NCL Prima eastbound 15 days TA (Live) 27 Apr, 2024 - N.Y. to Southampton via Halifax, Iceland & EU ports - preview intro

[ontheweb]

From someone who sailed on the Prima this past August London (Southampton) to Reykjavik, I hope you have weather at least some days to utilize the features on deck 8. 

[ellewoods]

I am on the Prima now. First time sailing this ship. A bit confusing to get used to the layout at first, but she is a beautiful ship. Happy to answer any questions anyone might have before your sailing. 

[mking8288]

@ellewoods  Thanks, hope you are having a wonderful cruise.  Yes, the layout is different for those of us familiar with NCL's "classic" designs, including the Dawn, Jewel/Gem and newer *Away/+ class ships in general.  We also sailed the Norwegian Epic and that ship, too, has a "slightly" different layout/design with the popular configurations for restaurants, casino, atrium lobby - after 2 or 3 days, I know we caught up with our sense of directions, shortcuts and so forth. How's that Ocean Walk in warmer climate - isn't really good for those doing walks or joggers in terms of a full loop around the ship and I think the pool deck is worst when it's open & occupied with the ship sailing near/full.  The cabins themself are beautiful and modern but I know we're a bit disappointed about the overall display & availability on the ship's Navigational Channel - very limited in what's shown to passengers, unlike the "older" NCL ships - spoke to crew onboard and told, it was being upgraded and update in progress, curious if that's happened or not, true or still in question.  Samsung Smart TV is a lot sharper, larger, and live shipcam display - a beauty in clarity & details.  

 

Any idea of the current passenger counts onboard ... I know our TA is pretty much 99.5% full or virtually sold out, except possibly some Insides.  

[ellewoods]

2 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

@ellewoods  Thanks, hope you are having a wonderful cruise.  Yes, the layout is different for those of us familiar with NCL's "classic" designs, including the Dawn, Jewel/Gem and newer *Away/+ class ships in general.  We also sailed the Norwegian Epic and that ship, too, has a "slightly" different layout/design with the popular configurations for restaurants, casino, atrium lobby - after 2 or 3 days, I know we caught up with our sense of directions, shortcuts and so forth. How's that Ocean Walk in warmer climate - isn't really good for those doing walks or joggers in terms of a full loop around the ship and I think the pool deck is worst when it's open & occupied with the ship sailing near/full.  The cabins themself are beautiful and modern but I know we're a bit disappointed about the overall display & availability on the ship's Navigational Channel - very limited in what's shown to passengers, unlike the "older" NCL ships - spoke to crew onboard and told, it was being upgraded and update in progress, curious if that's happened or not, true or still in question.  Samsung Smart TV is a lot sharper, larger, and live shipcam display - a beauty in clarity & details.  

 

Any idea of the current passenger counts onboard ... I know our TA is pretty much 99.5% full or virtually sold out, except possibly some Insides.  

The ocean walk is pretty much always crowded, definitely not the place to run or walk laps. I do love that there seems to be so many outdoor areas. Interestingly I find that even though the indoor areas are smaller it’s pretty easy to always find a seat. 

[mking8288]

9 hours ago, dexddd said:

No, unfortunately not ...

Time heals.  🤣

Next time, I know 🤗  coming to or thru NY area anytime soon.  We got great food, take a boat cruise on the East River and you can even connect to MSC and QM2 for a deluxe crossing ... 

 

Look, not just Mexicano but Tapas, Chinese style a/k/a Dim Sum, why wait for NCL to roll out Thai specialty dining ... all right in town, mouth watering 😁

 

Edited April 20 by mking8288

[mking8288]

Flying (not using NCL air is direct control, we decide & call it) - were looking into using accrued United miles to book our return flight, once my favorite carrier since mid 1970's but decided with 3 others coming home together, going with a new Euro carrier, that took over the fleet of B787's ... 

 

Flying them out of LGW or Gatwick. 

 

Stay tuned for a mini report at the end of our TA sailing ...next month. 

 

Flying coach or the main cabin these days is just miserable 😖 given the widespread nickels & dimes approach adopted by more and more carriers everywhere you look. 

Typical on a Airbus 320 series - this was TAP-Portugal's A321 NEO LR and we had the empty middle seat open for a 7 hour flight. 

 

 

 

 

[mking8288]

Flying to/from port of dis/embarkation – the joy and lack of - as frugal travelers & cruisers:

 

We’re thinking of flying TAP-Portugal airline again but flight schedules, this time, doesn’t work and after pricing UL, AA, DL and BA, etc. - decided to go with Norse Atlantic Airways. 

