May 7th to Bermuda from NYC on the Prima; a few thoughts

[figment9999]

Just to give perspective was our 32d cruise (multiple lines); our 8th to Bermuda on NCL. We're both are 75.

 

The Prima is a beautiful ship, we loved it.

 

We think NCL tried to address a couple of complex issues and made headway on them, The solutions naturally required some tradeoffs so where solutions hit someone's hot-buttons we hear complaints. The items addressed were: folks feeling crowded on large ships and cruise demographics shifting towards multi generational, multi ethnic profiles.

 

Layout

The deck layouts are substantially different than other NCL designs. Instead of long linear hallways, forward to aft, they put some"bends" in there. The result is a more "cozy" feel; you don't see large groups of folks ahead of you as you do on say a Breakaway class ship. Same in the new Atrium. The multiple venues for food and entertainment are spread out more, across many decks, so again you don't feel crowded or see large groups of folks. But getting to a specific venue does require more effort / thought.

 

Since it is different from other NCL ships I'd recommend you print out a copy of it's deck plan brochure and use it as a quick reference until you're acclimated. https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/prima-ship-guide-082522.pdf?&cid=EM_MKD_NA_PRO_EML_NA_EML_SHIPPRIMA_523557-2023428_NA_NA
 

We never encountered the issues many on CC have presented. Elevators were fine. and enough of them The buffet area was busy but we always found a seat and never had long lines. We booked shows and restaurants prior to boarding so no worries there (Thx NCL). We had two meals in the main dining room  Hudson's, food and service were great and it's wrap around windows design was perfect. We ate in Indulge once, ordering off the tablet was interesting and the food came out amazingly fast and was delicious. It's desert venue Coco's was super. We loved Hasuki.

 

Entertainment / Activities

Unfortunately the Donna Summer show we'd reserved was cancelled and we couldn't make the replacement show. The diverse passenger demographic presented NCL with complications regarding entertainment; they needed to serve many profiles. To they're credit they had: game shows, comedy, karaoke, Latin music and dance, bingo, and Rock. We could have preferred more Rock but  that's just us.

 

Syd Normans was a great venue with an amazing band. The venue replicates a rock club and the whole package works. But as such you need to get in and find a place to sit or stand or lean on the bar. There's always congestion at the entrance, just work past the hesitant folks and you'll be fine.  It is not a theater so those requiring a seat are disappointed.

 

We noted there were no pianos on the Prima. We did miss sitting and listening / interacting with an entertainer after a busy day  with an adult beverage (just a thought).

 

The theater was a great design it had 740, very comfortable sets. The front rows folded back under (like bleachers in a gym) and it allowed them to reconfigure the resulting space into a dance floor in about 15min; brilliant!

 

My initial raceway session was canceled due to rain so I rescheduled for Saturday at 3. We were the last to race before it shut down due to rain on Sat; A great ride. Rain also shut down the two dry slides so never got to try them. Next time I'll do all these before Bermuda.

 

I did the behind the scenes tour ($149). Well worth it since it includes a bridge stop; as opposed to the free Latitudes tour. We were super fortunate that the Bridge tour was given by Captain Kevin. He was obviously proud of his command and spent considerable time answering our questions. The tour was a highlight of the cruise.

 

In Bermuda

There's a brew pub in the dockyard, the Frog & Onion, we visit every day in port even if it's only for a beer and a desert. Russell is a great host.  The atmosphere is brilliant, housed in the mid 18th century cooperage.  They have great food & deserts. Recommend the gingerbread bread pudding and chocolate brownie & whiskey  trifle;  I always look forward to their great amber ale; maybe a Bermuda coffee after desert. .

 

Around the corner is an Arts Center, local artists works, very well done and reasonable prices. We always stop and always find a new treasure.

 

Thursday was time for a trip to Horseshoe Bay. We used the mini-buses near the dock to go to there and back; it costs $7 each way. We rented 2 lounges and an umbrella for $45 and relaxed. Food and drink are available along with a well serviced bath house.

