Prima Review Part 1...May 7th sailing.

[uneamie]

Sailing for a 7 day to Bermuda from NYC port. So, first I'd like to thank all the members who helped us get ready for this cruise. Some of the advice was crucial and extremely helpful. I will post the "Pros and Con's at the end". Mostly Pros for us! 

We live in NJ but wanted to make sure our first day was going to go without a hitch so we booked a room at the Fairfield Inn in Bergan NJ the night before. It included the room, continential breakfast the next morning, parking for the entire cruise and transportation to and from the port. It cost a little under $300 and was well worth it for a less stressful first day and getting there on time. 

We arrived at the port earlier than the time we picked....but "heads up", they do not check times so go when you want. We got there around 10AM, no issues. We boared around 11:30 I believe. I use a walker due to back issues...I can walk but not for long without support. So esstentially having a walker got me into the handicapped line which was shorter and that was a plus but I would have been fine in the other line. I used the walker off and on during the cruise but left it behind on the ship during an excursion and regretted it.  I didn't take into account the long line we waiting in for 45 minutes to board the ferry to St George. Oh well...lesson learned. 

Our first day on Prima was wonderful. Due to the crowded buffet area, which we already anticipated,  we enjoyed a nice lunch of "fish and chips"  at Hudson's. Great food, great service and a gorgeous elegant dining room...no complaints!  Then we headed to the Prima Theater where one can make and or change dining reservations. I got a few changed to earlier times that I could not get online with not problem. I suggest going as soon as you board or soon after because there were tons of people in there. We waited till after lunch and were lucky to get the times we wanted but we really should have gone there before lunch. We then began a mini tour of this beautiful ship. Yes, the flow in getting around is a bit different than other ships but frankly you get used to it. It was not an issue for us.

The Atrium is quite different and a bit small at times, especially when there is entertainment there. One has to aquire a seat at least an hour ahead if you want to be sitting during a game or mini show there. We always found a seat...sometimes you just have to be patient and hang out there and wait for one. Any ship we've ever sailed on has the same issue so this is not a separate one for Prima. The Penrose Bar is located there in the Atrium and that bar is usually the busiest and they make just about any drink you want.  The bartendars are excellent and though they could use a few more the ones there work their butts off...so consider that if you are contemplating a little tip. They deserve it. 

Our cabin was ready and we proceeded to check it out. We booked a balcony, mid ship but closer to the forward end right near the elevators. Great location for just about everything. Cabin 10150 port side. Cabin was large and spacious. More storage than I thought if you store things right. Loved the balcony chairs and the shower is wonderful. Our cabin steward was Bernard and he was a sweetheart...very attentive and we gave him a nice tip at the end to show our appreciation. He asked us what time we'd like our cabin serviced and we choose anytime between 12 and 4 PM. It was always done by the time we returned in the afternoon...we did not miss an evening turn down.  And, YES, I got my ICE bucket filled very single day. 

First night we dined at "Induldge" We had no problem getting a seat.Ordering off the computer was so easy.  I had the "port belly"...OMG! Was that ever delicious! We both had a salad too...We are not big eaters so we only had a few things there but it was a great alternative to the buffet. Service there is fast and easy. Sail away was great as usual. We tend to watch it on our balcony in stead of hanging with the crowds.

We choose to go to the "Deal or No Deal" game that evening. You have a few choices if you want to participate....one card is $29. You don't have to buy a card you can just watch. It was fun!  Of course I just had to try my luck at the casino and make my losing deposit...LOL  Fun first day and night. So far the ship is not the "disappointment" many have expressed. It's a beautiful but different ship...a whole new experience. Today was a joy. Part 2 maybe tomorrow. I am unpacking all our laundry and the tons of stuff I never wore. ha! 

 

Edited May 15, 2023 by uneamie

[ontheweb]

1 hour ago, uneamie said:

Sailing for a 7 day to Bermuda from NYC port. So, first I'd like to thank all the members who helped us get ready for this cruise. Some of the advice was crucial and extremely helpful. I will post the "Pros and Con's at the end". Mostly Pros for us! 

We live in NJ but wanted to make sure our first day was going to go without a hitch so we booked a room at the Fairfield Inn in Bergan NJ the night before. It included the room, continential breakfast the next morning, parking for the entire cruise and transportation to and from the port. It cost a little under $300 and was well worth it for a less stressful first day and getting there on time. 

We arrived at the port earlier than the time we picked....but "heads up", they do not check times so go when you want. We got there around 10AM, no issues. We boared around 11:30 I believe. I use a walker due to back issues...I can walk but not for long without support. So esstentially having a walker got me into the handicapped line which was shorter and that was a plus but I would have been fine in the other line. I used the walker off and on during the cruise but left it behind on the ship during an excursion and regretted it.  I didn't take into account the long line we waiting in for 45 minutes to board the ferry to St George. Oh well...lesson learned. 

