Overview and Things To Do

Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2022 ship, Norwegian Prima, sets the standard for a new class of cruise ships from the line. The luxurious ship, which is the first of six Prima-class ships, features a range of amenities and activities that are sure to delight cruisers looking for the best of the best in the latest and greatest cruising experiences. 

If you’re considering taking one of this new cruise ship’s upcoming itineraries around the world, here’s everything you need to know. We’re laying it all out — stateroom options, restaurants, activities, kids venues and more — so you can plan your upcoming vacation with ease.

Norwegian Prima Ship Stats 

But before we get into all the need-to-know details, here are a few quick stats so you can easily compare and contrast Norwegian Prima to your other favorite cruise ships.

• Gross Tonnage: 142,500
• Length: 294 meters
• Passenger Capacity: 3,099 at double occupancy
• Crew Capacity: 1,506

While the ship may not be as large as some of the other mega-ships sailing the oceans recently, Norwegian Prima does have the advantage of premiering with a range of first-at-sea experiences.

These types of experiences — such as the ship’s three-level racetrack, three-story theater-slash-nightclub and fastest freefall drop dry slide of its kind in the world — are sure to attract many cruisers, both long-time cruisers and first-timers. 

Construction and History

Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of Norwegian Prima in July 2022. The ship is the first of the new Prima-class, which is the cruise line’s first new class of ships in almost 10 years. The ship was built at Fincantieri shipyard.

While the ship, at 142,500 GT and with a double guest capacity of 3,100, is by no means one of the largest ships to come out in the early 2020s, Norwegian Prima does stand out in other ways.

The ship’s unique construction allows for the most spacious layout among today’s contemporary ships, with the most outdoor deck space and the largest accommodation options when compared to other new ships.

The ship also features a variety of new, first-of-their-kind venues and attractions that likewise make the ship’s construction remarkable. These range from the 44,000-square-foot Ocean Boulevard that wraps the entirety of the ship to the first sculpture garden at sea and beyond.

Norwegian Prima was christened in August 2022 in Reykjavik, Iceland, by godmother Katy Perry. 

Staterooms

Norwegian Prima offers several options for staterooms, including a few options that you likely haven’t seen before. The ship’s newness means you can expect modern and sleek designs that will leave you feeling as if you’re staying in a luxury resort, rather than floating at sea.

Norwegian Prima staterooms are divided into…

• Studio staterooms
• Interior staterooms
• Oceanview staterooms
• Balcony staterooms

The studio staterooms are the stand-out, new feature on this ship. While they’re hardly grand, they are a brand-new option that will appeal to solo travelers specifically. 

The smaller spaces are similar to the interior stateroom layout that you might’ve experienced on cruise ships in the past, but you get the added bonus of access to a studio-guest-only lounge, so you can mix and mingle with other solo travelers. These staterooms feature a tranquil, light blue and neutral-toned aesthetic.

If the ship’s new studio staterooms are very similar to interior staterooms you may have seen elsewhere, the actual interior staterooms on Norwegian Prima are a serious upgrade from all of that.

Luxurious, sophisticated and surprisingly very roomy, interior staterooms feature large beds, entertainment centers, vanities, closets and more, so you feel like you’re staying in a posh hotel room, not your average interior stateroom.

Read Also: Norwegian Jewel Cruise Ship – Overview and Things To Do

Oceanview staterooms are much the same in terms of aesthetic, but with much more space, including a living area, desk and bar. A large circular window flanks each bed.

The balcony staterooms, meanwhile, offer even more floor space, and that furnished balcony is accessed via floor-to-ceiling glass doors. The neutral color palette found throughout the interior staterooms and oceanview staterooms gets an upgrade in the balcony staterooms, with pops of vibrant colors and wall murals. 

Suites

Norwegian Prima’s suites are split into three main categories:

• Club balcony suites
• Traditional suites
• The Haven suites

The Club balcony suites are quite similar to the balcony staterooms mentioned above, just with more space and access to extra Club-level perks. The traditional suites offer additional spaces, balconies, extra sleeping arrangements, butler and concierge service and more, depending on the suite you choose.

The most tempting option is, of course, Norwegian’s Haven, the VIP area of the ship with its own private sundeck and other public areas (for the first time ever, all of these public areas will feature sea views). The Haven’s suites depart from the neutral decor you’ll find throughout the other suites, with bold, dark color palettes that give the spaces an elegant and upscale feel. 

Depending on the Haven suite you book, you can expect extravagant perks such as jetted showers, three bathrooms in a single suite, a dining room, outdoor hot tub and more. 

Restaurants

If you’re bored by the same ol’-same ol’ dining options that you see on every cruise ship, Norwegian Prima will absolutely thrill you with its culinary experiences. The ship introduces nine new food and beverage offerings to the cruise line, for a refreshed list of options.