 

Loved extra legroom in the main cabin, for a reasonable upgrade fee to choose these window exit row seats.  Photos should’ve been amended to previous Prima TA report, but here they are – in case anyone was wondering.  A330 NEO LR wide body are even better but the A321 NEO LR (narrow body) isn’t bad for a 6 to 7, 8 hours non-stop with basic meal services included, nothing fancy.  Yes, you pay extra for more legroom, choice of assigned seats, luggage & other optional add-on like priority check-in, priority boarding – hardly anything associated with flying are free. 

 

The difference between over the wings emergency exit row’s extra legroom (extra “up”charge) vs. comfort rows in the main cabin’s forward area - remarkable, going from an average seatback distance of 31” between seats to 33” and exit row’s 40+ inches of space.  Down side, all carry-on and hand luggage must be stowed in the overhead bin and nothing under the seats in front of you … and , there both A and F are empty, with a jumpseat for a Flight Attendant to use/sit during takeoff & landing.   Photos below are from TAP-Portugal.  

 

Edited April 20 by mking8288

[genealogyfan]

I just finished a sailing on the Prima last week. Loved the ship. It never seemed crowded. So many different venues to eat, sit and walk around. It was a beautiful ship too. It didn't seem hard to get around. The carpet had "triangles" that faced toward the front of the ship. Ocean Blvd was great to walk around. Lots of different seating areas. Enjoy your cruise, you will love the ship and the crew was great.

[graphicguy]

12 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Flying (not using NCL air is direct control, we decide & call it) - were looking into using accrued United miles to book our return flight, once my favorite carrier since mid 1970's but decided with 3 others coming home together, going with a new Euro carrier, that took over the fleet of B787's ... 

 

Flying them out of LGW or Gatwick. 

 

Stay tuned for a mini report at the end of our TA sailing ...next month. 

 

Flying coach or the main cabin these days is just miserable 😖 given the widespread nickels & dimes approach adopted by more and more carriers everywhere you look. 

Typical on a Airbus 320 series - this was TAP-Portugal's A321 NEO LR and we had the empty middle seat open for a 7 hour flight. 

 

 

 

 

I'm not one for government regulation, but if there ever was an industry that deserved to have government oversight (again), it's the airline industry.  Their performance by most metrics is miserable.  And, the "heck" with their customers. They couldn't care less about them.

[mking8288]

Packing continuing today - 7 Days to Go

 

All the regular and compression eBags packing cubes are out, plus Eagle Creek pouches in 3 sizes. Going to use waist bag as a cross-body sling, mainly to have quick access to items needed as EDC (Everyday Carry) including some bandages & 4x4 gauzes, basic First Aid. 

Airport security in London might have issues with that tiny Coleman multi-tool with a 1 inch knife blade, port security in NYC, nope - they don't even care to question bottled water, at least not a single, unopened in the backpack. Besides, post-checkpoint, vending machines selling juices, water, soda, energy drink & even Red Bull ... Tap n Pay accepted.

 

 

NYC's MCT inside Pier 88 - in case someone waiting for delayed boarding next week is thirsty or need a boost.

[mking8288]

@graphicguy  US airlines used to be subject to far more FAA oversights back in the days ... nowadays, I just shake my head - a collateral result of deregulations AND corporate cuts to satisfy investors quest.  Earliest was B707, B747-100's and SP's for long int'l with 34" pitch and seat width of 18" (was it 19" on jumbo's) on the B727- missed those Pam Am birds as they gone to United and AA used to be fine, seldom use DL.  Mainland to Oahu on DC-10's and coast-to-coast later on B767, those days are gone and glad to be part of the journey - have zero desire to chase Premier/Million Miler status.  Airline CEO and VP's should be restricted to flying coach and use the bathrooms in the back section when traveling, then ... perhaps, it might get them to re-think customer service for the flying public. 

 

Another reason that we've since choose to book & fly "foreign" carriers - love Korean Air's A380's to/from Asia where food & services are better with a smile, and seats are a click better with 32" to 33" on long hauls, luggage allowance still fair & reasonable - giving Cathy Pacific runs for the money.  Euro carriers are subject to "tougher" regional regulations since they are EU based, and their policies on delays, compensations & rebookings are better ... hence, for same & often less, TAP-Portugal and others are getting our business, they aren't anyway near perfect but there is value.  Norse Atlantic, frequent flyers are cautious & unsure, but they are like the JetBlue of the early days and trying hard to win a market share - for a one-way non-stop where we aren't in a hurry or rush to get back after disembarkation (aside from the niece, "need" to be at work in the following morning) - not going to miserable if we are asked to give up 4 seats & take a "later" flight as by laws, we would be taken care of, nicely from what I read.  Travel insurance, which we don't skim, is our fallback and if our bags are somehow lost on the way back - hey, take the claims money paid to buy new ones.  

