Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Prima, launched in 2022. With a capacity of 3,099 guests, the first of six Prima-class ships is smaller than Norwegian’s 4,000-passenger Breakaway-class ships that came before. Prima is a luxurious evolution for Norwegian with larger stateroom sizes, tons of activities, and some NCL firsts. It’s sure to delight families, couples, and solo travelers.

Top Deck Activities on Norwegian Prima

Norwegian Prima is loaded with fun for everyone. The top decks are where adrenaline junkies will find their jam. Prima Speedway is the first three-level go-kart track at sea. Racers can go up to 30 miles per hour on the more than quarter-mile-long track.

And then there is The Drop. This is a world record holder free-fall dry slide where brave guests voluntarily experience a thrilling 10-story drop. The Rush is a pair of twisting dry slides that also drop 10 stories, but not with the same G-forces. For wet thrills, a Tidal Wave water slide is part of the Aqua Park.

A mini-golf course, a smallish pool, a virtual reality arcade called Galaxy Pavilion, and a tabletop game room called The Stadium, round out the top deck activities. Travel Maestro tip: Slides are free, but golf, racecar, and VR activities require additional charges.

The New Ocean Boulevard

NCL reimagined, enhanced, and renamed the Deck 8 Waterfront on Norwegian Prima. Ocean Boulevard encompasses 44,000 square feet encircling the entire Deck 8.

It includes intimate lounging spaces, outdoor dining, and Oceanwalk glass walkways. Another NCL first is the outdoor sculpture garden called The Concourse, with installations valued at $2 million.

Infinity Beach is a gorgeous new space on Ocean Boulevard that is a guest favorite. Prima guests can lounge in an infinity pool on each side of the ship, with an unrestricted view of the ocean.  

Entertainment and Relaxation

Norwegian Prima features a Tony Award-nominated Broadway-style show as its headliner. For Pima’s inaugural season, “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” performs in the three-story Prima Theater, wowing guests with an immersive experience. On other evenings, the theater transforms into a nightclub with a dance floor. Guests can also compete to win prizes during live game shows like The Price is Right and Press Your Luck.

For relaxation, the Mandara Spa offers all the usual self-care services – massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, and acupuncture. But Norwegian Prima enhances the offerings with the thermal suite which includes an infrared sauna, a charcoal sauna, a salt room, a steam room, an ice room, and a floatation salt pool. A two-story waterfall and hot stone loungers complete the tranquil vibe. Travel Maestro tip: Guests can purchase a weekly pass for the Thermal Suite, oraccess is complimentary when staying in a spa balcony stateroom.

Sleek and Spacious Staterooms

Just as Norwegian Prima offers activities and entertainment to keep everyone happy, its staterooms and suites befit a variety of traveler types. Contemporary design and neutral colors lend a sleek aesthetic throughout.

The new feature on Prima is Studio Staterooms, designed specifically for solo travelers. Although they are smaller than other staterooms, they are priced for single occupancy. Studio guests have exclusive access to the Studio Lounge where they can mingle with other single travelers.

Standard double-occupancy cabins are available in interior, oceanview, or balcony locations. Norwegian Prima has the largest staterooms and bathrooms of these categories in the entire Norwegian fleet. Travel Maestro tip: If noise is a concern, choose cabins that are not above or near the theater. Also, know that The Drop and The Rush slides pass right through some balconies between decks 8 and 16.

Suites have even more space. Club Suites have a sitting area, accommodate up to four guests comfortably, and add to the neutral color palette with splashes of blue in striking wall murals. Suites include extra Club-level amenities, such as pre-booking entertainment and dining, and a bottle of sparkling wine. Some suites include concierge and butler service, as well.

The Haven is located in an exclusive-access area on Deck 16. This ship-within-a-ship sanctuary has the most luxurious accommodations, a private pool and sundeck, a restaurant, a lounge, and an outdoor spa. Haven Suites are elevated with dark, elegant colors, some with multiple bathrooms, a dining room, and outdoor hot tubs. Travel Maestro tip: Book the Haven to instantly VIP yourself.

Norwegian Prima Dining Options

Nearly everyone can agree that great food is expected on a cruise vacation. Prima has five complimentary dining venues, serving a variety of cuisine.

• Two main elegant dining rooms, the Hudson and the Commodore, offer fixed menus.
• The popular pool deck Surfside Café and Grill is a buffet with indoor and outdoor seating.
• The Local serves up pub fare on Ocean Boulevard, open 24 hours a day.
• Indulge Food Hall is a new concept for NCL with 11 diverse stations ranging from Southern comfort food to Spanish-inspired tapas and salads to desserts. Breakfast is grab-and-go while lunch and dinner include table service from iPad ordering.

Beyond the array of complimentary meal venues, Norwegian Prima has a number of specialty restaurants. These restaurants are priced a la carte and require reservations. Some menu items have supplemental charges when using NCL’s dining package. Travel Maestro tip: Make dining reservations before your cruise, as popular dining times fill quickly.

• Palomar is a new Mediterranean-inspired seafood restaurant.
• Hasuki is NCLs new teppanyaki-style experience with Japanese food.  
• Nama Sushi serves elevated sushi prepared by master chefs.
• Los Lobos is a premium Mexican restaurant on Ocean Boulevard.
• Onda by Scarpetta offers modern Italian dishes from the award-winning Scarpetta restaurants.
• Cagney’s Steakhouse is a favorite on NCL ships, serving up premium beef.
• Le Bistro is NCL’s upscale signature French restaurant reminiscent of Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors. Perfect for a romantic dinner.
• At Food Republic, each person chooses four items from handhelds, dumplings, noodles, and more. It’s a fun venue for sharing with friends.

Norwegian Prima is a great ship for multigenerational families because of the vast array of activities and cabin configurations. For the same reasons, it’s a good choice for couples and groups of friends. Solo travelers who don’t want to pay a single supplement appreciate the Studios. To learn more about itineraries and availability, contact the cruise experts at Covington.

* Disclaimer: Covington is pleased to acknowledge Norwegian Cruise Line as a valued partner and sponsor of this post.