NCL Prima - Iceland with no hot tubs

[Sailing12Away]

4 hours ago, sigma123 said:

Please keep us updated on the hot tub saga.  I think we are in the same room next voyage.  I specifically upgraded in April from an H5, which is close by, because of the hot tub.  It wasn't cheap to upgrade and if they think $500 OBC is going to cut it, they are sadly mistaken.  I hope you get what you are looking for.

We spoke to one of the staff who said they need to do maintenance on the whole system used by the private ones. He hinted they would all be down for about 5 weeks, so expect a letter soon.

[UKstages]

hmmm... i don't own a hot tub. and i have never installed a hot tub. and i have never purchased multiple hot tubs for commercial or hospitality use. but i've been in hot tubs at homes and on NCL ships, both in and out of the haven.

 

which "whole system" is the staff member referring? 

 

aren't these all self contained units?

 

is there some sort of central processing or plumbing unit somewhere on board through which all hot tub activity is funneled? i can understand there has to be plumbing to get water in there to fill the tub. but as far as i have been able to determine, everything pertaining to an individual hot tub is self contained within that particular hot tub. these are not christmas tree string lights from the 1960s... just because one goes out... that doesn't mean they all have to go out.

 

in addition to this sucking out loud in technicolor for you and others affected,  it just sounds like a load of hooey.

 

i can not imagine any maintenance that would require all hot tubs to be shut at once for a period of five weeks. maybe the hot tubs are due for maintenance after a year of use, i'll buy that... but if they're shutting them all down at once for a period of five weeks, that just sounds like a stupid scheduling decision... like they are going from room to room and they don't know how long it will take, so they'd rather inconvenience all guests rather than inconvenience the staff members making the repairs/doing the maintenance. they want the tubs to be ready and available when they are.

 

and, not for nuthin', but five weeks with NCL often turns into eight or ten weeks.

[littlelulu01]

I’m so sorry about the hot tub. We did the ta and sailing before the ta last fall and had a deck 12 H4 for our ta. we had quite a few power outages in our stateroom on the ta. In hindsight I wonder if this is a wiring problem that needs fixed. 

[Sailing12Away]

23 hours ago, HBCcruiser said:

He was great! Tell him "Hi". I am so jelly of you both. I'll live vicariously through you RN.

He sends his regards, remembers your guys when I showed him the picture.

[Sailing12Away]

So slow to post photos on the ship wifi so I gave up last night. We made it to indulge around 8:30 and had no problem getting a table. Everything was amazing, our new favorite place.

[Sailing12Away]

Closed out the Haven bar last night, very different vibe than on other ships but we'll see how things play out on the next few nights.

 

Bartenders can't mixed blender drinks though because the folks in the cabins before complain about the noise. They put the quiet library right next to the bar..... Why? Never had a bar that you couldn't laugh too loud in.

[HBCcruiser]

2 minutes ago, Sailing12Away said:

Bartenders can't mixed blender drinks though because the folks in the cabins before complain about the noise.

😳

[Sailing12Away]

Waiting to see if we can dock tonight and get to our northern lights tour, or if we're lounging on the ship until our early morning tour tomorrow. Walked and wandered the ship today, spent a lot of time on deck 18 playing games which were surprisingly fun. But how do you have beer pong and say " no food or drinks". Pretend pong? So that was lame...

 

Kids wanted to try the go karts but the only open slot was 8:30pm. So we'll try another day.

 

Just vegging in the room watching movies for now until we know if we're able to get off the ship tonight.

[Sailing12Away]

Played a few games in the galaxy pavilion. Some are better than others. If we didn't have so much OBC we wouldn't have done as many as we did, but the kids had fun.

 

Mini golf was free and fun for what it was. Would have been better if it was fully up and going with the interactive stuff.

 

Kids had fun on the rush slide, but they all had to butt scoot at some point to get out.

[CptBoatface]

On 9/4/2023 at 11:14 PM, Sailing12Away said:

Ha! We already got the revised itinerary with Isafjordur removed a few weeks back. I'm fine with that change, we now get an overnight in Akureyi. So most folks on our roll call scrambled to book a last minute Northern Lights hunt that first night (us included). Fingers crossed for clear skies and twirly green things in view.

 

@CptBoatface - I know, it's stinky. Hopefully we'll have a few warm days/nights though so we can all hang around and enjoy the views still. Not sure what time you guys were planning on getting onboard, but maybe we should plan for a mini sail away from our room? I think we requested bottles of Jack, Amaretto, & vodka for the room and there should be a bottle of semi-decent bubbly.

