Introducing… Norwegian Prima

First of Six Vessels in New Groundbreaking Class Officially Opens for Sale with Sensational Itineraries Sailing Northern Europe, The UK, The Caribbean and Bermuda

Industry’s Most Spacious New Cruise Ship Offering the Most Outdoor Deck Space and the Most Expansive Accommodations of Any New Build

Norwegian Cruise Line opened for sale the first of six ships within its highly anticipated next class of vessels, Prima Class, the Brand’s first new class of ships in nearly 10 years.

With voyages beginning in summer 2022, Norwegian Prima, the first of the six ships, will be 295 meters long, 142,500 gross tons and able to accommodate 3,215 guests at double occupancy. The vessel will be a game-changer for NCL, offering guests exciting itineraries, more wide-open spaces, thoughtful and stunning design, a variety of new experiences as well as Norwegian’s exceptional service.

“Despite not having sailed in more than a year, we never stopped working and innovating, we never once pressed pause,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “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 unrivaled vessels with Norwegian Prima.”

The show-stopping vessel built in Marghera, Italy by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri features striking hull artwork designed by Italian graffiti artist Manuel Di Rita, known commonly as “Peeta.” For the first time on any NCL vessel, the captivating hull art extends to the forward superstructure of the ship. World-class architects that helped design Norwegian Prima include Italian designer Piero Lissoni and powerhouse architectural firms Rockwell Group, SMC Design, Tillberg Design of Sweden, YSA DESIGN and Miami-based Studio Dado who conceptualized and composed the aesthetic of various restaurants, staterooms and public areas on board.

“The name ‘Prima,’ which means “first” in Italian, is a natural fit that ties into our legacy of firsts in the industry and a fitting tribute to our new Italian shipbuilding partners at Fincantieri,” added Sommer.

“Despite not having sailed in more than a year, we never stopped working and innovating, we never once pressed pause. 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 unrivaled vessels with Norwegian Prima.”

Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Norwegian Cruise Line„

WIDE-OPEN SPACES AND ELEVATED EXPERIENCES THAT GO BEYOND EXPECTATION

Norwegian Prima will offer the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any new cruise ship in the contemporary and premium cruise categories, delivering an unrivaled guest experience. She 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 and the Brand’s largest-ever inside, oceanview and balcony staterooms, including the Brand’s largest-ever bathrooms and showers for standard stateroom categories. Norwegian Prima 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 as well as multiple infinity pools and vast outdoor walkways allowing guests to take in the sea, the ocean breeze and a variety of elevated experiences.

The Elevated Haven By Norwegian

To provide guests with an unrivaled experience in luxury cruising, The Haven by Norwegian on Norwegian Prima has been elevated to offer the Brand’s most exclusive and centralized suite complex. Spanning eight decks of suites and public areas, the ultra-premium keycard only access ship-within-a-ship concept provides guests with private amenities, dedicated services and the most luxurious accommodations on board. For the first time, the Cruise Line relocated all 107 Haven suites to the aft (the rear of the ship) within close proximity of private elevators exclusively reserved for Haven guests. These elevators rise directly into The Haven public areas on decks 16 and 17. NCL evolved The Haven’s design to be more open to the sea than ever before. For the first time, every public area in The Haven offers stunning sea and destination views. The Haven Courtyard on Norwegian Prima has been transformed into an expansive Haven Sundeck, boasting a stunning new infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake and a new outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.

Pushing the boundaries of exclusive design within the reimagined exclusive space, all public areas and suites in The Haven have been designed by Piero Lissoni, one of Italy’s preeminent designers. Lissoni provided an elegant and sophisticated design to The Haven Sundeck, The Haven Restaurant, The Haven Lounge & Bar and the Outdoor Spa: Sauna and Cold Room.

OUTDOOR LIVING ON OCEAN BOULEVARD

Furthering the elevated experience that places guests first and understanding the important connection they have with the outdoors and proximity to the sea, NCL reimagined its industry pioneering The Waterfront by doubling the space and adding a greater variety of experiences and dining options than ever before by introducing Ocean Boulevard.

Located on deck eight, Ocean Boulevard at 44,000 square feet long, wraps around the entire deck, allowing guests to walk around the entire ship and experience amazing ocean views while having the choice to partake in numerous exceptional outdoor activities.

Global Cuisine with Indulge Food Hall

As part of the multifaceted experiences offered on Ocean Boulevard, NCL introduced the Brand’s first-ever upscale open-air marketplace with Indulge Food Hall. Created to elevate the guest-sensory experience on Norwegian Prima, Indulge Food Hall offers visitors diverse menu items from a variety of culinary venues as well as a mix of indoor and outdoor seating.

