kathyRW

We sailed Prima in the Haven end of January and I have to agree that I probably won't sail this class again. It is sort of too bad that NCL is investing in more of this class. Cruising is never a bad experience, especially in the suite class. But Prima was disappointing in many ways that I don't think can really be fixed. 

1) It is a "fair weather" ship - if you don't have warm weather or it is windy all those outdoor areas empty and everyone has to crowd into spaces not intended for that many people. Our itinerary should have been warm but we encountered rough/windy/thunderstormy days (missed one port entirely) and another day was so windy - it was whipping. On the last night we were surrounded by lightening all around the ship. So it was not a great place to be crowded inside on many days. I would never take this ship to any cold climate itineraries.

2) The small scattered venues were horribly crowded - no seating anytime we tried the Surfside grill, the Local and the Indulge Food Hall. Never even tried to get into the standing room only show venues (we did get reservations to see Donna Summers Show - the featured singers were really good, though the show was very loud).

3) On the fair weather days the noise from the outside deck 8 Ocean Boulevard pretty much was constant all the time which made our balcony not very enjoyable. The balconies above deck 8 all overlook the lounging and noisy crowd and you can't avoid it.There was noise from 100 people all talking at once and children screaming in the pools most of the time, so no relaxing on our balcony.

4) The layout of the ship was poor and finding things and actually getting there was a slow winding mess of crowds. 

5) The dedicated Haven elevators were wonderful BUT this ship design overdid it with the number of Haven staterooms on many decks.The staff tried very hard but there are not enough of them for the size of the Haven. Bar service was often *very* slow all over the ship.  Even the Haven bar was not stocked with many common things so the bartenders had to go to other bars to get certain things. There was no purpose to the Haven lounge area - which was all chopped up into small squares of seating with nothing to do - no snacks, nothing there. Concierge desk was often left unstaffed. I enjoyed the Haven on other class ships much more, especially as there was no Haven observation lounge like on the Bliss. Haven pool was pretty but small, and the hot tubs were not a big attraction with the poor and windy weather. We did end up eating at the Haven restaurant a lot just because the other venues were so crowded and the service was good there, as was the food. We did enjoy Cagney's and Palomar but didn't even use all of our offered specialty dinners because of crowding.

Overall, the bad luck of rough weather and the design of the ship just worked against a great experience on the Prima. So we are going back to the Bliss next time.

I received the same HAL email that strongly suggested I use Verifly app to speed up check-in. Hey, I'm all for expediting things but I have to say it's a total failure as an app. I have spent hours trying to get the darned thing to work. First the selfie function wasn't recognized (like 10 times). Finally got it to take a bad photo but at this point I'll take it! Then it only works for a *very few* airlines, none of which are mine. OK, I don't need the airline part anyway. So then I "Add Cruise", choose HAL icon and the spinning wheel starts...and lasts for about 40 minutes. Then it says "Booking Number Not Recognized". I give up. I'm bringing my paper stuff anyway and don't need a bad app for that.

3 hours ago, *Miss G* said:

 

We used OnPoint Testing prior to the cruise we are currently on.  I brought the free government-issued test kits and purchased the proctored testing from OnPoint @ $18.04/pp (includes the 5% discount code). Once you have purchased the testing you will be able to choose a date and time.  A very friendly and professional healthcare tech walked us through the instructions and emailed the results within a couple of minutes of the completion of the process.  Our appointment time began at 10:15pm and we had our results at 10:28pm.

Thank you... I did decide to use Onpoint Virtual testing. It was the only reasonable cost and I won't have to drive all over trying to find an in-person test site. I just hope it will go smoothly. Fingers crossed.

On 9/2/2022 at 6:22 PM, oakridger said:

@kathyRWYou don't need the PCR, do you?  If you are flying in more than 2 days before, as I am, then you would need to do it in Vancouver anyway.  Several options there.  As I said, I'm doing the online proctored test for $25 using a test kit I already have.

