Everything... project Leonardo/Prima class!

[McGarrett5oh]

19 hours ago, Zippeedee said:

I booked the last Southampton/Iceland/Norway/Southampton cruise for next year on the day they opened booking. Not looking promising. I didn’t factor in the cold temperatures in September and this ship doesn’t seem welcoming in cold weather. I love the spacious cabins and the food reviews are all excellent. Not being able to see a show or find a seat at breakfast are off putting though.
Similar summer itineraries are almost double what I paid. I still have lots of time to decide to keep this one. 

We are booked on the September 17, 2023 cruise as well and also now do have some concerns about the weather but at this time, we're leaning towards following through because: 1) we want to experience the ship, 2) the price we paid, 3) the ports of call and 4) the food.   I will continue to monitor the comments and the adjustments that NCL makes based on feedback.  We're in the Haven, so some of the issues I've read about could be mitigated (at least for us and the way we like to cruise), but the weather is the big wild card!!

Edited October 10, 2022 by McGarrett5oh

[kessdarln]

On 10/8/2022 at 6:26 PM, RVACruiser43 said:

Anyone here a Star Trek fan? Specifically the Movie Generations that introduced the Enterprise -B at the beginning.  I felt that was the Prima 🙂  The Spa hot baths had no bubbles, will be fixed in Miami.  The Bar in Indulge did not have any of the beer on tap with all those tap handles 🙂  No Coke zero some days, but other times the server would get a can at the Local.  One time he brought a Diet Coke and yes I can tell the difference.  At least we didn’t need the Photon Torpedos that were not loaded until the next Tuesday LOL

Ha Ha... I do believe I quoted that somewhere - first thing that came to mind GMTA 😄 

[RVACruiser43]

10 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

Different strokes for different folks. Personally I don't like people (no offense) and don't want to feel like I'm with 5000+ folks together. Small groups I'm fine with, but giant theaters where it takes 15+ mins to even get out of there, and gosh forbid you need an elevator to go anywhere after that - forget it.

 

Same thing with those mega dining rooms - not for me. When we were on RCC last year it was a 5 min walk to our table each night, squeezing around everyone else's tables and chairs and hearing tons of different conversations at one time. 

 

There's nothing exciting about large crowds to me, so if NCL is truly moving in a smaller gathering spot in general everywhere on their ships then I'm all in. 

I agree, we avoid the buffet on all ships due to crowds and tend to book extra specialty dining mainly for the small restaurant feel rather than the hustle and bustle.  Did not like the Hudson dining especially the tables near the main walkways, too much server movement.  

[TheNightDawg]

On 10/10/2022 at 8:55 AM, steamboats said:

 

We didn´t even had this... both nightstands were open ones... see here. Just the one in the vanity desk.

 

steamboats

Yikes!  😲 If you want to feel even more envious, check out the Prima Studio Cabins on YouTube ... They have amazing storage space, lots of shelves and real drawers, and two hanging closets.  I would have had more room had I sailed solo in the Studio! 

[hallux]

1 hour ago, TheNightDawg said:

Yikes!  😲 If you want to feel even more envious, check out the Prima Studio Cabins on YouTube ... They have amazing storage space, lots of shelves and real drawers, and two hanging closets.  I would have had more room had I sailed solo in the Studio! 

Those cabins look amazing!  Too bad I'd need to sell my car to sail in one at this point in time..

[AlanRRT]

One thing nobody (including me) has mentioned, at least not that I've seen: the artwork all over the ship!  While all ships have some pictures hanging, I loved the way the Prima had the feel of an art gallery.  Very classy.

[JIMESOPUS]

2 hours ago, AlanRRT said:

One thing nobody (including me) has mentioned, at least not that I've seen: the artwork all over the ship!  While all ships have some pictures hanging, I loved the way the Prima had the feel of an art gallery.  Very classy.

Except someone was picking at the picture near the Belvedere Bar port side and caused some damage, it's a shame someone has to ruin things for fun. Noticed that they started adding boxes around some of the pictures, deck #7  and deck #8 forward. 

[steamboats]

8 hours ago, TheNightDawg said:

Yikes!  😲 If you want to feel even more envious, check out the Prima Studio Cabins on YouTube ... They have amazing storage space, lots of shelves and real drawers, and two hanging closets.  I would have had more room had I sailed solo in the Studio! 

 

As I wasn´t solo traveling 😉.

