The Norwegian Prima has a food hall with lots of choices, and a slide that goes from the top of the ship to the bottom.
We went on a seven-day cruise on the Norwegian Prima from Port Canaveral. Our planned stops were the Bahamas (cancelled due to high waves), Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.
Buffet and Food Hall Options
This is the largest Norwegian Cruise ship that we have been on. There were more dining options, but I wish they had kept the buffet at its full size instead of cutting it in half. During breakfast, they provided additional seating at nearby restaurants. There is also a small, separate food station in the back area for families.
We spent a lot of time at the Indulge Food Hall, which has table service and its own menu. It’s not a typical food hall because you order from your table. Some dishes were good, and some were just okay, but I liked having this option since the buffet was crowded and smaller.
You can also get lunch, like sandwiches and quiches, in the afternoon, and breakfast in the morning, at the Observation Lounge. It does get busy, though, and sometimes it’s hard to find a seat.
NOTE: We did not eat in the main dining hall, Hudson’s, so I cannot comment on it. We have eaten in the main dining hall on NCL ships in the past. In the main dining hall, meals are served to you from an extensive menu.
Specialty Dining
The Local is a free restaurant. We’ve enjoyed it on other ships, and it’s bigger here with its own space. They serve pub food and breakfast in the morning, and there are TVs so you can watch sports while you eat.
We’ve liked their wings and burgers before.
Food Republic: My son loved his stuffed crab, and I liked their dumplings.
Cagney’s Steakhouse: Our package included a specialty dining option, so we tried it. We enjoyed the steak, and my son liked the lobster bisque.
Palomar: The specialty that night was octopus, along with other fresh seafood.
Los Lobos: We have eaten here before and like the fresh guacamole.
Nama Sushi & Sashimi: We have also eaten here and enjoyed the sushi offerings.
Le Bistro: French restaurant where we liked the lamb, foie gras, and escargot.
Other Offerings We Have Not Tried
Hasuki: Teppanyaki grill with seafood, meat, and vegetables cooked on a hibachi grill.
Onda by Scarpetta: Italian specialties such as pizza and stromboli, along with fresh bread.
ACTIVITIES
Splash Academy
This was the first year our son could check himself in and out. He really enjoyed the freedom, and it let him spend more time with friends on the ship.
Slides
The Drop is a dry slide that goes down 10 stories from Deck 18 on the port side. The floor drops out, and you slide down. I got stuck at the bottom, so it might be faster for kids. You also can’t wear a ring on this slide.
The Rush is another dry slide on the starboard side. It’s similar, but there are two slides so you can race your friends down to Deck 8.
The Wave is a tidal water slide that is not as long and uses a raft.
Pools
The main pool is located on Deck 18, though it is not large.
On Deck 8 are two side-hanging infinity pools, which are cool, but they’re more about lounging around than swimming.
There is also a splash pad on Deck 18, but it is mostly for little kids.
If you want to spend extra, the Vibe Beach Club is an adults-only option with hot tubs and a bar.
Prima Speedway
There’s a large go-kart track between Deck 18 and Deck 20. You pay for each ride, and I had fun racing there.
Galaxy Pavilion
There are thirteen virtual-reality games, some with VR headsets, and there’s a fee to play. There’s also an Escape Room you can try.
Stadium
This area is a fun play space with a pickleball court, tube ping-pong, mini-soccer table, foosball, table shuffleboard, and beer pong.
Bull’s Eye
Across from the Stadium on Deck 18 is Bull’s Eye, where you can play darts in private suites for an extra fee.
Tee Time
On the other side of it is Tee Time, the mini-golf course with an augmented electronic system that was down when we were there, though we were still able to play. With electronics out of service, Tee Time was free for us.
WIFI
WIFI packages are available, but we didn’t use them. We prefer to take a break from electronics while cruising.
NOTE: I did not review the Haven, as it is a separate area reserved for Haven guests.
