If Lady Gaga were a cruise ship, she’d be NCL Prima—sleek, stylish, a little bit confusing to navigate, but worth every single step in really high heels. (Or, in our case, sandals.)
We sailed the Prima for my son's birthday, and Norwegian pulled out all the stops. Between the VIP vibes of The Haven, the infinity pool that made us feel like we were starring in a luxury perfume ad, and a go-kart win I will now casually bring up in every conversation forever, Prima brought the energy—and then some.
The Haven: More Square Footage Than My First Apartment
Let’s start with The Haven, because this is where we lived like royalty.
Y’all. The Haven on Prima is massive. Spacious suites. Lounge chairs that make you feel like you should be sipping champagne and saying words like “bespoke.” A Haven bar that serves up cocktails smoother than a James Bond one-liner. And the staff? 10 out of 10. On my son’s birthday, the chef baked him a custom cake and the whole team serenaded him like he was the star of the show. (He was. I have the pictures.)
Also worth noting: we had lobster. Every. Single. Night. I have zero regrets.
Infinity Pool Goals
You know those photos where people look like they’re floating off the edge of the Earth, drink in hand, hair blowing just right? That was us at the infinity pool on the back of the ship. It’s adults-only, it’s quiet, and it made us feel like we were vacationing inside a screensaver. It’s honestly one of the best pool experiences I’ve ever had at sea.
The Food Hall: Culinary Chaos, But Make It Gourmet
Outside of The Haven, Prima’s Food Hall was a surprise hit. Think upscale food court, but instead of standing in line with a tray, you scan, order from any of the many restaurants (Asian, BBQ, burgers, you name it), and they bring it right to your table. Included in the cruise fare, ridiculously good, and perfect for indecisive groups like ours.
Pro tip: get the noodle bowl, and the tacos, and maybe split the fried chicken. (You’re on vacation. Let’s not pretend calories count.)
Family Time: Smaller Kid’s Club, Bigger Bonding
The kids club on Prima is smaller than what we’re used to, but honestly? It worked in our favor. Our little one got to hang out more with his older brother, and we had more time as a family—which, weirdly, felt like a bonus. They didn’t miss the extra bells and whistles, and we appreciated the quality time (especially between meals).
The Speedway: Call Me Vin Diesel
Now for my favorite moment on board: the three-level race track. I came. I karted. I conquered. Yes, I got first place, and yes, I’ve told everyone I know (and some strangers) about it. If you’ve got a competitive streak—or just want to feel like you’re in a Mario Kart fever dream at sea—don’t skip this.
Room for Improvement? Just a Bit
Okay, Prima isn’t perfect. The ship layout is a bit... confusing. There’s not a natural flow, so we found ourselves doing loops trying to find stuff. It’s kind of like cruising inside a modern art museum—gorgeous, but good luck finding the bathroom.
Also, bars outside of The Haven closed earlier than I’d like. Look, I’m not asking for a 24-hour tiki hut (though… NCL, call me), but a nightcap should be a little easier to come by at 11:30 p.m., right?
Final Thoughts: Prima’s Got Star Power
At the end of the day, NCL Prima is a showstopper. From the stunning Haven experience to the food hall frenzy to the racetrack where I cemented my family legacy (again, I won), this ship delivers big moments in a seriously stylish package.
Is it perfect? No. But it is unforgettable.
Norwegian, if you’re reading: I’m ready for a Prima sequel. Or a Viva debut. I bring my own t-shirts, cruise-obsessed crew, and will happily review your infinity pool from every angle. Let’s talk.