Yesterday's response took awhile to post so deleted. Hoping the shore quest is successful and we will see you when we get off at about 9:10 or so

 

[Sailing12Away]

For anyone scared about sailing Prima in cold weather trips, don't be swayed by someone else's opinion. The ship is fine. Yes, it's been windy and chilly, but yes you can find places to sit and eat indoors. Unless you love the buffet (why??? It's the worst food on the ship) there are plenty of other options all day long. The overflow seating in Palomar is heated. See people sitting out there playing cards games every day so far. 

 

Yes, there are people in the pools. They're warm but not hot. My sister, BIL & the kids used them today when it was 50 degrees outside. They didn't stay long, but enjoyed the views of the fjords while having some fun.

 

We don't usually partake in atrium activities, so if bingo or the towel folding demonstration is crowded, find something else to enjoy. Haven't gone to any of the entertainment yet really, so can't say much on that yet - just spending time with family for now.

 

I would sail on her or Viva again, just not in this room. It's big and lovely, but whoever designed it was beyond stupid. So much wasted space. My sister in her 200 sqft Oceanview has more storage and places for stuff than we do in a room 3x the size. How is that possible?

 

First world problems with the room:

Why is there only 1ft clearance to get around the bed on the window side, when you have a dopey side table that is wide and decorative with no drawer? Put a smaller table so the bed can move over a bit and I don't keep hitting my feet trying to get up in the middle of the night. The side tables and lamps don't even match each other....

 

Closet in the bedroom is falling off the hinge, probably because no one knows how to open it. You pull out slightly then slide it in front of the other door. So you can't have both open at once. And the one on the right has no light at all while the light on the left is blinding.

 

The shower..... It's big and has a 4 sprayer car wash in addition to the hand held wand and rainfall overhead. But not a single shelf to put anything. Not a single hook. Again, my sister's bathroom has a foot bar for shaving and 2 shelves. I have neither, but can fit 4 of us in there at once....

 

Took me forever to find the garbage can. It was in the toilet room (which also has no shelves or hooks or anything, so if you bring your phone or kindle to entertain you while you poop, you have to put it on the floor to wipe your butt). No where to move it to except under the makeup stool.

 

Only two small pegs on the back of the doors (1 door goes to the hallway, 1 goes to the bedroom - why? I can walk 3 extra steps to the hallway. Close that wall and put shelves!), so that's the only spot to hang towels, bathroom bags, etc. Except if you hang stuff you now can't use the mirror that they are now blocking.

 

Speaking of mirrors, they're everywhere. Back of the bathroom door is full length mirror. First time I showed we had the door opened, so as I'm showering I notice I have a full length view of my fat naked self. I guess some people like that, but I don't need the reminder of my flub. I now keep that door closed or covered in the towels...

 

Also a useless mirror above the TV in the bedroom that lets me see my nose and up, and one below the TV so I can look at my socks.... Ok.... Skip the mirror budget and go buy some IKEA shelves please.

 

There's no desk, and the coffee table is a small circle. So no where for me to really open my laptop and do anything. Not that I want to work, but couldn't really if I wanted to. Table outside is the best one in the room, but not usable in the rain.

 

So yeah, first world problems, but it's stupid things that are an easy fix if they bothered to have someone do a test run on the design before plopping everything in and setting sail.

 

Rant over, early morning tour tomorrow....

[Sailing12Away]

Our adventure into town was just ok. We were supposed to dock at 3pm today, but because of high winds we couldn't. Had to leave and find back later at 7. Our northern lights tour was at 9:30, so we got off and hiked into town to try and do local stuff.

 

Found a bar with food, but it was mostly burgers and such, nothing Iceland. Did was good though, beers were decent. Walking back to the ship was faster and easier (downhill), and we made it back to meet up with family & friends for the tour.

 

No luck on finding the lights tonight, too many clouds from the rainy past few days. Lots of stars and pretty lights from the city behind the mountains, but no Aurora. It was a long drive to get away from the light pollution, and folks kept chatting off the bus instead of giving up and going back (my hubby was one of the guilty ones delaying our exit). Finally made it back to the ship a little past midnight. Our tour tomorrow leaves at 8am so I expect grumpy companions.

 

They're was a neat bookstore that I was tempted to go in and buy some children's books from. Icelandic Berenstein Bears anyone?

