Vibe Beach Club on Prima

[MrsTocko]

Hi all - 

 

I just bought vibe beach club passes for our upcoming Prima cruise in March 2024.  Have done some research, but still have some questions based on what I have read here on CC.

 

what I understand:

adults only area with a dedicated bar, fruit skewers, cold towels, padded loungers, some cabanas, close to the buffet, limited availability, and even though it may be sold out, I’m thinking the concierge has a handful to “work their magic” to accommodate haven guests when needed. Most likely plenty of seating to accommodate the number of passes sold.

 

what I am wondering:

are the cabanas assigned?  Is that an additional charge? Will I have the same cabana all week? How do I know which one os mine?
How do they know who has bought the passes? I mean, could I have saved the money and just gone, because no one checks?  How is it enforced?

 

we really only took advantage of spice h20 for the first time last year.  So I’m guessing it is along the same lines, just with paid access

 

thank you in advance.  While I may be a vibe newbie, I don’t want to look like one…

[dexddd]

I have some pics.  If you are Haven, waste of money imo.  It is right in front of haven area.

[vacation44]

5 hours ago, MrsTocko said:

Hi all - 

 

I just bought vibe beach club passes for our upcoming Prima cruise in March 2024.  Have done some research, but still have some questions based on what I have read here on CC.

 

what I understand:

adults only area with a dedicated bar, fruit skewers, cold towels, padded loungers, some cabanas, close to the buffet, limited availability, and even though it may be sold out, I’m thinking the concierge has a handful to “work their magic” to accommodate haven guests when needed. Most likely plenty of seating to accommodate the number of passes sold.

 

what I am wondering:

are the cabanas assigned?  Is that an additional charge? Will I have the same cabana all week? How do I know which one os mine?
How do they know who has bought the passes? I mean, could I have saved the money and just gone, because no one checks?  How is it enforced?

 

we really only took advantage of spice h20 for the first time last year.  So I’m guessing it is along the same lines, just with paid access

 

thank you in advance.  While I may be a vibe newbie, I don’t want to look like one…

A Vibe pass does not come with a cabana, however, a cabana comes with two Vibe passes.   If you reserve a cabana, a specific one is assigned to you and no one is allowed to utilize it.

[Red-Sol]

34 minutes ago, vacation44 said:

a cabana comes with two Vibe passes

I am also a newbie for getting vibe passes and had not heard about this. So you are saying that if I purhase a vibe pass for both myself and my wife that we are automatically entitled to a cabana inside Vibe?

[Karaboudjan]

Unless something has changed in the past few months there are no cabanas in the Prima Vibe.

 

You may be happy sticking with the Haven, but the Vibe bartenders told us that plenty of Haven guests wanted to get into the Vibe to get away from kids in the Haven pool area.  I believe there is an area of the Haven that is supposed to be adults-only, but maybe that is not always enforced.  

[BirdTravels]

24 minutes ago, Red-Sol said:

I am also a newbie for getting vibe passes and had not heard about this. So you are saying that if I purhase a vibe pass for both myself and my wife that we are automatically entitled to a cabana inside Vibe?

No. You need to pay for the cabana and it comes with two passes. For our upcoming cruise, Vibe passes are $249 each. A cabana is $629 and comes with 2 passes. 

Edited August 4, 2023 by BirdTravels

[BirdTravels]

  

6 hours ago, MrsTocko said:

Hi all - 

 

I just bought vibe beach club passes for our upcoming Prima cruise in March 2024.  Have done some research, but still have some questions based on what I have read here on CC.

 

what I understand:

adults only area with a dedicated bar, fruit skewers, cold towels, padded loungers, some cabanas, close to the buffet, limited availability, and even though it may be sold out, I’m thinking the concierge has a handful to “work their magic” to accommodate haven guests when needed. Most likely plenty of seating to accommodate the number of passes sold.

 

what I am wondering:

are the cabanas assigned?  Is that an additional charge? Will I have the same cabana all week? How do I know which one os mine?
How do they know who has bought the passes? I mean, could I have saved the money and just gone, because no one checks?  How is it enforced?

 

we really only took advantage of spice h20 for the first time last year.  So I’m guessing it is along the same lines, just with paid access

 

thank you in advance.  While I may be a vibe newbie, I don’t want to look like one…

Whether the Concierge gets passes for Haven guests is really irrelevant. There is a maximum capacity (which may include some Concierge-purchased passes). 

