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18th Jul 2027 | 11 nights | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Prima
Why do we love this cruise holiday? From Southampton, set off on an NCL adventure combining charming European cities, Norway’s breathtaking fjords and the remote beauty of the North Atlantic. Discover Bruges’ picturesque streets and Amsterdam’s famous canals before heading north to Måløy, a coastal town surrounded by rugged scenery. Continue into Norway’s spectacular fjord country, where Geiranger’s dramatic mountain landscapes and Ålesund’s distinctive Art Nouveau architecture showcase the region’s natural beauty and maritime heritage. Then sail further north to the Faroe Islands, where Tórshavn offers colourful streets and a distinctive island atmosphere, before reaching Ísafjörður in Iceland, framed by steep mountains and striking fjord scenery. Your journey finishes with an overnight stay in Reykjavík, giving you time to discover Iceland’s vibrant capital before flying back to the UK. With NCL’s Free at Sea package included, this is a wonderful way to experience two very different northern destinations in one rewarding holiday.
What's included?
Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 6 point charter:
Located on the south coast of England, Southampton served as the historic ocean liner gateway for the British Empire and the intense North Atlantic passenger trade to the U.S. and Canada. Today it is the U.K.'s - and indeed Europe's -- leading cruise port.
Best known as the homeport of Cunard's Queen Mary 2, Southampton now hosts a wide variety of cruise ships in the booming European cruise market with the principal lines being Cunard, Fred. Olsen, Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises and Saga Cruises.
For most cruise passengers, it's the first and/or last port on a European cruise or Atlantic crossing. But New York it ain't, and the first thing you see as you approach is not the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building, but a giant IKEA.
A pleasant, bustling city of around a quarter of a million inhabitants, Southampton has several areas of interest, though much of its historic medieval character was destroyed during World War II. In 1620, the Mayflower left from just outside the existing city walls, and the waterfront recalls this historic voyage. From Mayflower Park, you can enjoy watching the container ships pass en route to and from the freight terminal beyond the Western Docks, cruise ships departing from three separate locations, and excursion boats and cross-harbour ferries flitting around the port. Today, it is a modern shopping destination, business centre and university town (the University of Southampton is a major British research university; among its well-known alumni is QM2 designer Stephen Payne with a large commercial port in addition to its year-round cruise operations.
It's not somewhere you want to hang around (unless you want to pick up some flat-pack furniture), and most visiting cruise passengers will use Southampton as a gateway to nearby London (an hour and 10 minutes away by train). It is also a good starting point for the Isle of Wight (reachable by ferry) and the surrounding county of Hampshire and Wiltshire, with their numerous attractions.
Brugge (in Flemish -- it's Bruges in French) is one of the most visited cities in Europe and is the number one destination for passengers on cruise ships calling at Zeebrugge. Visitors flock here, not for a specific museum or historical location, but to wander amidst the city's stunning examples of Flemish and Renaissance architecture and immerse themselves in the vitality of the two main squares -- Markt and Berg. There is always so much going on in Brugges -- from flower and produce markets to rides for children, bustling cafes and restaurants and old-fashioned people watching.
Never mind that Brugge's medieval appearance is largely a recent recreation. The city was rediscovered by 19th century tourists, mostly from England, heading to the site of the battle of Waterloo. Its growing popularity generated an interest to fix up the city following its downfall from one of the Hanseatic League's most important trading cities. Cloth had been the main commodity; the English wool came by ship directly to Brugge until the waterways silted up in the 15th century. The city fell into disrepair as much of the population drifted away, but in the 19th and early 20th century, Brugge was rebuilt in the traditional styles.
From the two squares, lanes fan out to wonderful commercial and residential streetscapes, and many of the canals have fringing walkways. Perhaps one of the best views of the city is from a canal boat looking up at the historic buildings and stone bridges. The further you go from the center -- and you don't have to venture more than a few blocks -- the more serene the city becomes. All you need is a walking tour map and alert senses to come away enchanted with Brugge as millions have before you.
There is a fairytale quality to the tree-lined canal streets of Amsterdam. Boutiques, cafes, apartments and hotels may hide behind the facades of the gabled townhouses, but the look of this beautiful old city has not changed much since its 17th-century Golden Age. Some 7,000 historic buildings remain, many of them beautiful merchants' mansions, located along canals that are laid out in five concentric circles, connected by bridges and intriguing small streets. No matter how many times you walk along the canals, they are enchanting to see, even when traffic and whizzing bicycles dispel the Old-World illusion. On a silent Sunday morning or on a summer evening when the old facades are floodlit, the city is magical.
Amsterdam is small enough that much of the city can be covered on foot, allowing visitors to savor sights such as the charming no-two-alike gables atop the houses, houseboats bedecked with potted greenery and masses of blooms in the colorful, floating flower market. Shops offering antiques and avant-garde art beckon everywhere. Outdoor markets, selling everything from postage stamps and parakeets to "junk-tiques," are another intriguing facet of the city.
Considered one of Europe's major art capitals, Amsterdam boasts three great Dutch museums as well as a branch of the Hermitage, the famous trove of art treasures in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Anne Frank House and Rembrandt's home are also popular attractions. In the performing arts, the city has two international stars: the National Ballet and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. (A 2008 poll from classical music magazine Gramophone called the latter the world's best.)
The canal streets of the old city are protected by ordinance and will never change, but Amsterdam is expanding outward and architecture buffs will find both modern and historic neighborhoods to explore. Though quite close to the old city, Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), known as "the wave" for its free-form facade (shaped like a whale), is the part of the Eastern Docklands area where shipping docks have given way to neighborhoods of striking contemporary design that now house more than 20,000 people. Muziekgebouw aan het IJ, a concert hall for jazz and modern music, is adjacent to the terminal, and ongoing construction will bring many more amenities, including hotels.
With so much to see and do, Amsterdam makes for a rewarding stay before or after cruising.
Måløy, a charming fishing town in Norway, offers dramatic coastal scenery and a taste of authentic Norwegian life. Surrounded by rugged mountains and the open sea, Måløy is a great base for exploring the region's natural beauty, from hiking to fishing and simply enjoying the fresh sea air.
Geiranger is a tiny little village, situated at the end of the UNESCO World Heritage-protected Geirangerfjord. The real draw is the fjord itself, with its green mountainsides, snowcapped peaks and fairytale-esque waterfalls. You'll get up-close views of the fjord -- and the famous Seven Sisters and the Suitor waterfalls -- as you sail in and out of Geiranger; in summer, it'll be light out for both the early morning arrival and afternoon or early evening departure. The scenic cruising will be the highlight of a Norwegian fjords itinerary.
