MIAMI — The books have opened for Norwegian Cruise Line’s highly anticipated Norwegian Prima, the first of six ships in the company’s next class of vessels, Prima Class, its first new class of ships in nearly 10 years.

Considered a “game-changer” for NCL, the 965-foot-long Norwegian Prima will start sailing in summer 2022 with up to 3,215 guests onboard. Meaning “first” in Italian, the Prima will offer exciting itineraries, more wide-open spaces, a stunning design and a variety of new experiences.

Last month, NCL announced the resumption of cruise operations for fully vaccinated guests with sailings out of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean starting July 25. The Norwegian Prima further reflects how the company is sailing full steam ahead in its recovery, says Harry Sommer, president and CEO.

“Despite not having sailed in more than a year, we never stopped working and innovating, we never once pressed pause,” he said. “In fact, we doubled down on our brand investment in order to deliver unforgettable guest experiences that go well beyond expectations. Not only will we begin cruising this July, we’re so proud and so incredibly happy to announce the start of an exciting new chapter as we introduce the Prima Class and the first ship in a line of unrivalled vessels with Norwegian Prima.” 

BUCKET-LIST ITINERARIES

Following a string of inaugural cruises beginning in August 2022, Norwegian Prima will be the newest ship embarking in Northern Europe. From Aug. 17 to Sept. 13, 2022, it will sail a series of eight-day voyages from Amsterdam and Copenhagen to Northern Europe, the Norwegian Fjords and Baltic regions. 

For fall/winter 2022, the ship will depart Southampton, England on Sept. 23 for a 12-day transatlantic voyage to New York to commence a five-day roundtrip itinerary on Oct. 10 to Bermuda. On Oct. 15, it will then depart from New York on a 12-day open-jaw Caribbean itinerary during which, for the first time ever for NCL, it will visit Galveston, Texas. On Oct. 31, the ship will kickstart its Caribbean season departing from Galveston to Miami on an 11-day itinerary with visits to Willemstad, Kralendijk and the company’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. From Nov. 19 to Dec. 3, it will then sail from Miami on three 7-day Western Caribbean cruises visiting Harvest Caye, NCL’s private resort destination in Belize, in addition to Cozumel and Roatan Island.

For winter 2022-2023, Norwegian Prima will sail 15 roundtrip Western Caribbean voyages from Dec. 11, 2022 to March 19, 2023, homeporting in Orlando. Five-, seven- and nine-day itineraries will visit Cozumel, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Great Stirrup Cay.

In Spring 2023, starting March 28 to May 7, Norwegian Prima will sail a mini-season of mostly seven-day roundtrip Bermuda voyages from New York, calling at Norfolk, Virginia. The ship will also sail to the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda where itineraries include one or two overnight stays.

For spring/summer 2023, Norwegian Prima will head back to Iceland and Northern Europe on May 14 on an 11-day transatlantic journey from New York. It will visit Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia before making calls in several Icelandic ports, including Akureyri. From May 25-Sept. 7, the ship’s summer 2023 season will offer a mix of 10- and 11-day Norway and Iceland sailings from Reykjavik and Southampton, featuring extensive port time between nine and 14 hours. 

On Sept. 17, Norwegian Prima will conclude its summer 2023 season with a 14-day roundtrip voyage from Southampton featuring calls to Dublin, Isafjordur and Akureyri (Iceland) and an overnight in Reykjavik. Guests will also visit Geiranger, Odlen and Stavanger, Norway.

ACCOMMODATIONS & WIDE OPEN SPACES

Norwegian Prima will offer the largest variety of suite categories available at sea, with 13 suite categories as well as the largest three-bedroom suites of any new cruise ship. It will also boast the company’s largest-ever inside, oceanview and balcony staterooms, including its largest-ever bathrooms and showers for standard stateroom categories. 

The ship will also offer the most outdoor deck space of any new cruise ship including more total pool deck space than any other ship in NCL’s fleet. There are also multiple infinity pools and vast outdoor walkways. Plus, Norwegian Prima will offer the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any new cruise ship in the contemporary and premium cruise categories.

THE HAVEN, NOW ELEVATED

The Haven by Norwegian on Norwegian Prima has been elevated to offer NCL’s most exclusive and centralized suite complex. The ship-within-a-ship concept spans eight decks of suites and public areas and features private amenities and dedicated services. For the first time, NCL has relocated all 107 Haven suites to the aft, within close proximity of private elevators that rise directly into The Haven public areas on decks 16 and 17. Plus, for the first time, every public area in The Haven offers sea and destination views. The Haven Courtyard has also been transformed into an expansive Haven Sundeck, boasting a new infinity pool overlooking the ship’s new outdoor spa featuring a glass-walled sauna and cold room.

OCEAN BOULEVARD

The Waterfront on Norwegian Prima features double the space and a greater variety of experiences and dining options. Located on deck eight, Ocean Boulevard spans 44,000 square feet and wraps around the entire deck, allowing guests to walk around the entire ship and participate in numerous outdoor activities.

NEW FOOD HALL

On Ocean Boulevard, NCL has introduced its first-ever open-air marketplace with Indulge Food Hall. Here guests will enjoy diverse menu items from 11 culinary venues as well as a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. Venues include returning guest favourites like Coco’s, Q Texas Smokehouse and Starbucks. New dining venues include Seaside Rotisserie offering a wide array of rotisserie-cooked dishes; Nudis, an emporium serving noodle dishes; Tamara, classic Indian dishes and multiple vegetarian options; The Latin Quarter, serving classic Latin food; Tapas Food Truck, offering elevated Spanish street food; Garden Kitchen, serving customized salads; Just Desserts, dishing out pies and cakes; and Just Ice Cream, where guests can enjoy over-the-top ice cream creations.

Adding to the culinary offerings on Ocean Boulevard are three additional dining venues offering both indoor and outdoor seating. These include Onda By Scarpetta, Los Lobos and The Local Bar & Grill.

ADDITIONAL ‘FIRSTS’

With the Norwegian Prima, NCL will be unveiling additional ‘firsts,’ including The Concourse, an outdoor sculpture garden featuring an art wall and six installations. Guests can also relax at Infinity Beach, home to two infinity pools, one located on each side of the ship and close to the ocean surface, which is an industry-design-first that allows guests to enjoy ocean views while soaking in the open air. There will also be two Oceanwalk glass bridges, new to NCL, as well as La Terraza, an open-air lounge featuring forward-facing sea views. 

For more information call 1-888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or go to ncl.com.

Register Now!  Travelweek’s ‘Future of Travel: Sunnier Days Ahead’ will take place Wed. May 19, from 1 – 3 p.m.  Click here to register now, travelweekfutureoftravel.com