 

Norwegian's free ferry to St Georges is a great benefit. Docked adjacent to the ship it relieved all the hassle of getting ferry tickets, etc. We love to walk around and shop then have lunch at the White Horse. The Wharf is a great option for an adult beverage near the ferry pick up area.

 

Last thoughts

 

Bermuda is a pretty island with super friendly people. Do some homework before you go and it'll make you're experience much more enjoyable.

 

The ship was sold out so embarkation was busy but very efficient. We were on the ship by 12:00, she sailed at 6PM.

 

We had a balcony cabin which was a bit larger than Breakaway class ships. The balcony was a little larger and its chairs were a great new design and super comfortable. There was a lot more storage options than in the past cabins.

 

Disembarking was a breeze. Had Latitudes tags, called at 8:00; were on the street 9:05.

 

Net-net the cruise was great, the Prima is a great ship with an amazing staff. We look forward to our next voyage.

 

 

[JGmf]

 

6 minutes ago, figment9999 said:

Net-net the cruise was great, the Prima is a great ship with an amazing staff. We look forward to our next voyage.

 

Thanks for posting. 

I was on the Prima for the April 23 sailing to Bermuda.  I share every one of your conclusions. Great ship!

[ngrund]

Next time in Bermuda, go to another bar ,you should try the beer from the other Bermuda Brewery "On Da Rock"

Edited May 21, 2023 by ngrund

[Cruising Lynne]

41 minutes ago, figment9999 said:

Just to give perspective was our 32d cruise (multiple lines); our 8th to Bermuda on NCL. We're both are 75.

 

The Prima is a beautiful ship, we loved it.

 

We think NCL tried to address a couple of complex issues and made headway on them, The solutions naturally required some tradeoffs so where solutions hit someone's hot-buttons we hear complaints. The items addressed were: folks feeling crowded on large ships and cruise demographics shifting towards multi generational, multi ethnic profiles.

 

Layout

The deck layouts are substantially different than other NCL designs. Instead of long linear hallways, forward to aft, they put some"bends" in there. The result is a more "cozy" feel; you don't see large groups of folks ahead of you as you do on say a Breakaway class ship. Same in the new Atrium. The multiple venues for food and entertainment are spread out more, across many decks, so again you don't feel crowded or see large groups of folks. But getting to a specific venue does require more effort / thought.

 

Since it is different from other NCL ships I'd recommend you print out a copy of it's deck plan brochure and use it as a quick reference until you're acclimated. https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/prima-ship-guide-082522.pdf?&cid=EM_MKD_NA_PRO_EML_NA_EML_SHIPPRIMA_523557-2023428_NA_NA
 

We never encountered the issues many on CC have presented. Elevators were fine. and enough of them The buffet area was busy but we always found a seat and never had long lines. We booked shows and restaurants prior to boarding so no worries there (Thx NCL). We had two meals in the main dining room  Hudson's, food and service were great and it's wrap around windows design was perfect. We ate in Indulge once, ordering off the tablet was interesting and the food came out amazingly fast and was delicious. It's desert venue Coco's was super. We loved Hasuki.

 

Entertainment / Activities

Unfortunately the Donna Summer show we'd reserved was cancelled and we couldn't make the replacement show. The diverse passenger demographic presented NCL with complications regarding entertainment; they needed to serve many profiles. To they're credit they had: game shows, comedy, karaoke, Latin music and dance, bingo, and Rock. We could have preferred more Rock but  that's just us.

 

Syd Normans was a great venue with an amazing band. The venue replicates a rock club and the whole package works. But as such you need to get in and find a place to sit or stand or lean on the bar. There's always congestion at the entrance, just work past the hesitant folks and you'll be fine.  It is not a theater so those requiring a seat are disappointed.

