Once and done with Norwegian. Ugh.

[mking8288]

1 hour ago, golden6911 said:

Dang, it's getting depressing to read another negative Prima review. 

I almost cancelled a few months back before final payment because the negative reviews were trickling in back then but decided to go ahead with it.  I hope I don't regret that decision in the end.  I will go into it with an open mind and hope for the best. 

Hear hear ... That would be my/our post as well - we're all excited and booked the Prima for 2023, twice cancelled before final payment, booked again and the red circle on the digital calendar is coming up soon.  It's another strike lately, nearly fleet-wide, with the major entertainment "changes" - we go for the main theater big production shows, comedy & magics aren't our cup of tea, and, can't stand being packed like sardines in an overcrowded venue that one must line up 60+ minutes before door(s) are open to get in.  Selling vibe passes & behind the scene tours aren't exactly "entertainment" per se, not in my/our cruise dictionary anyway, but to each her/his own & those still cheering are free to disagree, don't bother me but anyone wish to flame, go ahead ... just add to the "ignore" list.  

 

We finally cruised the Epic this April with an open mind and it was fine, despite reading about it all.  Burn The Floor was the only onboard major entertainment for the long TA, the other sea days filled in with comedians, singing duos/trios  - trending exactly what we are now reading about with the changes announced ... the atrium was packed & jammed full, and long lines daily at Shorex, CruiseNext and Guest Services.  

 

Anyway, let's see how things go this summer with the Prima.  Elsewhere, just heard that NCL is partnering with land casinos here in the NE, players promotion deals & discounts will surely help fill some of the last minute, unsold cabins - sometimes, I wonder ... 

[golden6911]

Yeah I am generally a decently chill traveler, particularly when cruising.  I chose this cruise back in 2021 mostly for the itinerary, not the ship as much, although the prospect of sailing on a new ship seemed really fun too. 

If I want a vacation full of busy, busy, busy, I will go to Disney World.  This is my chill vacation for the most part, just looking forward to resting, hanging in the spa, and seeing some beautiful fjords and wildlife.

As far as the cold weather itinerary, that was kind of the point for us.  We don't like the heat, and we loved our 2015 Alaska cruise in August, so this seemed right up our alley.  We will probably be the weirdos sitting outside in jackets watching the fjords go by while other people are huddling indoors, complaining of cold. 

[Sugar Magnolia]

I sailed twice on the Prima. The first time was in a balcony stateroom on the TA in September 2022 sailing at about 70% capacity. The second time was in a studio on a Caribbean sailing from Orlando in March 2023 at full capacity.

 

I experienced the creaking noise only in the balcony stateroom and fully empathize with all that has been said in @UKstages' thread. I also posted a recording of the creaking on that thread. When I played the recording to Customer Service, I was told that creaking noises were normal for new ships. I then asked if they heard this noise in their cabins but only received a stoic nonresponse. I refused to let that experience set the tone for the rest of the cruise, so I slept when the ship docked and during calmer waters, knowing I had no set schedule for the entire cruise. However, no passenger or crew should have to suffer through that creaking as we all need restful sleep to perform basic cognitive functions and be happy people.

 

That said, I still managed to enjoy the Prima and booked another sailing, but to a warm weather destination. The Prima, indeed, is better for warm weather sailings to enjoy the vast outdoor space; when that space was unusable during inclement weather, the indoor public space proved to be inadequate. 

 

I enjoyed all the dining options on the Prima, Onda and Palomar in particular. Food Republic is also one of those lesser known, underrated gems. 

 

Yes, the buffet is smaller than the other NCL ships and Indulge Food Hall always seemed crowded because it is popular. However, additional seating for the breakfast and lunch buffet was always available at Food Republic and sometimes at Palomar. On the Caribbean sailing we were able to sit outside and order from Indulge so that was enjoyable. Also on the busier Caribbean sailing, at times we did have a small wait to be seated at Hudson’s, but no more than 5-10 minutes.

 

Entertainment is subjective but I will reiterate that the indoor public space was inadequate which includes entertainment venues. The popular Syd Norman’s Pour House on the Prima is smaller than the ones on the other NCL ships and you do have to queue up about 45 minutes prior to showtime to get a seat. However, to be fair, we also had to queue up for the Pour House on the Breakway in October 2022 and on the Getaway on our 5-day cruise to nowhere in February 2023.

