Prima B2B Copenhagen to NYC Review

[mertziek]

Recently off Prima on b2b cruises from Copenhagen to NYC.  We were in the Haven on both cruises.  I want to emphasize we had wonderful b2b cruises and loved our time on board.  We were happy to sail on the Prima but do not feel this ship is a good fit for us again unless the itinerary can’t be beat.  I finally understand why many people prefer different ships after our experience on the Prima.  I always felt a cruise ship is a cruise ship but Prima’s design is different enough from other ships we sailed that if given the chance of 2 similar itineraries, we would opt for a ship other than Prima.

 

A few of our observations -

 

*The staff was as wonderful as always.  They will bend over backwards to take care of any of your requests, always with a smile.  We saw several staff we were onboard with on the Joy in February and every one said they missed the Joy.  They did not outright criticize the Prima, commented on how nice and new the ship is, but they liked the Joy better and we could read between the lines.

 

*Never once saw the Cruise Director.  Usually they would be at all of the shows but not on these 2 cruises.

 

*The food was absolutely the best in all areas.  We ate in a few specialty restaurants, the main dining rooms (food choices were a fixed menu but varied and really good), the Local, the buffet, the Indulge Food Court but mainly we ate in the Haven.  By the way we were offered the special of the day in the Haven restaurant for lunch and dinner a few times so I’m hopeful this will become the routine. The Haven food was as good as in the specialty restaurants and we liked the familiarity of the Haven waitstaff and the quieter environment.  The buffet is much smaller than on other ships with fewer selections but we always found something to eat and all things were fresh and tasty.  The biggest problem is the seating area is also significantly smaller so it was very crowded and we were sailing at about 60-65% capacity.  We were sailing in cool weather so outdoor venues were infrequently used; when in warmer climates, it might not be as crowded.

 

*The Atrium is located on 3 levels and much smaller and chopped up than other ships.  It always felt crowded and not a good area for activities as we experienced on other cruises.  The decor was beautiful but all 3 Atrium levels felt crowded.

 

*There were fewer shops than on mega and mid size ships and most merchandise was geared to expensive items.  I missed shopping for Anne Klein and Fossil watches.  Plus the sundry shop was sparsely stocked.

 

*Since so many venues are so small, not only did you have to make reservations for specialty dining but also for lectures, painting classes (and why they had Canvas U Paint in the Local where whenever the outside door was opened everything went blowing because of wind tunnel effect frustrating the staff as well as passenger participants), some games, as well as major shows.  Many people over 2 cruises could not get in to see shows due to the small venues.  Plus, when they had performers in these smaller venues and bars, the sound was overwhelming and too loud.  We really do not like the chopped up feel of the ship.  In addition, all this need for pre-booking has defeated the intent of Free Style cruising.

 

*I missed the production shows by the dedicated NCL performers.  They seemed to offer a better variety of show.  Donna Summer was ok although I know most people loved it but we felt it was a bit disjointed and not that good.  The Noise Boys were 45 minutes of rap, beat boxing and tap dancing.  A few minutes would have been ok and the artists were good but given the age group on TA cruises I’m not sure it was the best fit.  Why they did not have the Rumors group perform in the theater is beyond me because what little we heard in passing was very good but they were in Syd Norman’s Pour House so few people could see them at one time and you had to prebook so there was no way the majority of passengers could see them.  Definitely did not need a show of ballroom dancers.  They were good but 45 minutes was hard to sit through.  Enjoyed The Nashville Tenors a lot.

 

*The staterooms are beautifully decorated and we heard no complaints about accommodations other than creaking in the ceilings on several decks.  The showers are bigger than those teeny tiny ones on other ships.  Others say the creaking in ceilings is due to a new ship so hopefully it will work it’s way out.  

 

*Light switches are tough to figure out and are delayed in responding.  I prefer a simple on/off light switch.  One night at 11 pm we discovered we could not turn off any of our lights (even after we turned the switch off the lights automatically came back on) and maintenance was there in a few minutes and worked over an hour to fix it.  Fast response time!  After 22 days onboard, we still had trouble using our lights or figuring them out due to the delay in responding.  Same with the tv.  It took a long time for the system to load.  But in the Haven we had free movies with a wide range to select from and they cycled many of these same movies on the regular tv channels available to all cruisers so a lot of variety free to all cruisers.  They also aired NFL football on a special channel.

