Norwegian Prima’s First US Sailing - Bermuda Short Break *LIVE*

[LaCal]

Thanks for the awesome review and photos as always 

 

Loved the pics of the casino and the tables look excellent 

 

Any luck in there? 

[BirdTravels]

14 hours ago, SplashOfWater said:

Can you make entertainment reservations in the app or do you have to go to Syd Norman's? Thanks!

And,,, unlike all of the urban legends of doing all of your bookings while in the terminal, The Bird actually got a Wi-Fi signal from the ship pre-embarkation, but the ship had not switched to our cruise, so there was no way to log on and book. 

[BirdTravels]

[BirdTravels]

3 hours ago, LaCal said:

Loved the pics of the casino and the tables look excellent 

This cruise is the first real test of the casino. The few UK/Iceland cruises, VIP a cruises, and TA had only light weight use of the casino. This cruise has a large percentage of NY and NJ residents and they are here to gamble. 

 

Over 15% of the adult passengers are guests of the casino guests (discounted or comp’ed). That’s a pretty good number considering that there are a lot of convention passengers. And that most land-based certificates and discounts excluded the Prima during this inaugural period.  So, most of casino guests are direct guests of CAS. 
 

BTW, NCL decided not to have a casino bar. The casino uses the atrium bar which is overflowing at night with people enjoying the live music in the atrium. 

[BirdTravels]

Breakfast at Indulge Food Hall. Each of the restaurants has some sort of self serve breakfast items set out. 

 

 

 

Edited October 14, 2022 by BirdTravels

[BirdTravels]

Breakfast at the observation lounge. 
 

There is only a small food area in the observation lounge. One display case and a very small hot/cold table. And coffee area. 
 

[uneamie]

7 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Unfortunately this is incorrect. We sail on multiple cruise lines on their big ships. And most passengers can not participate in all activities. 
 

The idea is like Disneyland. You spread your guests out all over the park and there is no way to see everything. 

I've never had a problem getting a seat in the theater nor have I ever seen so many complaints about it. I wasn't implying that it NEVER happens but more that it is happening far more on this ship then others ...everyone seems to be complaining about the small venues, not enough seating etc. So I am only going by what I am reading here. 

[uneamie]

8 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

There is no expectation that all 3500 passengers will do and see everything on a ship on major cruise lines. There is no expectation on a Royal Oasis class ship that all 6500 passengers will fit in their 150 seat comedy club. Or 500+ seat aquatheater. 
 

If you expect to see and do everything, maybe book a river cruise. 

I don't expect to see everything and I never implied that....My point was that I paid to have a "fair chance" at getting a reservation and not have to "speed dial" on the ships app the second I get on the ship in hopes I narrowly snag one. That's ridiculous and I never encountered that on other ships....yes, eventually reservations become limited but not as quickly as this ship..............and I might point out that I am going by the many many people who just sail on her and posted a review complaining about the small venues and not being able to book a show in most of them. So read through and you will see that I am not exaggerating here.  I will find out for myself in May. 

[BirdTravels]

Breakfast at the Surfside buffet

 

There is a single buffet line so it is about 1/3 the size of the line on the BA+ ships. 

 

 

[BirdTravels]

1 minute ago, uneamie said:

I don't expect to see everything and I never implied that....My point was that I paid to have a "fair chance" at getting a reservation and not have to "speed dial" on the ships app the second I get on the ship in hopes I narrowly snag one. That's ridiculous and I never encountered that on other ships....yes, eventually reservations become limited but not as quickly as this ship..............and I might point out that I am going by the many many people who just sail on her and posted a review complaining about the small venues and not being able to book a show in most of them. So read through and you will see that I am not exaggerating here.  I will find out for myself in May. 

Again, this is the same on cruise lines with big ships. You have a reservation system for crowd control. You have big venues like a theater. And small venues like a comedy club. Even for the main theaters, ice rinks, and Aqua theaters, there are never enough seats (like the titanic) if every single passenger wanted to go. 
 

So, this is how most cruise ships work. Like it or not. This is not just the Prima. 
 

Just like there is insufficient capacity if every guest wanted to ride Dumbo at Disneyland.  

[steamboats]

20 hours ago, Karaboudjan said:

Did you inquire about the Signature Taste?  I believe on the menu for the trade inaugural it showed the item with an upcharge.