 

The thermal spa suite on the Prima is different from the other NCL ships. I was pleased to learn that many things that were not functioning during the TA were functioning on my second Prima sailing, e.g., pool jets, sauna, etc. However, though I can overlook the micro changing area at the spa, I cannot accept how often there were thumping noises coming from the fitness center that was directly over the spa. It was the opposite of relaxing.

 

Would I sail on the Prima a third time? Maybe, if the price was reasonable or I was presented an offer I could not refuse, and likely book a quiet studio cabin. The Prima is a beautiful ship with the most spacious cabins and comfortable beds. Now that I am well acquainted with Prima’s quirks and kinks, I would make the best of it. 

[graphicguy]

11 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

I sailed twice on the Prima. The first time was in a balcony stateroom on the TA in September 2022 sailing at about 70% capacity. The second time was in a studio on a Caribbean sailing from Orlando in March 2023 at full capacity.

 

I experienced the creaking noise only in the balcony stateroom and fully empathize with all that has been said in @UKstages' thread. I also posted a recording of the creaking on that thread. When I played the recording to Customer Service, I was told that creaking noises were normal for new ships. I then asked if they heard this noise in their cabins but only received a stoic nonresponse. I refused to let that experience set the tone for the rest of the cruise, so I slept when the ship docked and during calmer waters, knowing I had no set schedule for the entire cruise. However, no passenger or crew should have to suffer through that creaking as we all need restful sleep to perform basic cognitive functions and be happy people.

 

That said, I still managed to enjoy the Prima and booked another sailing, but to a warm weather destination. The Prima, indeed, is better for warm weather sailings to enjoy the vast outdoor space; when that space was unusable during inclement weather, the indoor public space proved to be inadequate. 

 

I enjoyed all the dining options on the Prima, Onda and Palomar in particular. Food Republic is also one of those lesser known, underrated gems. 

 

Yes, the buffet is smaller than the other NCL ships and Indulge Food Hall always seemed crowded because it is popular. However, additional seating for the breakfast and lunch buffet was always available at Food Republic and sometimes at Palomar. On the Caribbean sailing we were able to sit outside and order from Indulge so that was enjoyable. Also on the busier Caribbean sailing, at times we did have a small wait to be seated at Hudson’s, but no more than 5-10 minutes.

 

Entertainment is subjective but I will reiterate that the indoor public space was inadequate which includes entertainment venues. The popular Syd Norman’s Pour House on the Prima is smaller than the ones on the other NCL ships and you do have to queue up about 45 minutes prior to showtime to get a seat. However, to be fair, we also had to queue up for the Pour House on the Breakway in October 2022 and on the Getaway on our 5-day cruise to nowhere in February 2023.

 

The thermal spa suite on the Prima is different from the other NCL ships. I was pleased to learn that many things that were not functioning during the TA were functioning on my second Prima sailing, e.g., pool jets, sauna, etc. However, though I can overlook the micro changing area at the spa, I cannot accept how often there were thumping noises coming from the fitness center that was directly over the spa. It was the opposite of relaxing.

 

Would I sail on the Prima a third time? Maybe, if the price was reasonable or I was presented an offer I could not refuse, and likely book a quiet studio cabin. The Prima is a beautiful ship with the most spacious cabins and comfortable beds. Now that I am well acquainted with Prima’s quirks and kinks, I would make the best of it. 

Agree with your assessment totally!  Every ship, on every cruise line I’ve sailed, given I am not familiar with a particular ship, takes me a little bit to get my bearings….sometimes I don’t stop getting lost on board until the last day of the cruise….sometimes it takes more than one sailing before I get my bearings.  They are 20 story buildings, floating on the water.  Rightfully or wrongfully, I try to minimize creaking.  Sometimes successfully done on my own, sometimes I have to get customer service involved.

 

I have been successful folding up bits of the daily planners and inserting them in the “creak points”.  Sometimes if the seas are less smooth, the creaking is more noticeable than sailing in pristine, glass like waters (like the Caribbean sailing outside of Hurricane Season).

 

Syd Norman’s is a bone of contention….seems on all NCL ships.  First, because the shows there are so good.  2nd, because NCL won’t find a bigger ensue to hold the main shows there.

 

The more you guys keep talking about Prima, the more I want to sail her.  Y’all are a bunch of enablers.

Edited June 19, 2023 by graphicguy

[Sugar Magnolia]

4 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

The more you guys keep talking about Prima, the more I want to sail her.  Y’all are a bunch of enablers.

 

Well it's only fair...you were my enabler for my recent B2B Alaska cruise. So there!

