molemaui

Do not know if you're aware but the drink packages on O are kind of confusing. Took us a couple cruises to understand them. If you choose drinks as part of your "O Life" benefits, it only includes drinks at meals. To drink anytime, anywhere, you need to upgrade to the "premium select" which used to be a $20pp/day upgrade and is now a $30pp/day upgrade. I've seen many comments about the confusion in drink packages. Never affected us as upgrading our drinks is the first thing we do! You mentioned two days in Athens. If you haven't considered the Grande Bretagne, please look it over. Tremendous location, can walk to many places. Rooftop restaurant /bar has striking view of the Parthenon. We stayed there prior to our O cruise. Really LOVED our Haven experience on the Prima but I think O is still our favorite. Cannot wait to see your impressions from your cruise.

Travel agent automatically makes payment on due date. At booking, you give TA authorization and they make it happen. No worries.

Just upgraded to the unlimited. It worked fairly well. A few "dead times" but mostly pretty good. On other cruises, I could not access security cameras at home-basic unlimited worked fine on Prima.

We've been off the Prima for a day now and I need to say that this cruise absolutely exceeded my expectations. First-loud thanks to everyone including @Sthrngary and @Bird travel who contributed to my planning phase with great suggestions and insight. We all have our preferred cruising style-ours is smaller ships in the 200-1200 passenger range. We gravitated back to larger ships when we discovered Retreat on the newer Edge Class ships on Celebrity. Friends said, "you have to try The Haven"-so we did. Our cabin was the "standard" penthouse Haven which was comparable in size to veranda cabins on Silversea and Regent. Cabin was much larger than standard cabins on Celebrity or Oceania. It was laid out perfectly with probably one of the most comfortable beds I've ever experienced on a ship. Especially appreciated all the plugs and USB for all our electronics (phones, iPads, watch, Nook) In all cases, the food exceeded my expectations. Excellent to outstanding described every meal. People complain about the menu in the Haven which doesn't change. On a 9-12 day cruise, that is OK with me as we usually do several speciality restaurants. (4 on this 9 day cruise) This could be a problem on a longer cruise or a back to back. Still, food was outstanding. We thoroughly enjoyed the speciality restaurants. Cagney's was excellent, Le Bistro's Dover Sole came as close as I've ever seen to being as good as the sole on Oceania. Trust me-that is a huge compliment. Onda by Scarpetta was excellent as well. Our real surprise was Los Lobos. Hands down, that was our favorite speciality restaurant. Dining in the Haven dining room was also an experience. Everything we ordered was perfectly prepared (rare vs. medium rare was perfect every time). Loved seeing the lump crab in the crab cakes. Service as expected was outstanding at all dining venues. The only restaurant we ventured to outside of speciality or Haven was the Indulge Food Court. Loved the concept, use of technology and most important, the food was great. Imagine pad Thai, a pulled pork sandwich and tuna tostada. That was my lunch twice. For us, Premium Plus beverage is the only way to go. (upgrade drink package couples with an upgrade to unlimited WiFi and two additional speciality restaurants). We love Champagne and Prima did not disappoint. Vueve by the glass during the day and Pommery by the bottle for dinner. Throw in higher end bourbons, scotch and gin we made good use (both economically and consumption wise) of the package. I realize my euphoria over this cruise is from the Haven perspective. As nice as the ship was, we are pool people and would not enjoy the loud, college spring break atmosphere at the deck 17 pool or the crowds at the smaller infinity pools on 8. Nothing wrong with it-we're at another stage of our lives where maybe10-15 years ago, we surely would have enjoyed it. Our Haven area was wonderfully quiet with comfortable lounge chairs and never having to worry about finding a spot. Minor bugs will be found and I'm sure addressed. Certainly not a first world problem but the hot tubs on deck 17 on the Haven Sundeck have no railings to help you get in, and only one seating bench on one of the four sides. Tubs easily have a capacity of 6 but with one bench, you usually only saw only two using the hot tub at time as who wants to stand up? Many have also commented the Prima is only a "warm weather" ship. True if you spend your time at the pool or sundeck. We seldom book more than 90 days out. This cruise was a only booked with a month's notice. We have added NCL/Haven to our upcoming cruise watchlists. Would like to try other ships as well. We're still talking today what a great cruise we had on the Prima.