 

The Signature Taste is one dish from one of the specialty restaurants for an upcharge of 15 Dollar. Then there´s also the Signature Taste menu from the Great Cruise Cook Off which had no upcharge. You can find the menu here.

 

steamboats

[lvcrzn]

A million thanks, Bird Travel. I’m scheduled to be on the Prima in December for the 5 night Cozumel and  Costa  Maya ports. I’ve spent the morning going through  your post and especially the dailies. With luck these dailies reflect the itinerary for my 5 night cruise and can assist me in planning and

making reservations. 

[CruizinSusan70]

1 hour ago, uneamie said:

I've never had a problem getting a seat in the theater nor have I ever seen so many complaints about it. I wasn't implying that it NEVER happens but more that it is happening far more on this ship then others ...everyone seems to be complaining about the small venues, not enough seating etc. So I am only going by what I am reading here. 

I don't think that the problem is getting a seat in the theater for Donna Summer, Noise Boys or Price is Right.  The problem is the small capacity for comedy at the Improv and even more so at Syd's for the handful of shows there.  As more people complain hopefully the Rumours show will be moved to the theater so more people can see it.  

[Red-Sol]

1 hour ago, uneamie said:

I don't expect to see everything and I never implied that....My point was that I paid to have a "fair chance" at getting a reservation and not have to "speed dial" on the ships app the second I get on the ship in hopes I narrowly snag one. That's ridiculous and I never encountered that on other ships....yes, eventually reservations become limited but not as quickly as this ship..............and I might point out that I am going by the many many people who just sail on her and posted a review complaining about the small venues and not being able to book a show in most of them. So read through and you will see that I am not exaggerating here.  I will find out for myself in May. 

 

A consistent theme running through many of the reviews on Prima is "Meh" and those having sailed saying they probably wouldn't book again. It makes me very sad to hear this. On ships that have a Cavern Club they know they need to show the Beatles in the theater on occasion to satisfy and spread out the demand trying to get in. I suspect they will need to do the same with "Rumours" in Syd Normans as well as some of the comedians. 

 

I may have missed it but it sounds to me like there is no comparable venue such as the "Supper Club" on Escape or the "Spiegel Tent" those types of venues offered additional entertainment options for people sailing on those ships that I would think  there should be something similar as well available on Prima.

 

From what I have read so far from various people I can only assume there is an actual effort to cut down on entertainment which I don't believe for a second will be a winning strategy.

 

I am booked late April to Bermuda on Prima but if I don't start hearing some more positive things will probably cancel before final payment and stick with Breakaway Plus class ships.

[aubreyc1988]

2 minutes ago, Red-Sol said:

 

A consistent theme running through many of the reviews on Prima is "Meh" and those having sailed saying they probably wouldn't book again. It makes me very sad to hear this. On ships that have a Cavern Club they know they need to show the Beatles in the theater on occasion to satisfy and spread out the demand trying to get in. I suspect they will need to do the same with "Rumours" in Syd Normans as well as some of the comedians. 

 

I may have missed it but it sounds to me like there is no comparable venue such as the "Supper Club" on Escape or the "Spiegel Tent" those types of venues offered additional entertainment options for people sailing on those ships that I would think  there should be something similar as well available on Prima.

 

From what I have read so far from various people I can only assume there is an actual effort to cut down on entertainment which I don't believe for a second will be a winning strategy.

 

I am booked late April to Bermuda on Prima but if I don't start hearing some more positive things will probably cancel before final payment and stick with Breakaway Plus class ships.

Noooooo this makes me worry!  I have this major choice to make...go on RCI for free in the winter OR pay for Prima and use my LAST 25% Off Discount FCC...

 

 

[Red-Sol]

4 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

Noooooo this makes me worry!  I have this major choice to make...go on RCI for free in the winter OR pay for Prima and use my LAST 25% Off Discount FCC...

 

 

Aubrey when does your Discount FCC expire? And when must you decide by? For me personally I would nearly always coose NCL over Royal just due to the vibes of the ships...but free is good too.

[aubreyc1988]

1 minute ago, Red-Sol said:

Aubrey when does your Discount FCC expire? And when must you decide by? For me personally I would nearly always coose NCL over Royal just due to the vibes of the ships...but free is good too.

