Entertainment on board NCL Prima

Entertainment on the NCL Prima offers varied experiences for guests, according to reviews. One passenger praised the diverse shows, mentioning the enjoyment of musical performances spanning the 80s and 90s and highlighting the main theatre’s Donna Summer musical as well executed. Unique onboard entertainment options included lively shows like “The Price is Right” and “Deal or No Deal,” alongside a comedian whose performances added a humorous touch to their cruise experience. For more insights, visit the review here.

Yet, another passenger felt the ship’s entertainment offerings left much to be desired. They pointed out that the lower level atrium was too small for major events, and venues like Syd Norman’s Pour House, despite being popular, struggled with capacity issues. The reviewer was puzzled by the limited use of suitable venues such as the Metropolitan bar for entertainment, which remained largely unused, despite its potential. Although some guest entertainers and bands received praise, there was a general dissatisfaction with the variety and quality of entertainment, noting a disconnect in audience appeal for performances like the Donna Summer show. Check out the full commentary here.

The crew on this ship is amazing. They were all hard working, friendly and went above and beyond despite difficult situations.

Cabin reviews for Prima

Reviewers have expressed high satisfaction with the cabins on the NCL Prima, noting their spacious and well-designed layouts, particularly praising the family balcony cabins. These cabins feature large balconies equipped with upgraded deck chairs that include cushions and a reclining function, enhancing the relaxation experience. The bathrooms are notably roomy with ample storage space, set apart from what’s typically expected in this category aboard other cruise lines.

The sleek design and modern aesthetic of the Prima are also appreciated by seasoned cruisers, enhancing the overall cabin experience. Those who stayed in standard balcony cabins were impressed, especially by the size of the bathroom, which they found considerably larger than on other ships they had previously experienced. This, combined with the cabin’s updated decor, made for a refreshing and comfortable stay. Such positive feedback suggests that NCL Prima prioritizes passenger comfort in its cabin offerings, distinguishing it in the competitive cruise market.

What’s the Crew Like on board NCL Prima

The crew on the NCL Prima have been consistently praised for their friendliness and hard work. One reviewer particularly highlighted the personalized service received from Ronaldo, their cabin attendant, who was noted for his thorough and friendly demeanor in maintaining the cabin. The visibility of the captain on board made a significant positive impression, enhancing the experience with his daily announcements, light humor, and even sharing exciting moments like sightings of wildlife. His decision-making and presence seemed to bolster the morale among the staff, who reportedly appreciated their ability to engage directly with the captain.

Another review conveyed that the crew of the Prima went above and beyond, even in challenging circumstances. Passengers felt that the crew maintained high service standards and exuded warmth throughout their interactions, which contributed positively to the overall cruise experience. Such feedback underscores the dedication and professionalism of the Prima’s crew, highlighting them as a key ingredient to the satisfaction and enjoyment of guests aboard this vessel.

The food is good, but it is sometimes difficult to find a seat. Rather than fighting the crowd, I recommend just walking over to the additional seating they open at the Food Republic for breakfast and lunch. This offers great views and less stress dealing with the crowd.

How Crowded is NCL Prima

The NCL Prima seems to struggle with issues of overcrowding, according to reviews. One reviewer described the ship as constantly overcrowded, no matter the time of day or the venue visited. They found every location onboard, from the pool deck to the buffet, inadequately sized for the number of passengers. The buffet area, for example, was so small and chaotic that guests often couldn’t find seating, forcing them to eat in their rooms instead. The situation was compounded by staff having to redirect diners across the ship to ensure they could be seated in alternate dining locations. You can read more about their experiences in their review.

Another reviewer echoed these sentiments, noting the ship was full and every venue was crowded or sold out. The pools and sun decks were particularly packed, making relaxing on sea days a challenge. Similarly, the theater’s limited capacity meant shows were often sold out, prompting the need for reservations for specialty dining well in advance. Notably, unless guests were open to dining late, options for dining were quite restricted. More thoughts on this experience can be found in their review.

When we walked on board the Prima, you could immediately tell this was new ship. We loved the modern look and sleek design. We had a standard balcony cabin, and the room was excellent, especially the size of the bathroom compared to other ships we have been on in a balcony stateroom.

Spa & Gym Prima Reviews

Guests on the NCL Prima have shared mixed reviews about the spa and gym facilities. One reviewer pointed out that the pool and jacuzzis are insufficient for accommodating all 3,250 passengers. They mentioned that seating around these amenities was so limited that they were often forced to sit on the edge of the pool. Despite a policy in place to remove towels from empty chairs after 30 minutes, it appeared unenforced, leading to a scarcity of available seating. Additionally, the ship’s disappearing pools were too small to manage demand, with a capacity estimated at just 10 people, which became a makeshift area for children. More details about this experience are available in their review.

Another review brought up concerns specifically regarding the spa facilities. For a five-day cruise, they found the $269 spa fee disappointing due to non-functional jets in the pools and the absence of hot tubs or whirlpools. The spa’s atmosphere was described as dark and dreary, coupled with navigational challenges such as winding, slippery stairs that could be troublesome for passengers with mobility issues. The slippery floors were particularly problematic, resulting in several observed falls during their visit. Insights into these issues can be found in their review.

General Comments

In various reviews across the internet, NCL Cruise Lines has garnered a mix of enthusiastic praise and critical reviews. One reviewer enthusiastically described their experience as deeply satisfying, highlighting the cruise line’s shift towards a more upscale atmosphere with smaller, intimate areas that offer a plethora of options ranging from the Indulge Food Hall to uniquely designed pool areas, all aimed at avoiding crowds. They were particularly impressed by the Vibe Beach Club and the high-quality entertainment available on board. The reviewer appreciated the diverse dining and entertainment options available, both inclusive and at an additional cost, and raved about the top-tier spa services and the luxurious Haven experience, while also finding the balcony staterooms highly impressive (source).

Conversely, another reviewer expressed mixed feelings about their time aboard the NCL Prima. While they acknowledged the ship’s contemporary and bright aesthetics, as well as its nicely designed staterooms with ample storage, their overall impression was not as favorable. Despite the ship’s attractive layout on paper, featuring exciting amenities such as go-carts and drop slides, the reviewer criticized the venue sizes as being too small and cramped, which detracted from their enjoyment. This sentiment, coupled with the limited use of the Waterfront area due to weather constraints, left them reluctant to sail on this class of ship again. The reviewer noted that, during warmer weather, the already small pool area could become even more overcrowded, further detracting from the overall experience (source).

Would you sail on Prima, or are considering doing so? Let us know in the comments below.