FreestyleNovice

Norwegian Prima & Viva cruisers - NCL Leonardo class ships Normally most of the Everything threads ends up on those FB groups, this time it’s around for this one group with an true exclusive source. I guess it’s part of the decline of CC and rise of generic social media that such sources randomly pop up in such FB groups instead of finding their way to the NCL board here, which would be the #1 gathering spot for NCL loyals and actually still has the most knowledge. Oh well, I might be getting old and jealous!

I think that's the same group that has the interior photos, quite a few were posted.

What was the story about those afts not getting a hot tub and what can we make of this photo? Not sure if it are all tubs..? The render:

"Don't go out too far!"

I've seen some good first hand interior photos of Prima, not wanting to leech them without permission so bear with me till we hopefully get a go.. Prima is also on schedule. That is the good news. There is one thing I've been reluctant about to post about and there is absolute no indication whatsoever that it has a negative impact on any of the (future) builds but that is how close the inland Tulcea shipyard (Romania) is to the Ukrainian south border, approx. 4 to 5 km/2.5 miles. As most regulars here know, at Tulcea, a Fincantier subsidiairy, they construct the partial hull before they tow them to Venice, Italy. Part of this transit is through the Black Sea. The river mouth/canal from Tulcea that feeds into the Black Sea is under 40km/25 miles from the disputed Snake Island and surrounding waters. Again, there is no indication, I am not stirring the pot and we haven't seen anything from Tulcea's social media regarding the third Prima class ship but it might be more difficult to set up and say insure such a tow operation the next time(s) or even pass the Istanbul strait if it's blocked. Also I, among most of you, too like to keep politics off the thread and board, as much as we love our shared hobby of cruising we eventually all are different and unique in our opinions and views as we often proudy proof here on the various threads. Although we probably all would be on the very same side about a particular matter but discussing that would distract from purpose of the thread. All we can do is hope.

That's very limited time. The bus tour is a cue you line up for, near the Atlantis building. But also note this from the KSC site: LAST BUS TOUR RUNS 2.5 HOURS BEFORE PARK CLOSURE.

It may be small but at Schiphol airport (between the E and F concourse, close to most US bound flights) there's a free permanent Rijksmuseum expo; https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiphol/discover/facilities/rijksmuseum Slightly off topic but perhaps also worth the visit when you fly out of Amsterdam with mentioned limited time!

We flew to and from Iceland last week (Schengen), on a friday afternoon. Longer lines yes, checking our bags took 30 minutes and the wait for the security filter took another 30 minutes. Coming back on a sunday at noon after collecting our bags (took longer than average) we looked at the check in line which was already snaking outside the temporary tent outside Departures. So it varies, my advice: Be sure to check https://www.schiphol.nl/en/my-travel-day/today for your flights, Schiphol will tell if your day of flight is a busy one. Download their app to get instant notifications on your cell phone, Schiphol and the Port of Amsterdam both have free wifi, the Dutch Railways (NS) ditto. Check in with the airline before you go to Schiphol, use the airline app that way you will have a digital boarding pass so you only have to drop off your bag, use the self service machines if available. I feel sorry for the OP that their flight was cancelled and delayed but bear in mind that those factors are due to other airports or problems with the airline. Airplanes have an average turn around time of 1 to 3 hours between flights (otherwise they are parked at a platform). Once you are passed security and customs (non Schengen flights) and if you are at least 30 minutes pre departure time after all you went through you will make your flight if you keep moving, use the moving walkways and you can get anywhere within 15 minutes of fast otherwise-I-will-miss-my-flight-pace. Schiphol is a one terminal building, pretty much straight forward piers, all information is well indicated. Transfering through Schiphol (Schengen -> non Schengen) takes extra time but those flights originate elsewhere in Europe. The cue at the transfer filter varies a lot but depending on the ammount of transfer passengers. Traveling from Schiphol (and arriving, with understaffed ground workers for the baggage) does take extra time, be prepaired, arriving too early also congests the airport so plan wisely. Good luck to all!