NCL’s first-ever food hall was thoughtfully designed, offering various cuisines and showcasing captivating colors and smells with 11 venues including returning guest culinary favorites Coco’s, serving artisan sweet treats; Q Texas Smokehouse, boasting delicious American Southern comfort food and barbecue; and Starbucks. Indulge will unveil first-ever dining venues including Seaside Rotisserie, offering a wide array of rotisserie-cooked dishes; Nudls, an emporium serving noodle dishes from around the world, from Italian to Thai cuisines; Tamara, preparing classic Indian dishes and multiple vegetarian food options; The Latin Quarter, serving classic Latin food with a twist; Tapas Food Truck, cooking elevated Spanish-inspired street food; Garden Kitchen, where guest can order customized salads with more than two dozen ingredients to choose from; Just Desserts, featuring classic dessert items such as pies and cakes and Just Ice Cream serving all guest favorite ice cream flavors and over-the-top decadent creations.

Hybrid Dining on Ocean Boulevard

Adding to the culinary offerings available on Norwegian Prima’s Ocean Boulevard, the site will host three additional dining venues offering both indoor and outdoor seating including Onda By Scarpetta, Los Lobos and The Local Bar & Grill. Onda by Scarpetta, which debuted on Norwegian Encore in 2019 and also available on Norwegian Spirit, will showcase the rich and bold flavors for which the modern Italian land-based, award-winning Scarpetta restaurants are recognized. The venue, designed by esteemed design firm Studio Dado, features an elegant atmosphere, modern design and expansive indoor and outdoor ocean views. Los Lobos, the Brand’s premium Mexican restaurant, returns on Norwegian Prima to boast traditional Mexican flavors with modern flair set in a contemporary atmosphere also designed by Studio Dado. The revamped Local Bar & Grill set in an upscale beach club atmosphere will showcase live music where guests can relax and enjoy cocktails and classic Americana cuisine.

A Day on Ocean Boulevard: The Concourse, Infinity Beach, Oceanwalk and La Terraza

Created to be a destination in and of itself within Norwegian Prima and furthering the day-to-day elevated guest experiences available on Ocean Boulevard, the Company unveiled additional “firsts” for the Brand including The Concourse, an outdoor sculpture garden features an art wall designed by famed artist David Harber and six installations designed by Alexander Krivosheiw featuring immersive art inspired by ancient mythology and contemporary abstract forms. The seven sculptures, valued at over $2 million, offer stunning effects that change as the sun sets, making them perfect for photos and social media posts. Guests can also relax at Infinity Beach featuring 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 pool-goers to take in the vastness of the ocean while soaking in the open air. The two Oceanwalk glass bridges, also new to the Brand, will provide guests with photographic, breathtaking views that will make them feel as if they are walking on air over the water. La Terraza, an open-air lounge, features a quaint retreat for visitors to catch stellar forward-facing sea views.

BUCKET-LIST ITINERARIES ON THE INDUSTRY’S NEWEST SHIP

Summer 2022: Northern Europe and The UK

Following a string of inaugural cruises and beginning August 2022, Norwegian Prima will be the newest ship embarking in Northern Europe. From Aug. 17 to Sept. 13, 2022, she will sail a series of eight-day voyages from Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Copenhagen, Denmark, offering guests the opportunity to explore the continent’s Northern Europe, Norwegian Fjords and Baltic regions.

Fall/Winter 2022: Bermuda and The Caribbean

On Sept. 23, Norwegian Prima will depart Southampton, England, on a 12-day transatlantic voyage visiting Lerwick, Scotland with an overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland, before arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and ending her journey in New York to commence a five-day roundtrip itinerary on Oct. 10 to Bermuda, where she will make her debut as the newest ship sailing the fall and winter season. On Oct. 15, she will depart from New York on a 12-day open-jaw immersive Caribbean itinerary where she will be the newest ship in the region and for the first time ever for NCL, the vessel will visit Galveston, TX. She will have calls to Willemstad, Curacao; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Oranjestad, Aruba, with all visits featuring between nine and 10 in-port hours. On Oct. 31, Norwegian Prima will kickstart her Caribbean season departing from Galveston, TX, to Miami on an 11-day itinerary with visits to Willemstad, Curacao; Kralendijk, Bonaire, and the Company’s recently enhanced private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. From Nov. 19 to Dec. 3, Norwegian Prima will sail from Miami offering three, seven-day Western Caribbean cruises visiting Harvest Caye, the Company’s private resort destination in Belize, in addition to other notable ports including Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan Island, Honduras.