 

Good luck, 

~Nancy

 

We're actually flying in the day before, so technically we could test here at home prior to flying. Which is much preferred just in the off chance that either of us test positive- no reason to get on the plane then. But we would need the same day results type test. Can't wait on the 2-3 day results that are commonly offered in case they don't show up. I am going to look into the possibility of virtual testing before we leave and hope that we can manage to do it successfully. Most of the virtual testing services charge a lot per person for same day results. *Maybe* we could do it in Vancouver but that would be scary last minute and we would have no car to get to a testing place. This is all such a major roadblock. Thanks Canada for applying different standards for cruise pax.

14 hours ago, -The-True-North- said:

It appears that this new CANADA ENHANCED PROTOCOLS VACCINATION policy starts for cruises that disembark ON or AFTER September 28.

 

Looks like if you are traveling before that, no booster is required. What a STUPID policy. These dumb dumbs need to pull their heads out their a$$.

 And, of course, my cruise departs on Sept. 28th...sigh. So I now have to track down and take a rapid test before we fly out. This is such a pain, other lines have scrapped this requirement...what is up with HAL when I can fly *into* Canada without a test but have to provide one to *leave Canada* on HAL???

14 minutes ago, oakridger said:

@kathyRWIt's Canada's rule. You'll have to ask them about their "common sense".  As CruiserBruce said, it's because a ship is a congregate setting. When their site refers to entering by "water" they mean ferries, personal pleasure craft, etc.  The testing rule is specifically for cruise ships only.

 

The pre cruise testing for ArriveCAN is no more than 72 hours before boarding if you do a PCR test.  It's no more than 2 days if you take a proctored antigen test.

 

Do you have a Walgreens, CVS, Minute Clinic or the like near you.  There are several right in Sacramento.

 

There are also testing sites near the cruise terminal in Vancouver, or you could use one of the online proctoring test sites with your own approved test kit.  This can be done at your hotel or at home.  I will be taking my pre boarding online proctored test at my hotel in Vancouver within 2 days of boarding on September 25th.

 

When is your cruise?

 

~Nancy

 I'll need to check again but I live outside of Sacramento, not in town. The last cruise I tried to find rapid proctored testing, none of our local Walgreens/CVS offered it. Only the "up to 2 days" results type, which is cutting it too close since we fly in before the cruise date. I had to drive 45 miles R/T to find a clinic that did rapid testing and it was $100pp. So really a major problem.

1 minute ago, oakridger said:

 

Ah but they do say you must test if you are getting on or off or your CRUISE ship touches Canada even if you personally don't get off.  Read it here: (my highlighting/bolding)

 

COVID-19: Cruise ship travel requirements – Travel.gc.ca

 

Pre-embarkation COVID-19 testing

All travellers 5 years of age or older must have a COVID-19 test to board a cruise ship in Canada or to board a cruise ship that will dock in Canada at any point on the cruise. You must provide proof of one of the following accepted types of test results:

1. Proof of a professionally administered or observed negative antigen test taken no more than 2 days before you’re scheduled to board your ship
   • the 2-day window does not depend on the time of day the test was taken or the time that you board
   • for example, if your ship is scheduled to leave on Friday, you could provide proof of a negative result from an antigen test taken any time on Wednesday, Thursday, or on Friday
   • it must be administered or observed by a pharmacy, laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth online service
   • the test must be authorized for sale or distribution in Canada or in the jurisdiction in which it was obtained
2. Proof of a valid negative molecular test taken within 72 hours of your scheduled boarding time
   • for example, if you’re scheduled to board at 11:00 am on Friday, your test must have been taken any time after 10:59 am on Tuesday
   • it must be administered or observed by a pharmacy, laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth online service
   •  

 

 

This is *really* confusing because they directly contradict themselves. One page says Yes you proctored testing and the other page says NO you don't. What has getting on a cruise ship *to leave Canada* have anything to do with it? HAL says testing is because Canada requires it, yet they actually don't to enter the country. Where is any sort of common sense??? This is a problem for me because we do not have proctored testing anywhere near our home (last time I had to drive 45 miles R/T to get the test done).