 

[J0Y0US]

Only way I step onboard NCL is Haven and right now in general I am staying away from cruising just checking in now and then to see if the general issues all lines are having are getting better.

Lots of cost cutting and crowded ships lend to me spending money elsewhere.

 

Know someone else who recently went on a NCL cruise and hated it. We let them know give NCL another chance but make sure you are Haven when you do.

 

Sorry the trip didn't go as planned as that is not a cheap cruise.

[Sugar Magnolia]

2 hours ago, golden6911 said:

I almost cancelled a few months back before final payment because the negative reviews were trickling in back then but decided to go ahead with it.  I hope I don't regret that decision in the end.  I will go into it with an open mind and hope for the best. 

 

I am curious how people who buy thermal spa passes feel about cold weather sailings on the Prima.  My thinking was that being a cold weather cruise, having a place to retreat to like the spa would be a big benefit.  On my Alaska cruise years ago, I made extensive use of the thermal spa passes and it was great to have that quiet time and space. 

 

@golden6911 you will be fine. You have the right state of mind. 

 

I recently returned from an Alaska cruise and also made extensive use of the thermal spa pass. I had a great view when we cruised the glaciers and virtually had the thermal suite to myself.

 

Although I complained about the unacceptable thumping noises in the Prima thermal suite coming from the fitness center above, I probably would buy the pass again on a cold weather cruise or on an itinerary with many sea days.

 

[UKstages]

30 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I try to minimize creaking.  Sometimes successfully done on my own, sometimes I have to get customer service involved. I have been successful folding up bits of the daily planners and inserting them in the “creak points”.

 

well, that's just the thing... there are no creak points. there is nothing that is "fixable" by guests or by maintenance or by engineers, unless they open the interior walls and fix whatever structural defect occurred when the ship was built. the calls are coming from inside the house!

 

and it's a complete crap shoot as to whether or not you'll get one of these rooms. and there are - apparently - a considerable number of rooms so afflicted.

 

and nobody knows if the same problem will be repeated on the viva.

 

i think everybody who has mentioned their struggles with severe cabin noise on the prima has previously experienced the normal creaking noises on a ship. this can happen on almost every cabin on every cruise line. it is to be expected and it is a minor annoyance, if it's an annoyance at all.

 

this type of cabin noise is not that. it is something altogether different, the likes of which none of us have ever experienced. it is insidious and it is torture. and it has the potential to ruin your vacation. and this is why the comparison to ordinary, manageable creaking noises and the dismissal of our warnings is so frustrating.

 

good people with love in their hearts and well-meaning people with kindness in the smithy of their souls can suggest noise canceling headphones and white noise machines and stuffing dailies at the creak points. we're trying to tell you in the best way we know how: that won't help.

 

until you experience this for yourself, you. have. no. idea,

[insidecabin]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

Hmmmm....my TA booked using my coupons, and they gave me their typical OBC and discounts.  I would think the coupons wouldn't affect the TA, with the possible exception that TAs are paid on gross cruise revenue bookings.  But, I don't know how that works.

UK and this TA does say they can't combine some coupons, cruise next OK.

 

It was cash coupon that has long life can wait

 

The 20% with a month, not using on a $500 base fare on a 10n cruise for 2pax.

Will find another one to use that.

 

The epic haven are a temptation or an Alaskan while they are good value..

 

[graphicguy]

41 minutes ago, insidecabin said:

UK and this TA does say they can't combine some coupons, cruise next OK.

 

It was cash coupon that has long life can wait

 

The 20% with a month, not using on a $500 base fare on a 10n cruise for 2pax.

Will find another one to use that.

 

The epic haven are a temptation or an Alaskan while they are good value..

 

Yeah…excited about the Epic Haven Spa.  NCL seems to have done a nice job refurbing what was already considered the best Haven in the fleet!

 

Got 2 more Cruise Next carts sitting in my account.  For whatever reason, the Alaska coupons are still in my account, even though I used one a few months ago.

 

Kind of want to keep those cruise next certs for a Prima/Viva cruise.  

[insidecabin]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

Yeah…excited about the Epic Haven Spa.  NCL seems to have done a nice job refurbing what was already considered the best Haven in the fleet!

 

Got 2 more Cruise Next carts sitting in my account.  For whatever reason, the Alaska coupons are still in my account, even though I used one a few months ago.

 

Kind of want to keep those cruise next certs for a Prima/Viva cruise.  

Those epic dates are in one of our windows I need to research more than Inside and check out the haven.