The town of Geiranger can be traversed from end to end in about five minutes. It's got the requisite souvenir shops, restaurants serving up reindeer and caramel-tasting brown goat cheese, a charming old church and the Fjordcenter to get your fjord 411. But mostly it serves as a jumping-off point for tours in the area. For a bird's-eye view of the fjord scenery, head up to scenic viewpoints like Dalsnibba or Eagle's Bend or take to the skies in a helicopter. Or go the other direction, and hop in a kayak to get closer to nature and feel the enormity of the mountains above you. For a bit of history and culture, visit a mountain farm and learn about how people live in this remote area.
About 150 to 200 cruise ships visit Geiranger every year, bringing more than 700,000 tourists during the May-through-September tourist season. With up to five ships in port at a time -- you wouldn't think the harbour could fit that many -- tours book up and the streets in town get packed. If you've got your heart set on a specific tour, do your research and consider booking in advance. Geiranger is such a beautiful place, it would be a shame not to see it to its fullest.
Alesund is located on a series of islands along Norway's coast. It is best known for its art nouveau architecture, which you can see walking through town and learn about at the Art Nouveau Center. After much of the town burned in a 1904 fire, the city was rebuilt in this striking architectural style.
Tórshavn, the pint-sized capital of the Faroe Islands located on the island of Streymoy, is one of the world's smallest and most enchanting capital cities. Nestled amidst dramatic, treeless green hills and the wild North Atlantic, its beating heart is Tinganes, a historic rocky peninsula where vibrant red, wooden, turf-roofed buildings still house the Faroese government just as they have since the Viking age. This atmospheric harbor town seamlessly blends its ancient Nordic roots with a contemporary, creative spirit, offering visitors a delightful wander through narrow, winding alleyways that open up to award-winning Nordic restaurants, trendy boutique shops selling traditional knitwear, and a bustling waterfront filled with colorful fishing boats.
When cruising through Ísafjörður, Iceland, visitors will be subject to incredible views upon their arrival, but there's even more to enjoy ashore. The town features a number or restaurants and shops and is considered quite bustling compared to some of its neighbours. While visiting, travellers can partake in hiking and biking excursions, go horseback riding or fishing and even play a round of golf. The town is also an access point to the nature reserve in Hornstrandir -- one of the region's more noted attractions.
Europe's northernmost and westernmost capital is a delightful destination, part old Norse, part modern city, with a quirky personality of its own. The puffin, troll and elf souvenirs found in gift stores are apt mascots for a city with a decidedly playful streak. More than half of Iceland's population lives in Reykjavík (or nearby), in one of the world's smallest capital cities -- some 190,000 people. Cruise ships are increasingly paying calls on Reykjavík from late May to early October, especially during the summer months, when the daylight literally lasts 'round the clock. Visitors and residents alike seem to stay awake, golfing, strolling the compact town's picturesque streets, drinking Gull beer at sidewalk cafes and cycling along the seafront promenade. Many believe that Reykjavík's character is more defined in winter, when daunting weather and 20-hour nights are defied by rollicking pubs and a sense of humour. But, locals laugh at the climate, whether calm or tempestuous. They keep warm in the iconic handsome sweaters for which Iceland is well known; the long hours indoors and out inspire artisans, evidenced by many shops that display lovely local art and clothing. This is a city that has learned to make the best of things. The Iceland landscape is bare and covered with volcanic rock. With no trees for building houses, 18th-century settlers used driftwood that floated in from the sea, covering the wood in sheets of corrugated tin and painting walls and roofs in vivid colours to brighten the scene. The rock that abounds was turned into material for a fine stone Parliament building, erected in 1881. Citizens have planted and nurtured welcome oases of green. The geothermal springs that bubble underground have been put to work to provide hot water for residents. Reykjavík has experienced much advancement in the past few years. Progress is plain to see in the sleek, contemporary buildings that are changing the cityscape. Several worthwhile museums salute local history and art, and whimsical street murals dot the city centre. With fishing still a dominant occupation, restaurants serve up delectable seafood, and gourmet dining of all kinds is plentiful and popular. But, if you ask natives for their favourite eating place, the answer most often will be a simple hot dog stand near the harbour. Reykjavík is a safe city, compact and easy to navigate on foot. As charming as it is, no visit to Iceland is complete without getting out into the vast interior, which lies at the city's doorstep. Seriously, how can you not love a place where sheep have the right of way? Cruise lines often assign ships to overnight in Reykjavík, offering passengers more than the typical eight-hour port experience, but my greatest regret is that visitors don't have even more time to explore this charming land, where the balance of urban sophistication and nature at its most rugged is unique. If you regard cruise travel as a chance to sample places you might want to return to later for longer stays, I can't think of a better recommendation than Reykjavík.
Europe's northernmost and westernmost capital is a delightful destination, part old Norse, part modern city, with a quirky personality of its own. The puffin, troll and elf souvenirs found in gift stores are apt mascots for a city with a decidedly playful streak. More than half of Iceland's population lives in Reykjavík (or nearby), in one of the world's smallest capital cities -- some 190,000 people. Cruise ships are increasingly paying calls on Reykjavík from late May to early October, especially during the summer months, when the daylight literally lasts 'round the clock. Visitors and residents alike seem to stay awake, golfing, strolling the compact town's picturesque streets, drinking Gull beer at sidewalk cafes and cycling along the seafront promenade. Many believe that Reykjavík's character is more defined in winter, when daunting weather and 20-hour nights are defied by rollicking pubs and a sense of humour. But, locals laugh at the climate, whether calm or tempestuous. They keep warm in the iconic handsome sweaters for which Iceland is well known; the long hours indoors and out inspire artisans, evidenced by many shops that display lovely local art and clothing. This is a city that has learned to make the best of things. The Iceland landscape is bare and covered with volcanic rock. With no trees for building houses, 18th-century settlers used driftwood that floated in from the sea, covering the wood in sheets of corrugated tin and painting walls and roofs in vivid colours to brighten the scene. The rock that abounds was turned into material for a fine stone Parliament building, erected in 1881. Citizens have planted and nurtured welcome oases of green. The geothermal springs that bubble underground have been put to work to provide hot water for residents. Reykjavík has experienced much advancement in the past few years. Progress is plain to see in the sleek, contemporary buildings that are changing the cityscape. Several worthwhile museums salute local history and art, and whimsical street murals dot the city centre. With fishing still a dominant occupation, restaurants serve up delectable seafood, and gourmet dining of all kinds is plentiful and popular. But, if you ask natives for their favourite eating place, the answer most often will be a simple hot dog stand near the harbour. Reykjavík is a safe city, compact and easy to navigate on foot. As charming as it is, no visit to Iceland is complete without getting out into the vast interior, which lies at the city's doorstep. Seriously, how can you not love a place where sheep have the right of way? Cruise lines often assign ships to overnight in Reykjavík, offering passengers more than the typical eight-hour port experience, but my greatest regret is that visitors don't have even more time to explore this charming land, where the balance of urban sophistication and nature at its most rugged is unique. If you regard cruise travel as a chance to sample places you might want to return to later for longer stays, I can't think of a better recommendation than Reykjavík.
