Crossing the Globe (Kind of) - A Pr1ma (Hopefully) Live'ish Adventure, 11/20 - 12/1

[Seas2mountains]

Enjoying your honest and humorous comments along with the photos. Thank you for the time you are spending on this live review. It’s been wonderful to follow the live reviews on the Prima and Viva the past two weeks. 😎 I’m glad you still have several more days remaining. 
 

I know it’s rare to find decent pizza on the ship. For some reason, the La Cucina pizza served at lunch on the Sky has been the only pizza that seemed decent.  But have you tried the mushroom flatbread in the Haven for lunch?  It’s not pizza but my husband and I get addicted to it when we are in a suite or when we were in the Haven. 

[cruiseny4life]

My view. The triangles suck! Frankie boy, I will make these dastardly things your legacy! Dirty Harry, give me our fish back! I swear I won't vent anymore - ok we know that's not true hehe

 

 

 

[cruiseny4life]

Steak and eggs! From which I created a croissant sandwich. Ordered medium, served almost blue. It was seared and the outside was warm so eat it I did. 

 

 

I'm thinking they're running low on prosciutto and berries. The prosciutto slices are half the size of two previous breakfasts and I was unable to eat half the berries served as a half portion in the cup. Normally the cup overfloweth. 

 

 

 

 

[mking8288]

😁 Weight management ... portion control even in Haven 🫢  Signs of the times.

 

The triangles not quite the same as the swimming fishes, that I also 100% agree. 

 

Enjoy another sea day 😎

Edited November 27, 2023 by mking8288

[cruiseny4life]

And after lunch complete with napkin ships, we're lazy.

 

 

 

[cruiseny4life]

I again wonder where the crowds are. No chair hogs and tons of space available in Palomar for buffet dining. No buffet for me, but we wandered that way to see what was beyond.

 

 

[schmoopie17]

On 11/26/2023 at 10:57 AM, cruiseny4life said:

We have the added shudder and bang noise as the bow hurtles through the fairly calm seas!

 

A forward facing room would not be a good choice on this ship given how loud the boom is and the shaking from the bow hitting the water. 

 

 

 

 

I recall the Captain on our Escape TA last year talking at the Q&A session. Somehow the topic of the funky bow on the Prima came up and he said he would have no interest piloting a ship with that design.

[cruiseny4life]

This is the moment you wait for. To be with your loved ones for a beautiful moment. 

 

Mid ping pong challenge!

 

 

[Von & John]

On 11/20/2023 at 11:36 PM, Von & John said:

 

You're in the Haven - Just ask them to whip you up some Fresh Scattered, Smothered & Covered...
Please sure to ask them to properly season the fresh potato shreds...

 

@mking8288

[cruiseny4life]

Just now, Von & John said:

 

@mking8288

They're not so accommodating in the Haven. I requested bacon for my burger at lunch. I was told no bacon even though the Cobb salad has bacon.... saved me a few calories at least! 

 

[CruisnHallelujahs]

Enjoying your review.  Wish I was still onboard any ship!  Did you get to Fogo crater lake??  

[laudergayle]

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

They're not so accommodating in the Haven. I requested bacon for my burger at lunch. I was told no bacon even though the Cobb salad has bacon.... saved me a few calories at least! 

 

The horror..oh my!

 

“head scratcher ?!?”

[zounds]

Thanks very much for the continuing saga w/pics !  I'll be boarding in Feb. and am looking forward to all the food choices.  Have you noticed any smoking areas?  (casino?)  I've read that the Prima is not smoker-friendly.  I got scolded on another ship for having a cig in the cigar lounge.

[mking8288]

Just now, laudergayle said:

The horror..oh my!

“head scratcher ?!?”

Oh lordy 😱  That's at least one less vacation hero card to fill out & sign off ... apparently plentiful blank ones everywhere in steerage.

[Sand and Seas]

They couldn't add Bacon to the Burger?!?  😲 

 

Where did they get the Chef for Prima's Haven?    He clearly didn't spend time in the Haven restaurant of any other ship😒.