 

Cabanas on other ships are assigned once you buy one. A cabana on our upcoming cruise costs $629. You can not use the cabanas unless you pay for one. 

 

Your room key is coded to open the Vibe door. The Vibe attendants get to know their guests on the first day and ensure that there are no "tailgaters". 

 

The entrance to the Vibe is at the exit to the buffet. 

 

Vibe 

 

 

 

With the free Ocean Boulevard facilities on the Prima, the Vibe is not really that special. I wouldn't waste my money there.

 

Free day beds

 

Free infinity pool (very small)

 

Free basket loungers

 

Free padded loungers and day beds

[CAKEisgood]

Agree with @BirdTravels

Wouldn’t waste my money on the Vibe because all the areas accessible to all passengers are beautiful, and lots of great places to relax. the interiors are lovely.
 

We spent a lot of time in the thermal suite, too, and felt so pampered. We are booked on Viva in Feb 2025, and are anxious to see her. 

[Sigyn]

The thermal suite on the Prima is fantastic. I spent a lot of time there on our December cruise. Gorgeous views for the thermal loungers. I'd lay there and read a book and the atmosphere was so peaceful.  I agree there are a lot of padded loungers outside around the ship, too. We were on a totally full ship for Christmas but managed to find one or two in the aft bar area on Deck 8, I think it was. We loved that bar. 

Edited August 4, 2023 by Sigyn

[MrsTocko]

2 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

No. You need to pay for the cabana and it comes with two passes. For our upcoming cruise, Vibe passes are $249 each. A cabana is $629 and comes with 2 passes. 

Ok - not in the haven, and as a general rule, we save our $ for excursions.  And have never spent much time hanging at the pool.  On our spring break cruise in April this year, the ratio of kids to pool/hot tub was ridiculous, and we are interested in the lack of kids running around in the area. Nothing against kids, just looking for the peace. On the Star last year, we really enjoyed spice H20.  The bar, the quiet, everything. DH will like that it is at the end of the buffet, for quick snack runs.

 

I don’t think we must have a reserved cabana.  I don’t really want to pay even more for it.  How would I reserve it if I changed my mind?  (I’m thinking for future cruises, though I don’t think POA has vibe, and I know Bliss has Spice H20) If I wanted to, would they apply my 2 purchased passes to the cost and I pay the difference?  Or does it not matter because Prima doesn’t have cabanas?

[seemoreroyals]

Looking at pictures and videos of the Vibe on Prima,  it appears much nicer than H2O areas on other ships we have been on.  Both are adults only but Vibe will be less crowded and non smoking.  There are several good utube videos on the Vibe on Prima.   

 

About $500 for two on a 7 day cruise seems to me to be money well spent to avoid crowds and cigarette smoke and to have a place to escape to during the day to read and otherwise enjoy peace and quiet.  I can see where there are numerous free areas on the Prima that are somewhat similar to the Vibe but  it is probably hit or miss as to whether or not it is too crowded or noisy to enjoy them.

 

Looking forward to the Vibe on Prima later this year.  I will be sure to report back after experiencing it.

[macewank]

There are no cabanas in the Vibe on the Prima, so I don't think that's going to be an option for you.  Haven does not get entry into the Vibe, and if Vibe is at capacity, Haven won't be able to skirt that number.  I'm told Vibe has more chairs than they sell passes, which is not the case in Haven, so.. That's a perk, I suppose, that brings Haven folks to VBC. 

The idea with the Vibe is really that nobody under 18 is allowed to enter.  It's quiet and there are private amenities to take advantage of if you're so inclined (2 hot tubs, the bar, bathrooms, etc...) ..  If the weather is cooperating, it's 100% worth it in my experience.  

Edited August 4, 2023 by macewank

[Cruising Lynne]

50 minutes ago, seemoreroyals said:

Looking at pictures and videos of the Vibe on Prima,  it appears much nicer than H2O areas on other ships we have been on.  Both are adults only but Vibe will be less crowded and non smoking.  There are several good utube videos on the Vibe on Prima.   