It's time to fly back today. At the scheduled time, please make your way to the airport.
Introduced as the first ship in NCL's Prima Class in 2022, Norwegian Prima is purposely designed to feel like a swanky resort instead of a cruise ship. It succeeds in giving off that feel, thanks to its minimalist modern design, cool small spaces that create an intimate atmosphere and brilliant outdoor Ocean Boulevard promenade, which is the spot everyone will want to be. At 3,099 passengers, it's blissfully smaller than the 4,000-guest ships of Norwegians' preceding Breakaway and Breakaway-Plus classes. This, along with a smart design that puts all the fun stuff in the middle of the ship, makes it easy to navigate; you'll learn your way around the ship by Day 2. Highlights on the ship include the sophisticated Penrose Atrium, a three-deck modern atrium that is always hopping, the introduction of new included dining options in Indulge Food Hall, the high-quality entertainment and abundance of activities. The Haven -- Norwegian's luxury ship-within-a-ship suite complex -- is the best yet on Prima. Norwegian Prima gives us some pause when it comes to excess fees, however, which are charged for things like specialty restaurants, mini-golf, go-kart racing, darts, and virtual-reality gaming. Fees are just a part of the Norwegian Prima experience, for better or worse Still, Norwegian Prima moves NCL into new territory. It's an evolution for a cruise line that has been on the path of reinvention for the better part of a decade. ## Norwegian Prima Deck Plan is Packed with Activities The Norwegian Prima deck plan is loaded with places and features to keep every passenger busy and happy. Rather than massive spaces, Norwegian Prima has multiple small spaces designed to feel more intimate. For the adrenaline lover, the ship's top decks are the spots to be hanging out. Here, passengers will find a three-level go-kart track, entrances to a water slide and two dry slides, a mini-golf course, a fun gaming space called The Stadium and a virtual reality arcade, called the Galaxy Pavilion. The downside of this is the activities cut into the pool deck, which has a tiny pool and only a small amount of space to lounge. If you want more space and additional pools, head to the Ocean Boulevard on Deck 8, which is gorgeous and a spectacular alternative to the tight space up top. All of the ship's restaurants, including the stunning main dining room Hudson's, are located at the aft (back) of the ship. Bars tend to be more centrally located, including a number around the three-level atrium (decks 6 through 8), which gets busy at night pre- and post-dinner. The main theater, Prima Theater & Club, is located all the way forward on decks 6 and 7. This is a multiuse space, with seats that can be removed to turn this spot into a late-night dance club. Fans of live music won't want to miss Syd's Pour House, which has nightly shows, including a full rendition of Fleetwood Mac's Rumours album. ## Norwegian Prima Cabins are Spacious, Offer Variety Norwegian Prima cabins offer options of all types, from cozy solo interiors to large family suites. All cabins are bigger than you're likely to see on other Norwegian ships, and we were impressed with the space of our balcony cabin, which gave us room for working (and even yoga!). Norwegian Prima's modern, sophisticated cabins are a cut above what you'll find on the cruise line's other ships. Norwegian Prima stands apart because of its massive Haven suite complex, as well as a Studio area devoted to solo travelers. Both come with private access and areas to mingle with fellow passengers. Most of the cabins onboard feature balconies, and we like that these felt big -- we really wanted to spend time on our veranda, sitting in the comfy chairs as we sailed. A ship that appeals to families, Prima offers an impressive number of family options that fit all sorts of budgets. Norwegian Prima cabins to avoid include any room above or around the ship's theater, which doubles as a night club and can be loud late into the night. Also, if you are concerned about noise or balcony obstruction, don't book cabins near the Drop or the Rush slides, between decks 8 and 16, as the slides pass clean through some balconies. ## Norwegian Prima Food Offers Options for All Budgets Norwegian Prima takes a novel approach to dining, offering two main dining rooms (Hudson's, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner) and the smaller Commodore Room (dinner only) that share the same menu, and this menu doesn't change from day to day. This is different than we see on most cruise ships, where the MDR menu rotates daily. It works on Prima because there are so many other restaurant options (including free venues) from which to choose. If you eat every night in the MDR, you'll likely have enough choice to keep you happy, and the dishes offered are very good. Indulge Food Hall is a concept introduced on Norwegian Prima. This spot is actually a true food hall, made up of 11 restaurants. Options here range from noodles (Nudls) to snacks (Tapas) and barbecue (Q Texas Smokehouse). Restaurants here are included in your cruise fare, with the exception of Starbucks and Coco's. Prima additionally offers a buffet and included pub (with comfort food), as well as a large number of specialty restaurants that run the gamut from sushi to Mediterranean and Italian or hibachi. ## Norwegian Cruise Line COVID Rules For the latest information on testing, masking, and vaccination on Norwegian Prima, please refer to [NCL's website](https://www.ncl.com/sail-safe). Visit [Cruise Critic's guide to health requirements](/articles.cfm?ID=5872) to find out about all cruise line polices as we know them.