Our first day on Prima was wonderful. Due to the crowded buffet area, which we already anticipated,  we enjoyed a nice lunch of "fish and chips"  at Hudson's. Great food, great service and a gorgeous elegant dining room...no complaints!  Then we headed to the Prima Theater where one can make and or change dining reservations. I got a few changed to earlier times that I could not get online with not problem. I suggest going as soon as you board or soon after because there were tons of people in there. We waited till after lunch and were lucky to get the times we wanted but we really should have gone there before lunch. We then began a mini tour of this beautiful ship. Yes, the flow in getting around is a bit different than other ships but frankly you get used to it. It was not an issue for us.

The Atrium is quite different and a bit small at times, especially when there is entertainment there. One has to aquire a seat at least an hour ahead if you want to be sitting during a game or mini show there. We always found a seat...sometimes you just have to be patient and hang out there and wait for one. Any ship we've ever sailed on has the same issue so this is not a separate one for Prima. The Penrose Bar is located there in the Atrium and that bar is usually the busiest and they make just about any drink you want.  The bartendars are excellent and though they could use a few more the ones there work their butts off...so consider that if you are contemplating a little tip. They deserve it. 

Our cabin was ready and we proceeded to check it out. We booked a balcony, mid ship but closer to the forward end right near the elevators. Great location for just about everything. Cabin 10150 port side. Cabin was large and spacious. More storage than I thought if you store things right. Loved the balcony chairs and the shower is wonderful. Our cabin steward was Bernard and he was a sweetheart...very attentive and we gave him a nice tip at the end to show our appreciation. He asked us what time we'd like our cabin serviced and we choose anytime between 12 and 4 PM. It was always done by the time we returned in the afternoon...we did not miss an evening turn down.  And, YES, I got my ICE bucket filled very single day. 

First night we dined at "Induldge" We had no problem getting a seat.Ordering off the computer was so easy.  I had the "port belly"...OMG! Was that ever delicious! We both had a salad too...We are not big eaters so we only had a few things there but it was a great alternative to the buffet. Service there is fast and easy. Sail away was great as usual. We tend to watch it on our balcony in stead of hanging with the crowds.

We choose to go to the "Deal or No Deal" game that evening. You have a few choices if you want to participate....one card is $29. You don't have to buy a card you can just watch. It was fun!  Of course I just had to try my luck at the casino and make my losing deposit...LOL  Fun first day and night. So far the ship is not the "disappointment" many have expressed. It's a beautiful but different ship...a whole new experience. Today was a joy. Part 2 maybe tomorrow. I am unpacking all our laundry and the tons of stuff I never wore. ha! 

 

Looking forward to the rest of your posts in this thread.

 

We are on the Prima London (Southampton) to Reykjavik. Patiently waiting for that itinerary (or its reverse) to start and someone to post a review like you are doing.

[cruiseny4life]

Seeing your review is so exciting! I can't wait to read more and I'm glad it'll be filled with more positives than negatives. YAY! 

 

[FLAHAM]

I loved Indulge.  

[uneamie]

Please excuse all my spelling errors. I just reread my post and "oh my". I should have read it before I posted it for it won't let me edit it now. 

[ngrund]

1 hour ago, FLAHAM said:

I loved Indulge.  

Yep, except for the first day we went every day for breakfast

[ontheweb]

1 hour ago, uneamie said:

Please excuse all my spelling errors. I just reread my post and "oh my". I should have read it before I posted it for it won't let me edit it now. 

Don't worry, I for one, did not even notice. And anyway I believe it is against cc rules to complain about spelling errors. But I won't report you. 🤣

[Sand and Seas]

2 hours ago, uneamie said:

Please excuse all my spelling errors. I just reread my post and "oh my". I should have read it before I posted it for it won't let me edit it now. 

Very much enjoyed your first post and looking forward to more!

 

If you can, will you see if The Local still has the complimentary Hot Fudge sundae?  I was hoping other ships would add it, but haven't seen it since our Prima cruise.

[uneamie]

46 minutes ago, Sand and Seas said:

Very much enjoyed your first post and looking forward to more!

 

If you can, will you see if The Local still has the complimentary Hot Fudge sundae?  I was hoping other ships would add it, but haven't seen it since our Prima cruise.

Actually we are home now...but I got one of those Sundays at the Local and it was delicious! 

[Sand and Seas]

23 minutes ago, uneamie said:

Actually we are home now...but I got one of those Sundays at the Local and it was delicious! 

Great! 

I'm hoping they still have them on our next Prima cruise.....just 11 months or so to wait😋

Edited May 15, 2023 by Sand and Seas

[FLAHAM]

Sunday = day of the week.  Sundae = ice cream with syrup and other toppings.

[Greenpea2]

4 hours ago, uneamie said:

Please excuse all my spelling errors. I just reread my post and "oh my". I should have read it before I posted it for it won't let me edit it now. 

I love reading this review. And I loved the Prima. I think the negative reviews are just louder than the happy ones. People have a great time and usually see no reason to go into that. Those with complaints need to, that's all. Thanks for taking the time to do this!

[Greenpea2]

5 hours ago, FLAHAM said:

I loved Indulge.  

We did too. Never crowded--excellent food and service! A definite thumbs-up for NCL.

 

[Ajnp]

Loving this review so far! and the pictures! can practically taste the wine 😍