REVIEW OF THE NCL PRIMA ⚓️ NEW DESIGN | NEW LAYOUT 🚢 

My husband and I sailed on the Prima this January 2024, and really liked it. Yes it is sort of a choppy layout, but once you got use to it, it was fine. I agree, the buffet was way too small. We really enjoyed The Local the best. It was a little chilly so we never tried to find lounge chairs or worried about getting into the pools. Our standard balcony room was great and the bathrooms were so much larger and nicer than any of the other cruise ships and cruise lines we've been on. We personally appreciated the non-smoking casino. You are also right about the main Starbucks. Because of the way it's laid out we didn't get around to everything so both agree we would sail on the Prima again.

We sailed on the Prima this past January 2024 and we LOVED it and would not hesitate to sail her again! Yes, the layout of the ship is different from the "classic" cruise ship design, but I actually enjoyed how the ship made each space unique, intimate and distinctive. You really did hit the nail on the head regarding the positives versus the negatives about the Prima. The entire ship was modern, chic, contemporary and each space was thoughtful and very inviting. I believe NCL purposefully made most of the venues smaller in order to better disperse passengers throughout the ship, which, for the most part, they were successful in. The only venues that seemed overly crowded were the pool and surrounding area (yes, the pool is much too small for a ship that size, but we're not sun worshippers and can partake or pass on a pool depending on the size of the crowd, so it was no big deal to us), as well as the buffet, which again was much too small for a ship that size (and again, we are not buffet people, so we didn't mind at all). The atrium could become crowded if there was music or activities, but we just avoided the atrium during those times as well. Otherwise, each of the dining rooms and their food was excellent, and the staterooms incredibly comfortable, spacious and well appointed, especially the bathroom. We enjoyed all of the outdoor spaces (the ship was most definitely designed to sail in warmer weather cruises in order to take advantage of all the outdoor spaces) and even though our cruise was sold out, it never felt too crowded or overwhelming. Regarding the two dry slides, we tried both and had a blast...literally! We FLEW down the slides with no issues (getting stuck) and felt like kids again each time we slid down! Just like you, our favorite bar was the Belvedere Bar. Its location was tucked away and gave off a cozy vibe, perfect for that nightcap before adjourning for the evening. We also loved Hudson's (the larger of the two main dining rooms) with its wrap around windows looking out at the sea, the Indulge Food Hall, as well as two specialty restaurants: Food Republic and Onda by Scarpetta -- if you sail on the Prima, do not miss these wonderful restaurants (Cagney's Steak House also deserves an honorable mention)! Last, but not least, I also believe that NCL designed Prima to appeal to a different demographic and those passengers with young children may want to choose another NCL ship, such as those from its "Breakaway" and "Breakaway Plus" class, which cater to young families and young adults with its many age-appropriate activities (water slides, laser tag, arcade, etc.). To be honest, that's what I like about NCL -- they offer many different styles and sizes of ships that appeal more to certain demographics. I recently discovered your channel and have enjoyed you sharing your insights and perspective -- I look forward to your future content!

I was on the Prima a year ago (April 2023) from NYC to Bermuda. During Spring break, with 1,200 kids on board. It was still cold when we left NYC but beautiful in Bermuda, at least for sightseeing. We did not go to any beaches. Because of the number of kids on board we didn't get to try any pools (main pool deck or infinity pools on deck 8) because they were constantly packed with kids. We had a very spacious Ocean View room on deck 5 that I loved. Because the weather was cooler, we spent most of our time on decks 6-7-8 and being on deck 5 meant we didn't have to deal with elevators. I didn't mind the layout of the ship and found it easy to get around. We did sometimes have to hunt for a table in Indulge but managed to find one, even if it meant it had just been vacated and was full of dirty dishes. A crew member would come by and clean it off quickly. We were also able to find some out of the way places that were quiet and had seating. I really liked the Prima and would sail on her again but not during any school break. The number of kids was overwhelming and the teenagers (at least one pack we saw over & over) were especially obnoxious on my cruise.