[HBCcruiser]

1 hour ago, Sailing12Away said:

For anyone scared about sailing Prima in cold weather trips, don't be swayed by someone else's opinion. The ship is fine. Yes, it's been windy and chilly, but yes you can find places to sit and eat indoors. Unless you love the buffet (why??? It's the worst food on the ship) there are plenty of other options all day long. The overflow seating in Palomar is heated. See people sitting out there playing cards games every day so far. 

 

Yes, there are people in the pools. They're warm but not hot. My sister, BIL & the kids used them today when it was 50 degrees outside. They didn't stay long, but enjoyed the views of the fjords while having some fun.

 

We don't usually partake in atrium activities, so if bingo or the towel folding demonstration is crowded, find something else to enjoy. Haven't gone to any of the entertainment yet really, so can't say much on that yet - just spending time with family for now.

 

I would sail on her or Viva again, just not in this room. It's big and lovely, but whoever designed it was beyond stupid. So much wasted space. My sister in her 200 sqft Oceanview has more storage and places for stuff than we do in a room 3x the size. How is that possible?

 

First world problems with the room:

Why is there only 1ft clearance to get around the bed on the window side, when you have a dopey side table that is wide and decorative with no drawer? Put a smaller table so the bed can move over a bit and I don't keep hitting my feet trying to get up in the middle of the night. The side tables and lamps don't even match each other....

 

Closet in the bedroom is falling off the hinge, probably because no one knows how to open it. You pull out slightly then slide it in front of the other door. So you can't have both open at once. And the one on the right has no light at all while the light on the left is blinding.

 

The shower..... It's big and has a 4 sprayer car wash in addition to the hand held wand and rainfall overhead. But not a single shelf to put anything. Not a single hook. Again, my sister's bathroom has a foot bar for shaving and 2 shelves. I have neither, but can fit 4 of us in there at once....

 

Took me forever to find the garbage can. It was in the toilet room (which also has no shelves or hooks or anything, so if you bring your phone or kindle to entertain you while you poop, you have to put it on the floor to wipe your butt). No where to move it to except under the makeup stool.

 

Only two small pegs on the back of the doors (1 door goes to the hallway, 1 goes to the bedroom - why? I can walk 3 extra steps to the hallway. Close that wall and put shelves!), so that's the only spot to hang towels, bathroom bags, etc. Except if you hang stuff you now can't use the mirror that they are now blocking.

 

Speaking of mirrors, they're everywhere. Back of the bathroom door is full length mirror. First time I showed we had the door opened, so as I'm showering I notice I have a full length view of my fat naked self. I guess some people like that, but I don't need the reminder of my flub. I now keep that door closed or covered in the towels...

 

Also a useless mirror above the TV in the bedroom that lets me see my nose and up, and one below the TV so I can look at my socks.... Ok.... Skip the mirror budget and go buy some IKEA shelves please.

 

There's no desk, and the coffee table is a small circle. So no where for me to really open my laptop and do anything. Not that I want to work, but couldn't really if I wanted to. Table outside is the best one in the room, but not usable in the rain.

 

So yeah, first world problems, but it's stupid things that are an easy fix if they bothered to have someone do a test run on the design before plopping everything in and setting sail.

 

Rant over, early morning tour tomorrow....

Yup! 100% agree. That’s why I think, like others, that before they place cabins on ships they need to LIVE in them for a few days! 

[CptBoatface]

The balcony is pretty good too. Seems better laid out than the suite. Shower is hot and good pressure. Don't seem to be able to figure out temp control or perhaps AI knows we should be warmer than we prefer.

[DrSea]

On 9/4/2023 at 3:17 PM, UKstages said:

$500 per person seems to be their limit for cabin inconveniences or malfunctions. it’s what i received back in may for an excessively noisy cabin and it’s what some others have reported for similar problems. 
 

i’m not exactly sure how they will manage this, but i’m pretty damn confident that NCL will somehow blame the hot tub maintenance on the port of isafjordur. they will most likely claim the hot tubs need to be dredged.

I got zero for noise complaints. How did you get money back?

[Markj]

Can you name those cocktails you posted from the Haven.

 

We both have similar first world issues with the cabin. As has been said, people need to live in them to see that they are practical. We have the bath in the shower room so plenty of place to put stuff. But your shower would drive me mad as I like to use a soap - so where does that go??? It's like designers of hotels putting the shower control under the shower so you have to be "in" the shower to turn it on. Silly!???