 

5 hours ago, AlanRRT said:

One thing nobody (including me) has mentioned, at least not that I've seen: the artwork all over the ship!  While all ships have some pictures hanging, I loved the way the Prima had the feel of an art gallery.  Very classy.

 

There´s even an art tour you can do on your own. There are QR codes next to some of the art pieces which you can scan. Unfortunately I didn´t have the time to check it out. I added two photos to my photos of the Observation Lounge (see here).

 

steamboats

Edited October 12, 2022 by steamboats

[herbanrenewal]

I loved the art all over the ship - other than the butterfly lady over the bed. 

[herbanrenewal]

I thought there was plenty of storage space in regular balcony room (BA). I liked the wire drawers in the closets - I could see everything without having to dig through a regular drawer. Traveling solo in a huge BA I had much more room than i needed. I sometimes cruise with 3 in a room and i am sure there would be plenty of space for all of us.

 

Edited October 12, 2022 by herbanrenewal

[herbanrenewal]

Bottom line for me - I'd happily book again for the staffing which allowed better service - more like cruising 20 years ago. I loved everyone greeting me by name. I felt pampered! And the food was wonderful.

I would definitely prefer a warm weather itinerary - North Atlantic was a mistake for NCL. The negativity that results when the ship is designed for a different experience than the environment will support just creates bad publicity. Future builds should start with Mediterranean cruise from Europe.

And somehow they have to figure out the evening entertainment issues.

[steamboats]

2 hours ago, herbanrenewal said:

I thought there was plenty of storage space in regular balcony room (BA). I liked the wire drawers in the closets - I could see everything without having to dig through a regular drawer. 

 

Actually the wire drawers were a nuisance for us. A regular shelf would give you more storage space. If you did not close the wire drawer properly the sliding door was blocked... There was no hanging space for longer dresses or slacks. They were all way too short.

 

With the bathroom door opening into the aisle you always had to check whether no one is standing in front of the wardrobe. Otherwise you hit your cabin mate (in my case my DH).

 

steamboats

[herbanrenewal]

23 minutes ago, steamboats said:

 

Actually the wire drawers were a nuisance for us. A regular shelf would give you more storage space. If you did not close the wire drawer properly the sliding door was blocked... There was no hanging space for longer dresses or slacks. They were all way too short.

Like with everything else, we all have different ways of coping when traveling - I'm a low maintenance type of traveler (I have notes on good hostels in some countries). I. dont expect (or want to pay for) all the comforts of home. But I appreciate for these prices you are right to have high expectations!

23 minutes ago, steamboats said:

 

With the bathroom door opening into the aisle you always had to check whether no one is standing in front of the wardrobe. Otherwise you hit your cabin mate (in my case my DH).

 

steamboats

when I travel with my friends we will knock on the door before exiting to a place where I might hit my roommate. Cruising has always meant spacial compromises! Im still amazed at room size for BA cabin.

[steamboats]

14 hours ago, herbanrenewal said:

Like with everything else, we all have different ways of coping when traveling - I'm a low maintenance type of traveler (I have notes on good hostels in some countries). I. dont expect (or want to pay for) all the comforts of home. But I appreciate for these prices you are right to have high expectations!

 

I don´t have high expectations... it´s about functionality. There´s a high risk to break something when the wire drawers block the door. And I did... so I do speak out of experience. Plus it´s less storage place in the drawers compared to a regular shelf.

 

I do like the "space" of the cabin itself and the design.

 

But some kinks are there... the bathroom door is slamming pretty hard and you don´t want to have anything inbetween... finger, arm... Also the cabin door is opening to the inside where the open hanging space is. There´s a small gap where you can squeeze in your hand or arm.

 

steamboats

[steamboats]

On 10/11/2022 at 6:41 PM, CruizinSusan70 said:

2) Look down at the carpet.  On the other ships the fish swim towards the front of the ship except for the rebellious fish that goes against the flow.  I believe there are arrows or some other new design that designates forward.

 

There are triangles on the carpet and the tip is towards the bow.

 

steamboats

[mast3rn8]

I just wanted to share a couple of my quick opinions coming off of the Prima TA.