In total, both new and familiar dining options are included, expect to see…

• Palomar, the line’s brand-new Mediterranean seafood restaurant
• Hasuki, a new take on the classic cruise line hibachi restaurant 
• Nama, a new sushi house
• Hudson’s, the reinvented main dining room with 270-degree ocean views
• The Commodore Room, the secondary main dining room, for upscale cuisine
• The Surfside Cafe and Surfside Grill, for self-serve casual eats
• Indulge Food Hall, the new and first Norwegian Cruise Line food hall with 11 different options
• The Haven Restaurant, for VIP eats in the Haven suites area of the ship 
• Cagney’s Steakhouse, a long-time Norwegian favorite for American-style steakhouse fair
• Food Republic, serving international cuisine 
• The Local Bar & Grill, for pub-style food and beers, 24 hours a day
• Le Bistro, the line’s signature French restaurant
• Los Lobos, a new Mexican restaurant
• Onda by Scarpetta, an upscale Italian and seafood restaurant

Bars and Lounges

Just as Norwegian Cruise Line updated its dining list for this cruise ship, it also added some new features to its lineup of bars, lounges and watering holes. Here’s what you can expect:

• The Metropolitan Bar, featuring zero-waste cocktails and sustainable wines 
• The Belvedere Bar, for new takes on classic drinks
• The Penrose Atrium, a three-story, glass-walled spot to take the entire ship in, drink in hand
• The Whiskey Bar, a separate bar within the Atrium, where you can find whiskey-themed drinks
• The Observation Lounge, for taking in the sights off-deck while enjoying a drink and the company of your fellow cruisers
• The Humidor Cigar Lounge, for cigars and drinks
• The Prima Speedway Bar, where you can have a drink after visiting the first three-level race track at sea
• The Waves Pool Bar, for poolside cocktails
• Vibe Beach Club, a refined, adults-only atmosphere with lots of bubbly and no kiddos
• Luna Bar, where you can enjoy a cocktail while exploring the new Indulge Food Hall
• Soleil Bar, for outdoor drinks with a view
• The Studio Lounge, for light drinks and light bites
• Syd Norman’s Pour House, for both music and drinks 
• Indulge Outdoor Lounge, for drinks while you kick back on the sun deck
• The Haven Lounge & Bar, a VIP space for Haven guests only

Activities and Entertainment 

As you can see, you’ll find a lot to love about Norwegian Prima just in your stateroom or suite and in the various dining and drinking options. However, you’re not likely to spend your entire cruise lounging in your suite or eating and drinking your way through the ship.

There are so many other things to do on Norwegian Prima that you’ve got to check out your options. Here’s just a taste of what you can expect to find aboard the Norwegian Prima.

Prima Speedway

Prima Speedway is the first, three-level racetrack at sea. The racetrack is more than a quarter-mile long and 22% larger than Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships’ past racetracks.

As racers reach speeds of more than 30 miles per hour, this track is the place to go for high-energy thrills. 

Broadway-Style Shows

Norwegian Prima’s very first Broadway-style show is “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” a Tony Award-nominated show that’s acting as the ship’s headliner during its first season.

The production features a range of songs from the career of Donna Summer and shows will take place in a new, three-story theater with lots of special tech features that make for an immersive experience.

Live Game Shows

Just about every cruise line features gameshows, but on Norwegian Prima, this game show experience is taken to an entirely new level with the interactive LIVE on NCL format that allows cruisers to take part in favorite game shows and compete to win prizes.

Featured game shows include The Price is Right, Supermarket Sweep, Press Your Luck and Beat the Clock.

The Drop

The Drop is another high-adrenaline attraction. The 10-story dry slide sets world records as the first free-fall dry slide to reach G-forces higher than what you would experience in an F1 race car.

The Galaxy Pavilion

In The Galaxy Pavilion, there are near-endless ways to have fun. The pavilion is an indoor spot to get out of the heat and explore up to 14 different experiences, with virtual gaming, escape rooms and a Topgolf Swing Suite, among other options.

Aqua Park Waterslides 

Another new feature for this ship, the Tidal Wave water slide is part of the ship’s Aqua Park and allows guests in inner tubes to catch a wave. The Drop and The Rush are also two waterslides set to appear in the ship’s Aqua Park and are considered the fastest water slides at sea.

Of course, the pool deck aboard this ship will also feature a traditional pool, infinity hot tubs, a children’s area and more.

Improv at Sea

Want to get in a show, but Broadway musicals not really your thing? If you prefer comedy to choreography, you’ll find it at Improv at Sea, the ship’s comedy club.

Mandara Spa

For more ways to relax, rather than get your blood pumping, head to the all-new Mandara Spa, where Norwegian is unveiling even more new amenities for cruisers.

This spa will feature the first charcoal sauna at sea, as well as an ice room, experiential showers, a floatation salt pool and an infrared sauna. New spa treatments are also available.

Tee Time

You’ve never seen mini golf like this on a cruise ship. The brand-new mini golf course is tech-heavy and interactive, for a fun experience you’ll want to enjoy multiple times during your cruise. 

Kids’ Venues

Need a little quiet time? Not all of your cruise has to be family-oriented. Everyone can go their own way during a sea day and enjoy the ship’s offerings for all ages. Norwegian Prima kids’ venues include Splash Academy, for programming and fun for elementary-age children.

Norwegian Prima Cruises 

Norwegian Prima launched its inaugural cruising season with a series of eight-day cruises in northern Europe, followed by Fall 2022 cruises around the Caribbean, before returning to Europe in Summer 2023.

Norwegian Prima FAQs