ENTERTAINMENT
We saw Red, White and British, a show with British invasion music from different decades, including songs by Elton John, the Beatles, and the Spice Girls. The music and dance routines were a lot of fun.
Then we took in Bossa Nova Beat, which is an electrifying Latin performance of Samba, Salsa, and Rumba. This was worth checking out if you like spicy Latin music.
Price Is Right Live is great if you’re a fan of the game show. If not, you might want to skip it. I enjoyed seeing clips from past shows with Bob Barker and Drew Carey. I didn’t get called up to “Come on Down!” but it was still fun.
One night, there was 80’s music at the main pool, and the ship’s dancers got everyone moving. We had a great time.
We also joined two different trivia contests, including one with fantasy questions. It was fun to try to win.
These were the entertainment highlights we enjoyed most.
Photographer Program
I wanted to learn how to take better photos, so I visited the photo area on the ship. A photographer shared some great tips for using your iPhone, and it was really helpful.
Final Thoughts
This is the largest ship we have been on, but it never felt overcrowded. Since it has a large Haven and even the Vibe Beach Club area, it splits up the ship. The bad part of this, I felt, was that some areas were cut off from walking around.
I liked that there’s an outdoor promenade where you can walk all the way around the ship. It has a glass-floored “Ocean Walk,” plus the infinity pools and hot tubs I mentioned earlier. There are also some interesting art installations. On windy days, parts of the deck might be closed, and it’s not a jogging track like on some other ships.
The food was similar to what we’ve had on other Norwegian ships. I liked having the food hall as an option, since the main buffet can get crowded.
Overall, it’s a good cruise ship with just a few minor issues, which is normal for any cruise.
DAY BEFORE THE CRUISE
We spent a night in Daytona Beach at the Residence Inn right on the beach. It was a great hotel with a big heated pool.
We ate crab at Crazy Joe’s nearby, which was tasty and located on a short boardwalk over the sea.
It was nice to take a short walk along the beach early in the morning before boarding the cruise ship.
Residence Inn by Marriott Daytona Beach Oceanfront
Address: 3209 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118
AFTER THE CRUISE
We stayed a few nights to visit family in Fort Myers.
Observation Deck and Pavilion in Lake Okeechobee Park
On the drive, we stopped to take in the views of Lake Okeechobee.
Address: 2029 US-441, Okeechobee, FL 34972
FORT MYERS
In Fort Myers, we stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Myers Sanibel, which has a pool and breakfast, and is near Captiva, Sanibel, and Fort Myers Beach.
Residence Inn By Marriott Fort Myers Sanibel
Address: 20371 Summerlin Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Captiva Cruises
There, we took a sunset cruise on Captiva Cruises, which I would highly recommend. Dolphins swam around us on the cruise ship. It was beautiful to watch the sunset. We even saw the Green Flash when the sun set.
Drinks and snacks can be bought on the boat.
Address: 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL 33924
PENSACOLA BEACH
On the drive home, we stayed the night at the Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach Gulf Front. The hotel has a large outdoor pool, lazy river, small indoor pool, and two outdoor hot tubs. Sadly, it was too cold to enjoy the outdoor pools, but it was still nice to walk along the beach and to the nearby pier. The hotel stay did not include breakfast, so we picked up breakfast at the nearby Circle K.
Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach Gulf Front
Address: 14 Via De Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
BIRMINGHAM
On the way back to the St. Louis area, we stopped at a unique destination in Birmingham, Alabama. It is the Sloss Furnaces. Here you can walk around the remains of an ironworks. There is a museum that tells the story of the place. Also, sculptures can be found throughout the grounds.
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Go to the website for more information.
Address: 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222
MORE CRUISING
Taking a Norwegian Breakaway Cruise
We took a cruise on Norwegian Breakaway with plenty of activities for kids from water slides to games and sports competitions in Splash Academy.
Taking a Norwegian Escape Cruise
Cruise out of Port Canaveral on the Norwegian Escape and visit Caribbean Islands and onboard activities like a ropes course, mini-golf, and water park.
