IF Katy Perry kissed a girl and liked her, then who am I to disagree with her choice of cruise ship?
The global superstar was the main attraction and ‘godmother’ of the new Norwegian Prima as she christened the liner before setting off on her maiden voyage from Reykjavik in Iceland.
Prima is the first ship in this class and it will take something special from the upcoming additions to complement what Norwegian Cruise Lines has packed.
“Elevate” was the buzzword around this pioneering 20-deck, 3,099-passenger ship ahead of a Covid-delayed launch.
Five more nearly identical ships are scheduled to hit the water by 2027, with Norwegian Viva due next year.
From top to bottom, it’s more like a beach resort with an overcrowded array of wet and dry activities, dining options, bars to relax in, and places to party after dark.
But before embarking on all that, we must unpack. Our cabin, approximately 231 square feet, was spacious with sleek, contemporary decor and a bathroom containing a larger than normal shower.
The balcony had the usual table and chairs, but with more comfort and style, and there was plenty of storage space.
One of the things NCL is most proud of on this ship is the new, revamped three-level Prima Speedway track where you can race family and friends on electric go-karts reaching speeds of up to 30 mph as you steer. around the funnel and catch a breathtaking view of the sea.
At 1,375 feet with 14 turns, it’s the largest onboard race track in Norwegian’s fleet and has all the associated razzamatazz required with checkered flags, podiums and a digital scoreboard.
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Other activities include the stadium, which offers a range of games like table tennis, shuffleboard, beer pong, mini football and table football. You also have the Tee Time mini-golf course and Bull’s Eye, an outdoor interactive darts area.
Back inside, the Galaxy Pavilion has an amazing array of games and VR simulators to get you away from it all, at least for a while.
But if you’re looking for faster thrills, Prima has upped the ante with jaw-dropping experiences. The ship has two dry slides – located on either side – that take you down no less than TEN decks in the blink of an eye.
The Rush features side-by-side slides that intertwine, allowing two people to race through cylindrical tubes suspended from the side of the ship.
On the other side is The Drop, where the floor in a glass cylinder disappears beneath your feet, plunging you downward before pulling you seconds later onto Ocean Boulevard from Deck 8.
You can also ride The Wave by taking a small raft down a small water slide. Sure to be a big hit with the kids when cruising in sunnier climes, not to mention the nearby splash zone with mini slides, tipping buckets, and water shooters to help get them started. refresh.
Some of the open spaces to relax are breathtaking and the aforementioned Ocean Boulevard is one of those places.
This is an outdoor promenade that wraps around deck 8, filled with deckchairs and loungers alongside two side infinity pools with stunning views out to sea and beyond.
The Concourse is another sprawling outdoor space, with sculpture gardens and installations designed by Alexander Krivosheiw. It has two Ocean Walk glass bridges to cross as well as the La Terraza outdoor lounge.
And for those looking for a more exclusive space of serenity and relaxation, visit the Vibe Beach Club which is adults only and has a bar, a variety of lounge chairs, infinity hot tubs and stunning views. .
Or choose to pamper yourself at the Mandara Spa with its ice room, floating salt pool and infrared sauna after a workout in the well-equipped Pulse Fitness Center.
All of this is likely to create an appetite, even a thirst, and luckily there’s no shortage of options in both departments.
The newest concept aboard Prima is the Indulge Food Hall which proved popular throughout our cruise as no one ever got tired of global cuisine and the bold flavors of Italian, Japanese, Indian, Spanish and many other culturally inspired dishes.
There are 11 dining options; Garden Kitchen, Le Quartier Latin, Nudls, Q Texas Smokehouse, Seaside Rotisserie, Tamara, Coco’s, Tapas Food Truck, Starbucks, Just Desserts and Just Ice Cream. Order what you want as many times as you want – no one leaves hungry!
Buffet-style catering is a mainstay of the cruise industry. The Surfside Café and Grill on deck 17 is a popular spot and The Local on deck 8 keeps cruisers going day and night.
The first of two main free dining rooms is Hudsons, where guests can enjoy 270-degree views through a panoramic glass panorama from Deck 7 aft. The second is the Commodore Room on Deck 6, which is slightly smaller but elegant in its own way.
Both offer set menus for the duration of the cruise, but again there’s a good variety, including a build-your-own pasta section and plenty of vegetarian options.
For those who wish to indulge in the culinary specialties available at an additional cost, you have eight options. Palomar on deck 17 is Mediterranean inspired, then you have tapas style dining at Food Republic and Onda by Scarpetta which serves modern Italian fare.
A variety of Mexican dishes are offered at Los Lobos, Le Bistro caters to French tastes, Hasuki which offers teppanyaki style cuisine, Nama Sushi and Cagney’s Steakhouse which speak for themselves.
GO: CRUISE WITH NORWEGIAN PRIMA
Right now, get up to 40% off select cruises on Norwegian Prima, including a 10-day trip to Northern Europe: Iceland & Norway to Southampton from Reykjavik, Iceland from from £1,619 pp departing May 25 and an 11-day journey in the opposite direction, this time departing Southampton on June 4 to Iceland from £1,717 pp. Visit ncl.com, call 0333 2412319 or visit a travel agency.
When you have Katy Perry headlining entertainment with a powerful performance of chart-topping hits like Teenage Dream, Roar and Firework, everyone needs to raise the bar.
Perry and partner Orlando Bloom were also surprise guests at the live version of The Price Is Right TV show at the Prima Theater.
This is a stunning three-story venue, which transforms from a state-of-the-art venue with retractable seating into a spectacular nightclub after dark.
On our trip, he was also graced by more special guests, such as American soul-funk band Kool & The Gang and singer-songwriter Chaka Khan, who had cruisers on their feet with a dazzling array of back catalog classics.
But regular entertainment offerings include a full-scale, Broadway-style production of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, which blew us all away.
The night doesn’t stop there though, with comedy club Improv At Sea and of course the casino, ensuring that no night ends before it does.
With live music playing regularly at Penrose Bar, Syd Norman’s Pour House and Local Bar and Grill, there really is no excuse.
Enjoy a drink at the Metropolitan Cocktail Bar, Belvedere Bar, Sun Outdoor Bar, Luna Bar, Prima Speedway Bar. . . the list continues.
Of course, it was all about altitude, and with the Prima class, The Haven offers that in abundance. An exclusive residential area for customers who want to shell out a little more.
Described as a ship within a ship, the area offers spacious, upscale suites, private lounges, pools, decks, elevators, and personalized 24-hour butler service.
I’m sure that’s where Mrs. Perry enjoyed pulling faces with her boyfriend and I bet she liked it!
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