observation Lounge, located at the ship’s bow, provide scenic views, while the Internet Café, conveniently situated next to Starbucks, offers a comfortable workspace for those who need to stay connected.

Entertainment: A Symphony of Spectacle

The three-level Prima Theater & Club is the heart of the ship’s entertainment offerings. This versatile venue hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, musicals, and game shows. During its inaugural cruise, the theater hosted "The Price Is Right Live" and "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," both of which were highly engaging and entertaining.

"Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," a Tony-nominated Broadway show, tells the story of the Disco Queen’s rise to fame and the inspiration behind her iconic hits. The musical features three talented actresses who portray Summer at different stages of her life, delivering a powerful and captivating performance.

After the final show, the theater undergoes a remarkable transformation, retracting the seats to create a full-fledged nightclub complete with bars and booth-style seating. The Studio 54-themed nights provide the perfect way to dance the night away after enjoying the disco beats of "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical."

In addition to the Prima Theater & Club, the ship offers other venues for live entertainment. Syd Norman’s Pour House, a pub-style venue, hosts live music, while The Improv at Sea offers stand-up comedy in an intimate setting.

Culinary Delights: A World of Flavors

The Norwegian Prima’s culinary offerings are as diverse and exciting as the ship itself. With 18 dining venues to choose from, passengers are sure to find something to tantalize their taste buds.

The Indulge Food Hall features 11 different eateries, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences. From Latin American flavors at The Latin Quarter to Indian-inspired dishes at Tamara, the Food Hall provides a culinary journey around the world. The table-top kiosks allow passengers to order from multiple vendors and enjoy their meals in a communal setting.

The Prima’s two complimentary main dining rooms, Hudson’s and The Commodore Room, offer the same menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is expansive, featuring a variety of dishes from small bites and soups to pasta, pork chops, and rotisserie chicken.

For those seeking a more specialized dining experience, the Prima offers eight specialty restaurants, including Cagney’s Steakhouse, Nama Sushi & Sashimi, and Palomar, NCL’s first Mediterranean seafood restaurant. Food Republic offers a casual, fusion dining experience where passengers can order a variety of Asian dishes from a table-side kiosk.

Surfside Café & Grill is the ship’s classic cruise buffet, offering a wide selection of breakfast and lunch options. The Local Bar & Grill offers pub fare and comfort food, providing a casual dining option between lunch and dinner.

The Prima also boasts a variety of bars, each offering a unique atmosphere and selection of beverages. Metropolitan serves up sustainable cocktails using ingredients sourced directly from the Prima’s kitchen.

Recreational Attractions: Adventure Awaits

The Norwegian Prima offers a wide array of recreational attractions designed to keep passengers entertained throughout their cruise.

The Galaxy Pavilion features 14 VR games, including two Escape Rooms and a Topgolf Swing Suite. The Prima Speedway is the first-ever three-level race track at sea, offering a thrilling go-kart experience. Tee Time, the Prima’s nine-hole mini-golf course, incorporates interactive technology and offers a chance to win a free cruise. The Stadium is an outdoor game room where passengers can play a variety of games, including pickleball.

The Drop and The Rush are a series of 10-story-tall slides that spiral down the ship’s sides, offering an adrenaline-pumping thrill. The Wave is NCL’s first tidal wave water slide.

The Mandara Spa offers a variety of wellness and beauty treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. The Thermal Suite features salt and freshwater pools, saunas, ice rooms, and steam rooms.

The Oceanwalk is a glass-floored walkway where passengers can look down and see the waves crashing beneath their feet. The Concourse is an outdoor sculpture garden featuring six works of art.

The Haven is Norwegian Prima’s ship-within-a-ship concept, offering an exclusive section with luxurious suites and private amenities.

A Three-Story Racetrack, Food Hall, and Infinity Pools: Inside the Norwegian Prima: A Summary

The Norwegian Prima is a groundbreaking cruise ship that offers a unique and unforgettable vacation experience. With its innovative features, diverse dining options, and exciting recreational attractions, the Prima redefines the art of cruising.

However, it is important to note that fully experiencing all that the Norwegian Prima has to offer requires a willingness to spend extra on activities and specialty dining. While the included options are plentiful, the most exciting features often come with an additional cost. Despite this, the Norwegian Prima offers an unparalleled cruise experience that is well worth the investment for those seeking adventure, luxury, and unforgettable memories. This exploration truly captures A Three-Story Racetrack, Food Hall, and Infinity Pools: Inside the Norwegian Prima.