[Trappedontheboat]

On 11/26/2023 at 11:26 AM, cruiseny4life said:

Well, boo!

 

😭

I will cry you a river on how unfair it is to drain the pool when you are about to enjoy it, so you have at least some water. Haha. #karenmode #managerplease #ineedarefund

🤣

Edited November 28, 2023 by Trappedontheboat

[Trappedontheboat]

12 hours ago, zounds said:

Thanks very much for the continuing saga w/pics !  I'll be boarding in Feb. and am looking forward to all the food choices.  Have you noticed any smoking areas?  (casino?)  I've read that the Prima is not smoker-friendly.  I got scolded on another ship for having a cig in the cigar lounge.

There is a smoking casino corner, I believe. Also there is another corner on the left front of the ship top deck, where a lot of smokers are hanging out. For disclosure it is right next to the kid area. 😄 🤣 

I have not smelled any other smoking areas on board. 

[cruiseny4life]

Just now, Trappedontheboat said:

😭

I will cry you a river on how unfair it is to drain the pool when you are about to enjoy it, so you have at least some water. Haha. #karenmode #managerplease #ineedarefund

🤣

Awww, well aren't you kind! Waters of sorrows to soothe my soul.

 

That old pound symbol thingie doesn't work on Cruise Critic you young whippersnapper!

 

[cruiseny4life]

11 hours ago, CruisnHallelujahs said:

Enjoying your review.  Wish I was still onboard any ship!  Did you get to Fogo crater lake??  

Nope! We went to Sete Cidades. Photos to come, when I have time. Four sea days in a row go by quick when you're on a ship! 

 

Sete Cidades was stunning. Though the actual lakes are called Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. Since I lived in Yellowstone for five years, it was kind of like going home to be inside a volcanic caldera. I might be an odd duck.

 

We are already planning a (minimum) week-long return to the Azores. Fogo Crater Lake will absolutely be on that list!

 

And, now that I'm on the topic of Sao Miguel, here are a few photos from our far too short excursion. 

 

Flowers around one of the pineapple plantations. 

 

 

What a mystical drive. I expected fairies and gnomes to pop out at anyone. I can only imagine this hydrangeas when in season. @schmoopie17, more unbelievable than I imagined when you mentioned these gorgeous... invasive plants. 

 

 

 

Lagoa de Santiago - I really wanted to hike to those magical waters. 

 

 

 

St. Nicholas Church in Setes Cidades

 

 

Stunning moss growing on the embankment at one of the overlooks. This is why magical and mystical are my word choices. 

 

 

Looking deep into the valley of the caldera. My heart leapt at the magnificence of this place. 

 

 

Green and Blue Lakes. Green is nearer and smaller. 

 

 

[cruiseny4life]

Just now, Trappedontheboat said:

There is a smoking casino corner, I believe. Also there is another corner on the left front of the ship top deck, where a lot of smokers are hanging out. For disclosure it is right next to the kid area. 😄 🤣 

I have not smelled any other smoking areas on board. 

@zounds what trapped said is quite right. Smokers are definitely left to fend mostly for themselves on this ship. I'm not a smoker, but have plenty of family members that are. I would not ever take them on Pr1ma.

 

Just like chair hogs, buffet game players, people that dress up, and dishes left in the hallway, smokers don't bother me. 

 

Happy cruising!!

[cruiseny4life]

The captain gave his navigational update just a moment ago. After describing where we are in nautical terms, he said: 

 

In other words, this means we're still on the Atlantic Ocean. 

 

That's the only part I understood and appreciated his sense of humor. 

 

And, of course, "this is the Captain, OUT!" If he gets social media (hmmm need to search), he could be NCL's answer to fancy Captain Kate. 

[KKB]

On 11/26/2023 at 3:04 PM, cruiseny4life said:

Buffet tonight was...very consistent with my NCL buffet experiences. As a very famous cruiser (chiefmate) told me, I should try out a few items, rather than just one. They also told me to try a couple different times. So now, every time I cruise I endeavor to try the buffet a couple times. Tonight was the night. 