 

• I personally LOVED the ship. I found the decor and details beautiful, each restaurant and bar had their own distinctive vibe. Definitely the most stylish ship I've been on.
• Of course I'm bummed we didn't get to utilize all the incredible outdoor spaces but it was a cold weather cruise, we can't really complain - we booked it.
• FYI - I spoke to an entertainer and learned that the Metro bar was intended to be a piano bar, but that was scrapped to have a location for other live music (guitar, duo). The Local (in front of the large screen) was intended for live music but on the first cruise the cabins above complained about the noise and corporate put a definite stop to using that location - hence everything being moved to the Metro bar and the Atrium (neither initially intended for live music). Syd's is never an option during the day because they hold other activities there. The entertainers are not thrilled with these arrangements.
• The service was some of the best I've ever experienced. The main dining room staff were wonderful and attentive. The bar staff was hands down the best of any ship.
• I thought most of the food was great. I didn't have anything awful. Although, they could really step up their dessert game.
• My inside cabin was fantastic! It was the most spacious, thoughtfully laid out inside cabin I've ever been in. SO much storage - 2 closets, multiple drawers, plenty of outlets, great lighting and an amazing bathroom/shower.
• I do agree that the Prima and Viva are priced very high.. but everything new comes at a premium so 🤷‍♂️
• My only complaints are:

1. The lack of activities during all those sea days. We couldn't use the pools so why not coordinate some easy activities like pub crawls, more shows, etc.
2. DJ Swagg - he was unbearable. So unfriendly, clearly did not want to be there, even fell asleep while 'dj'ing' at one point (then after other crew got involved and made him wake up and participate, the next day I overheard him complaining about us complaining about his lack of interest). Not cool.
3. Listening to all the grumpy guests complaining about one thing or another literally all day long. If going on vacation is so miserable - stay home.

 

All in all, I had an incredible trip and met some great people!

[steamboats]

42 minutes ago, mast3rn8 said:

The Local (in front of the large screen) was intended for live music but on the first cruise the cabins above complained about the noise and corporate put a definite stop to using that location - hence everything being moved to the Metro bar and the Atrium (neither initially intended for live music).

 

On the christening cruise there was live music in the Atrium next to the Penrose Bar and in The Local Bar in front of the big screen. We didn´t have any live music in the Metropolitan Bar.

 

steamboats

[mast3rn8]

1 hour ago, steamboats said:

 

On the christening cruise there was live music in the Atrium next to the Penrose Bar and in The Local Bar in front of the big screen. We didn´t have any live music in the Metropolitan Bar.

 

steamboats

As I mentioned, after that cruise - the live music was moved out of The Local and into the Metro bar - nearly every day on the TA the solo guitar player and/or the duo played there. People complained about how loud the sound was.. fun fact: NCL corporate decides the volume, the entertainers don't.

[mconthehighseas]

5 hours ago, mast3rn8 said:

I just wanted to share a couple of my quick opinions coming off of the Prima TA.

 

• I personally LOVED the ship. I found the decor and details beautiful, each restaurant and bar had their own distinctive vibe. Definitely the most stylish ship I've been on.
• Of course I'm bummed we didn't get to utilize all the incredible outdoor spaces but it was a cold weather cruise, we can't really complain - we booked it.
• FYI - I spoke to an entertainer and learned that the Metro bar was intended to be a piano bar, but that was scrapped to have a location for other live music (guitar, duo). The Local (in front of the large screen) was intended for live music but on the first cruise the cabins above complained about the noise and corporate put a definite stop to using that location - hence everything being moved to the Metro bar and the Atrium (neither initially intended for live music). Syd's is never an option during the day because they hold other activities there. The entertainers are not thrilled with these arrangements.
• The service was some of the best I've ever experienced. The main dining room staff were wonderful and attentive. The bar staff was hands down the best of any ship.
• I thought most of the food was great. I didn't have anything awful. Although, they could really step up their dessert game.
• My inside cabin was fantastic! It was the most spacious, thoughtfully laid out inside cabin I've ever been in. SO much storage - 2 closets, multiple drawers, plenty of outlets, great lighting and an amazing bathroom/shower.
• I do agree that the Prima and Viva are priced very high.. but everything new comes at a premium so 🤷‍♂️
• My only complaints are:

1. The lack of activities during all those sea days. We couldn't use the pools so why not coordinate some easy activities like pub crawls, more shows, etc.
2. DJ Swagg - he was unbearable. So unfriendly, clearly did not want to be there, even fell asleep while 'dj'ing' at one point (then after other crew got involved and made him wake up and participate, the next day I overheard him complaining about us complaining about his lack of interest). Not cool.
3. Listening to all the grumpy guests complaining about one thing or another literally all day long. If going on vacation is so miserable - stay home.