 

We noted there were no pianos on the Prima. We did miss sitting and listening / interacting with an entertainer after a busy day  with an adult beverage (just a thought).

 

The theater was a great design it had 740, very comfortable sets. The front rows folded back under (like bleachers in a gym) and it allowed them to reconfigure the resulting space into a dance floor in about 15min; brilliant!

 

My initial raceway session was canceled due to rain so I rescheduled for Saturday at 3. We were the last to race before it shut down due to rain on Sat; A great ride. Rain also shut down the two dry slides so never got to try them. Next time I'll do all these before Bermuda.

 

I did the behind the scenes tour ($149). Well worth it since it includes a bridge stop; as opposed to the free Latitudes tour. We were super fortunate that the Bridge tour was given by Captain Kevin. He was obviously proud of his command and spent considerable time answering our questions. The tour was a highlight of the cruise.

 

In Bermuda

There's a brew pub in the dockyard, the Frog & Onion, we visit every day in port even if it's only for a beer and a desert. Russell is a great host.  The atmosphere is brilliant, housed in the mid 18th century cooperage.  They have great food & deserts. Recommend the gingerbread bread pudding and chocolate brownie & whiskey  trifle;  I always look forward to their great amber ale; maybe a Bermuda coffee after desert. .

 

Around the corner is an Arts Center, local artists works, very well done and reasonable prices. We always stop and always find a new treasure.

 

Thursday was time for a trip to Horseshoe Bay. We used the mini-buses near the dock to go to there and back; it costs $7 each way. We rented 2 lounges and an umbrella for $45 and relaxed. Food and drink are available along with a well serviced bath house.

 

Norwegian's free ferry to St Georges is a great benefit. Docked adjacent to the ship it relieved all the hassle of getting ferry tickets, etc. We love to walk around and shop then have lunch at the White Horse. The Wharf is a great option for an adult beverage near the ferry pick up area.

 

Last thoughts

 

Bermuda is a pretty island with super friendly people. Do some homework before you go and it'll make you're experience much more enjoyable.

 

The ship was sold out so embarkation was busy but very efficient. We were on the ship by 12:00, she sailed at 6PM.

 

We had a balcony cabin which was a bit larger than Breakaway class ships. The balcony was a little larger and its chairs were a great new design and super comfortable. There was a lot more storage options than in the past cabins.

 

Disembarking was a breeze. Had Latitudes tags, called at 8:00; were on the street 9:05.

 

Net-net the cruise was great, the Prima is a great ship with an amazing staff. We look forward to our next voyage.

 

 

Thank you for your review. I also noticed the lack of a piano. I think the Metropolitan Bar or Belvedere Bar would be good places for a piano. Or in the atrium when there is no other music being played.

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

8 hours ago, figment9999 said:

Thursday was time for a trip to Horseshoe Bay. We used the mini-buses near the dock to go to there and back; it costs $7 each way. We rented 2 lounges and an umbrella for $45 and relaxed. Food and drink are available along with a well serviced bath house.

 

Thanks for this information. Any clue what one chair and umbrella would be - if that is even a possibility? Or just one chair? I'll be solo, so 2 chairs would be overkill.

[uneamie]

We were on the May 7th sailing as well and I totally agree with your experience of Prima. I did write a review that I have not completed but you did a fine job of sumerizing my thoughts. We had very few complaints. One would be that I  would have liked them to call each deck down separatlely for debarkation for those taking their own luggage off. The line felt like 2 miles long. ha!  Also, we had "double charges" for an upcharge menu item at LeBistro that I could not deal with till we got home. I am still waiting for them to resolve it. Also, I ordered Chardonnay at the Local and they gave me the overpriced one that is not included with the beverage package. They never asked me what kind I wanted they just gave me the expensive one...2 of them to be exact. I did get CS to take both off my bill. We are not pool people so the pool being closed for several days did not bother us.....but we did get a chuckle out of all the chair hogs sitting around an "empty pool" for no apparent reason other than to hog a chair...ha!  I found the staff exceptionally friendly and helpful. We also did not have any problem getting a seat at the buffet. From past reviews I was expecting to be disappointed in this cruise but I was pleasantly surpised at the great time we had. 

