Cruising with Katy Perry on a $1.5 billion boat with go-karts? Sign me up – The Australian Financial Review

Already dubbed a “he sendsof international cruising, the Italian-built ship features the world’s first three-level electric go-kart race track, more than a dozen restaurants, an expansive luxury day spa, a glass-bottom Oceanwalk deck and The Concourse outdoor sculpture garden.

The Haven Enclave – an exclusive private ship within a ship – offers the finest onboard accommodation, offering passengers a range of indoor and outdoor facilities with restricted access. Located on the upper decks, the Haven covers approximately 7% of the ship and includes private indoor and outdoor spaces, swimming pools and sundecks.

Those of us who weren’t lucky enough to be in the Haven (reading, media) still enjoyed well-designed cabins with more than enough balcony for a daily aperitif, book in hand.

Before departing Reykjavík, guests had the option of driving parts of the 300-kilometre Golden Circle route, visiting attractions such as Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall.

I agree – the Strokkur geysir erupts a column of geothermally heated boiling water up to 40 meters into the sky every five to 10 minutes. At Gullfoss – translated as ‘Golden Falls’ – it all goes the other way, as you watch the water plummet over 30 meters into two tiers of waterfalls.

A huge advantage of Reykjavík is that the whole city center can be reached on foot within a few hours. We enjoy a free afternoon before sailing to stroll from the waterfront to Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral, an easy 1.5km walk, stopping along the way to browse the many art galleries, cafes and shops offered. The late summer sun lends itself to a glass of wine and a spot of people watching on the busy streets.

You will also have time for dinner at Grillmarkaðurinn, one of the best restaurants in town. Translated as “grill market,” the menu includes steak, as well as horse, reindeer, and even puffin. For a taste of new Nordic cuisine, consider Dill, the Michelin-starred restaurant tucked away downtown, a few blocks from the waterfront.

Travelers looking for a more relaxed setting should head to Brut, with local dishes, a jaw-dropping wine and cocktail list, and laid-back but attentive service.

Of course, any trip to Reykajvik must include a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, or its more exclusive counterpart, the Sky Lagoon. The warm waters are rich in minerals and locals love to bathe in them for hours, all year round.

We set sail in the early evening, leaving Reykjavik in time for happy hour. Now the real work of my journey begins, discovering the ship’s countless attractions and hidden delights.

There will be plenty of shore excursions over the next few days – all designed to cater to ambitious and energetic travellers, as well as those looking for a slower way to explore. Prima’s stop at Le Havre, the Normandy port city in northern France, for example, offers day trips to historic World War II battlefields; or you can take the opportunity to explore the birthplace of the expressionist art movement or join walking tours of the rebuilt post-war city.

Drop and Rush slides send guests on an exciting journey: feel the ground below you drop, before a breathtaking drop onto the deck below.

In Cork, Ireland we explore the local harbor and experience the Titanic. The legendary ship’s last stop was in Cohb, and the former White Star Line ticket office has been transformed into a small museum.

I make time for quite a few shore excursions, but most of all I want to use my time on the water to test out Prima’s endless facilities, starting with the Mandara Spa at the top of the ship.

The spa features the first charcoal sauna at sea. Derived from Japanese and Korean traditions, it uses a radiant heat system and an outer layer of charcoal to reach temperatures as high as 50 degrees..

Featuring a two-stage cascading indoor waterfall, the spa is designed by the Rockwell Group. There is an ice room, flotation pool and experimental showers to invigorate the body and stimulate blood circulation.

Nearby Drop and Rush slides send travelers on a thrilling journey to the side of the ship. Climb into the glass chamber and feel the ground below you drop, before a dizzying drop onto the deck below. The experience is more intriguing than scary and is a must for guests of all ages. Galaxy Pavilion’s virtual reality and interactive activities will also keep the whole family entertained, while mini golf, darts and other games are just steps away.

The ship’s three-level Prima Theater and Club is a nighttime hub for Broadway entertainment, game shows and, when the clock ticks past midnight, a nightclub. To give you an idea of ​​who’s designed to please Norwegian Prima, a Fleetwood Mac cover band performs at Syd Norman’s house pub, and there’s high demand for debuts aboard Summer, the musical based on the life of disco queen Donna Summer.

Prima also offers several dining options. Cagney’s Steakhouse, Commodore Room and Indulge Food Hall offer delicious meals throughout the day. Specialty restaurants include Mexican cantina Los Lobos and Hasuki, the Japanese teppanyaki-style grill on board.

Nama offers a contemporary sushi and sashimi menu, while Bistro’s French cuisine and Palomar’s Mediterranean flavors won’t disappoint.

As we near the end of the cruise, I find myself inadvertently arriving in Amsterdam as I race down the Speedway’s three-level go-kart track. A unique and unexpected experience, one might say.

Perched 20 stories atop the ship, the track uses electric-charged vehicles and sees pilots compete in an exhilarating timed challenge.

Prima docks in the heart of Amsterdam, a short walk from Central Station, historic canals and museums. We move from the ship to the elegant and historic Hoxton Amsterdam.

The city is full of things to do, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and walking tours of the historic center.

But something is missing. Cut adrift from our new friends on board Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, life seems devoid of star power. I also miss the karts, and the charcoal sauna, and a G party&T watch the ocean go by.

And to think that I had never been on a cruise until now.

The writer traveled as a guest of Norwegian Cruise Line.