## Theater and Shows on Norwegian Prima All of the big production shows take place in the Prima Theater and Club, located forward on decks 6, 7 and 8. The space itself is notable for its innovative design, which allows it to function as a traditional theater or a nightclub, depending on the need. This is done by essentially tucking away the chairs from Deck 6 away, creating a big, open space for dancing. NCL has made a habit of bringing Broadway and West End shows to its cruise ships. On Prima, the show is "[Summer: The Donna Summer Musical](https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=7093)." It's an excellent biographical look at the disco queen, her life and her music. It's at times touching, occasionally raucous, and it will have you singing along to Summer's biggest hits, including "Last Dance" and "She Works Hard for the Money." After the musical, the theater shut down temporarily, then reopened for a 70s dance party, carrying the disco theme late into the night. The theater also hosts The Price is Right: LIVE Game Show. This one was a bit of a surprise, in that it felt familiar -- it's definitely the game show you watched as a kid when you stayed home sick from school, but it's absolutely hilarious. Contestants from the crowd are called to "come one down" and bid on prizes. There's even Plinko and a Showcase Showdown. Circle this on your daily cruise planner. Finally, don't miss Noise Boys, a troupe that combines tap dancing, beat boxing and hip hop flow in one show. It's the type of thing that will even appeal to the jaded teenagers and 20somethings in your family. **Tip:** Shows are included in the cruise fare but book up fast. Make a reservation via the app as soon as you can. If you find it's "sold out," show up early to join a wait list. Chances are, you'll get in. ## Daily Things to Do on Norwegian Prima Prima offers a solid selection of activities to keep you entertained during the day. Daily trivia sessions take place, usually in The Local, and you'll find lectures, often about the areas you're visiting, are offered, too. But much of the fun involves more active pursuits built around the ship's top deck. All of the daily activities are listed on the Freestyle Daily, a calendar of events left each night in your cabin. They're also listed on the app, where you have the ability to favorite things you want to do, which will give you push reminders. ## Nightlife on Norwegian Prima NCL Prima is a ship that stays up late, offering a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of lounges to suit virtually any taste. The ship's deck plan is designed to keep spaces intimate, which ultimately allows lounges and the like to develop their own personality and feel. The flip side is that many of them get crowded quickly, and you might struggle to find that quiet little nook for a late-night cocktail and conversation. Norwegian Prima has a large casino that runs through the middle of Deck 6. A smoking casino is tucked away into a corner on the starboard side. Sealed off by glass doors, the smoke actually stays in the smoking section; we didn't notice any smoke seepage on our sailing. ## Norwegian Prima Ship Bars and Lounges While you can get what you want pretty much anywhere you want when it comes to drinks on Prima, we appreciate that each of its lounges really has a specialty or lane that goes along with its personality. Yes, you can get fine whiskey at any bar, but visit Proof for the perfect pour. [Drinks packages](/articles.cfm?ID=1470) are often included in various deals when you book a NCL cruise, and many of the standard drinks are covered. If you're looking for something a little more premium, you might only pay the $1 or $2 difference in pricing. **Our Picks ** **For Something Different:** The Metropolitan Bar on Norwegian Prima is a 180 from the typical bar. This "zero waste" bar focuses on sustainable beverage options, creating syrups and reductions from items like banana peels and cucumber skins -- things that otherwise would be headed for the trash can. Spirits, too, are sustainably focused. Order from a tablet, or simply tell the bartender or waiter what you'd like. But make sure to ask for the story on sustainability, as it's a fascinating tale that highlights NCL's emphasis on eco-friendly measures. Try the Primadonna, a rummy take on the old-fashioned, or the refreshing cucumber cool, made with Wheatley vodka and cucumber pulp cordial. **For the Serious Whiskey Lover:** Visit Proof, located at the heart of the Penrose Atrium on Deck 8. Sure, Proof offers drinks other than whiskey, but why would you bother, when you can pick from a menu loaded with both standard and knock-your-socks off premium whiskeys, including The Kurayoshi 18-Year-Old Pure Malt Whisky, The Macallan Enigma and Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon. Can't decide? Try a flight. **For the Aft Views:** It's tough to beat the Soliel Bar, located on the ship's wraparound promenade, Ocean Boulevard for epic sea views. This spot directly overlooks the wake below, and it's also great for people watching, the Ocean Boulevard is positively buzzing in great weather. **For the Forward Views:** The Observation Lounge is simply beautiful, with floor-to-ceiling windows wrapping 270-degrees around the front of the ship. This place is always hopping during the day yet somehow feels quiet. **For a Rock Star:** Syd Norman's Pour House feels like the garage bar a real rock fan would build, if they were into classic rock and obscure old beer signs. This small venue gets crowded fast, especially when there's live music. Don’t miss the Fleetwood Mac cover band, which runs through the epic album, "Rumours." Just get there early. We didn't, and we ended up enjoying the music from the hallway. **For a Laugh:** The Improv at Sea is the ship's comedy club, with comedians performing several nights -- and days -- each cruise. Like Syd Norman's, this venue fills quickly. **To See and be Seen:** The Belvedere Bar, located midship on Deck 6, is sleek and sophisticated, with lots of conversation areas. It's centrally located, with traffic to and from the casino and dining options. They mix a good cocktail here, with heavy tumblers and even craft ice. ## Pools and Hot Tubs on Norwegian Prima Norwegian Prima's main pool is the Waves pool, located on Deck 17. It's flanked by two infinity hot tubs. The pool itself is surprisingly small for a ship this size, as is the surrounding sun deck. On a hot day, expect that this area will be jammed with people. It lacks a bit of the serenity vibe you might want on a cruise, in part because it's right below the three-deck go-kart track, and motor sounds and screeching tires can be heard when it's running. A better bet is to head to Ocean Boulevard on Deck 8. Here, you'll find two beautiful, side-hanging infinity pools, plus lots of lounge chairs, sunbeds and chair swings. The views here are superior to what you'll find on Deck 17, which feels enclosed because of its proximity to the track. If you're willing to spend a little extra, Vibe Beach Club is worth it. This adults-only space is gorgeous and serene, with hot tubs, lots of shade and full-service bar. You can book passes online before you go. The Haven has a private pool area for suite guests only, featuring an infinity pool. A colorful kid's