 

It is sometimes "appealing" to book almost everything together with NCL, including "free" air option for 2nd. pax - pricing a different TA as well as this one, the quote for 2 one-way tickets into JFK ... ready, $3,000 plus ground transfer.  Good grief, $1,500 each OW coach ... not a chance. I rather take our calculated risks, book ours directly and deal with changes & cancellations, delays and paying more for extras like those "priority" options - we don't fly enough to warrant TSA Pre-Check and/or Global Entry, etc. 

 

A reminder, for those cruising or flying - NEVER, never check your CPAP and/or personal medications as prescribed, not even if it is gate-checked due to overhead bins being full. On a recent cruise, I think it was 2023 ... 2 or more days into the sailing, all cabins received a notice of missing luggage & asking guests to help check, locate & return to Guest Services - no questions asked.  CPAP was in one of the bags, imagine that, what on earth were the cruiser(s) thinking when they show up at the pier.   

 

[mking8288]

Posted & share the first set of price quotes from 3 area airports to Pier 88 based on a weekday morning, rush hour fares - wow, aren't they alike.  I know we have CC'ers flying in earlier to sightsee & staying in the Big Apple, giving them a better idea with real quotes - going to hotels in Manhattan should be less, very similar and not more, EWR might be an exception.

 

These 2 are from LGA or nearby this morning, lower as it's for a Saturday with lighter traffic. It's cheaper from my area, residential than the airport, closer but with extra surcharges. 

 

[graphicguy]

Henry...just as an FYI, I just booked NCL transport from LGA to Pier 88 for my June Bermuda cruise.  $75 both ways.  Even with 2 people, it would be $150 both ways.  I think that's a pretty good deal.  For just me traveling, it's a great deal.

[mking8288]

3 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

booked NCL transport from LGA to Pier 88 for my June Bermuda cruise.  $75 both ways.  Even with 2 people, it would be $150 both ways ...a pretty good deal.  For just me traveling, it's a great deal.

 

Now, that's wonderful, a good and fair deal, metro NY area ground transport costs or prices are just crazy these days, it keep going up and retail price of gasoline heading the wrong way as well, Wall Street said it could hit $5 a gallon this summer.  Is that combined with NCL air or flying on your own terms (on embarkation day ?) and just using the offered ground transfer ?  GF not coming with you and she's letting you leave her behind due to work ... 

 

NCL sometimes does have competitive deals, I recall the Port Canaveral round-trip shuttles to Coca Beach days, lowered to match local shared taxi shuttles that practically ran on a continuous basis, just hop inside & when it's filled out, driver will leave - plus non-refundable OBC were accepted as payment = "free" port transfer (not anymore, of course as "times-are-changing" ... isn't that Fleetwood Mac)  This is good to share, thanks - maybe will see solo on roll call might find this option good for them. Some are coming early and won't work for them. 

Typically, using NCL ground transfer in NY, ship will wait if they buses are late due to airport congestion & flight delays, within "reasons" of course. 

 

  Our last Escape in Sept 23 - NCL offered onboard, I believe, $29 OW ** transfer to airports when we finally could disembark after 3 evenings anchored off Stapleton, Staten Island with a wonderful dinner view of the Manhattan skyline, that cruise was a bit disappointing but mother nature threw up the storm, can't fault or complain - earned us 10% FCC which we applied to this TA.  ** Usually, the disembarking transfer onboard only is $39 if they have unsold space available.  

 

 

To/from port in NY and/or area hotel:  a number of fellow cruisers said they will be doing the frugal transit options, JFK Airtrain or the free LGA Airporter connection/shuttle to the nearby subway/LIRR train stations, to get into the "city" with a transfer, hopefully the elevators & escalators are all in working conditions with minimal use of stairs.  It is not fun even with those sturdy Samsonite, Travelpro, Tumi, Hartman, LV, Rimowa or Monos, etc. when the combined weight is 40 to 60+ lbs going on a TA.  

 

We can but won't go to Pier 88 - for as little as $1.40 each - fare discount by taking local bus to #7 subway line in Flushing (last stop) and ride it to the Hudson Yard ("The Vessel" is another NY landmark to see/visit & explore, just read it is re-opening again, closed to the public) and then walk north for 12+ city blocks, not exactly fun ... maybe on a shorter cruise with less luggage, just a loaded backpack or carry-on.  There is an express bus route (not sure of weekend morning schedule) to midtown, then maybe a taxi ride or equally long walk from 6th Ave near the Rockefeller Center & go west, no transfer or stair - cost is $4 each with senior discount.  Bus driver might not appreciate bring a 22" bag onboard - the ride is comfortable.  