 

Cruise next all gone now not sure if we can get cruise first in the UK

 

Epic Haven needed a refurb after the first TA distroyed the courtyard.

[graphicguy]

22 minutes ago, insidecabin said:

Those epic dates are in one of our windows I need to research more than Inside and check out the haven.

 

Cruise next all gone now not sure if we can get cruise first in the UK

 

Epic Haven needed a refurb after the first TA distroyed the courtyard.

There are some NCL deals floating around (i.e. Epic).  Just have to be a little open minded about ships and itineraries.

 

I wish I could transfer my 50% of Alaska itineraries for Sun and Spirit coupon and 20% off Bliss and Encore expires on 06/22/23 to someone. And, you have to be able to cruise by 12/31.  I can't use them....well, I could, but given they won't cruise to Alaska in November and December, and I'm saying in the Mediterranean in October, it would be tough to pull off.

[Sugar Magnolia]

9 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I wish I could transfer my 50% of Alaska itineraries for Sun and Spirit coupon and 20% off Bliss and Encore expires on 06/22/23 to someone. And, you have to be able to cruise by 12/31.  I can't use them....well, I could, but given they won't cruise to Alaska in November and December, and I'm saying in the Mediterranean in October, it would be tough to pull off.

 

Now you're just rubbing it in my face.

 

[KKB]

Sad to see another negative review...about Prima & NCL.

We so enjoyed the Getaway every time we sailed--one pre-COVID (1st NCL) then I did 2 weeks last Aug.

We were not terribly thrilled with Encore in Dec--definitely felt the lack of staff.

Now with the announcement that most shows are being cancelled, just one more thing that I loved about NCL.

Lots of rumors flying around about Syds...hoping it's still around on the Breakaway--I would sail NCL JUST for Syds, I love it that much!

 

Have Breakaway to Med w/ DD in August--heck of a deal booked during COVID--plus the Joy in Nov. for the poker cruise I won on the Encore. Tried to sell but offers were so poor, we decided an OK "free" cruise was better than no cruise at all. 

 

Guess I'll have my chance to see how things are.

[graphicguy]

9 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

Now you're just rubbing it in my face.

 

👹👺🚢⎈🍺🗻🏔️

[graphicguy]

15 minutes ago, KKB said:

Sad to see another negative review...about Prima & NCL.

We so enjoyed the Getaway every time we sailed--one pre-COVID (1st NCL) then I did 2 weeks last Aug.

We were not terribly thrilled with Encore in Dec--definitely felt the lack of staff.

Now with the announcement that most shows are being cancelled, just one more thing that I loved about NCL.

Lots of rumors flying around about Syds...hoping it's still around on the Breakaway--I would sail NCL JUST for Syds, I love it that much!

 

Have Breakaway to Med w/ DD in August--heck of a deal booked during COVID--plus the Joy in Nov. for the poker cruise I won on the Encore. Tried to sell but offers were so poor, we decided an OK "free" cruise was better than no cruise at all. 

 

Guess I'll have my chance to see how things are.

What about the shows?  I haven't heard anything.  I just saw SIX and Jersey Boys on the Bliss.  During the Behind the Scenes Tour, the Stage Manager told us there were some show contracts that were expiring, but they would be replaced.

 

Syd Norman's shows are so popular that I would think if they did anything with them, it would be to put them into a bigger venue.  But, that would take away one of the shows' best attributes, the intimacy of them.

 

Edited June 19, 2023 by graphicguy

[KKB]

6 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

What about the shows?  I haven't heard anything.  I just saw SIX and Jersey Boys on the Bliss.  During the Behind the Scenes Tour, the Stage Manager told us there were some show contracts that were expiring, but they would be replaced.

 

Syd Norman's shows are so popular that I would thing if they did anything with them, it would be to put them into a bigger venue.  But, that would take away one of the shows' best attributes, the intimacy of them.

 

https://crew-center.com/ncl-close-seven-production-shows-brace-yourselves-innovative-replacements?fbclid=IwAR1wPqEoEjiy92m2WBYWBnMXhxkZvq-0btNt0s_PGF8qhlJQa2oY1aWUFPE

 

Seems a long time to go w/o them...

[graphicguy]

13 minutes ago, KKB said:

https://crew-center.com/ncl-close-seven-production-shows-brace-yourselves-innovative-replacements?fbclid=IwAR1wPqEoEjiy92m2WBYWBnMXhxkZvq-0btNt0s_PGF8qhlJQa2oY1aWUFPE

 

Seems a long time to go w/o them...