aqua park featuring splash and play toys is located on Deck 18. ## Slides, Racetrack and Virtual Reality Arcade on Norwegian Prima Norwegian Prima is rich with activities that could keep you entertained for hours, no matter your age. We had fun feeling like kids again, playing with some of the cool features onboard. The Drop and The Rush are certainly the most noticeable of the onboard features; you can't miss these 10-story dry slides when you first approach the ship. The Drop, a free-fall slide that starts when the floor literally drops out from under you, is located on the port side of Deck 18. The Rush, across on the starboard side, is actually dual slides, designed so friends can race each other down to their Deck 8 terminus. For those looking for something a little less heart-pounding, they can try the Wave, a tidal waterslide in which riders hop on a raft. **Tip:** To watch and hear the fun without actually taking the plunge, plant yourself outside at the Local on Deck 8. You'll hear the screams and see the exhilarated expressions as riders exit the Rush. The biggest go-kart track at sea, Prima Speedway, is three twisty-turny levels. Drivers race between Deck 18 and Deck 20, looking to cross the finish line first and maybe earn the fastest time. The speedway has become an NCL staple since the company launched its first one on Norwegian Joy in 2017. And people seem to love it. There's a fee to race, either per ride or a per cruise package. **Tip:** Even if you aren't participating, you can watch from the Speedway Bar or viewing area, where you can shoot lasers at cars below, giving them "power ups" if you hit them. Another favorite, the Galaxy Pavilion, returns on Norwegian Prima. This area holds 13 virtual-reality games, from shoot-em-ups to driving or flying experiences. In some cases, you'll wear a VR headset; in others, you'll simply be immersed via a big 4K screen. You'll pay a fee to play, either a per game or package, and those prone to motion-sickness might want to skip this attraction. Inside the Galaxy Pavilion, you'll find the ship's Escape Room. This attraction wasn't open during our inaugural voyage. One of our favorite play spaces is the Stadium, located Deck 18. This spot is loaded with included activities, like a pickleball court, tube ping-pong, mini-soccer table, foosball, table shuffleboard and beer pong. It's a fun spot for a laugh, and nicely blends kind and adult activities. Across the way on Deck 18, you'll find the Bull's Eye and Tee Time. The Bull's Eye is a number of private dart suites, where guests choose from a variety of the classic game options (cricket and 301, for example). The board is cork, and the darts are steel tipped, but it's all hooked into a sensor system that does the scoring for you. A TV screen shows the score and makes fun of you when you have a bad round. Drink service is available, so you don't have to wander to the bar for a refill. The fee for this one runs about $1 a minute, but it's charged per group, rather than per person. Tee Time is the ship's take on mini-golf, and it also integrates electronics and mini games into the nine-hole course. It feels more like a land-based goofy golf game than you might find on other cruise ships as there are obstacles you'll need to maneuver through and around. Golf comes with a fee as well, and packages are available. **Tip:** Many of these activities come with an extra fee, so consider whether you're going to try something just once or if it's an activity you'll do again and again. If it's the latter, ask about packages, which could cut costs significantly. ## Sundecks on Norwegian Prima For the best sundeck, head to Ocean Boulevard. You'll have your pick of spots anywhere around the promenade, with full sun and shady options. It does fill up on hot days, but we found the turnover to be fast. A dedicated sundeck is located on Deck 18, and it was little used on our cruise, perhaps because it feels a little out of the way of the action. ## Services and Wi-Fi on Norwegian Prima Norwegian Prima offers a number of shops onboard, from the typical Effy jeweler to a high-end handbag retailer, as well as logo and gift shops for fans of the brand. A guest services desk, as well as an onboard credit desk, are located on Deck 7. You can book shore excursions at the desk on Deck 7. An ATM is located just outside the casino. Guests can browse photos taken of them or schedule a portrait session in the gallery on Deck 8. Many of the ship's restaurants and activities are available through the NCL app, which includes the opportunity to get on a waiting list if venues or activities are overbooked. It also includes a PDF version of the daily schedule. Internet packages are available for lighter use (emails, social media and apps) or premium (VPN access and streaming), charged daily. Be warned: While we had the premium package on our sailing, even minimal use took forever. We were unable to upload photo content or log into our company VPN. Some video meetings worked, others didn't, and we were unable to make Wi-Fi calls.## Spa and Thermal Suite on Norwegian Prima Norwegian Prima's Mandara Spa, located on Deck 16 forward, is an expansive spa with 20 treatment rooms that offers a wide variety of traditional treatments as well as new ones. Swedish and deep tissue massages are offered, along with a number of facials and wraps. The spa additionally offers a zero-gravity bed, that allows for eight table positions and targeted tension release, as well as an Ocean Wave bed, that comes with a massage and sea plant wrap. The bed is a bit like a waterbed, and it is adjustable, offering vibration during your treatment. Medispa treatments like acupuncture and injectables are also available. Prima has a salon that offers manis and pedis as well as hair treatments. A barber shop is also available. The real blowout feature of the spa is the thermal suite. It's exceptionally designed from the second you walk in, as you descend a sweeping curved marble staircase and view the two pools (a vitality and a salt pool) and two-story waterfall walls. Just off the pool area, you'll find a host of experience rooms, including a charcoal sauna, infrared sauna, experiential shower and ice room. The most stunning part of the thermal suite, though, might be the lounge area, which is filled with sunbeds, heated ceramic chairs and loungers. Filled with natural light and serene decor, it's a spot where you can truly bliss out. **Tip:** A day pass is not cheap: Plan to spend nearly $100 per person for one day. But you can purchase a full-cruise pass at a greatly discounted rate. ## Fitness and Gym on Norwegian Prima Norwegian Prima's fitness center is located on Deck 16 forward. You'll walk past/through the spa to reach this space, which stretches across the front of the ship. The gym offers plenty of cardio equipment, with a large number of treadmills, ellipticals and bikes. It's got a small area with free weights, resistance machines and dumbbells. When the gym isn't busy, it's plenty spacious. But at peak times -- late morning and late afternoon -- it fills to the point that moving around is difficult. We had no problem getting on cardio equipment at peak times, but it was virtually impossible to find space for weight training. The fitness center offers classes -- yoga, Ryde