Go-karting and charcoal sauna: Norwegian Prima debuting a bunch of cruise firsts
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the global innovator in cruise travel, is making final preparations for the christening of Norwegian Prima – the first of six brand-new Prima Class ships to be delivered over six years.
Norwegian Prima will be the first major cruise ship to be christened in Iceland, commencing her 8-day inaugural voyage in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik on 26 August, with world-class superstar Katy Perry serving as Godmother and fulfilling the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming the ship.
A ship full of firsts, Norwegian Prima is the most spacious new ship in the contemporary and premium cruise category, redefining what’s possible at sea with her ground-breaking onboard experiences, including NCL’s largest-ever accommodations, spell-binding entertainment, indulgent relaxation and incredible culinary experiences. During her debut season sailing from Iceland and visiting stunning Northern European destinations like the dramatic Norwegian Fjords, the far-flung Orkney Islands and the cosmopolitan capitals of Scandinavia, Norwegian Prima will showcase a truly remarkable range of industry and company firsts.
Here are 10 things to look forward to in this spectacular ship:
1. Around the world in 80 dishes
Guests will explore a range of international flavours as they sail around the world at Norwegian Prima’s very first Indulge Food Hall. Inspired by the world’s great gourmet market halls, it offers laidback, social dining from breakfast until bed. Choose from 11 mouth-watering casual dining stations or enjoy tasty global dishes in a roomy cabana or daybed in the expansive Outdoor Lounge area for a breezy vibe.
2. Ready, Set, Race!
Guests can start their engines and race the breeze on the world’s first three-level go-kart racetrack at sea, the 420-metre Prima Speedway. Zoom down the straight and around hairpin turns in an electric go-kart that can reach speeds of up to 50km per hour!
3. To the Edge of Infinity
Make a splash at Infinity Beach, where two stunning infinity pools on either side of the ship appear to hover just above the ocean’s surface, offering magnificent views and a feeling of being ‘at one’ with the sea below.
4. A Little Piece of ‘Haven’
For travellers who love the extensive dining and entertainment options of larger contemporary cruise ships, but crave the privacy, exclusivity and luxury of small vessels, NCL’s ship-within-a-ship concept is the ultimate way to sail.
The Haven by Norwegian®, the line’s exclusive suite enclave, offers elegant and spacious lodgings designed by acclaimed Italian talent Piero Lissoni, access to all the exciting activities and amenities the ship has to offer, as well as refined offerings reserved exclusively for guests of The Haven, such as a private restaurant, lounge, bar, sundeck, infinity pool, hot tubs, 24-hour butler as well as priority embarkation, disembarkation and seating at shows and restaurants.
5. The Drop & The Rush
Feel the rush of the fastest slides at sea, The Drop & The Rush aboard Norwegian Prima. The Rush comprises two duelling slides located at the starboard side of the ship, where guests can plunge 10 stories, twisting and turning through the ship’s superstructure and reaching the highest G-forces possible at sea – more than the acceleration of an F1 race car! The Drop is the first free-fall dry slide in the world, located portside where guests can slide from deck 18 down to deck 8 seated comfortably on a mat.
6. First Charcoal Sauna at Sea
Love a pampering session during a day at sea? Norwegian Prima is home to the cruise industry’s first charcoal sauna, as well as a two-storey cascading indoor spa waterfall. The new charcoal sauna is one of eight experiences at the elevated Mandara Spa on Norwegian Prima. Other brand-first experiences include an Ice Room, Experiential Showers, a Flotation Salt Pool and Infrared Sauna, as well as innovative new massage beds, treatments and a vast relaxation area housing 22 hot stone loungers enjoying panoramic ocean vistas.
7. Where Technology Meets Art
A carefully curated USD$6 million art collection takes centre stage on Norwegian Prima, from the striking hull art designed specifically for the ship by Italian graffiti artist, Peeta, to the innovative outdoor art space known as The Concourse, located on the ship’s expansive Ocean Boulevard. This high-tech open-air sculpture garden features six stunning pieces by world-renowned artist Alexander Krivosheiw as well as an art wall designed by famed UK artist David Harber.
8. Delectable Dining
Wining and dining on board Norwegian Prima is an elevated experience merging sophisticated design with masterful mixology and creative global cuisine, and with nine new food and beverage concepts to explore coupled with much-loved favourites. The elegant Onda by Scarpetta brings the charm and cultivated Italian cuisine of its critically-acclaimed Scarpetta sister restaurants in the USA, UK and UAE to sea. All-new Mediterranean seafood specialty restaurant Palomar makes its much-anticipated debut on Norwegian Prima, while fans of Japanese cuisine will be spoiled for choice between Hasuki, NCL’s take on hibachi-style Japanese dining in an intimate setting decorated with handcrafted pottery and traditional Japanese artwork, and new upscale sushi and sashimi restaurant Nama. At Metropolitan Bar, guests can enjoy responsibly crafted zero-waste cocktails prepared using surplus ingredients, fully sustainable spirits and biodynamic wines.
9. A Whole New (Virtual) World
Explore 14 unique attractions and immerse yourself in over 40 virtual experiences in the Galaxy Pavilion aboard Norwegian Prima, home to some of the most out-of-this-world experiences afloat. Test your problem-solving skills in an Escape Room, soar over the open ocean in the first-ever Flying Simulator at sea or play some of the world’s renowned virtual golf courses in the Topgolf Swing Suite, powered by Full Swing’s cutting-edge golf simulator technology.
10. Spell-binding Entertainment
Discover the world’s first venue that transforms from a three-story theatre into a Vegas-style nightclub on Norwegian Prima, which will play host to headline acts like the Tony Award®-nominated musical “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical”, featuring more than 20 of Summer’s mega hits and transforming into a full disco after the show. Seamlessly converting from theatre to expansive dance floor with an awe-inspiring moving LED screen that lowers from the ceiling and is nearly half the size of the venue, the high-energy nightclub’s SENSORIA theme will take club-goers on a journey through Coachella, Woodstock and Burning Man, all in one.
For more information or to book a cruise with NCL, please contact a travel professional; call NCL in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283; or visit www.ncl.com
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
cruise iceland luxury cruise norwegian cruise line Norwegian Prima Prima ClassLatest News
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.
Singapore Airlines grows group passenger traffic by 13.9% for March
This is one of the few situations where an increase in traffic is a good thing.
Number of Aussies going on cruises beats pre-pandemic levels
To be honest, if being stuck inside for two years doesn't give you the travel bug, then nothing will.
Vietjet slashes prices on flights across Vietnam, India & Australia
You can now fly to Vietnam for less money than a night out in Sydney or Melbourne. Time to reconsider the budget.
The Australian Hotels Association (WA) names accommodation excellence award winners
Think blowing up the airbed for your mate qualifies as accommodation excellence? Think again.
Abercrombie & Kent launches Peruvian riverboat tour
If you think being left at a port is scary? Imagine being stuck in the Amazon.
Club Med Bali reveals last-minute group travel deal
If you haven't frolicked across a beach in Bali with your colleagues have you even lived?
Regent Seven Seas Cruises grows sales team across Australia & New Zealand
It is only Monday and Regent Seven Seas Cruises is already announcing hires. Great stuff!
Out of the Ordinary Outback offers caravanners and campers a free night
It's the perfect getaway if your neighbours are starting to drive you a little insane.
Luxury Escapes reveals third signature series tour with Miguel Maestre
We would recommend reading this after lunch, otherwise you risk slobbering at your desk.