 

*The internet service is terrible and often just not available.  Now I recognize when we are in fjords with mountains around us can make service hit or miss but even at open sea, we experienced serious delays that I feel are inexcusable in this day and age.  Yes, I know many will say you should not be on the Internet on your vacation but some of us need to stay connected for family and business purposes.  This internet issue is not unique to Prima and something we have experienced on several NCL ships so I’m hoping they will figure out a way to upgrade/improve their service.  They certainly charge enough for it!

 

*The Haven 2 and 3 bedroom staterooms with hot tubs are stunning with a lot of room.  Quite luxurious and we felt pampered.  The shower floors are very slippery and with the rough seas we had, I held on to the safety bar for dear life so I would not slip and put hand towels down on the floor in the shower.  I told our steward to let the CEO know about that hazard since he was going to be in our suite this cruise.  Also the vanities in the 2 and 3 bedroom premier suites have terrible lighting.  I do know the regular balcony rooms have a big light around the mirror with great lighting and should not be a problem in those.  First world problems…

 

*There is no dedicated walking/jogging path and is a design mistake.  People did walk on deck 8 but there are outdoor venues on Deck 8 that in good weather will be heavily populated so not conducive to walking.  Also there are a lot of twists, turns and dead ends on several decks but eventually we learned our way around.  Miss the fish showing you forward but most floors have triangles in the carpet pointing the way.

 

*The Haven is spread out over several decks and feels a bit big.  The Haven elevators are very nice but often we found the regular elevators were quicker.  Now the Haven was fully booked so the other areas were less populated so that may account for some of that.  There were no stairs within the Haven to use so if you went up one floor or down a flight, you needed to use the elevators.

 

*This ship has a lot of outside venues that will be nice for warmer climates but given our itinerary they were not used this trip.  I think that will help relieve some of the congestion.  But be forewarned, the Haven overlooks many of the outdoor venues so if noise bothers you you might want to reconsider your room.  We heard noises echoing up from deck 8 even with the cold, rainy cruise we were on.  It will only get busier and noisier when cruising in warmer climes.  Did not bother us but it might bother those who love the peaceful wake view.  Also, the aft balconies are set back due to the Indulge outside area so another thing to consider.  You do not directly overlook the wake but are set back from it.

 

*And finally we really are not aft ship passengers and much prefer the forward facing rooms.  We like seeing our cruise into the ports and missed that this cruise.  We also noticed soot on our balcony several times.

 

*Despite the low passenger count, the spa was reportedly crowded every day.  This might be due to cruising in the north in the fall and not an issue in warmer climes.

 

There were a lot of technical things with port stops on both cruises but most things are to be expected with a new ship into these ports.  The Captain kept everyone well informed and explained late arrivals, missed ports, etc.  He was also around the ship a lot.  I saw him 4-5 times which I thought was a lot.  Also we had several days of rough seas with rain - thank you North Atlantic hurricane residuals - but all in all felt the crew/Captain did their best to keep us on schedule.

 

Would we do this cruise again?  Knowing what we know now probably not if the same itineraries were available on other ships but the Prima is a beautiful ship and hopefully they can work out some of the bugs.  We were happy to do her first TA itinerary and are going home really tired out.  I’m sure there are others who will have strong opinions different from my own and I recognize we each experience cruises through our own personal lens.  Hopefully this will help others decide if they want to book Prima in the future.

[Steff79]

*The Noise Boys were 45 minutes of rap, beat boxing and tap dancing.  A few minutes would have been ok and the artists were good but given the age group on TA cruises I’m not sure it was the best fit.*
 

After one show I went into the elevator and two older Ladys were in. One of them asked me if I came from

the noise boys show and I said yes. Then she told me that she expected not much of that show but loved it. 
 

 

[mertziek]

Just now, Steff79 said:

*The Noise Boys were 45 minutes of rap, beat boxing and tap dancing.  A few minutes would have been ok and the artists were good but given the age group on TA cruises I’m not sure it was the best fit.*
 

After one show I went into the elevator and two older Ladys were in. One of them asked me if I came from

the noise boys show and I said yes. Then she told me that she expected not much of that show but loved it. 
 