Fincantieri has a yard in Trieste.

Don’t forget Amsterdam!

Nice updates all! I’m kind of off grid on an island that has a particular port of call for Prima, not on courtesy of NCL though! Keep the good news coming!

Now this is a ship that is almost ready!

I hope so too! Planning a trip too in fall... Be sure to have a WiFi package, or a hotel day room after disembarkation with WiFi for taking the test. You will be online around 15-20 minutes in a video call. I assume the ship's WiFi is fast enough to cater to those who might buy NCL's telemed test. Otherwise test on a port day, a shore or when the ship is quiet/low on pax, IF the timeframe (the day before rule, which btw is not 24H but a day) allows you. If you bring an iPad/tablet, which is favourable for the test vs mobile phone (smaller display), practice setting it up slightly tilted so it views your tabletop/desktop where the proctor can oversee the test being unboxed, the test itself and it's progress during the wait for the result. Of course all of this only when the proctor asks you to, in the videocall. edit: https://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack This is the cheapest per test option for eMed

Buying liquor in expensive Norway? I think we offer your drink for less on our side of the North Sea, haha!

I would assume "or", Italy has only required the FFP2 in the past and will be after May 1st for all public transport. And the KN95 (China), N95 (USA) and FFP2 (Europe) are equal to eachother as far I know so it could be the latter you said, just a listing?

Yep. NCL may offer the exact same test, be sure to inquire because IF they include data/Wifi that would be the easiest way. At Civitavecchia there's mention of a drive in test site, lots of cons: appointment needed (via website), opens at 8am, must have an electronic medical prescription(?) and.. you have to call or email for your result only (hold on..) from Tuesday to Saturday. Source; https://civitavecchia.portmobility.it/en/coronavirus-arrivals-and-departures-port-civitavecchia I am sure that there are better test sites around Civitavecchia but I would prefer the comfort and ease of use of a telemed test and not to worry about it after disembarkation. But.. Hopefully you won't need a test next month, who knows!

No problem, glad to help. Stock up for at home if it's not onboard at the bar..

You will be able to buy Linie Aquavit at one of the Gall & Gall liquor stores in Amsterdam, your port of departure. Gall & Gall is a chain; there are numerous stores around. Other liquor store might have it too. If you walk down the quay (all the way, say 10 ship lengths?) you will get to the Gall & Gall at Veemkade 1266 next to some grocery stores. The other stores closeby are in the city center. https://www.gall.nl/linie-aquavit-70cl-799068.html

For one (or even the first revenue/some 2 or 3 night taster) cruise on Escape we booked an forward facing oceanview, one which seemed larger than others (the ..700 series). NCL thought to do us a favour and "upgraded" us to a balcony nearby, unasked and unconfirmed (noticed it online in MyNCL a few weeks out). I was bummed. But I got to peek into the ..700 around the corner on disembarkation with permission of the steward cleaning it.

He won't like that if he comes here to check the progress of his ship..

Take Keith's advice, be sure to check the airport as testing is scaling down in Europe. Interesting to see they offer a telemedicine kit (eMed perhaps?), I suppose they would give you free WiFi acces to (at least) that URL/domain for taking the supervised test. But that would be another thread.

I am no expert and I know some posters are pessimistic but, it seems she could/should be ready on time to me. We have not seen any recent interior pictures, but if we don't get to see any appearing this month then we should be worried. All the exterior work what is being done at the moment is near final stage breakable stuff like tiling the pools, placing glass railings, within time the final layers on the decks, those details. If they start detailing the Ocean Boulevard with the wooden decor and sculptures you know they are close but that stage might be after seatrials. Here's a photo from this week, not showing details but it gives a general impression I hope:

Viva's upper aft blocks (Haven sun deck) being hoisted:

A Prima evening!

A bit low quality..