As aforementioned, out of our nearly twenty cruises this one felt like a departure from older designs, even considering an Oasis class where those are huge yet still retain classic designs. We loved all the food options, both complimentary and upcharge, albeit you can tell NCL is pushing for more upcharge choices. This is also evident in the amount of specialty dining there is onboard. The ships is not disappointing as it has plenty to wow a myriad of people, but some choices like the small pool and buffet made us wonder if the designers did it on purpose. One thing rhat comes to mind is the huge space for Starbucks by some awesome windows, and then on the opposite side of the same deck you have a store taking up the amazing window space and views. I've read that Viva took a few lessons from Prima and I already heard that Aqua (the third in line) will also be a bit different in design. For starters the racetrack will then be a waterpark, so perhaps more accesible open decks. Overall we did enjoy our trip on this brand new ship and would try it again.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Embarkation was overall disappointing. We know that this is more on the local Port Authority rather than NCL, but it can't go unoticed. We are also familiar with the long struggle with the ports in San Juan, but the Panamerican pier's condition was just disappointing for the receipt of the first new ship in over 20 years. No boarding bridges (you board as if it was a port of call), a very outdated facility that had evident leaks due to the rain, the traffic bottle neck to get in and out, it made a very stressful boarding day with how busy and popular the ship was.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Food was indeed great. We loved the Indulge Food Hall concept and the variety of specialty dining. The one unfortunate choice was the buffet, which was always very crowded due to the small size. In addition, the choices were somewhat simplistic here. The main dining rooms were great, though, friendly staff, and speedy service even with NCLs Freestyle concept.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There are some awesome activities like the Galaxy Pavilion and its games and rides (fair extra charge), and the go karts are amazing too. But charging for mini golf and some table games like ping pong felt wrong. The Drop slide was more fun and faster than the racers. Pools are lacking in size and availability, will detail this on the design rating.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Entertainment wise I cannot complain. Multiple music venues and options every night, and given it was Christmas time, there was always a lively atmosphere onboard. We got to see Beetlejuice and really enjoyed the broadway level production. Note that you need to make reservations for it once onboard. The comedians were decent, but not stand outs for our taste. The cruise director team kept things lively as well.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Overall, the staff was friendly and speedy for any requests. Bar staff and the team and the Indulge hall were great!
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Here lies my biggest gripe about the ship. This was my first time on the Prima class and I gotta say it's not my favorite design. While I will say that Deck 8 and its promenade are an amazing use of outdoor space, the whole ship feels disconnected in many ways. For example, the three primary indoor decks for venues all run differently, and it takes time to learn your way around, even for savy cruisers. Furthermore, what feels odd is the flow of the ship; From the elevator banks you have to make a left to a hall that feels like a transition area, and then you're at a main lounge or bar, but then you keep walking and reach another odd transition area before the next venue.
The pools are definitely lacking for the size of the ship. Deck 8 has two nice infinity pools, but always crowded. Deck 17 has the main (single) pool, which feels cramped surrounded by the surrounding structure of the go kart track. Then you oddly have very little outdoor open decks to just enjoy the sea, many ships have a deck that walks around the top of the lido but not this ship. Last gripe is how the aft of the ship is off limits due to both Vibe Beach Club and The Haven. I get The Haven is not new, but it felt like it took so much open deck space aling with Vibe that Deck 17 feels just small.
I will say, we LOVED the observation lounge on Deck 17 fwd and the cleanliness of ship was astounding. The staff made sure everything was spotless at wvery moment.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We loved our balcony room. The design follows the ship veing modern and ao.ewhat minimalist, but it felt quite ample, especially the bathroom.
Ship tip
The ship is an interesting but modern concept that departs in some ways of the old style of cruising. The ship is a great fit for great food, solid entertainment, and comfy rooms, but not ideal for those who want to spend time by the pool or outdoors.
A bit speedier than embarkation but still messy with a long line around teo decks just to leave the ship, likely due to that lack of boarding bridges and other issues noted on the embarkation box.
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