On Location: “There are so many beautiful spaces" – PAX reports from Prima's NYC inaugural

Anchors aweigh. 

After being christened in Reykjavík, Iceland in August, the Norwegian Prima is sailing her inaugural voyage from New York City to Halifax, Nova Scotia and back this week, from Oct. 6-10, with a pack of travel industry pros and media on board.

The first of six ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL’s) Prima Class, Norwegian Prima measures up at 965 feet (294 meters long), weighs more than 143,535 tons, and can accommodate 3,100 guests at double occupancy.

NCL says Prima offers the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any contemporary or premium cruise ship.

The ship also boasts some of the largest variety of suite categories available at sea as well as a redefined The Haven by Norwegian, NCL's ultra-premium keycard-only access ship-within-a-ship concept.

Her onboard recreational activities include the fastest slides at sea – The Rush and The Drop – and the Prima Speedway, the first three-level racetrack at sea.

There’s also unique spaces like Ocean Boulevard, a 44,000 square foot outdoor walk way that wraps around the ship; The Concourse, which features a multi-million dollar outdoor sculpture garden; and stylish infinity-style pools.

This week’s inaugural sailing out of NYC includes ship tours, panel discussions, a Q&A with NCL President and CEO Harry Sommer, entertainment (like the Tony Award-nominated show “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical”), attractions (such as “Galaxy Pavilion,” the first “flying theatre simulator” at sea), specialty dining and coffee chats with the NCL leadership team.

PAX cruise correspondent and "Your Cruise Coach" Ming Tappin is on board, getting a closer look at Prima’s stunning design, unique culinary options and approach to modern-day cruising.

“The Prima impresses the moment you step on board,” Tappin told PAX, sharing her first impressions. “There are so many beautiful spaces to enjoy, indoors and out.”

Tappin said her favourite area (so far) is the Ocean Walk wraparound space on Deck 8, which has outdoor dining, “tons of cozy seating and loungers that face the water,” and new “Infinity Beach” pools.

The Indulge Food Hall is also a “fantastic” new venue, she said.

“It’s a food court concept with a variety of stations, from tapas and noodles to barbecue and Indian,” Tappin said. “But it’s all table service, so you don’t have to stand around. I had Indian for lunch – the chicken korma with basmati rice was delicious!”

She also loves Prima’s stateroom décor.  

“It has the most innovative wall art I have ever seen!” she said. “In lieu of the standard framed pictures is a series of bold and colourful images. It’s gorgeous!”

Stay tuned as PAX brings you more coverage from Norwegian Prima’s inaugural sailing out of New York City.  

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