The infinity pools on the port and starboard sides are nice but crowded. The main pool on 17 is very noisy with load music and very crowded. The Haven pool is delightful and uncrowded. If we were not in Haven, we would have a Vibe pass.

Since my Monday post, cruise continues to be excellent. Next port stops were Costa Maya, Grand Cayman and today-Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I don’t have much to say about these ports as we usually stay on board and enjoy the ship (while empty) on Caribbean itineraries. Sort of a been there, done that attitude. Dining remains excellent. Enjoyed Cagney’s, Le Bistro and Onda by Scarpetta. Quality of dining in Haven and specialty restaurants is absolutely on par with lines such as Oceania, Windstar and Silversea all who have excellent food in my opinion. We went to see Noise Boys - excellent production technically but not our cup of tea. We discovered (I say discovered because it’s probably the furthest point from our cabin) the Observation Deck in the front of Deck 17. Beautiful place to relax, read or have afternoon tea. My wife and I enjoyed the scones. We’ve gone back several times just as a change of pace or to relax. If you drink, premium plus is absolutely the way to go. Between the better wines, champagne and great bourbons and single malts, I feel this is a worthwhile upgrade. Tomorrow is a sea day so plan on being at the pool all day. Continue to love this ship!

Same. Absolutely phenomenal. Don’t know if it’s the same band but that is what they played.

Left from Terminal 5. No signage. Uber driver knew where to go.

As I continue to explore this ship, I like it more and more. There are a variety of bars and restaurants along with what seems like a thousand nooks and crannies to sit, relax, drink and watch the world go by. (Spoiler alert-have no interest in go carts or the water slides) Day 2 was a sea day and we thoroughly enjoyed the Haven pool and sun deck. On a Caribbean cruise, all we want to do is lay out, swim and perhaps drink. Had dinner at Cagney’s. Food service was great but wasn’t real impressed with the noise level or the feeling you were in one big dining hall. Went to the 18+ comedy show (pretty good) and then decided due to a full day of sun and drink, we probably weren’t going to make it to midnight for New Year’s Eve. We didn’t! Slept like a rock again. Beds are super comfortable. Next day we docked in Cozumel. Went off ship for 15 minutes to buy “grandkid stuff” and back on ship. Heard the Indulge Food Hall was pretty crowded so thought a port day would be a good time to try it. I loved it! Variety of options with reasonable portion sizes is a winner in my book. We tried a few different things and will be back next port day. To answer comments/complaints on menus that don’t change-I found I really like this. Too many times I’d have a specialty dinner booked only to learn rack of lamb or filet mignon or some other favorite was in the dining room and I was going to miss it. Or-if you really liked something, you can have it again. Haven menu is strong enough for 8-12 days. Perhaps not for a longer cruise. Cancelled theater reservations to back to Syd Norman’s. YES, it is that good. Day 4. Supposed to dock In Belize today but ship “broke down “ during the night. We were barely crawling along when I woke up today. Seems like they’re working on it “remotely” and the captain announced we would name our next port tomorrow but today would be an additional sea day. Didn’t really bother us-love sea days. Internet comment-upgraded to unlimited but not streaming. It isn’t the best but works pretty well. Been able to send and receive pictures, videos, etc. it’s about 1:00 ship time right now and we’re still not moving. It’s nice at the pool so we will stay here for the afternoon. Le Bistro and more Syd Norman’s tonight. more to come………

We are on Prima

Have gone to Syd Norman’s every night. Cancelled theater reservations for tonight to go back to Syd’s. Some of the best entertainment I’ve seen on a ship.

Don’t know. First time on NCL but did experience the same on oceania

Not on the Prima. Mgt. put a stop to that a few weeks ago due to the extremely small size of the venue. I’m told Syd’s is a bit larger on other ships but I do not know that for sure. I agree-worth the wait.

George. He’s quite good along with the rest of his crew.

