Norwegian Cruise Line PRIMA

BY DIANE TIERNEY

On Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest cruise ship Prima, there’s a really, really, fast way to get from deck 18 to 8.

Walk over to The Drop spiral slide, step into the clear capsule, and after an ominous countdown, the floor hatch will open and drop you to deck 8 with a G-force faster than an accelerating F1 race car. Keep your eyes open for this freefall and you’ll also get jaw-dropping views of the ocean and sky because the slide hangs over the side of the ship.

This is just one of many thrills on the 3,215-passenger Prima. There are two more spiral slides that intertwine called The Rush; a three-storey wet slide with a vertical bowl called The Wave; a three-level go-kart track; and Galaxy Pavilion with world-class virtual reality rides. Even if you don’t have the nerve to try any of these features, the people-watching of those who do is entertaining itself.

It should be no surprise that Prima is a blast because pop star Katy Perry is the ship’s gorgeous godmother who christened her. This is ironically similar to the lyrics of “I kissed a girl and liked it” if you swap the cherry ChapStick for a bottle of Champagne on a rope.

Thrills

The Rush spiral slides also hang over the side of the ship and you can race against friends and family. Sit at the top of the tube on a mat, wait for the green light and the first one to the bottom wins.

Prima also gets a checkered flag for the Speedway, the largest three-level racetrack at sea with 15 go-karts. The track goes through the ship’s funnel and there are 14 hair-raising, hairpin turns. The go-karts can reach speeds of about 50 km/h and sections of the track rise and fall for an adrenaline rush.

For the faint of heart, above the Speedway is The Stadium that has pickleball, beer pong, ping pong, foosball, mini golf, and five dart lounges.

To cool off try The Wave, a gushing three-storey water slide. Ride on an inner tube that flushes you down the slide and into a steep banked bowl at the edge of the ship for a final spin before a fast straightaway.

For simulated thrills, head to Galaxy Pavilion where there are 14 attractions including four large-scale simulator experiences such as being in a flying spaceship, motorcycle racing, as well as two scary, challenging escape rooms.

CHILLS (POOLS AND HOT TUBS)

For those who prefer to just chill, there are several pools and hot tubs (some infinity-style for great sea views) to keep you calm, cool and collected. There’s also an aquapark with sprinklers for kids.

Shade and sun-worshippers will be comfortable on the many loungers, sunbeds, hanging chairs and couches. Prima has almost double the outdoor space of some of its other ships, including a stylish promenade called Ocean Boulevard that wraps around the entire deck 8 with unobstructed ocean views. If you dare, walk across one of the two glass-floor bridges that hang over the side of the ship above the waves.

GRILLS (DINING)

There are 18 dining venues and many offer outdoor seating so you can also breathe in the fresh sea air.

Two main dining rooms offer traditional menus. Hudson’s has spectacular 270-degree views through floorto-ceiling windows, and the Commodore has a low-key luxurious environment. Surfside Café & Grill is the ever-popular buffet.

The Indulge Food Hall is a unique marketplace with 11 different culinary venues and you order from a tablet. There’s the Q Texas Smokehouse, Coco’s (sweets), Seaside Rotisserie, Tamara (Indian), Nudls, The Latin Quarter, Tapas Food Truck, Garden Kitchen, Just Ice Cream, Just Desserts and Starbucks.

SPILLS (BARS)

With 17 bars and lounges there’s plenty of options for whatever mood you are in, whether quiet and relaxed or dancing and fun. Choose from the quiet Observation Lounge; busy Penrose in the threestorey, glass-walled atrium; lively Speedway Bar above the go-kart track; sunny Soleil at the aft; Humidor cigar lounge; Studio Lounge that’s exclusive to solo cruisers; Luna; Metropolitan; Belvedere; Waves Pool Bar; Whiskey Bar; Vibe Beach Club Bar and more.

SHRILLS (ENTERTAINMENT)

Spend your evening being entertained. The three-storey Prima Theater and Club converts from a performance stage to a dance floor due to the custom seating layout that can be changed quickly. The headliner show “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” gets rave reviews as it features the Queen of Disco’s life story with about 20 of her biggest hits. When the front row seats are put away, the show turns into a disco experience.

Also featured is “Noise Boys” a beat-box experience. Sensoria is a Vegas-style show that’s a combination of Coachella, Burning Man and Woodstock. Other productions combine high-energy choreography and acrobatics as well as a kaleidoscope of special effects.

The Improv at Sea has hilarious stand-up routines and Syd Norman’s Pour House features rock and roll bands. Game shows such as Supermarket Sweep Live and Press Your Luck Live are popular.

For an overall more exclusive experience onboard, book a suite in the Haven area of the ship. It’s an upscale section that has its own restaurants, bars, lounges, infinity pool, hot tubs, concierge and more. Some guests also enjoy butler service who will unpack and pack your clothes, run errands, manage laundry, and other requests.

With so much to enjoy on board, it hardly matters where Prima cruises. However, for the summer of 2023, she’ll sail from Southampton, England to Reykjavik, Iceland including port stops in Belgium, Holland and Norway. She’ll eventually return to Galveston, Texas to cruise Mexico regions for winter.