 

I know.  I met a couple of ladies my age who loved it, too.  As I said everyone experiences these cruises through their own personal lens.  I just reviewed it from mine. 

[cruiseinfoseeker]

@mertziek thank you for your review.

[debenson0723]

2 hours ago, mertziek said:

*Never once saw the Cruise Director.  Usually they would be at all of the shows but not on these 2 cruises.

 

Boy, did I miss Silas!

 

Great, comprehensive review and my observations as well. Its a beautiful ship but its not the ship for me.

[mertziek]

16 hours ago, debenson0723 said:

Boy, did I miss Silas!

 

Great, comprehensive review and my observations as well. Its a beautiful ship but its not the ship for me.

I’m sure there are others who feel differently.  Beautiful ship but design is a bit off.

[Oceansaway17]

and the small venues is why I cancelled my cruise out of Iceland.  I found RCI Jewel also doing Iceland and then Ireland.

I will for now stick with the Breakaway and Breakaway Plus class.  I think the atrium idea needs to be addressed as folks like trivia and can't find a seat.  They have the same issue on RCI as well when they use bars to hold these games.

 

Small and cozy does not work so much on big ships anymore.

[CruizinSusan70]

Could you please provide a list of all of the various shows that need reservations.  Donna Summer, Noise Boys and comedy are obvious.  Can you make a reservation for Rumours at Syd's? Thanks.  Will be on the 11 day out of Galveston and 14 days next year.

[ricksurf]

Be sure to book all of your shows as soon as your board Prima.  There will be a restaurant or venue open for Show Reservations.  They have a sheet available with all the shows listed; just go through and check the ones which you want to see.  

If you don't do this, then you will be challenged to see any of them later in the cruise since they book up from that very day.

I just finished 22 days on Prima and know this for sure.

[MsTabbyKats]

Thank you for the review.  "Reservations" aren't my thing nor are slippery floors or crowded atriums.

I understand why the Prima isn't your first choice.

You didn't mention a casino so I assume you're not a player.  But if you were there, was it a decent size? 

[Oxo]

Excellent review!! Too many people are expressing their opinions about the lack of seating in the shows. This really should not have been a problem considering the size of the ship/passengers compare to the size of the Breakaway Class. Bad planning all the way around.

 

As for casino, never use them so of no interest to me. 

 

Why don't they allow you to make reservations for shows on-line? Other cruise lines do.

 

Why can't you change Specialty Restaurant reservations via the NCL App? You can make them, but can't cancel/change them. Not User Friendly. 

[CruizinSusan70]

45 minutes ago, Oxo said:

 

Why don't they allow you to make reservations for shows on-line? Other cruise lines do.

Have to assume it was because of Covid.  Our last NCL cruise was in 2019 on the Bliss and you could make reservations for the main shows with no problem.  The Cavern Club Beatles shows were walk in only and no special door for Haven people.

[ricksurf]

The casino on the Prima is quite large and has a separate enclosed area for smoking; so it smells very clean when you walk through it.  I would say it's as big or bigger than any of the other older ships that I have been on. 

[Oxo]

21 minutes ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

Have to assume it was because of Covid.  Our last NCL cruise was in 2019 on the Bliss and you could make reservations for the main shows with no problem.  The Cavern Club Beatles shows were walk in only and no special door for Haven people.

Covid is used to explain everything. That does not seem valid.

 

Been on Celebrity x2, NCL x4, MSC x2, RCI x2 since Sept 2021. NCL is one who does not allow show reservations.

 

Yet, they allow reservations for Specialty Restaurants.

 

 

[mertziek]

Just now, MsTabbyKats said:

Thank you for the review.  "Reservations" aren't my thing nor are slippery floors or crowded atriums.

I understand why the Prima isn't your first choice.

You didn't mention a casino so I assume you're not a player.  But if you were there, was it a decent size? 

Casino did see a lot of us.  It’s big, very nice and has a secluded area for smokers but they have no Wheel of Fortune machines.  😡

[FLcruisergrl]

What types of specials did they have in the Haven? 

[CruizinSusan70]

45 minutes ago, Oxo said:

Covid is used to explain everything. That does not seem valid.