[dbrown84]

10 hours ago, figment9999 said:

Just to give perspective was our 32d cruise (multiple lines); our 8th to Bermuda on NCL. We're both are 75.

 

The Prima is a beautiful ship, we loved it.

 

We think NCL tried to address a couple of complex issues and made headway on them, The solutions naturally required some tradeoffs so where solutions hit someone's hot-buttons we hear complaints. The items addressed were: folks feeling crowded on large ships and cruise demographics shifting towards multi generational, multi ethnic profiles.

 

Layout

The deck layouts are substantially different than other NCL designs. Instead of long linear hallways, forward to aft, they put some"bends" in there. The result is a more "cozy" feel; you don't see large groups of folks ahead of you as you do on say a Breakaway class ship. Same in the new Atrium. The multiple venues for food and entertainment are spread out more, across many decks, so again you don't feel crowded or see large groups of folks. But getting to a specific venue does require more effort / thought.

 

Since it is different from other NCL ships I'd recommend you print out a copy of it's deck plan brochure and use it as a quick reference until you're acclimated. https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/prima-ship-guide-082522.pdf?&cid=EM_MKD_NA_PRO_EML_NA_EML_SHIPPRIMA_523557-2023428_NA_NA
 

We never encountered the issues many on CC have presented. Elevators were fine. and enough of them The buffet area was busy but we always found a seat and never had long lines. We booked shows and restaurants prior to boarding so no worries there (Thx NCL). We had two meals in the main dining room  Hudson's, food and service were great and it's wrap around windows design was perfect. We ate in Indulge once, ordering off the tablet was interesting and the food came out amazingly fast and was delicious. It's desert venue Coco's was super. We loved Hasuki.

 

Entertainment / Activities

Unfortunately the Donna Summer show we'd reserved was cancelled and we couldn't make the replacement show. The diverse passenger demographic presented NCL with complications regarding entertainment; they needed to serve many profiles. To they're credit they had: game shows, comedy, karaoke, Latin music and dance, bingo, and Rock. We could have preferred more Rock but  that's just us.

 

Syd Normans was a great venue with an amazing band. The venue replicates a rock club and the whole package works. But as such you need to get in and find a place to sit or stand or lean on the bar. There's always congestion at the entrance, just work past the hesitant folks and you'll be fine.  It is not a theater so those requiring a seat are disappointed.

 

We noted there were no pianos on the Prima. We did miss sitting and listening / interacting with an entertainer after a busy day  with an adult beverage (just a thought).

 

The theater was a great design it had 740, very comfortable sets. The front rows folded back under (like bleachers in a gym) and it allowed them to reconfigure the resulting space into a dance floor in about 15min; brilliant!

 

My initial raceway session was canceled due to rain so I rescheduled for Saturday at 3. We were the last to race before it shut down due to rain on Sat; A great ride. Rain also shut down the two dry slides so never got to try them. Next time I'll do all these before Bermuda.

 

I did the behind the scenes tour ($149). Well worth it since it includes a bridge stop; as opposed to the free Latitudes tour. We were super fortunate that the Bridge tour was given by Captain Kevin. He was obviously proud of his command and spent considerable time answering our questions. The tour was a highlight of the cruise.

 

In Bermuda

There's a brew pub in the dockyard, the Frog & Onion, we visit every day in port even if it's only for a beer and a desert. Russell is a great host.  The atmosphere is brilliant, housed in the mid 18th century cooperage.  They have great food & deserts. Recommend the gingerbread bread pudding and chocolate brownie & whiskey  trifle;  I always look forward to their great amber ale; maybe a Bermuda coffee after desert. .