 

About $500 for two on a 7 day cruise seems to me to be money well spent to avoid crowds and cigarette smoke and to have a place to escape to during the day to read and otherwise enjoy peace and quiet.  I can see where there are numerous free areas on the Prima that are somewhat similar to the Vibe but  it is probably hit or miss as to whether or not it is too crowded or noisy to enjoy them.

 

Looking forward to the Vibe on Prima later this year.  I will be sure to report back after experiencing it.

I enjoyed Prima without Vibe passes. We enjoyed the infinity pools and lounged near them, but if you want to enjoy some hot tub time on Prima, I recommend getting Vibe or thermal suite passes. Prima only has two hot tubs that are accessible to everyone, so they are busy. Plus the Vibe is convenient to the buffet which gets very busy. It would be easy to get food at the buffet, and bring it back to Vibe to eat.

[PATRLR]

3 hours ago, CAKEisgood said:

 

Wouldn’t waste my money on the Vibe because all the areas accessible to all passengers are beautiful, and lots of great places to relax. the interiors are lovely.
 

We spent a lot of time in the thermal suite, too, and felt so pampered. We are booked on Viva in Feb 2025, and are anxious to see her. 

It's interesting that you would spend the money on thermal suite, but consider Vibe a waste of money.   Our view is that being cooped up inside a place like the thermal suite is a waste of money.  The point isn't who's right, but it all depends on what you like. 

To @MrsTocko these words of yours tell me that the Vibe is definitely something that you and your husband would enjoy.

 

1 hour ago, MrsTocko said:

On our spring break cruise in April this year, the ratio of kids to pool/hot tub was ridiculous, and we are interested in the lack of kids running around in the area. Nothing against kids, just looking for the peace. On the Star last year, we really enjoyed spice H20.  The bar, the quiet, everything.

One more "plus" for Vibe that is hard to describe, I describe as the sense of community that quickly develops.   If you are a social person, like hanging at the bar or hanging in the hot tubs, you will find a consistent group of like minded people doing the same thing and you will quickly become friends and develop a camaraderie.  Of course if you prefer not to interact with people, no one is going to bother you if you stick to yourselves.  

Vibe is a "must" for us.

[JGmf]

My wife and I had Vibe passes on the Prima this past April 2023 - NYC to Bermuda trip.

 

If you like no kids, plenty of access to loungers, very light crowds, attentive bar staff and servers, nearby clean bathrooms, and no crowding in the two large hot tubs, then it's for you.  My wife loved it.  I thought it was too quiet, like a library or study hall, but a lot of people like that...and my experience may differ from others who perhaps sailed with louder Vibe pass holders.

 

Your key card will open the slider door to the Vibe.  The staff knows who belongs and who doesn't.  They actually put a sticker on the back of our card to help relief bartenders and staff know at a glance who should be there or not.

 

We bought the Vibe passes when we booked, nice and early online, b/c it sells out very fast.

 

I thought the Prima Waterfront, even though beautiful with loungers and 'infinity pools', was too packed if the goal was some elbow room while lounging.  I did love the bars there - more people, more fun.

 

[Jim The Lizard]

11 hours ago, MrsTocko said:

Hi all - 

 

I just bought vibe beach club passes for our upcoming Prima cruise in March 2024.  Have done some research, but still have some questions based on what I have read here on CC.

 

what I understand:

adults only area with a dedicated bar, fruit skewers, cold towels, padded loungers, some cabanas, close to the buffet, limited availability, and even though it may be sold out, I’m thinking the concierge has a handful to “work their magic” to accommodate haven guests when needed. Most likely plenty of seating to accommodate the number of passes sold.

 

what I am wondering:

are the cabanas assigned?  Is that an additional charge? Will I have the same cabana all week? How do I know which one os mine?
How do they know who has bought the passes? I mean, could I have saved the money and just gone, because no one checks?  How is it enforced?

 

we really only took advantage of spice h20 for the first time last year.  So I’m guessing it is along the same lines, just with paid access

 

thank you in advance.  While I may be a vibe newbie, I don’t want to look like one…

I was in Prima Vibe 2023 and have it booked for March 2024.  No cabanas in Prima Vibe; some day loungers along the edges against the windows (under the Speedway Bar overhang) and some assorted with little or no shade amongst the loungers.  
 