It is "Book by Jan 18th" and "sail by May 31"...Honestly last time I sailed with NCL, the agent told me I had used all my pandemic discounts/credits...so I was surprised when I saw this on my account and on my husband's account. I would agree with you about NCL having a better vibe...RCI saving grace is their production shows on the big ships but their bars and restaurants are not very good. 

 

Anyhow, just for sake of discussion, I believe Prima would cost me 2500 for 2 people in an inside in the winter with the drinks and such included. 

[BirdTravels]

24 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

Noooooo this makes me worry!  I have this major choice to make...go on RCI for free in the winter OR pay for Prima and use my LAST 25% Off Discount FCC...

 

 

@aubreyc1988The Prima is no better or worse than any other NCL big ship. People (including The Bird) will compare it to other BA+ ships so that people have a basis for comparison. This is not the Escape (and the Escape is the only ship with the failed Supper Club). 
 

So,,, the Prima has a max double occupancy of 3100 compared to the Escape with 4266. So, there are over 25% fewer passengers. Things don’t have to be the same as the BA+ class ship. The ship is smaller, so there is less space. NCL “fixed” some of the “issues” with BA+ and innovated their approach to cater to the contemporary cruiser. 
 

The Bird is old. We have been cruising since the days you had to reserve hard wooden deck chairs and have the chair attendant to set them

up. But we are not set in our ways like others. We hate traditional dining. And we love the variety of entertainment (when we started cruising, tea time and a performance of a string quartet playing classical music was the highlight of the afternoon). 
 

The Bird would recommend the Prima. And this thread is intended to answer the most common questions on Cruise Critic and provide hints on making your Prima cruise successful!  
 

Yup, it is hard choice between a comp’ed cruise on an Oasis class ship (we were just on the newest, Wonder OTS) and NCL’s most innovative ship. 
 

@aubreyc1988you have been around NCL for a while. You know its quirks (not too different from RCCL). And you will be very successful on either line maximizing your cruise (e.g., book early and often, show up early for shows to get the best seat). 

[aubreyc1988]

5 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

@aubreyc1988The Prima is no better or worse than any other NCL big ship. People (including The Bird) will compare it to other BA+ ships so that people have a basis for comparison. This is not the Escape (and the Escape is the only ship with the failed Supper Club). 
 

So,,, the Prima has a max double occupancy of 3100 compared to the Escape with 4266. So, there are over 25% fewer passengers. Things don’t have to be the same as the BA+ class ship. The ship is smaller, so there is less space. NCL “fixed” some of the “issues” with BA+ and innovated their approach to cater to the contemporary cruiser. 
 

The Bird is old. We have been cruising since the days you had to reserve hard wooden deck chairs and have the chair attendant to set them

up. But we are not set in our ways like others. We hate traditional dining. And we love the variety of entertainment (when we started cruising, tea time and a performance of a string quartet playing classical music was the highlight of the afternoon). 
 

The Bird would recommend the Prima. And this thread is intended to answer the most common questions on Cruise Critic and provide hints on making your Prima cruise successful!  
 

Yup, it is hard choice between a comp’ed cruise on an Oasis class ship (we were just on the newest, Wonder OTS) and NCL’s most innovative ship. 
 

@aubreyc1988you have been around NCL for a while. You know its quirks (not too different from RCCL). And you will be very successful on either line maximizing your cruise (e.g., book early and often, show up early for shows to get the best seat). 

Thank you! I am sure I will decide to book it, because yolo haha! 

[Red-Sol]

34 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

It is "Book by Jan 18th" and "sail by May 31"...Honestly last time I sailed with NCL, the agent told me I had used all my pandemic discounts/credits...so I was surprised when I saw this on my account and on my husband's account. I would agree with you about NCL having a better vibe...RCI saving grace is their production shows on the big ships but their bars and restaurants are not very good. 

 

Anyhow, just for sake of discussion, I believe Prima would cost me 2500 for 2 people in an inside in the winter with the drinks and such included. 