5 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

Canada...not the cruise lines, specifically require testing if you are boarding a cruise ship that touches Canada..either starts, ends or visits Canada. That is the situation in 25 words or less.

Well, why does ArriveCan say they don't require testing for vaxxed persons then??? I will already be in Vancouver, through customs with no testing requirement. After the ship leaves we don't come into Canada again. Makes no sense.

I really don't understand this logic. My flight goes into Canada and at this point my ArrivCan app does NOT require testing to enter the country. My cruise departs from Canada at Vancouver and is on the enhanced protocol list yet ArrivCan does NOT require 72 hour testing at this point! So why would the cruise lines? Direct from the ArrivCan website: 

"Pre-entry testing is not required

Pre-entry tests are not required for fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada by land, air or water. You must still use ArriveCAN within 72 hours before your arrival to Canada.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children under the age of 12 are not required to provide a valid pre-entry test result, if they are accompanying a fully vaccinated adult."

Hot Iron. That's what made them stick on, that's what will make them let go.

We did this cruise last year and there were not many kids BUT...that was when unvaxxed kids were not allowed on and everyone had to test prior to boarding. Now that all that has changed I expect lots more families and kids onboard *especially* during any holiday week.

On 7/29/2022 at 10:22 AM, F27TW said:

Controversial Opinion:  i absolutely hate the look of some of the new cruise ships coming out now.     I'm sure they're all beautiful inside, but externally is what I'm talking about. 

 

I'm right there with you! On my last NCL cruise we saw a extensive promo video of the Prima. The first thing I thought was I really didn't like the modern design, didn't like the look of the cabins, hated the idea of the "window" balconies. I think they traded cabin space for large open public spaces and that is a big No-No in my book. I don't like spending a lot of time in large crowds. Lots of smaller little spots around the ship where a few people can sit and relax are better (IMO). So not a fan of the slick modern look at all.

On 7/27/2022 at 3:34 PM, Elsammo46 said:

What do you love to do that everyone else doesn’t?

 

  **  Hang out in my room and read. It's why I book the largest room I can afford with the best balcony. I go to relax, not hang with other people I don't know. Basically I enjoy cruising for the quiet time while most people love all the activities and things to do. Quite often I won't even get off the ship at ports, especially if I've been there before.  I do enjoy the service in the Haven...being pampered is *so* wonderful on vacation and not something I have had most of my life.

On 7/27/2022 at 3:34 PM, Elsammo46 said:

 

What can you not stand that everyone else raves about? 

 ** I don't partake in most of the activities. I don't enjoy the entertainment and never book any cruise because of what is playing. I can't imagine taking a cooking class or a computer class as "fun". I never gamble so the casino is a huge miss.

 

** I have never been in the pools or hot tubs or hung out on the pool deck, even after 15 cruises. Just not my thing.

 

On 12/30/2021 at 7:03 AM, jgmpuma said:

The parades start uptown, and don't get downtown ( where the cruise terminal is located) until around 1:00. You should not have a problem. Cab/Uber/Lyft drivers know how to avoid the traffic.

Thanks so much for the advice.  With so many folks depending on Uber/Lyft during the Mardi Gras I hope that I can get a ride. I guess worst case scenario would be to go back to the airport and hope to catch a taxi from there?

I need local advice regarding transportation on February 27th 2022 from our hotel in Metairie to the cruise port. When I booked the cruise I did not think about Mardi Gras and only realized that the city will be crowded and services may be different then.

There are three parades that day starting at 11AM. What will be the best way to get to the cruise port around 11AM to Noon? I looked at a private car and (holy cow!) it was over $100 per person (there are two of us with luggage).

Advice?

Very helpful...Thank You!

Today I cancelled our September 20th cruise out of NYC. I had hoped that by September we would be out in the clear but given the NYC port location and the statements NCL has made about slow reopening, I just had to make the hard decision to let this vacation go. I was just a few days away from final payment which was a big lump. I really didn't want to be locked into FCC. Since I did cancel before the 120th day and I was in the Haven, there were no penalties. I even got the travel insurance premium back. Jamie, the rep I spoke with, couldn't have been nicer. This experience bodes well for me booking with NCL again. We'll have to see how long it takes for the refund to post to my CC but the reservation shows as cancelled already.