 

All in all, I had an incredible trip and met some great people!

I love your attitude!  I hope I get to meet you on a cruise in the near future. (Do you think you will be on the Prima next July?)

[mast3rn8]

8 minutes ago, mconthehighseas said:

I love your attitude!  I hope I get to meet you on a cruise in the near future. (Do you think you will be on the Prima next July?)

🙂 Oh I wish! I hope you enjoy the ship as much as I did. If all goes as planned, I'll be on the Viva TA in Nov '23.

[Sugar Magnolia]

6 hours ago, mast3rn8 said:

I just wanted to share a couple of my quick opinions coming off of the Prima TA.

 

• I personally LOVED the ship. I found the decor and details beautiful, each restaurant and bar had their own distinctive vibe. Definitely the most stylish ship I've been on.
• Of course I'm bummed we didn't get to utilize all the incredible outdoor spaces but it was a cold weather cruise, we can't really complain - we booked it.
• FYI - I spoke to an entertainer and learned that the Metro bar was intended to be a piano bar, but that was scrapped to have a location for other live music (guitar, duo). The Local (in front of the large screen) was intended for live music but on the first cruise the cabins above complained about the noise and corporate put a definite stop to using that location - hence everything being moved to the Metro bar and the Atrium (neither initially intended for live music). Syd's is never an option during the day because they hold other activities there. The entertainers are not thrilled with these arrangements.
• The service was some of the best I've ever experienced. The main dining room staff were wonderful and attentive. The bar staff was hands down the best of any ship.
• I thought most of the food was great. I didn't have anything awful. Although, they could really step up their dessert game.
• My inside cabin was fantastic! It was the most spacious, thoughtfully laid out inside cabin I've ever been in. SO much storage - 2 closets, multiple drawers, plenty of outlets, great lighting and an amazing bathroom/shower.
• I do agree that the Prima and Viva are priced very high.. but everything new comes at a premium so 🤷‍♂️
• My only complaints are:

1. The lack of activities during all those sea days. We couldn't use the pools so why not coordinate some easy activities like pub crawls, more shows, etc.
2. DJ Swagg - he was unbearable. So unfriendly, clearly did not want to be there, even fell asleep while 'dj'ing' at one point (then after other crew got involved and made him wake up and participate, the next day I overheard him complaining about us complaining about his lack of interest). Not cool.
3. Listening to all the grumpy guests complaining about one thing or another literally all day long. If going on vacation is so miserable - stay home.

 

All in all, I had an incredible trip and met some great people!

 

It was great meeting you and your partner on the TA. Hope to see you guys again on another cruise. I agree with every point you made. Even though we were unable to get into Syd Norman's for Rumours, we enjoyed the show standing and listening outside the venue. 😂

 

That is interesting about moving the music from the Local Bar to the Metropolitan Bar. There are cabins right above the Local so I can understand why the music was moved. Music would have added some life to the Local on the Prima, which felt nothing like the Local on the Encore/Bliss or O'Sheehan's. The seating at the Local on the Prima was also unusual.

 

I spent most evenings in the Atrium listening to the different bands. The Atrium Penrose Bar also services the casino since there is no casino bar, so it was always very busy in the evenings but those bartenders rocked!

 

[Beer Belly]

Can anyone confirm if there is a fire pit (propane) on the Prime ?. I thought I saw one of on one of the first videos.

[AlanRRT]

9 minutes ago, Beer Belly said:

Can anyone confirm if there is a fire pit (propane) on the Prime ?. I thought I saw one of on one of the first videos.

I did see that in the renders, but it definitely wasn't on the ship.  I don't know why it was even considered, since the biggest danger on a ship is not sinking, but fire.

[AlanRRT]

10 hours ago, mast3rn8 said:

I just wanted to share a couple of my quick opinions coming off of the Prima TA.