 

As normal, I dont want to go back. Why must my standards be good food that is tasty. I don't care how it's presented. Remember, I'm the KFC, McDonald's, Taco Bell guy! Throw in some Olive Garden and Five Guys for good measure.

 

As I write this, I'm chilling in the Observation Lounge, enjoying a Dark and Stormy waiting for my husband to finish his games. Shoes on, but don't worry - if you want to go sockless, I won't judge. 🫠

 

 

Plenty of space in the Observation Lounge this evening. Where are the crowds? Lots of space in Indulge, the buffet and here. Did everyone walk the plank?

 

Now, for the buffet. Two plates. Tonight is kofta night, so I tried the lamb and beef. There is also chicken and pork.

 

Plate one - Mac and cheese, lamb kofta, potatoes au gratin, and normal looking pizza. Not the weird stuff from earlier. 

 

 

I had a bite of the kofta and pizza. Done! So, no good pizza on the ship. The kofta was dry, very dry. I did finish the potatoes au gratin and got seconds! As you'll see below.

 

Plate two was vegetable lo mein, beef kofta, more yummy potatoes au gratin, and some grilled vegetables.

 

 

I did not finish the kofta or lo mein. The vegetables and potatoes au gratin were the standouts of the evening. 

 

The buffet, overall, gets a C. Staff were super attentive, kind, and gracious. I wish they were provided the tools to make delicious food as I am sire they would prefer to have haply and stuffed guests. 

I was on the Getaway for 2 weeks last summer & my opinion about NCL buffets was cemented--same opinion as you. And like you, my opinion is that it just needs to taste good! 

Luckily there are enough other options that buffet is only to grab a snack.

 

[justhappy]

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

Nope! We went to Sete Cidades. Photos to come, when I have time. Four sea days in a row go by quick when you're on a ship! 

 

Sete Cidades was stunning. Though the actual lakes are called Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. Since I lived in Yellowstone for five years, it was kind of like going home to be inside a volcanic caldera. I might be an odd duck.

 

We are already planning a (minimum) week-long return to the Azores. Fogo Crater Lake will absolutely be on that list!

 

And, now that I'm on the topic of Sao Miguel, here are a few photos from our far too short excursion. 

 

Flowers around one of the pineapple plantations. 

 

 

What a mystical drive. I expected fairies and gnomes to pop out at anyone. I can only imagine this hydrangeas when in season. @schmoopie17, more unbelievable than I imagined when you mentioned these gorgeous... invasive plants. 

 

 

 

Lagoa de Santiago - I really wanted to hike to those magical waters. 

 

 

 

St. Nicholas Church in Setes Cidades

 

 

Stunning moss growing on the embankment at one of the overlooks. This is why magical and mystical are my word choices. 

 

 

Looking deep into the valley of the caldera. My heart leapt at the magnificence of this place. 

 

 

Green and Blue Lakes. Green is nearer and smaller. 

 

 

Just gorgeous ❤️

I haven’t been to Yellowstone NP in many years but I share your love for the area. My favorite thermal feature I hear is no longer active.
I used to sit and watch it for hours. RIP 

Echinus Geyser🙁

Edited November 28, 2023 by justhappy

[cruiseny4life]

In order to order something off the Haven Courtyard menu, you must be on the sundeck. I suppose a hot dog or chicken wrap must NOT grace the elegant grace of the Haven Restaurant. 

 

And the elusive lunch time bacon! Served with the Cobb Salad. Not with a burger. You shall not have bacon. Maybe they dont want to mix ground up cow and strips of pig?

 

Bacon forward Cobb:

 

 

Ahhh NCL....do I still love your product? We shall see.

[Sugar Magnolia]

@cruiseny4life now that I am off the Viva I will have to live vicariously through you and @mking8288 for the next few days.

 

I won't try to change your mind about the buffet. However, since the topic of shrimp seems to be a running theme in your posts, I thought I would mention that the Viva buffet served an excellent sauteed shrimp and also a Siracha shrimp po' boy at lunch.

 

Enjoy Bermuda tomorrow!