cycling and HIIT, for example -- in one of its two studios. Classes come with an additional fee but offer a good, efficient workout. Personal training, for a fee, also is available. Strangely, there's no jogging track on Norwegian Prima. Deck 8's Ocean Boulevard is a good spot for walking, but it's not appropriate for running. **Tip:** Sign up for classes on your first day onboard, as they limit spots. If you cancel, you'll need to do so more than 24 hours in advance or risk being charged. Public Rooms
Food on Norwegian Prima is generally very good, whether you're eating in one of the included restaurants or the upcharge specialty restaurants. Norwegian subscribes to a Freestyle approach to cruising, and for dining that means you can eat when you want, where you want. The caveat is, you really do need reservations if you have your heart set on a certain type of food. The main dining rooms are Hudson's and the Commodore Room. Hudson's is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the Commodore Room generally serves as a spillover area for dinner. Both offer the same menu every day, which is a bit of a departure from the usual cruise ship approach. Several other included restaurants are peppered in, and you'll find eight alternative restaurants that cost extra. The variety of food will keep most guests happy, as will the depth of the menus. ## Free Restaurants on Norwegian Prima Ostensibly, Norwegian Prima really only has four spaces for free dining, but one of those spaces is a big food hall, loaded with 11 individual restaurants/food trucks. Which means if you want to do nothing but eat at the included restaurants, you'll find enough variety to satisfy. The most formal of the restaurants are the ship's two main dining rooms, Hudson's and the Commodore Room. Hudson's is a breathtakingly beautiful space with windows that span floor to ceiling and wrap the entirety of the back of Deck 7. Gorgeous gold and crystal chandeliers, with leaf-shaped fronds, hang over the neat white tables and granite floor. We call it formal because this is a sit-down meal, not because you need to dress for dinner. (Freestyle, remember?) Breakfast and lunch are only available at Hudson's, while dinner is available at both restaurants. (The Commodore Room, located on the starboard -- right -- side of the ship on Deck 6, is also lovely, but nowhere near as striking or memorable as Hudson's.) Breakfast has a good selection of hot and cold items, including fruit, cereal and yogurt as well as eggs, pancakes and French toast. Lunch offers soups, salads, sandwiches and hot entrees. Dinner offers the broadest menu, with an extensive number of choices from categories including appetizers, soup and salad, meatless, from the sea, from the land, sides and desserts. There's even a create-your-own Italian classic option, for those who want a mid-course pasta dish (or a pasta entree). We visited the MDR several times during our cruise and were happy with our picks, especially a well-prepared sirloin and grilled mahi-mahi. **Indulge Food Hall.** A new concept introduced on Norwegian Prima, Indulge Food Hall offers (technically) 11 restaurants, most of them included in the cost of your cruise. (Coco's and Starbucks come with an additional fee here.) Indulge is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The concept is that you can order, from a tablet, dishes from any of the restaurants and have them delivered to your table as soon as they're prepared. It's ideal for groups and people who want to try a little bit of everything. You're not restricted to just one restaurant; you can pick from all of them: Nudls (a noodle restaurant offering Asian, German and Italian dishes); Tapas (a Spanish-inspired tapas food truck); Q Texas Smokehouse (barbecue); The Latin Quarter (Latin-inspired appetizers); Seaside Rotisserie (grilled and skewered meat); The Garden (salads); Tamara (Indian), Just Desserts; Just Ice Cream; Coco's (gelato and huge shakes and sundaes); and Starbucks. Breakfast is mostly egg dishes and cold options like muesli and yogurt. This was the least-inspiring meal, basically replicating what you'd find in the buffet. It felt a bit like a missed opportunity to push the envelope and offer interesting and exciting international dishes. Lunch and dinner, though, were the real winners, and made Indulge a place we visited multiple times on our cruise. The dinner menu is more expansive than the lunch menu, offering some of the same dishes as well as a host of heartier options. Regardless of which meal, Tamara was our favorite. We loved that the options went beyond chicken tikka and that the flavors were bold, and dishes didn't shy away from the spice. (Try the aloo gobi!) Meat lovers should indulge in the beef options at Seaside Rotisserie, which are flavorful and well-prepared. At Nudls, skip the Pad Thai (meh) and try the Chinese noodle soup (available for dinner only), which punches you in the taste buds with depth and spice. **Tip:** Order a few items at a time. They are delivered as soon as they're made, and some take longer than others. It's easy to over-order here, even though portion sizes are purposely small. You can always order more. Indulge Food Hall is a large space located at the aft of Deck 8, and it includes indoor and al fresco dining options. Inside, you'll find lots of large tables/booths, with only a few options for just two or four. It makes for a lovely space, but it also means you'll see lots of parties of two taking up large tables. Ask to join, as seating is pretty limited, especially during the lunch rush. You also have the option of sitting at a bar at each of the restaurants, but this means you're restricted to dining only at that restaurant. (If you're seated at one bar, you can walk up and order at other counters; you'll be handed a pager so you can go pick up your meal when it's ready.) Unsurprisingly, The Garden bar always seemed to have spots available. Somehow, salads never seemed to be on anyone's mind, even though the options here are solid, especially with protein add-ons. (Don't laugh: The teriyaki tofu salad topper is excellent.) **Tip:** Lunch is by far the busiest time in Indulge. Show up 15 minutes before the restaurant opens and grab a seat. Invite new friends if you have room at your table, as people will be circling looking for a spot. **Surfside Cafe & Grill.** This is the ship's buffet restaurant, located aft on Deck 17. As with virtually every restaurant on Norwegian Prima, it has indoor and outdoor seating, complete with overhead heat lamps for cold weather. The space is fairly small for a buffet, compared with other ships in the fleet and other cruise lines. For the most part, this won't matter, as there are other options for free dining. Still, it's noticeable during rushes at breakfast and lunch, when seating is hard to come by and queues can form at places like the egg station. Open for all three meals every day, Surfside has a good variety and quality of food. We enjoyed the made-to-order eggs as well as the daily lunch options, ranging from pasta to sandwiches and everything in between. The pizza was excellent, though only available a couple of days during our cruise. It's worth seeking out and might become your mid-afternoon snack. In the evenings, Surfside is pretty quiet, as diners tend to look for other, more formal options. Still, you can find a variety of dishes to keep you happy and satisfied. **The Local.