 

Around the corner is an Arts Center, local artists works, very well done and reasonable prices. We always stop and always find a new treasure.

 

Thursday was time for a trip to Horseshoe Bay. We used the mini-buses near the dock to go to there and back; it costs $7 each way. We rented 2 lounges and an umbrella for $45 and relaxed. Food and drink are available along with a well serviced bath house.

 

Norwegian's free ferry to St Georges is a great benefit. Docked adjacent to the ship it relieved all the hassle of getting ferry tickets, etc. We love to walk around and shop then have lunch at the White Horse. The Wharf is a great option for an adult beverage near the ferry pick up area.

 

Last thoughts

 

Bermuda is a pretty island with super friendly people. Do some homework before you go and it'll make you're experience much more enjoyable.

 

The ship was sold out so embarkation was busy but very efficient. We were on the ship by 12:00, she sailed at 6PM.

 

We had a balcony cabin which was a bit larger than Breakaway class ships. The balcony was a little larger and its chairs were a great new design and super comfortable. There was a lot more storage options than in the past cabins.

 

Disembarking was a breeze. Had Latitudes tags, called at 8:00; were on the street 9:05.

 

Net-net the cruise was great, the Prima is a great ship with an amazing staff. We look forward to our next voyage.

 

 

did you happen to try the Indian food at Indulge?  I've read complains about seating at Indulge.  Did you find it hard to find a seat?  thanks

[figment9999]

No issues seating, helpful staff

[figment9999]

No issues w one chair at Horseshoe Bay

[nimbex1970]

Thank you for the review!  I have the viva booked and some folks are just tough on the Pr1ma, so I'm a bit curious on all feedback! 

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

5 hours ago, figment9999 said:

No issues w one chair at Horseshoe Bay

Any clue what the price would be? I'd hope less than 2 and an umbrella, but...

[JGmf]

12 minutes ago, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

Any clue what the price would be? I'd hope less than 2 and an umbrella, but.

Was there at end of April.  The chair rental cost was $15. 

 

They take cash deeper into/on the beach, credit card guy was at the 'entrance' to the beach, by the beach house/concessions if all you have is plastic. 

 

If paying when on the beach, bring tens and fives and ones as the chair/umbrella staff sometimes say they don't have change. 

[Liljo22]

28 minutes ago, nimbex1970 said:

Thank you for the review!  I have the viva booked and some folks are just tough on the Pr1ma, so I'm a bit curious on all feedback! 

Its a new class of ship so there is going to be NCL loyalists that are going to be tough on it.  Go back and look at the reviews.  The Joy/Bliss/Encore were torn apart for the shrinking deck spaces in favor of pay venues but now are some of people's favorite ships.  After people start getting used to the layout of this class, the reviews will be more favorable.  

[ngrund]

18 hours ago, dbrown84 said:

did you happen to try the Indian food at Indulge?  I've read complains about seating at Indulge.  Did you find it hard to find a seat?  thanks

I did-

 

the pork vindaloo was one of the best things I had all week

 

If you go at peak times, seating could be an issue, but there was only one day (Sat) that we ended up not getting a seat-I would have waited but I was playing in a poker tournament at 1

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

16 minutes ago, JGmf said:

Was there at end of April.  The chair rental cost was $15. 

 

They take cash deeper into/on the beach, credit card guy was at the 'entrance' to the beach, by the beach house/concessions if all you have is plastic. 

 

If paying when on the beach, bring tens and fives and ones as the chair/umbrella staff sometimes say they don't have change. 

 

Gotcha. Thank you!

[dbrown84]

56 minutes ago, ngrund said:

I did-

 

the pork vindaloo was one of the best things I had all week

 

If you go at peak times, seating could be an issue, but there was only one day (Sat) that we ended up not getting a seat-I would have waited but I was playing in a poker tournament at 1

Great to hear.  I've always enjoyed the Indian in the buffet, so I was intrigued by them now having their a restaurant