The bright, breezy all-American exuberance that inspired so many bold designs and sometimes brash ambience of NCL’s earlier ships has been pared down, replaced by a far more sophisticated aura.
Throughout much of the ship, christened by pop star Katy Perry, is a feeling of space and light thanks to capacious lounges and walkways, smooth lines and a pale colour palate of cream, taupe and ivory with light wood effects.
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The main Penrose atrium – NCL’s first to stretch over three decks – exudes classic style with glass panels (there’s no chrome in sight) and sculpted curves giving Art Deco hints.
It resembles the atrium of a modern upscale hotel and, for me, lacks wow factor, but that’s not a criticism as Prima isn’t short of head-turning draws.
Attention to detail is impressive with carefully-placed objects d’art and design tweaks reminiscent of its sister brands Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania, contributing to the upscale feel.
This is admirably evident in the two main dining venues The Commodore Room and particularly Hudson’s, which has the look of a speciality restaurant (though at 548 covers it is somewhat larger) and wraps around the ship’s aft with views over the wake and classical décor embellished by ornate gold leaf lights.
Established NCL favourites such as Teppanyaki (now called Hasuki) and Cagney’s Steakhouse reappear on Prima, but in a more upmarket guise with swankier surroundings, while French eaterie Le Bistro even boasts three jaw-dropping chandeliers.
The VIP Haven complex has been boosted with more suites, as has NCL’s famous Speedway go-kart track, the biggest at sea, weaving around three decks. Having tried them on all NCL’s ships, this one definitely takes top prize.
The line’s famously innovative streak is evident in Prima’s novel additions: the Indulge Food Hall with its diverse dining stations, and multi-purpose theatre that impressively transforms into a nightclub.
This wouldn’t be NCL without more deck thrills: dual ten-storey slides and a water-ride, plus more outdoor space than any of its ships with an Ocean Boulevard of alfresco dining, infinity poos and hip chill-out zones. There’s even a sculpture park, ideal for Insta fans.
Prima is clearly an outdoor ship that will come into its own for its maiden Caribbean season this winter. But with no covered pool area or solarium, I wonder how it will fare in the notoriously unpredictable northern European summers for its Iceland sailings from Southampton next year.
Nevertheless, as the first of six new ships in this class, Norwegian Prima has set the bar high and personifies how the NCL brand has matured in a refined coming of age.
Sara Macefield is a cruise specialist who has been writing about the travel industry for TTG for more than 20 years.