 

Shame you didn't catch the Aurora. Maybe we'll see it at sea tonight?

 

Indulge looks great. Definitely going to try it. And agree, why so people get in the mayhem of the Surfside Buffet when you can sit and relax in Indulge?? Is it too complicated maybe???

[Sailing12Away]

Haven drinks were a pistachio martini, a "nuts & berries" (essentially every nut and fruit liquors mixed with Bailey's), frozen grasshopper, and "something with cherries" (they have brandy soaked cherries which are great with anything if you like sweet strong drinks).

 

Got these after coming back today, mudslide and "something with cucumber".

 

Saying away (ha!) now, will try to squeeze in some last minute photos from today's adventure on our private tour.

[Sailing12Away]

Private tour today booked through Tours by Locals. Great mix of scenic nature stuff, stops for local snacks, and hiking.

 

Dinner at Cagney's tonight and a much needed late sleeping in day with our first sea day tomorrow.

[Sand and Seas]

Loving your review @Sailing12Away

It is a shame you can't use the hot tub on that huge deck.  

Thanks for sharing your cruise and all of these awesome photos with us😎

[Sailing12Away]

These are just the photos from my phone. I always say I'll post the rest from my real camera when I'm home, but then I get lazy and don't do it.

 

For a phone camera though, it sometimes takes better pictures anyway as it's smarter than me with the settings.

 

Dinner with the officers is booked for the 11th in Hudsons, will be curious to see who we are paired up with this time.

[seemoreroyals]

Following as we are gathering info on what to expect from Prima.  We will be sailing on her for the first time out of Galveston in December.  Sorry to hear about your loss of use of private hot tub.  I hope they accept whatever your counteroffer is.  $500 just does not seem right to me for what you are losing out on.

 

Despite that,  kudos to you for not letting it ruin your cruise.  Thanks for taking the time for all of the great info and photos.  We have never previously considered this itinerary.  I think we would if they could figure out a way to do it in 7 days.  There is so much to see and do they could probably never figure out a way to make it happen. 

 

We are still stuck with temperatures in the 90's or higher since mid June.  That cooler weather you are enjoying would sure be nice right about now.  Thanks again for an outstanding review.

[Sailing12Away]

Tried to get into Syn Normans but at 8:30 it was already standing room only for a 9pm show. I'm too old to stand for 2hrs.

 

Went to improv too watch karaoke for a bit. Up to the balcony in our room to look for the lights, saw nothing but cold wind. 

 

Alone at the Haven bar... Not what I'm used to at all on previous trips.

[ontheweb]

2 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

Tried to get into Syn Normans but at 8:30 it was already standing room only for a 9pm show. I'm too old to stand for 2hrs.

 

Went to improv too watch karaoke for a bit. Up to the balcony in our room to look for the lights, saw nothing but cold wind. 

 

Alone at the Haven bar... Not what I'm used to at all on previous trips.

Too old? How old are you? I stood and that's what I wanted to do to rock and roll with the Syd Norman's Band and Singers. And I am 76.

[Sailing12Away]

On 9/10/2023 at 3:00 AM, ontheweb said:

Too old? How old are you? I stood and that's what I wanted to do to rock and roll with the Syd Norman's Band and Singers. And I am 76.

Not old per se, but not in good health for long periods of standing. Have some back & feet issues, so between the lots of standing/walking at ports, back to back to back ports, I knew my body would not tolerate another 90mins of standing in one place.

[Sailing12Away]

Had to cancel dinner with the officers, they moved it up to 6:30 for tonight, and today is a late day in Alesund. We don't arrive until 11, and have a late tour getting back to the ship around 7:30-8 tonight.

 

Price is right was a lot of fun, one passenger won $800 in plinko so everyone was having fun cheering him on.

 

Tried to eat lunch at indulge yesterday, no seats to be found. Could sit outside, but no iPads to order from so you would have to go carry your food from each truck and walk it out. 2 people sitting at a large booth for 6 and not even in a way that was inviting to others. People lounging at tables with coffee chatting while 100+ people are looking to eat. The food we had earlier in the trip was awesome, but if it's so much work to eat we won't be able to enjoy it. Ended up having to eat at the local. They need to treat it like the local and seat people rather than a free for all.

 

Night before was dinner at Cagney's with the family. Last night was dinner in the MDR. I'll have to check the menu tonight, but I thought on prima it was supposed to have a set menu with pasta station and such. Looked like any menu on any ship.