 

• I personally LOVED the ship. I found the decor and details beautiful, each restaurant and bar had their own distinctive vibe. Definitely the most stylish ship I've been on.
• Of course I'm bummed we didn't get to utilize all the incredible outdoor spaces but it was a cold weather cruise, we can't really complain - we booked it.
• FYI - I spoke to an entertainer and learned that the Metro bar was intended to be a piano bar, but that was scrapped to have a location for other live music (guitar, duo). The Local (in front of the large screen) was intended for live music but on the first cruise the cabins above complained about the noise and corporate put a definite stop to using that location - hence everything being moved to the Metro bar and the Atrium (neither initially intended for live music). Syd's is never an option during the day because they hold other activities there. The entertainers are not thrilled with these arrangements.
• The service was some of the best I've ever experienced. The main dining room staff were wonderful and attentive. The bar staff was hands down the best of any ship.
• I thought most of the food was great. I didn't have anything awful. Although, they could really step up their dessert game.
• My inside cabin was fantastic! It was the most spacious, thoughtfully laid out inside cabin I've ever been in. SO much storage - 2 closets, multiple drawers, plenty of outlets, great lighting and an amazing bathroom/shower.
• I do agree that the Prima and Viva are priced very high.. but everything new comes at a premium so 🤷‍♂️
• My only complaints are:

1. The lack of activities during all those sea days. We couldn't use the pools so why not coordinate some easy activities like pub crawls, more shows, etc.
2. DJ Swagg - he was unbearable. So unfriendly, clearly did not want to be there, even fell asleep while 'dj'ing' at one point (then after other crew got involved and made him wake up and participate, the next day I overheard him complaining about us complaining about his lack of interest). Not cool.
3. Listening to all the grumpy guests complaining about one thing or another literally all day long. If going on vacation is so miserable - stay home.

 

All in all, I had an incredible trip and met some great people!

I do have to agree with most of what you wrote.  It seems that some people aren't happy unless they're complaining, and many of them take cruises and write reviews.

One common complaint that I do have to agree with is the small size of the dining and entertainment venues.  I hope this gets fixed on future Leonardo ships.

It does seem that the ship was designed for warm weather cruises, which the TA was not.  But I'm reminded of the old Super Chicken cartoon.  Whenever Super Chicken's sidekick, Fred, would complain Super Chicken would tell him "You knew the job was dangerous when you took it."

I think the vibe of the cruise would have been different if we had been able to stop in Kirkwall, as it was, we had two stretches of four sea days, making passengers antsy.

Overall, you're right, it was an incredible trip, and we also met some great people.

[RVACruiser43]

58 minutes ago, AlanRRT said:

I do have to agree with most of what you wrote.  It seems that some people aren't happy unless they're complaining, and many of them take cruises and write reviews.

One common complaint that I do have to agree with is the small size of the dining and entertainment venues.  I hope this gets fixed on future Leonardo ships.

It does seem that the ship was designed for warm weather cruises, which the TA was not.  But I'm reminded of the old Super Chicken cartoon.  Whenever Super Chicken's sidekick, Fred, would complain Super Chicken would tell him "You knew the job was dangerous when you took it."

I think the vibe of the cruise would have been different if we had been able to stop in Kirkwall, as it was, we had two stretches of four sea days, making passengers antsy.

Overall, you're right, it was an incredible trip, and we also met some great people.

My cruise was soured by entering my booked cabin and finding someone already living there.  Guest svs decided to allow a B2B'r to remain in the room saying it was not convenient for him to move.  I suspect he was a Covid Quarantine victim which I could heartily understand the situation.  Where the team fell short was no plan was put in action for what they were going to do with us.  We had to stand in line at guest svs, and then a lengthy wait while the agent tried to determine where to put us.  That and Poor Internet which kept me frustrated due to cruises being working remote for me and the awful Thermal area.  The rest of the ship was quite nice.  I enjoy the Dawn/Star and Jewel class thermal areas, and Prima not having a hot tub or anything with hot bubbles was a sore point, Had I realized I could cancel on day one, I would have.  I did get a whopping $50 credit from the Internet cafe for the poor experience.  I went into the cruise expecting poor signal due to the distance to the satelites, but we did a South America Cruise on Star with much older equipment in Feb-March 2020 and that internet was fine.  I really expected better from more modern technology and new equipment.  We did love the Hudson MDR for Breakfast and Commodore room for Dinner along with Indulge.  Did not like Palamar and cancelled a repeat reservation for the last night in favor of a 2nd visit to Onda.  I thought the  Fisherman platter in Commodore was tastier than the scallops I had at Palomar, and wife didn't like the Fillet saying it tasted Fishy.  The only bad meal I had was the beef wellington in commodore, the beef was very firm and difficult to cut and had no flavor.  I have seen reports of folks on both the good and bad, so seems NCL has some consistancy issues with the entree.  In restrospect I should have sent it back and ordered something else, but usually don't deal with things that way.