I am really enjoying your review. It feels very balanced. Thanks for sharing

I love the Prima for the most part. I was on the first 3 open to the Public. The food was so good. The venue was way too small. Never went to Syd Norman. Did go to the Comedy Club. Was always on the waitlist. The Theater was big. The show in the Theater was Great.

Thank you for this video. Me and my husband are going on the Norwegian prima. in November the end of November. I’m not looking forward to it but he is because he wants to sell on the Prima. I’m loyal to Royal Caribbean but to compromise this time and this video really helped me a lot because I was really nervous about going on here. I heard so many bad reviews, thank you again💜

The only way the "Prima" could possibly be NCL's worst-rated cruise ship would be if people had never been on the Norwegian "Sun." On our ill-fated Alaska trip, that old rustbucket constantly made strange noises like we've never heard on any other ships; it ran later and later to each port, got stuck in Glacier Bay for an hour, and arrived 10 hours late into Seattle (requiring new airline reservations) after making only a perfunctory stop in Victoria without letting passengers off. And all week long the wind whistled through our balcony door until finally the sealed it with duct tape. Seriously. I took a picture of it! At least they compensated us with $1000 in future cruise credit. Two weeks later, the same ship hit an iceberg. So don't try and tell me the "Prima" is worse than that.

Appreciate this review. TY. My son will be 10 if we go. Are there enough activities for him as they don't have a traditional arcade , bowling , air hockey, basketball/soccer court or more than 1 water slide. Thank you

We just got off of the Prima in February- loved it & making our video now. Was your cruise in March? I can really tell a difference from your top deck videos of the crowds. We had no lines for water slide & sun deck usually still had room on sea days, even tho fully booked cruise. (Higher mix of retirees for us vs. Low kids low family %.) It all makes sense but interesting the difference 1 month makes

7 days on the ship and I thought I explored E V E R Y T H I N G! Never found/noticed the Soleil bar 😂😂

Did they have a formal/dress up night like some ships do?

Thank you for this. Did you happen to check out the gym or exercise classes?

BLISS JEWEL STAR

Did u go on the march 29-April 5th sailing

Of all of the cruise ships you’ve been on, what would you say are your top 3 FAVES?!

Just sailed that Prima did not like it. As an avid cruise, it's not the ship for me. It gave you hotel vibes, not cruise vibes. The venues were small in some spaces. I felt like I was sitting in a basement with no windows like the Metropolitan. There weren't many places you could sit and just look out at the water. The atrium was too small and to have to put out folding chairs was a little ghetto to me. You could not see the stage from the upper levels of the stream. I will be cruising on the Jewel later this year, which was updated in 2022 it seems as though it gives you cruising vibes.

Your commentary about the extra prices for activities kids love really understated how very, very pricey those activities are. It will break the bank of any budget. Similat activities on Royal Caribbean are at no extra charge. $15 for one 8 minute drive of the speedway cars will hardly satisfy any kid. $20 pp for mini golf? Our reaction was “Ncl has lost touch with reality.”. It is misleading to say the costs are avoidable by not using and them and then suggest the basic cruise price is less…It is most definitely not lower priced that similar lines. We are definitely in the worst ship idea camp. AVOID the disappointment you will have and choose another cruise company.

We just got back from 20+ days on what we were sure was the WORST rated ship the NCL EPIC. This back to back cruise was an EPIC failure. Dark Dingy...NO WHERE TO SIT....cabins a total failure ...food meh...unless you ate in the Shaghai that we loved. After about 30 lifetime sailings this was total waste of time and money 2 things you never can get back!!😢

Just a quick point… I am embarrassed to admit that I DID NOT REALIZE THAT DONNA SUMMER HAD PASSED AGES AGO! And the DONNA SUMMER show was “virtual” Also: WHO THE HELL WANTS TO SEE PRICE IS RIGHT or DEAL OR NO DEAL as a “show”I see those shows when I’m home sick from work (T.P.I.R.) if ya know ya know. I still had fun, but in terms of entertainment 0-10