First day was pretty good. Enjoyed the afternoon exploring the ship and drinking at the various bars. (Not a big deal but you are taxed for drinks when ship is at Port Canaveral. Saw some minor charges that made no sense. That was the explanation from the Haven concierge.) Indulge Food Hall was quite interesting and very crowded even at 4:00. Loved the muster procedures-video at check in and simply report to your muster station to be checked off. You also have to watch a 15 minute video at some point in your cabin in order to be able to use your tv. Dinner at Haven Restaurant was outstanding. We both had prime rib perfectly prepared ( her-blue, me-medium rare). Restaurant is totally flexible. On the menu as an entree, I also ordered crab cakes as an appetizer. Probably the best crab cake I’ve had on a ship and equal to most I’ve had anywhere outside of Baltimore. Full pieces of lump crab. Also enjoyed a bottle of Pommery Rose Champagne. After dinner we were intending to go to the comedy show but saw no line at Syd Norman’s. True, it was an hour before the band came on but you could go in and drink until then. We heard so much about great the band was here we decided to skip the show in favor of Syd’s. Band was over the top fantastic and has me rethinking my opposition to standing in lines. We will definitely come back here! Place was packed standing room only during the show. Nitecap at the Haven bar and then bed. Super comfortable and had a great nights sleep. Really like our cabin which is the smallest one offered in the Haven but more than enough for us. Like many, I was concerned about the negative reviews of the Prima. Yes, it’s different but I really like her so far. Just here to enjoy better weather than from where I’m from and relax. To be continued……..

Will add to this post until we leave port later today. Then I will likely creat a new post as a semi review. In Haven area in port for about 45 minutes-had #3. They called us in groups of 6 or 7 to go up to the Haven Lounge. Verified dinner reservations with concierge- perfect. (Booked 4 weeks before cruise and nothing available. Called concierge with my preferences and everything requested was done!). Took care of theater/show reservations as well. Was informed they cannot get guests into Syd Normans due to the small size of the venue. On other ships, the venue is larger and they are able to use a “back door”. Will either wait in line or skip. Ordered champagne (Veuve Clicqot) and then went to lunch in Haven Restaurant. Excellent food so far-Cobb Salad, Fish Sandwich. More Vueve and now relaxing on pool deck waiting for cabin to be ready. if there is any doubt about the beverage package to choose-premium plus is the only way to go. May make an appointment to dry out when I get home but between the Scotches and bourbons, I need to try them all. Have had good champagne on Silversea and Regent but happily surprised to see Veuve as the standard here.

AH. My type A personality at work. Doors opened at 9:45 with Haven signage and nice, quick check in. Relaxing in lounge and ready for a great cruise.

Signed up for a 9-9:30 boarding and arrived at pier at 9:15. Utter chaos - long lines and no Haven signage. Doors not open and no one available to ask questions. People in line say doors usually open at 10-10:30. Why in the world do they offer a 9:00 time? Not a very good first impression.

Excellent review. We board the Prima on Friday. I strongly agree with your Oceania comments and am excited to sail the Prima in Haven. This is our first NCL cruise since about 1980 or 1981. Have sailed others multiple times. Your review appears to validate our choice to try NCL and the Haven product. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Thanks. I absolutely will try EH Taylor.

Never sailed Crystal but have sailed Oceania several times. Absolutely the best food at sea in my opinion. (Was looking forward to eating at Nobu on Crystal but they're gone). Silversea is almost as good but a bit too formal for me. 9 of 12 nights on my last Silversea cruise several months ago I had to wear a jacket after 6:00. Very little distinction between formal and semi formal. Between Silversea and Oceania, I'd go Oceania every time. Currently booked on Prima in Haven. So far, the cost per night is higher than my last Silversea or Oceania cruise. Hope it's worth it!

AMEN!

No Moet?!? I can make do with Vueve Clicquot. One bottle per person at dinner means we can have 2 bottles. Disappointing but still OK. Just saw Woodford Reserve off the new list. That's the straw that might break the camel's back.

Thank you. Was wondering whether or not to bring my tennis shoes. I figure daily track use helps justify copious amounts of drink and food.

You are the guru! We sail the Prima shortly and know our cruise experience will be enhanced as a result of your posts. I was looking at your "signature" at the end of your post and saw you sailed the Norway. The Norway was the first cruise my wife and I sailed on back in 1990 or 1991 (can't remember) What I can remember is it cost me 280,000 Marriott points and whet our appetite for cruising. Hope your holidays and 2023 are great. Thanks again.