It is enforced by the bartenders and attendants.  This will be our 8th time in Vibe on an NCL ship.  Bartenders have a list so they can check your card and verify purchase, and after day 2, they have a pretty good idea who has paid for entry and who hasn’t.  They do ask people to leave, and unfortunately on Prima Vibe this past March, security had to get involved and escort an obstinate couple out.  The entrance to Vibe on Prima is by key card access, but because of its location directly off the buffet, several curious guests came in on the heels of those who did purchase access. 

 

Sometimes the bartenders will put a small sticker on your card so that they can more easily identify those who have purchased access.  But when getting a drink, key card is swiped.  If it shows you have not purchased access, that’s when they ask you politely to find another bar on Prima. 
 

it’s a great Vibe.  You will meet other people if you like to talk to others.  But it’s very laid back and relaxing.  Some times it can get louder with a group or a longer sea day of drinking, but it’s pretty chill.  Biggest problem?  For many, it becomes vital to their NCL cruise experience.   Lots of people will say “I won’t sail without it”.   I won’t tell you where I stand with that thought process.  But I’ve had Vibe 8 times out of 9 NCL sailings.  I guess that speaks how I feel about it!   See you on board!   
 

 

[macewank]

Looking forward to hanging with Curly, Mike, and Rommel on the Viva vibe this December!

[PATRLR]

1 hour ago, Jim The Lizard said:

Biggest problem?  For many, it becomes vital to their NCL cruise experience.   Lots of people will say “I won’t sail without it”.  

We are in that camp for sure.  We're on an RCCL ship in a couple weeks, they don't have any sort of Vibe so it will be interesting to see how we do.  We're hoping their Solarium is chill enough for us.

[vacation44]

1 hour ago, Jim The Lizard said:

 Lots of people will say “I won’t sail without it”.   

 

 

2 hours ago, PATRLR said:

@MrsTocko 

Vibe is a "must" for us.

It is a must for us on a ship that has a Vibe.   Even if we are in the Haven. 

[BirdTravels]

5 hours ago, MrsTocko said:

I don’t think we must have a reserved cabana.  I don’t really want to pay even more for it.  How would I reserve it if I changed my mind?  (I’m thinking for future cruises, though I don’t think POA has vibe, and I know Bliss has Spice H20) If I wanted to, would they apply my 2 purchased passes to the cost and I pay the difference?  Or does it not matter because Prima doesn’t have cabanas?

On other ships, it is just a different option for booking the Vibe

 

I would note that Cabanas are an option on our upcoming Viva cruise... so there is hope for the Prima. 

 

Edited August 4, 2023 by BirdTravels

[Jim The Lizard]

40 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

On other ships, it is just a different option for booking the Vibe

 

I would note that Cabanas are an option on our upcoming Viva cruise... so there is hope for the Prima. 

 

Remember they had the same listing for Prima cabanas and had to do refunds.  But good call Bird!  

[BirdTravels]

5 minutes ago, Jim The Lizard said:

Remember they had the same listing for Prima cabanas and had to do refunds.  But good call Bird!  

This is NCL... they have probably figured out that they were giving up revenue by giving away day beds in the Vibe and threw up a canopy or two... and now it is $600 🙂 

[InfrequentPNWCruiser]

The Vibe was a lifesaver for our cruise as it is an uncrowded respite from the rest of the ship. We found Ocean Blvd pretty much overrun daily and forget anything around the pool. We spent good chunks of every day in there. We grabbed food from the buffet for lunch, listened to music coming from the adjacent Speedway Bar, had all of the drinks wanted plus a number of cookies daily, and got waterlogged in the hot tubs. While it is not an absolute requirement,  I'd go for the Vibe again on the right cruise.

[horseboarder]

I would respectfully disagree with those who say the Vibe is not necessary on the Prima. As others have noted it is not crowded, never a search for a comfortable lounge and an attentive bar staff. The buffet is just outside the door to the Vibe so super easy to pick up lunch and enjoy outside at one of the tables. On our cruise last February there were many unhappy people because of the lounge situation by the pools. 
 

We have already booked Vibe for Viva in February 24.

[BethID]

Is there any shade? We just got off the Escape and had vibe passes. We did not use it as much as I had hoped because there was not a lot of shade. I love the idea of an adult only, limited access space but don't want to spend the money if I can't use it.