** This pub feels like an upscale sports bar, with big TVs and sophisticated decor. This is where you a burger and wings, chili or fish and chips. The menu is the same at lunch and dinner, but it also was our favorite spot for breakfast, when you can get French toast, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches and eggs made to order. Located on Deck 8, The Local restaurant is located on the port (left) side, and the lounge, complete with swinging chairs, a big bar and conversation areas is just opposite. There is outdoor seating for both the bar and the restaurant. **Tip:** Even if you're not sitting at the restaurant section, you still can order food in the lounge area. **The Haven Restaurant.** This restaurant is for guests staying in the ship's private suite enclave, the Haven. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu here is drool-worthy, as are the views; Norwegian Prima is the first ship in the NCL fleet to offer al fresco dining at the Haven Restaurant. Menu highlights at dinner include a Delmonico steak and a pork tomahawk. ## What Restaurants Cost Extra on Norwegian Prima? Norwegian Prima offers plenty of choice when it comes to specialty dining, with three new-to-fleet restaurants: Nama, Palomar and Hasuki. All of the restaurants except Hasuki are priced a la carte, and the fees are comparable to what you'd pay at a fine restaurant on land. **Tip:** For those who love trying out the extra cost dining, your best bet is to purchase a dining package. This is the best bargain you'll find. Essentially, you'll pay a flat fee, and you'll be able to order four items off the menu at each restaurant. Pricing varies depending on which package you buy but run roughly from $25 to $45 per person per meal. You could pay $40 for just a steak, for example, from Cagney's. Pricing noted here assumes you'll order an appetizer, soup or salad course, entree and dessert. Drinks aren't included in the estimates. Restaurants designated at $$$ will run between $30-$50 per person; $$$$ indicates $50 or more per person. **Cagney's Steakhouse, $$$$.** [Cagney's](/articles.cfm?ID=2170) is Norwegian's signature steakhouse, located on Deck 6, port side, and it's routinely a favorite for NCL guests, who love the steakhouse ambience and excellent options. Don't miss items include the classic iceberg wedge, filet mignon and ribeye. **Nama Sushi & Sashimi, $$$.** One of the more innovative sushi and sashimi restaurants we've tried on the big cruise ships, Nama offers a variety of sushi rolls that go beyond the yawn-inducing California classic. (The yellowtail, with hiramasa, crab, yuzu juice and truffle oil, was our favorite.) The crunchy nori bistro chips were also a delight. Pair your meal with any of the hot or cold sake options or put together a sake flight. **Hasuki, $$$.** Teppanyaki isn't new to Norwegian, but the elevated concept on Prima is. You get dinner and a show at Hasuki, where dining bars surround a teppanyaki grill. A chef prepares your options in front of you, joking along as they show off their knife and food-flipping skills. Seafood, meat and vegetarian selections are available, though all are cooked on the same hibachi grill. **Le Bistro, $$$$.** Not for fans of a light meal, [Le Bistro](/articles.cfm?ID=2417) is the ship's traditional French restaurant. This is the spot to go if you love lamb or veal chops, foie gras, escargot or coq au vin. This is also one of the prettiest venues onboard, with gorgeous floor-level chandeliers and blue velvet chairs sitting beneath stark white trellised ceilings. **Los Lobos, $$$.** An upscale Mexican restaurant, [Los Lobos](/articles.cfm?ID=4007) is a fun and funky spot on Deck 8 that's easy to miss because it's overshadowed by the popular Indulge Food Hall and The Local. Los Lobos offers guacamole made tableside along with entrees like carne asada and slow-braised pork. **Onda by Scarpetta, $$$$.** This might be our favorite restaurant on Norwegian Prima. Offering a wide range of Italian specialties, [Onda](/articles.cfm?ID=4631) somehow feels both rustic and luxurious. The pizza is a must (our margherita was the perfect appetizer), as is the braised octopus. We also enjoyed the lobster tagliatelle. You'll want to fill up on the bread, especially the stromboli, which is filled with cheese and meat. But don't. You'll want to savor every dish here. This restaurant is also gorgeous, with bright white sculptural elements built into the ceiling that are stunning. **Palomar, $$$$.** New to Norwegian, Palomar is a take on Mediterranean food. Heavy on seafood, this little gem is a great compliment to the international flair Norwegian Prima brings to dining. What we loved: the incredible variety of seafood offerings. (If you're not a fan of seafood, Norwegian Prima has better choices for you.) What we wished there was more of: traditional Mediterranean dishes, like hummus and tzatziki or even desserts such as baklava. That's a minor niggle. We found the food fresh and the service excellent here. **Food Republic, $$$.** A breakout hit on Norwegian's Breakaway-Plus class of ships, Food Republic is a sharing restaurant, with small plates designed for groups with big appetites. As with Indulge, food in Food Republic is ordered by tablet, and it's brought to your table when it's ready. Items run the gamut, from sushi to noodle dishes, dumplings and fried rice. Note: If you're craving good sushi, head to Nama instead. We found the quality superior there. That said, we loved the creative dishes offered at Food Republic, especially the Tijuana street fries, the pork belly bao and the firecracker shrimp ## Cruise Critic Restaurant Picks on Norwegian Prima Without a doubt, Indulge Food Hall is the spot you'll want to go to again and again. You can visit several times without sampling the same place twice. Nama is a must for sushi fans; try eating at the counter and watching as your dishes are made in front of you. If we had to pick only one spot for spending money, that would be Onda by Scarpetta, which earns our favor thanks to the care taken to make creative Italian dishes that feel new and fresh. Palomar is a great pick for seafood fans who also appreciate great service and a cool, open kitchen. **Tip:** With all restaurants, you should make reservations early -- before you even cruise, if possible. Restaurants on Prima are smaller and more intimate than you'll find on other ships, and they will fill up. ## Dietary Restrictions on Norwegian Prima Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available at every restaurant, and they're mostly well marked either on the menu, tablet or placards in front of the item on a buffet. Allergies and food restrictions are accommodated, but your best bet is to mention your food requirements when you book and tell the maitre d at each restaurant when you check in. All servers will ask if you have an allergy, at every meal. They take orders on tablets, and your allergy indication theoretically will follow you no matter where you eat. When in doubt, ask. Tell NCL about your allergy or food restrictions at least 45 days before you sail and fill out a [Special Needs Request Form](https://ncl.secure.force.com/AccessDeskForm/).