9 minutes ago, RuthC said:

Neptune and Pinnacle Suite passengers may eat breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill on all the ships, except the two newest ships in the Pinnacle class. Those are the Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam. 
You will be able to have breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill while on the Noordam. 

 Thank you SO much!

I am just 11 days out to board the Noordam as she comes out of dry dock... I am so excited to sail on her all spanking fresh! We have been booking Neptune Suites for quite awhile now (you really get hooked once you enjoy one). I am confused by the Club Orange changes, though. Probably my favorite perk with the NS has been the quiet atmosphere and personal service of breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill. The staff there treat you like royalty and after the first morning know your preferences by heart. I have read that they may be changing that to a roped area in the Main Dining Room...ughh. Though I saw a post where a NS guest was recently still able to dine at PG for breakfast on another ship. Does anyone know for sure?

We were prepared to skip getting off the ship at Falmouth based upon the negative reviews I had read about aggressive vendors - something I really don't like. However, I'm glad that we changed our minds because we really enjoyed the excursion we went on. I would go with a guided tour because they do mostly keep the vendors at bay. The tour we took was a guided combination of DUNNS RIVER FALLS, MYSTIC MOUNTAIN SKY EXPLORER AND BOBSLED ADVENTURE TOUR. The Mystic Mountain was a relaxing ski-lift ride through the rain forest up to the top of the mountain where there was a hummingbird garden, some crafts stores and then you take a bobsled ride down to the bottom. You can go as fast or as slow as you want with the bobsled, it's self controlled. Then they bus you to Dunn's River Falls. The Falls climb was fun and it is an experience you won't forget BUT it is NOT for the faint of heart, anyone with balance issues or the elderly. It is slippery, at times you will be waist deep in running water, you have to be able to climb boulders with water running over them and you can't see through the water so you will bark your shins on the rocks. It is not a short climb. Several people in our group fell and some bailed out partway (there is a spot where you can opt out about 3/4 of the way up). I felt the tour didn't adequately warn how difficult the climb was. After the climb you will be drenched, so wear a bathing suit and good water shoes. After the climb you do have to walk a gauntlet of vendors to get back to the buses. There was a shopping "mall" close to the port but it is meager and doesn't rival shopping at the other ports. Overall, I did enjoy the stop at Falmouth and the tour we took. There wasn't much to see right there at the port (no beach), so I would recommend some sort of guided tour.

No wonder hotels were so expensive! When I booked I didn't realize this, so thank you for the Heads Up!

I don't post often but whatever the execs at HAL are planning, I hope that they don't change the hallmarks that make HAL my favorite cruise line.

I have cruised with Carnival, Celebrity, Princess and HAL. IMO, HAL is better by far. I cannot afford to cruise on the premium lines but HAL is a step above the other mid-price lines and I value the differences they offer. I am their niche customer! I have tried other lines and I keep coming back to HAL because of their quality and value.

HAL staff is marvelous, their courtesy, demeanor and level of service is superb. The staterooms are larger and more comfortable and so far they have been very clean and well kept on the voyages I've taken.

I am in my 60s and expect to keep cruising - hopefully with HAL. I may be atypical, but I don't cruise for the entertainment on board, cooking lessons, art sales, wine sales, circus act or name brand chefs, partying until the wee hours, or the casino. I cruise to relax and be pampered. I like courteous staff, a nice stateroom and decent meals. I will go to the premium restaurants at least once per trip - if the food is worth it. I shop on board so I like some nice things in the onboard shop if the prices are fair. I like a balcony with beautiful vistas. Occasionally we pick an itinerary to reach a port that I'd like to see. But many times we don't even get off the ship. We simply like to be able to relax, away from work and responsibilities, and watch the sea roll by. At a price we can afford.

That's what HAL does for us. So please, if the HAL execs are listening, don't change too much or you may lose the loyal customers you have earned! Going "trendy' is not great for sustainability.