Fall/Winter 2022-2023: Western Caribbean Voyages Homeporting from Orlando, Fla. (Port Canaveral)

From Dec. 11, 2022, to March 19, 2023, Norwegian Prima will homeport in Orlando, Fla. (Port Canaveral), sailing 15 roundtrip Western Caribbean voyages featuring five, seven, and nine-day port-rich itineraries visiting notable destinations, including Cozumel, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, and NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas.

Spring 2023: Bermuda

Starting March 28 to May 7, Norwegian Prima will sail a mini-season of five and mostly seven-day roundtrip Bermuda voyages from New York. She will call at Norfolk, Virginia – the gateway to Virginia Beach and the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg. The vessel will also sail to the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda, where itineraries include one or two overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard to allow flexibility for guests to explore its shops, restaurants and pristine beaches on their own time.

Spring and Summer 2023: Northern Europe

On May 14, Norwegian Prima heads back to Iceland and Northern Europe, departing on an 11-day transatlantic journey from New York City to Reykjavik, Iceland, visiting Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia, before making calls to several immersive Icelandic ports, including Akureyri, which resides on the longest fjord in Iceland and Isafjordur, where guests can take in Icelandic Viking history and unspoiled natural marvels. The voyage culminates in Reykjavik with an overnight stay, where guests can partake in the cosmopolitan experiences of Iceland’s capital and largest city featuring contemporary art, a growing culinary scene and thriving music culture while also maintaining a connection to the great outdoors with geothermal springs and whale watching activities.

From May 25 to Sept. 7, Norwegian Prima’s summer 2023 season will offer a mix of 10 and 11-day Norway and Iceland sailings from Reykjavik, Iceland, and Southampton, England, featuring extensive port time between nine and 14 in-port hours to offer guests an immersive experience. Throughout her voyage, guests will have the unique opportunity to cruise through the remarkable Heritage Fjords, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Norwegian Prima will be one of the few ships that meet the criteria to sail in these environmentally protected waters. Other bucket-list worthy destinations include a call to Geiranger, Norway, featuring 14 hours in port where guests can visit Norway’s most famous fjord, Geiranger Fjord, an awe-inspiring deep blue UNESCO protected nine-mile fjord surrounded by majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, wild waterfalls and lush vegetation. The world famous Seven Sisters and The Bridal Veil waterfalls are just two of the numerous cascades that run down the steep mountainside throughout Geiranger Fjord. Norwegian Prima will also call to Olden, Norway, and feature 10-hours in port with access to the jaw-dropping Briksdal Glacier, a branch of the famous Jostedal Glacier, where guests can partake in once-in-a-lifetime hikes and nature trails.

On Sept. 17, Norwegian Prima concludes her summer 2023 season with a 14-day roundtrip voyage from Southampton, England, featuring between seven and 10 in-port hours with notable calls to Dublin, Ireland; Isafjordur and Akureyri, Iceland, with an overnight in Reykjavik; and visits to Geiranger, Olden, and Stavanger, Norway.


All in all, Norwegian is moving forward with ship design and are improving their product and I have to say, I love the direction that they’re going in! Norwegian Prima is one stunning ship and I can’t wait to see her as a finished ship. Would love to sail on her, hopefully soon! What about you? Who’s booked already!?

Thank you for reading… Dominik!

8 Things To Do On Norwegian Encore

With Encore being the newest and the biggest NCL ship ever to debut, it’s normal to expect a number of new and redesigned spaces/features and the return of fan favorites from previous Breakaway ships! Norwegian Encore is the last ship in the Breakaway class lineup. This class was revolutionary for the cruise industry and it’s loved by many so NCL made sure to make the last one special! Here are 8 things I love and I’d like to try out on Norwegian Encore! 

Largest Race Track at sea

Norwegian Encore is a proud owner of the largest race track at sea with new twist and turns to make your ride even more memorable! Like the fact that you’re driving a go-kart at sea isn’t monumental enough! On Norwegian Encore, you can go for the gold on a race track that covers over 1,100 feet. This new course features 10 turns including 4 points that extend up to 13 feet over the side of the ship. There is also a viewing area where bystanders can watch the race. In addition, the crowd can provide their favorite drivers with a temporary speed boost for a victory across the finish line.

Laser Tag

This attraction that was proven to be very popular on sister ships Joy & Bliss made a return on the Encore but bigger than ever! Join a team, get suited up with a blaster, and prepare for the most thrilling laser tag experience at sea on Norwegian Encore. This lost city of Atlantis themed outdoor arena also includes augmented reality as part of each game. So, along with avoiding opponents, cruisers will also be on the lookout for “digital” objects which makes this game unlike anything else at sea. 