OK.....didn't know that.  SIX, I understand.  It's a big expensive show, and quite frankly, was the worst I've seen on any NCL ship.  Not that it was bad, just not my cup of tea.  The rest are on smaller ships, and are probably not tied to any production company (this is just a guess).  Footloose on the Joy, not sure about that one.  Has it been around for a while?

 

I do know that they have long term contracts for these shows with their respective companies.  From what we were told, these shows are tightly held by the production companies via how long they run, who they bring in to perform, and even the costumes they use.  She also said that productions are in rehearsals in FL for some shows she wasn't allowed to divulge.

 

I think this happens every once in a while.  I know Blue Man Group is no longer on NCL ships, neither is Rock of Ages.  They swap these out at the end of their contract run.

 

I doubt they announce replacements until they actually debut.

 

 

Edited June 19, 2023 by graphicguy

[Sugar Magnolia]

5 hours ago, graphicguy said:

The recent Europe coupons made the sailing very attractive.  So, I'm booked.

 

MSC tried to burn me.  So, still a little salty about that.  Not sure how long it will take for me to look at them, again.

 

Oh I see what you did there...

 

[HowardK]

Sometimes I wonder if the lack off staff is due to the whiny passengers? I can't imagine who would want to work on a ship where people are picky about everything? 

[bobkat11]

16 minutes ago, HowardK said:

Sometimes I wonder if the lack off staff is due to the whiny passengers? I can't imagine who would want to work on a ship where people are picky about everything? 

It's "whiny" if a passenger complains here on CC about standing outside In the sun for several hours while embarkation is delayed? It's "picky" to be disappointed that 3 out of 8 tours had to be cancelled due to itinerary change? Or any of the other significant problems that various posters have mentioned in this thread?

BTW, I never once complained or was "whiny" to a single staff member.

[toryandrew]

Sorry folks, I'm on the prima right now... And I'm Sapphire latitudes and this is a mess.  The way the ship is designed severely limits the space in every single venue. Every venue but especially the Atrium has limited seating with odd empty spaces. Sid's for Rumours is an impossible situation because it seats so few. Stand in line for 45 minutes and you are in limited standing room. They are skipping that Iceland port for every cruise but they have not updated the daily schedule. So it's boring, either you literally can't get into simple things like trivia or origami or there's hours with nothing scheduled for unexpected sea days.  The food is fine, the staff are good, I'm pleased with the size of my room but the ship configuration is a nightmare. People can say what they want but it's a fact that each venue is 50% or more smaller compared to other ships. 

[Red-Sol]

6 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Hear hear ... That would be my/our post as well - we're all excited and booked the Prima for 2023, twice cancelled before final payment, booked again and the red circle on the digital calendar is coming up soon.  It's another strike lately, nearly fleet-wide, with the major entertainment "changes" - we go for the main theater big production shows, comedy & magics aren't our cup of tea, and, can't stand being packed like sardines in an overcrowded venue that one must line up 60+ minutes before door(s) are open to get in.

I hear you Henry! I was so convinced that I would love the Prima and all she had to offer. Seeing and reading many negative reviews my feelings were "what the hell do they know" or that they were nothing more than chronic complainers. Well my opinion completely changed after a late April sailing to Bermuda.While I didn't completely hate the ship and the experience I did condider it very much "MEH" no need to go over all the good and bad points as it has been done so often already that there isn't much I can add to it. Trust me when I say I really really thought I would love the ship and that all the nay sayers were wrong...unfortunately for me it didn't work out that way. I am NOT trying to influence anyone from making their own judgemment and it is very possible that many people will end up loving the ship...I am simply not one of them. Now looking forward to 15 days on Getaway in November.

Edited June 19, 2023 by Red-Sol

[UKstages]

2 minutes ago, Red-Sol said:

Trust me when I say i really really thought I would love the ship and that all the nay sayers were wrong...unfortunately for me it didn't work out that way.

 

this was my thought process, too. i couldn't imagine it was as bad as people said.

 

in reality, the prima - based on my experience - was far worse.

[ontheweb]

33 minutes ago, HowardK said:

Sometimes I wonder if the lack off staff is due to the whiny passengers? I can't imagine who would want to work on a ship where people are picky about everything? 

And it has nothing to do with the post Covid experience of labor shortages. And it has nothing to do with the problem crew members had for awhile getting work visas.

 

It's all about whiny passengers. 🤦‍♂️