First Time Family Cruise in Haven

Item: Norwegian Prima
Rating: 4.2
Author: adhazem

Norwegian Prima Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

adhazem

Contributor Level: Third Mate

50 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 25

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5

7 Night Caribbean: Harvest Caye Cozumel & Roatan (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 19, 2024

Ship: Norwegian Prima

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 15900

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 7 months ago

Review summary

Great experience for first time cruise with family. Already booked future trip on Prima and Viva but made sure our cabin location is further aft. Wish they would cycle the menu at the Haven restaurant. Beautiful ship. Friendly staff. Can't wait to get back on board.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Very seamless. We were whisked into a separate check in area for Haven guests.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

The food in both the Haven restrauant (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner) and several specialty restaurants we tried was very very good. I did notice the Haven menu stays the same throughout the voyage for each meal, which despite being robust for dinner, becomes quite repetitive for breakfast and lunch which is unfortunate. Not enough to dock a point for our 7 night cruise.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

The small family pool was serviceable but very crowded on sea days. Haven pool is incredible and provides beautiful aft views. Great place to sit and watch sail aways from ports. The mini golf course is wonderful but is an added charge. The arcades were not designed for small children like ours (3 & 6).

Entertainment

Due to our children's ages we passed on the shows.

Children's Programs

My smaller child was 1 week short of her 3rd birthday which is the minimum age for the kids' club. We decided not to separate the kids and did not use the children's program.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

They wait on you like royalty in the Haven. Even elsewhere on board, once they scan your card and see you're staying in the Haven they go out of their way to make sure your every need is accommodated. Want a glass of wine from a sold out bottle? Not problem, they will go hunt down another at a specialty restaurant. Mix up with your specialty dinner reservation time? no problem we will make room for you right away. We had a tray of fresh cookies and fresh fruit left in our room every day. because when our 6 year old told the butler he likes cookies and fruit. Whatever you want, ask and you shall receive. On our last night, our butler heard us discuss my daughter's 3rd birthday coming up the following week, and arranged to have a small birthday cake made just for her.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

I loooove the Prima design. It feels like you're setting foot on a futuristic spaceship rather than a Las Vegas casino if that makes any sense. Clean, modern aesthetic. High ceilings. Beautiful promenade.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

We had the two bedroom Haven suite. It was absolutely perfect for a family of 4. The kids had their own queen size bedroom and their own bathroom and closet. Master bedroom had a larger double vanity bath, shower, toilet room and walk in closet. The large balcony is accessible from the master bedroom and the living room. When the kids are asleep and their bedroom door is closed you go move about the suite as you want without waking them up. My one criticism is the location of our suite. It's listed as unobstructed view but I can't help but see those big ugly slides protruding from the ship and occupying a part of my view.

Ship tip

If booking in the Haven, I recommend booking as far aft as you can so you don't have to see the big slides right outside your balcony.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Galveston, Texas

3 out of 5

It's alright. It's more industrial than anything. Way less crowded than Miami.

Thumbs Up 1

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5

We enjoyed Costa Maya. We did the "Mayan Culture" excursion that included drinks and lunch. They showcased several different indigenous tribal dancing and gave brief history vignettes with each.

Thumbs Up 0

Harvest Caye, Belize

3 out of 5

The day was rainy and chilly and we ended up spending little time outside. We had rented a poolside cabana which I do not recommend for the price since it didn't include any amenities. There's a swim up bar, that's not part of the regular bar/restaurant so if you have a tab open you cannot use it at the swim up bar. A bit confusing.

Thumbs Up 0

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

1 out of 5

Another rainy day. The island is particularly in disrepair. We did the monkeys and sloths excursion. The children enjoyed it. People are very aggressive at pushing you to tip. The food at the beach resort they took us to was overprice and nearly inedible. Next time I would stay on the ship.

Thumbs Up 0

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

We did Isla Passion. It was fantastic. The transfer was approximately 45-50 minutes each way but the beach was a dream. Sandy as far deep into the ocean as you'd like to venture. Included food and drink is nice and makes the price point palatable. Definitely would recommend.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

We were escorted into the exit by the butler team. The luggage collection are was a bit circus-y and the lines to board the airport shuttles were super long. Think > 40 minutes in line.

Traveler Photos

6 Comments

javawoody 7 months ago

Thanks for the review

Thumbs Up 1

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Gwbigdog 7 months ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

Thumbs Up 1

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cruising2004 7 months ago

Glad everyone had a wonderful time! Thank you for your review.

Thumbs Up 1

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bubbles60 7 months ago

We loved our cruise on the Prima. The menu was wonderful. We were on an 11 night cruise, and I didn't get to try all the dinner options. I rotated my breakfast options between my 4 favorites. Loved the French pressed coffee. Glad you and your family had a good cruise vacation.

Thumbs Up 1

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dixietino 7 months ago

Great, detailed comments. We are booked in the Haven next January and can see that the slides are visible in one direction. Hmm, might have to change. Our experiences are the Haven menus don’t vary but the food is excellent so it’s fine. I am encouraged by your terrific review, thank you!

Thumbs Up 1

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HeavySeas 7 months ago

Thanks for sharing and glad you enjoyed your cruise

Thumbs Up 1

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