@uneamie
The concerns you are expressing are spot on with my experience on the Prima when compared to NCL ships dating back to the Dreamward and every class in between through the Bliss.
On our prior prepandemic sailings at or near capacity we have always been able to find entertainment / specialty availability after embarkation. Not so on this particular cruise.
I believe that reservation availability will greatly improve on future sailings for several reasons. First, this was a five-day cruise and only one port day. With most cruises being seven days or longer there will be more availability in entertainment /specialty restaurant venues because of the extra days. Also, most cruises will have more than one port day and port days seem to open up availability. Most importantly, I believe NCL will make the necessary adjustments if availability continues to be an issue. That is why I would encourage fans of NCL to give the Prima a try if the price is right and the itinerary is to their liking.
While our family experienced some of the peculiarities and challenges of the Prima that have been noted, we had a wonderful vacation (special thanks to the personable, hard working staff!). It was fun to experience some of the new, unique additions of the Prima…and my teenage son averaged 20 races a day on the triple decked speedway where there were no reservation issues and where he enjoyed five days of fun rides with newfound friends.