What’s onboard NCL cruise ship Norwegian Prima?

Norwegian Prima was christened in Reykjavík in August 2022, making history as the first major cruise ship to be christened in the Icelandic capital.

Singer Katy Perry is godmother to the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship and officially named and christened the vessel with the ceremonial champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull.

“It was so much fun to sprinkle some fairy godmother dust on Norwegian Prima and send her on her way to sail the high seas,” said Perry at the time of the event. “I always appreciate a family vacation and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I was happy to wish all the vacationing guests a happy bon voyage!”

The vessel is the first of six ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s groundbreaking Prima Class. It is 965ft long, with a weight of more than 143,535 tons and a capacity for 3,100 guests at double occupancy.

What’s more, the NCL ship offers the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any contemporary or premium cruise ship plus the largest variety of suite categories available at sea.

So, what do we know about Norwegian Prima when it comes to cabins, dining, entertainment and itineraries?

Norwegian Prima cabins range from Studio rooms for solo travellers and Inside cabins to the luxurious and spacious accommodations in The Haven, ensuring there’s a room to suit all needs and budgets.

Studio: At 8m2, Studios are specifically designed and priced for solo travellers, with no single supplement required. The rooms feature a full-size bed, separate bath area and access to the private Studio Lounge.

Inside: Inside cabins range from 14-23m2 and include two lower beds that convert to a queen, suitable for two guests to rest and recharge. There is also a family option with many of the same amenities as an Oceanview and includes two lower beds that convert to a queen and two Pullman beds.

Oceanview: Oceanview cabins start from 17m2 up to 34m2 for the family cabins. This category offers sea views from a window and two lower beds that convert to a queen. Family Oceanviews also have a double sofa bed to accommodate two more. Some of these rooms also can connect to other staterooms for even more options.

Balcony: Balcony cabins come with their own private balcony and range from 21 m2 to 24 m2 with the option to connect to other staterooms. They feature two lower beds that convert to a queen, a sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto the balcony. Family options also come with a double sofa bed and some of the cabins have easy access to the adjacent Spa.

Club Balcony Suite: These rooms also come with a private balcony and include two lower beds that convert to a queen with the option to connect to other staterooms. Family suites feature a double sofa bed. The cabins start from 22 m2 and can be as big as 38 m2.

Suite: These spacious Suites boast two lower beds that convert to a queen and a double sofa bed and include butler and concierge service. There’s the option to connect to other staterooms and all have balconies. Suites sizes range from 36 m2 to 58 m2.

The Haven: Hidden at the top of Norwegian Prime, The Haven is NCL’s ultra-premium keycard-only access ship-within-a-ship concept. It features the most luxurious, well-appointed accommodations as well as 24-hour butler service, concierge service and private sundeck.

There are several options here, from The Haven Penthouse with Balcony (expect a king-size bed, some with bedding to accommodate one more, luxury bath with jetted shower plus a sitting area and a large balcony) to The Haven Premier Owner’s Suite with Large Balcony (complete with separate living and dining areas, three bedrooms with king-size beds, a double sofa bed, three bathrooms with jetted showers, a half-bath and an outdoor hot tub).

There are plenty of dining options onboard Norwegian Prima to keep guests happy during their cruise, whether they want fine dining or casual eats.

Norwegian Prima included restaurants

For more relaxed fare The Local Bar & Grill serves up favourite comfort foods such as fish n’ chips and Indulge Food Hall offers cuisine from India to Italy to Latin America plus indoor and outdoor seating. Surfside Café & Grill is the buffet onboard.

If you’re after fine dining, The Commodore Room balances classic favourites with unique new dishes and has an extensive menu and Hudson’s comes with 270-degree views through floor-to-ceiling windows plus specially curated modern and updated classic dishes made with the freshest ingredients.

Guests in The Haven have the luxury of visiting The Haven Restaurant which plates up unique signature dishes and wine offerings.

Room service is also available to all passengers 24 hours a day.

Norwegian Prima speciality restaurants

Norwegian Prima is also home to a selection of speciality restaurants for which guests will have to pay extra.

For Mediterranean options, there’s Palomar, Norwegian’s first-ever Mediterranean restaurant serving seafood, Scarpetta offering a modern Italian culinary experience and French restaurant Le Bistro.

Asian eateries are plentiful too. Japanese restaurant Hasuki sees guests sit at a lively shared table as a skilful chef perfectly prepares shrimp, steak, chicken and fried rice on a large steel grill; while Nama Sushi & Sashimi is a glamorous new sushi bar;

Other speciality restaurants are Los Lobos, a premium Mexican restaurant celebrating traditional flavours with a modern twist, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Food Republic offering up a fusion of foods and cultures from around the globe.

There’s everything from comedy and DJs to game shows and musicals onboard Norwegian Prima.

Theatre fans will love The Tony Award-nominated, Broadway sensation Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Noise Boys, a tap dancing, beat-boxing spectacular from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Prima Theater & Club – the first venue in the world that transforms from three-story theatre to spectacular Vegas-style nightclub.

Party lovers will enjoy Sensoria, a sensational nightclub experience, and those who fancy more laid-back entertainment with plenty of laughs to be had will relish The Improv At Sea and game shows. Alternatively, check out the adults-only Vibe Beach Club.

For those who like an activity, there’s the first three-level race track at sea, Prima Speedway, and the first interactive and tech-immersive mini golf at sea, Tee Time, as well as complimentary tabletop shuffleboard, pickleball, subsoccer and beer pong at The Stadium.

If it’s exhilaration you seek, don’t miss Norwegian Prima’s newest slides. The Drop is the first free-fall slide in the world, or you can race a friend on dulling slides The Rush.

Norwegian Prima is also home to NCL’s first tidal wave waterslide. Elsewhere on the pool deck you can relax and watch the amazing views in infinity hot tubs or take a dip in the main pool while little ones will enjoy the Kids’ Aqua Park.

The NCL ship has a gym boasting 270-degree views of the ocean, offering weights, classes and more.

Norwegian Prima itineraries

Norwegian Prima is homeporting in Port Canaveral, Florida, and Galveston, Texas for the 2023 and 2024 cruise season.