Prima - 10-Day Northern Europe (Reykjavik to Southampton)

Item: Norwegian Prima
Rating: 4.6
Author: Wesley1707

Norwegian Prima Cruise Review

Wesley1707

Contributor Level: Second Mate

111 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 81

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5

10 Night Northern Europe: Iceland & Norway (Reykjavik To Southampton)

Sail date: August 17, 2023

Ship: Norwegian Prima

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 10767

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 8 months ago

Review summary

For all the planning NCL put into these new ships they really missed on layout which played a big factor on the upper decks being so disjointed. The buffet and pool deck were too small but the indulge and new design of deck 8 are great additions. A spacious ship well worth going on but don’t think it’ll be my favourite NCL ship or class.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

As per usual with embarkation from European ports it was a breeze. Staff in the port were friendly and quick to get us onboard, we were in and out without queuing once. We were in the Latitudes line but even without this it would have been just as quick.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Food was too standard as I always expect in the new ships on NCL. In short the buffet was too small for the layout of the ship and the Foodhall is an incredible addition.

Los Lobos

5 out of 5

My second time at Los Lobos but it’s now went up to my fa outfits speciality restaurant with the Guacamole alone. Well worth getting this starter, you don’t even need to get a main just eat chips and Guac all night.Fajitas were fantastic and the Burritos and Carne Asada also great choices. We went twice on our trip

Indulge Food Hall

5 out of 5

What a concept! Tamara as expected was our favourite and the Tikka Masala was one of the best we’d ever had. And the Naans were spot on. Loved seeing a lot of people trying Indian food for the first time, which is surprising to us in the UK.All the options for Lunch and Dinner are great, loved the Pad Thai from Nudls and the Duck from Rotisserie. Fantastic would go back just for this!

Food Republic

4 out of 5

First time I’ve ever tried Food Republic and we enjoyed it. My favourite cuisines all in one place and the bao buns were incredible. A bit of an expensive one (we were glad we were using our package for this) as some of the dishes weren’t up to the best standard too.

The Local Bar & Grill

5 out of 5

Love the Local/O’Sheehan’s always where you find the best bartenders. The new design of the local is different but I liked it separating the bar and restaurant is good.

The Commodore Room

4 out of 5

Food is good as is in the Hudson, but it’s a bit squashed I will say that!

Hudson's Main Dining Room

5 out of 5

Great vibe and always good food. Probably the best designed NCL main dining room to date.

Surfside Café & Grill

3 out of 5

The buffet as many will say is far too small, I get the idea of reducing the size of buffet and compensate with the new foodhall but with the layout of the ship meaning you also have a lot of foot traffic through the buffet, the size made it claustrophobic. There also wasn’t much choice so we didn’t eat here often (two times in the ten days).

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Seen better onboard activities. The new outdoor stadium is a great space but did miss going to an actual arcade. The go karts are very fun and worth the $15.00. Pools on deck 8 were great and very seldom used by people but will get very full on Caribbean and Med sailings. Still all round good.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Disappointed that they were forced to cancel the Newlywed Game Show due to a poor turnout, think this was due us leaving Amsterdam and everyone was wanting to watch us sail out, so bad timing. Rumours were incredible and delighted we got to see them, just wish they could play in a larger venue than Syd Normans Freddie Mercury tribute was good too. Could have done with more live bands outwith the atrium as it was always very very crowded

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Fantastic service all round

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Design flaws with the buffet, the go kart track took up too much space on the upper decks leaving little room for the pool deck and was all a bit disjointed. Very clean

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Our room steward Estrella was excellent. The room was very spacious and we are a big fan of the bigger bathrooms on the Prima. Although the lack of natural air by the end of the cruise had given me a bad cold (through the A/C), guess I’m used to balconies too much!

Ship tip

Don’t go to the buffet go to the Indulge and the Local, more options and less crowded. Book the Go Karts early on the sailing to guarantee you get a shot of them. If you like sitting beside the pool all week get the Vibe pass.

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Ports of call

Akureyri, Iceland

5 out of 5

Great town to try some local Icelandic food. We went zip lining which was incredible highly recommend Zipline Akureyri

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Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium

5 out of 5

Love Belgium and visiting Bruges did not disappoint. Pretty city and just great to walk around and eat some Belgian truffles.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

2 out of 5

Been a couple times and never has changed my opinion on the city. Unclean and not nice to walk around. Litter all over the city which I know they will blame cruise passengers and British tourists for.

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Bergen, Norway

4 out of 5

Great city unfortunately didn’t see much but did try a Reindeer Hot Dog for a second time which was worth the try!

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Reykjavik, Iceland

5 out of 5

Great starting port. We visited the blue lagoon the night before sailing which is worth the try if you were eager to visit. Loved the fish stew in the town. Great to walk about Reykjavík and a lovely feel to the place, only issue is price of everything.

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Geiranger, Norway

5 out of 5

10/10 for views and one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever been. Only beaten by Alaska I think. Have to go to the viewpoints and watch the sailaway is a must.

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Alesund, Norway

5 out of 5

Great town to walk around and a nice walk Up to the Aksla viewpoint was fun

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