Galaxy Pavillion

Norwegian Encore offers one of the most interactive and technologically advanced spaces at sea, the Galaxy Pavilion. The Pavilion first debuted on Norwegian Joy, and the cruise line has re-envisioned this venue to add even more out of this world fun on Norwegian Encore. This family-friendly space features a variety of virtual reality experiences including dark ride simulators, a drive simulator, a hand gliding simulator, a virtual reality escape room, and more. With all of these new features, this indoor venue is sure to be popular with cruisers of all ages. This feature is not included in your cruise fare but from what I’ve heard it’s worth every penny! 

Broadway style shows – Kinky Boots

That’s right, Norwegian Encore features the Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots in the main theater. This Broadway production features original music from Grammy winner Cyndi Lauper and a top notch cast of singers and dancers. Also featured in the main theater is Choir of Man. This West End show debuted on Norwegian Escape and has been one of the best received shows on any Norwegian Cruise Line ship. These two main theater shows do require reservations, so be sure to book early, you don’t want to miss it!

Aquapark thrills

Similar to other NCL ships, Norwegian Encore has a water park featuring some of the most adventurous waterslides at sea. The Ocean Loops free fall slide will have you twisting and turning and even extending over the side of the ship during your ride. There is even a see-through portion so you can witness it all. Are you daring enough to experience this thrill? I am not, but there’s something for people like me too, like the multi-story Aqua Racer waterslide and the kids’ water park! But again, if you like freefall waterslides, Encore is the perfect ship for you!

Observation Lounge

One of my favorite features onboard NCL Encore is the Observation Lounge! Similar to NCL Bliss & Joy, Norwegian Encore has two observation areas. The Observation Lounge on deck 15 offers incredible views with floor to ceiling windows, making it the perfect place to soak in the scenery! This forward facing venue offers snacks during the day, as well as a full bar. Guests staying in the Haven have their very own Horizon Lounge offering a similar yet more private experience. These venues are the perfect spot for ultimate relaxation while admiring the panoramic views. I love quiet and cozy lounges so I’m sure I’d love the Observation lounge! This lounge is perfect for scenic itineraries such as perhaps any Alaskan itinerary or even better, imagine watching the Manhattan skyline from cozy loungers in the Observation lounge… perfect!

The Social Club

NCL cruisers are known to be friendly, and what better place to mingle than the Social Club. This venue serves multiple purposes in the evenings, including regularly hosting comedy shows and transforming into a speakeasy for the one of a kind show Happy Hour Prohibition – The Musical. The Social is also the place to be for interactive dance parties like the Silent Disco and the after hours nightclub with the resident DJ. Late night party goers will love the dance floor, fully stocked bar, and cozy seating at this dynamic venue.

Coco’s

I love sweets and crepes and this restaurant has both! When it comes to dessert cravings, there is no better place to indulge your sweet tooth than Coco’s. It’s chocoholics dream come true. From the wide selection of ice cream sundaes and milkshakes to all the other chocolate specialties, you should definitely stop in for a mid-day snack or save some room for an after dinner treat. All items are priced a la carte but certainly worthy of the up-charge. Make sure to take your Instagram photos before digging in and tag me in them so I can suffer! Haha!


In conclusion, Norwegian Encore is a fun, action packed mega-ship. You won’t have a dull moment during your cruise on the Encore. Even if go-karts or laser tags aren’t your thing, there are many other attractions to enjoy in. I know I would love to just sit for hours in the Observation lounge and enjoy in my regular Starbucks order (YES! There’s a Starbucks onboard)! There’s something for everyone, it’s perfect for families and solo cruisers! Count me in! 

As always, thank you for reading, Dominik!

Three new ships delivered!

October is always a big month for ship deliveries but we rarely get three ships delivered three days in a row! They are all big, beautiful and unique in their own way. With these three giants in the game, cruise industry just got bigger by around 13 thousand berths. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect on each one!

Carnival Panorama

Carnival Panorama will launch year-round service from Long Beach, Calif., on Dec. 11, becoming the line’s first new ship homeported on the West Coast in more than 20 years.

As the name implies, Carnival Panorama reflects design inspiration with more opportunities to connect with the sea. The ship features a number of innovations including the first Sky Zone trampoline park at sea as well as a first-in-fleet culinary studio where guests can participate in hands-on cooking classes, tastings and other food-related activities hosted by the ship’s chefs.