Can you consider doing both? Book the free Royal cruise over the winter...and then book some type of NCL cruise that sails some time before May 31st? If you are wanting to sail Prima there are a number of week long Bermuda cruises out of NYC in April/May 2023 timeframes that we looked at. Currently we have booked April 30th through CAS Balcony cabin (comped an inside and upgraded to Balcony) and it is costing us ~ $2100 for the two of us. (I have no idea what your eligibility might be through CAS but it might be worth looking at) Lots of other cruises though in addition to those Prima Cruises on other ships that might be more attactive for you. No matter what you decide personally I would try to work things out where I could do both.

[JCDCA]

3 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

This cruise is the first real test of the casino. The few UK/Iceland cruises, VIP a cruises, and TA had only light weight use of the casino. This cruise has a large percentage of NY and NJ residents and they are here to gamble. 

 

Over 15% of the adult passengers are guests of the casino guests (discounted or comp’ed). That’s a pretty good number considering that there are a lot of convention passengers. And that most land-based certificates and discounts excluded the Prima during this inaugural period.  So, most of casino guests are direct guests of CAS. 
 

BTW, NCL decided not to have a casino bar. The casino uses the atrium bar which is overflowing at night with people enjoying the live music in the atrium. 

No casino bar seems like a fail.  I’m one that enjoys playing bar top video poker.  

[Laszlo]

1 hour ago, Red-Sol said:

 

A consistent theme running through many of the reviews on Prima is "Meh" and those having sailed saying they probably wouldn't book again. It makes me very sad to hear this. On ships that have a Cavern Club they know they need to show the Beatles in the theater on occasion to satisfy and spread out the demand trying to get in. I suspect they will need to do the same with "Rumours" in Syd Normans as well as some of the comedians. 

 

I may have missed it but it sounds to me like there is no comparable venue such as the "Supper Club" on Escape or the "Spiegel Tent" those types of venues offered additional entertainment options for people sailing on those ships that I would think  there should be something similar as well available on Prima.

 

From what I have read so far from various people I can only assume there is an actual effort to cut down on entertainment which I don't believe for a second will be a winning strategy.

 

I am booked late April to Bermuda on Prima but if I don't start hearing some more positive things will probably cancel before final payment and stick with Breakaway Plus class ships.

So are you going to rebook the January 8th cruise? Lots of cabins left

[JCDCA]

1 hour ago, aubreyc1988 said:

It is "Book by Jan 18th" and "sail by May 31"...Honestly last time I sailed with NCL, the agent told me I had used all my pandemic discounts/credits...so I was surprised when I saw this on my account and on my husband's account. I would agree with you about NCL having a better vibe...RCI saving grace is their production shows on the big ships but their bars and restaurants are not very good. 

 

Anyhow, just for sake of discussion, I believe Prima would cost me 2500 for 2 people in an inside in the winter with the drinks and such included. 

The Royal cruise sounds over 1000 cheaper all in so if money is a consideration should be a no brainer.  I agree the NCL vibe at night is better than Royal.  But surprised by the food comparison.  I’ve enjoyed Royal food more than NCL.  In comparing the specialties for example Chops has always been better than Cagneys to me.  Have you tried 150 Central Park?  Probably my favorite restaurant on either line.  You should do Symphony, not Allure.  Allure is the only Oasis class ship not to have been refurbished.  

[aubreyc1988]

4 minutes ago, JCDCA said:

The Royal cruise sounds over 1000 cheaper all in so if money is a consideration should be a no brainer.  I agree the NCL vibe at night is better than Royal.  But surprised by the food comparison.  I’ve enjoyed Royal food more than NCL.  In comparing the specialties for example Chops has always been better than Cagneys to me.  Have you tried 150 Central Park?  Probably my favorite restaurant on either line.  You should do Symphony, not Allure.  Allure is the only Oasis class ship not to have been refurbished.  

I've recently "Re tried" all of Royals dining, on Liberty and Allure. The only place i felt that the food was very good was in the MDR. The variety of "Free" food seemed better on NCL. However, food isn't a huge player in my decision. The biggest reason for me doing NCL is because it's a cruise I'd be paying for, I could go basically any week, vs being restricted to what Casino Royale is offering me...and it's a bright and shiny new ship with that new ship smell lol

[BirdTravels]

Back to breakfast in the Indulge Food Hall. 
 

Once the saucer section separates, you goto the stations with the food you want. And serve yourself.