 

Been on Celebrity x2, NCL x4, MSC x2, RCI x2 since Sept 2021. NCL is one who does not allow show reservations.

 

Yet, they allow reservations for Specialty Restaurants.

 

 

Since when do Celebrity or RCI allow you to make show reservations before you cruise?  Sailed on the Apex in January and the Oasis in June and neither allowed show reservations before hand.

 

If you come up with a more valid reason than Covid, then let me know.  I could make show reservations on our 3 Escape cruises in 2016 and 2017 as well as the Bliss in 2019.  Can't make them for the Prima this month or the Encore in January.   It could be a temporary thing or a permanent one, but post Covid it's not allowed and pre Covid it was.

[Oxo]

9 minutes ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

Since when do Celebrity or RCI allow you to make show reservations before you cruise?  Sailed on the Apex in January and the Oasis in June and neither allowed show reservations before hand.

 

If you come up with a more valid reason than Covid, then let me know.  I could make show reservations on our 3 Escape cruises in 2016 and 2017 as well as the Bliss in 2019.  Can't make them for the Prima this month or the Encore in January.   It could be a temporary thing or a permanent one, but post Covid it's not allowed and pre Covid it was.

Apparently Covid is not a valid reason. Are they afraid the Covid would transfer through the keyboard? LOL

We were on Oasis B2B May 2022 out of Bayonne and made reservations On-Line for Cats and Aqua shows. However, when we got on the ship, they cancelled the shows during the first cruise. 

 

All Oasis class ships allowed reservations before we cruised. Sailing on Apex next month and cannot check-in  until Oct 21. So, will let you know what they allow now on X.

[mertziek]

Just now, FLcruisergrl said:

What types of specials did they have in the Haven? 

One lunch special was an egg wrapped in sausage and a breading then deep fried.  My husband liked it.  A dinner special involved salmon but we did not try it so don’t know more about it.  Sorry those are the only 2 I know were available.

[nferr]

I've seen a lot of video and read more than a few reviews from the Prima and have pretty much decided it's not a ship I'm really eager to cruise on. Doesn't seem to be my kind of cruise experience, especially with the high pricing since it's new.

[Oxo]

12 minutes ago, nferr said:

I've seen a lot of video and read more than a few reviews from the Prima and have pretty much decided it's not a ship I'm really eager to cruise on. Doesn't seem to be my kind of cruise experience, especially with the high pricing since it's new.

I have to agree with you based on what I have seen on YouTube and read on all the sites.

Ship seems too modern, venues to small, furnished cheaply, entertainment minimal. JMHO!

 

However, we are on her 10/15 12 days and 11/19 7 days.

We will make our assessment on the 12 day cruise and give a review.

 

We are avid cruisers and cruise many cruise lines to make our judgement.

 

 

[nferr]

24 minutes ago, Oxo said:

I have to agree with you based on what I have seen on YouTube and read on all the sites.

Ship seems too modern, venues to small, furnished cheaply, entertainment minimal. JMHO!

 

However, we are on her 10/15 12 days and 11/19 7 days.

We will make our assessment on the 12 day cruise and give a review.

 

We are avid cruisers and cruise many cruise lines to make our judgement.

 

 

  Please do post a review, interested in hearing what you think.

Edited October 9, 2022 by nferr

[Oxo]

1 hour ago, nferr said:

  Please do post a review, interested in hearing what you think.

I will! I think we need to know. 

The Good, BAD and Ugly!

Stay Safe and Happy Cruising! 

[CruizinSusan70]

7 hours ago, Oxo said:

Apparently Covid is not a valid reason. Are they afraid the Covid would transfer through the keyboard? LOL

We were on Oasis B2B May 2022 out of Bayonne and made reservations On-Line for Cats and Aqua shows. However, when we got on the ship, they cancelled the shows during the first cruise. 

 

All Oasis class ships allowed reservations before we cruised. Sailing on Apex next month and cannot check-in  until Oct 21. So, will let you know what they allow now on X.

Once again Carnac, what is the reason?  You don't like my hypothesis, so what is yours?

[CruizinSusan70]

5 hours ago, mertziek said:

One lunch special was an egg wrapped in sausage and a breading then deep fried.  My husband liked it.  

Sounds like a scotch egg.