Carnival Panorama also offers a variety of longtime guest favorites such as a massive WaterWorks aqua park, Sky Ride, the popular bike in the sky with breathtaking views, a suspended ropes course and dining venues like Bonsai Teppanyaki and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse with barbecue favorites from Food Network star and longtime Carnival partner Guy Fieri along with craft beers brewed on board.

A wide range of staterooms and suites are available as well, including spa staterooms with exclusive privileges at the luxurious Cloud 9 Spa, extra-spacious staterooms in Family Harbor and tropical-inspired Havana staterooms with access to a Cuban-themed bar and pool.

The third and final Vista-class vessel for Carnival, Carnival Panorama, was delivered by Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, near Venice on Oct. 29th but her inaugural journey will not take place until December and that is beacause Panorama has to make a 40 day long journey from Italy to California! Her journey will last this long because her lifeboat arangment is preventing her from going trough the Panama Canal. During this month long journey, the crew will be making sure that Panorama is prefectly ready for her inaugural cruise out of Long Beach!

Norwegian Encore

Taking the brand’s exclusive, stand-out attractions to the next level, Norwegian Encore features the world’s longest race track at sea at 1,100 feet with four high-speed curves extending up to 13 feet over the side of the ship; the largest outdoor laser tag arena at nearly 10,000 square feet with the addition of augmented reality elements; and new immersive escape room and interactive theatre experiences in the 10,000-square-foot Galaxy Pavilion.

In addition to featuring many of the highly rated restaurants and lounges that have made the Breakaway Plus class one of the most innovative and successful in the company’s history, Norwegian Encore will debut a new elevated Italian dining experience, Onda by Scarpetta, in collaboration with LDV Hospitality. The Tony Award®-winning musical, “Kinky Boots” will headline the world-class entertainment on board, with returning guest favorites “The Choir of Man,” “Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical” and the rocking Beatles cover band of The Cavern Club.

She was delivered by Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany on Oct. 30th and she is the final Breakaway/plus class ship to be delivered to Norwegian. She is also the biggest ship owned by NCL to date, and it seems like that she will hold that title for quite some time since the next class of ships to be built for Norwegian, Leonardo class, will be slightly smaller than Norwegian Encore. What a fitting name for the final ship in this higly succesfull class that is loved by many!

Launching this November, Norwegian Encore will offer seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami beginning Nov. 24, 2019; Bermuda, and Canada and New England itineraries from New York City beginning Apr. 22, 2020; voyages to the Western Caribbean from Miami beginning Dec. 12, 2020; and in the spring of 2021 will make her West Coast debut and sail to Alaska from Seattle.

MSC Grandiosa

As MSC Cruises’ most environmentally advanced ship to-date, MSC Grandiosa is equipped with some of the latest cutting-edge environmental technology including a state-of-the-art Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and next-generation Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) system. She has been designed to meet the world’s strictest environmental standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). MSC Grandiosa also offers a richness of guest experiences, from world-class entertainment, a wide choice of international dining options, original activities for families, an enhanced MSC Yacht Club to the world’s first virtual cruise personal assistant ZOE.

The new ship offers guests, among other features, two brand new shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea, created exclusively for MSC Grandiosa guests. This is part of a long-term partnership between MSC Cruises and the world leader in artistic entertainment, Cirque du Soleil that will result in a total of eight original shows available on MSC Cruises’ four Meraviglia generation ships. MSC Grandiosa is the third ship to feature the exclusive entertainment concept. The four other Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, two for each ship, have already been created for MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima.MSC Grandiosa will showcase an even larger Mediterranean-style promenade, the ground-breaking feature unique to the Meraviglia and Meraviglia-plus prototypes. Serving as the social hub of the ship, the promenade features an array of shops and specialty restaurants as well as a new bar and lounge, L’Atelier Bistrot, which will offer lounge seating with a stage and a dance floor. Impressionist art will also be on display in this space and have “terrace” seating with Parisian Bistrot tables and chairs along the promenade. Throughout the day and the evening, the promenade will host surprise performances, including flash mobs and themed parties as well as awe-inspiring projections on an even longer 323 ft. LED Sky screen.
The industry-leading shipboard digital innovation program, MSC for Me, will allow guests to customize their vacation and enhance their cruise experience. As the Company continues to evolve and innovate the digital offering, guests can expect new features, offering a connected cruise experience to meet their individual needs.

She was delivered to MSC on Oct. 31st. and she will be christened in Hamburg by Sophia Loren in November! If you want to sail on a bigger and better version of Meraviglia or Bellissima this is a ship for you!


What do you think about these 3 new ships? I love them all! The only problem is… I want to try them all! Hopefully I will!

As always, thanks for reading, Dominik!