Norwegian Prima cabins cover a wide swath of categories, from solo staterooms to family cabins and well-appointed suites that sit in the ship's private enclave, The Haven. Regardless of category, they are all simple yet modern in design, offering more standard space than we've seen on other classes of ships in NCL's fleet. Norwegian Prima offers a solo studio, providing accommodations and a place to hang for cruisers traveling alone. It also offers family and accessible cabins in multiple categories, as well as a large number of connecting rooms. The decor in each cabin is contemporary, with tasteful wall murals and calming blues and grays. While we love the spacious nature of the cabins, we wish there were more places to store things, as most rooms lack sufficient drawers, with only a few confusing wire baskets in the closets of most cabins acting as storage. The closet also sits directly across from the bathroom door, so you need to communicate with your cabin-mate carefully or risk getting smacked by the door. ## What to Expect Cabins on Norwegian Prima Staterooms on Norwegian Prima generally fall into one of three categories: interior or inside cabins (no windows or outdoor access), outside or oceanview (window but no balcony) or balcony (with a veranda). Suites include balconies, while solo Studio cabins are strictly interior rooms. All cabins, except for solo cabins, offer two beds that can be combined to create on queen bed, a sofa, desk, ottoman, closet (with wire drawers), night tables, TVs, mini-fridge, safe and hair dryer. (Studio cabins, for solos, include one full-sized bed and are more compactly designed.) USB ports as well as outlets are located throughout for charging items. While standard cruise ship cabins are smaller than what you'll find at many U.S. hotels, rooms on Norwegian Prima feel large. Accessible cabins are available for guests with mobility issues, and accommodations can be made for guests who are blind or have low vision, or those who are deaf or have low hearing. (Passengers who have needs around accessibility should contact NCL at least 90 days before their cruise and fill out a [Special Needs Request Form](https://ncl.secure.force.com/AccessDeskForm/).) ## Suite and Balcony Rooms on Norwegian Prima Most of the cabins on Norwegian Prima fall into either the balcony or suite category, and for the most part, there's a pretty big leap in square footage between inside/outside cabins and balconies, so if you're looking for space to sprawl, you'll want to spring for a balcony room. (Need help deciding what cabin is right for you? Check out our [advice on picking a cruise ship room](/articles.cfm?ID=77).) Balcony cabins start at 231 square feet and offer nice-sized verandas with two chairs and a small table. If you're looking for quieter cabins, book on a deck that doesn't have public space above or below it (Decks 9 through 14 fit the bill nicely). If you're looking to splurge a bit, consider a Balcony with Access to Thermal Spa. All these cabins are located on Deck 16, near the Mandara Spa, and, as the name suggest, comes with free, unlimited access to the excellent Thermal Spa onboard. For a little extra space, the Aft-Facing Balcony cabins on Deck 9 offer more interior square footage and giant verandas. Larger suites, accommodating two to four passengers, are located on decks 9 through 16. Sitting outside the Haven complex, these suites still offer perks like more room and large balconies. To get the best perks, though, book in the Haven. ## The Haven on Norwegian Prima The Haven on Norwegian Prima is a private, keycard-access enclave devoted exclusively to Haven passengers. Norwegian is one of the innovators of private suite space, and the Haven seems to get better on every ship. The Haven on Norwegian Prima is the best in the fleet, with a huge private restaurant, large infinity pool, dedicated concierge desk and al fresco dining. Suites in the Haven run the gamut from Penthouse suites (368 square feet) to the Premier Owner's Suite (2,100 square feet), and everything in between. The bevy of amenities includes luxury bathroom products, plush robes, oversized towels, fine linens and pillowtop mattresses, a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, minibar and deluxe coffee machines, exclusive invites to cocktail parties, priority reservations, escort on and off the ship, suite butler and concierge service and white tablecloth in-suite dining. The Haven's private pool deck and restaurant come with stunning views and will never be overcrowded. The upper part of the sundeck is reserved for those over 16, meaning that there's a place to relax and not be disturbed. ## Cabin Bathrooms on Norwegian Prima Norwegian Prima's bathrooms are a big step up from previous incarnations. They're large, featuring big sinks and oversized showers with large paddle showerheads. Toiletries for most cabins come in bulk bottles, affixed to the shower wall or the wall near the sink. You'll get a combination shampoo/conditioner as well as shower gel and hand wash. No lotion is provided. While the cabins themselves might lack storage space, there's plenty in the bathroom, with multiple shelves and nooks, plus a drawer (hidden behind the hand towel rack, so it's easy to miss). Our only minor complaint with the bathrooms is the door, which doesn't stay open on its own. In fact, it slams quickly shut the moment you release it, loudly slamming every time unless you remember to gently close it. ## Cabins to Avoid on Norwegian Prima Cabins on Deck 9 forward are located right above the Prima Theater & Club, and noise is a real problem, especially when late-night activities are taking place there. You will hear club beats and loud music, so avoid these cabins if you head to bed early or if you're a light sleeper. A number of cabins have views of the slides: The Rush and the Drop run past them, obstructing their balcony views. If you don't want an obstructed view or are concerned about the noise of guests plummeting down the slide, avoid these cabins, which might be partially blocked: 16190, 16192, 16790, 16792, 15196, 15198, 15796, 15798, 15300, 14190, 14192, 14300, 14792, 14790, 14900, 13208, 13210, 13808, 13810, 13900, 12210, 12212, 12810, 12812, 11212, 11214, 11300, 11302, 11812, 11814, 11900, 11902, 10214, 10216, 10300, 10302, 10814, 10816, 10900, 10902, 9216, 9218, 9816 and 9818.
Active families, picky eaters, and couples/groups who love to bar hop
People who can't stand crowds, or those seeking a relaxed onboard environment
Norwegian cruise ships draw a diverse crowd, though the majority of passengers on ships sailing to the Caribbean and in Alaska and Hawaii hail from North America. You'll find a decent number of people from other English-speaking countries, and smaller numbers from South America and Europe. On European cruises, North Americans still dominate but you'll find more people from the United Kingdom and other European countries. You'll find plenty of young families onboard Norwegian ships, especially during holidays and school breaks. However, the line's newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, is less family-friendly than the line's other ships, with all the kids clubs on the lowest levels of the ship and onboard entertainment that is decidedly adult. Generally speaking, Norwegian Cruise Line attracts mostly middle-aged and older couples, as well as groups of friends of all ages.
Norwegian Cruise Line maintains a casual atmosphere onboard; during the day, casual wear is the norm. There's no formal dress code at night either, though most people do change into something slightly less casual for dinner. Additionally, some of the speciality extra-fee restaurants do require long pants, collared shirts and closed-toe shoes. Most evenings you'll see men in dark jeans or khakis and collared shirts, and women in blouses with slacks or skirts, or sundresses. Don't be surprised if you see people in shorts in the main dining rooms. Norwegian doesn't have any formal nights, but there is an optional Norwegian's Night Out at least once per sailing, for which passengers are encouraged to dress up. You'll rarely see a tux or gown, but suits and cocktail dresses are not unheard of. Norwegian ships also typically hold several themed nights (glow party, '70s or '80s, etc.) during a typical sailing. You might want to bring a few appropriate items, such as white clothing for the glow and white parties or bell bottoms for '70s night.
No. Unless you have an all-inclusive dining or beverage package (which you can buy), you'll have to pay extra for most gratuities, speciality dining, room service, all drinks (alcoholic and non, except water, select juices at breakfast, and coffee and tea), shore excursions, visits to the spa and any retail purchases, including photos. On the newest ships, you'll also have to pay for some of the entertainment options and even some of the top-deck fun: On Norwegian Bliss, for example, the laser tag and go-karts cost extra.
On warm-weather cruises, the main pool is the line's most popular spot onboard. On ships with water slides, ropes courses, go-kart tracks and laser tag, these are also popular and often require a wait of up to 30 minutes or more. Inside, you'll find activities that range from trivia, bingo and Deal or No Deal during the day to song-and-dance revues or Broadway shows in the theatre and live music or cabaret shows in the evening. Norwegian ships also have a lively bar nightlife. There's also an always-busy casino, which opens when the ship is out to sea.
Inside. Located on: Deck 5
Oceanview with Round Window
Balcony
The Haven Penthouse with Balcony