 

25 minutes via car service or nephew driving us vs. 90+ minutes using mass transit. 

 

[Fogfog]

Good to know the options

 

We are using Carmel. Prepaid. All in with fees/tips etc is spendy. Just didn't feel like doing the mass transit route 

Bigger vehicle than we needed yet with 2 roller bags and carry ons, we weren't certain the 2 rollers would fit in the reg sedan trunk. Didn't want a hassle from the driver

 

You are doing a better job of packing than I am.

My stuff is in growing piles on a guest bed... and my better half won't start thinking about it til about Wed 😲 

 

Weather for Sat changed to rain.

Fingers crossed it changes again and it is dry for embarkation. 

 

 

[GrannyGail]

I’m considering this TA next week. What kind of weather are you expecting and what kind of clothes are you taking?  I’ve done TA to Barcelona and Rome but nothing in the northern area.

[Fogfog]

50 minutes ago, GrannyGail said:

I’m considering this TA next week. What kind of weather are you expecting and what kind of clothes are you taking?  I’ve done TA to Barcelona and Rome but nothing in the northern area.

Your guess is as good as ours. Check Wunderground--which only goes 10 days out for Halifax. Otherwise, sites that tell you seasonal/typical for late April for Iceland and beyond

[mking8288]

@Fogfog - Forecast for Saturday is rain/shower, visibility 5 miles or less ... expected to clear up by "evening" and since we are most definitely not leaving before 18:00 - perhaps, we all should have a great evening dinner on the Hudson & able to enjoy an excellent pre-sunset cruise down the Hudson.  

 

Halifax, NS weather updated to nice, sun & cloud and not longer calling for shower or rain - good to explore, tour and do things on our own ... clam bake and/or lobster feast for lunch, excellent USD to CAD or CA$ exchange rates (here's hoping for soft shells 2-2.5 lbs, probably too early in the season)

 

Reykjavik, Iceland (Weather Channel) for Saturday, May 4th ... Norwegian Pearl departing that afternoon - High of 47 deg F & Low 38 deg, showers in morning w afternoon clearing - winds at 10-15 mph, chance of rain 40%.  Looks like I can repack & take out the Arctic & stick with layers.  Sunrise 04:48 and Sunset 22:03 (10:03 PM) 

 

Parka w hoodies and 3 season insulated jacket w removable hood - together as a bundled mix, plus down puffer vest & fleece jacket - should suffice w/o going all out with thermal underneath ... going to wear the heavier Timberland walk boots.  Wool caps, gloves & warm scarf probably overkill but - just in case.  

 

We have an "opening" on our CC roll call for a volunteer to serve as the group's master of weather forecast, still vacant - LOL   Another 3 or 4 days, should be able to look at extended & better, more precise forecasts for Iceland & Amsterdam.  It's fair to said, given seasonal trends and global climate, wet weather is to be expected for this journey and weatherproof gears is a must, hopefully nothing to ruin our cruise holiday.  Whether it's going to be 10, 15 or maybe 20 ft. rough seas and large waves or 25, 30 to 40 ft. with strong/gale force cross wind ... remains to be seen ... packing OTC meds (patches & bands for others) and ginger candies accordingly.  Green apples & plain toast are crew's advice to get thru ... tested on a # of wild Bermuda crossings by us, Mrs. M can attest and vouch for it.  

[mking8288]

Nowadays, we get multiple reminders and important notices, repeated and text or SMS at different times leading up to embarkation.  Another one today, repeated, about visas requirements, mainly for non-US citizens & permanent residents, as many others transiting only thru Canada (Halifax) must have a valid visitor's visa or else will be denied boarding in NY - unlike air travel where eTA might be required. 

 

In other words, NCL is not responsible and we are, to know the rules & regulations, and have them available for Pier check-in.  Another notification was about vaccines, immunizations and latest on any & all health-related testing requirements. 

 

Of course, we are all familiar with watching YouTube video, mandatory, and more than twice or 3 times, the emergency & safety drills and procedures. 

 

 

It is what it is and sure, must we get the prompts again & again and can't NCL keep a better track of whether it was done or ignored .... Arrrh, it's got something to do with the cookies 😁😬😳🤔🙄 but not the edible ones that some are looking for. 

 

Oh mine, Susan's 24" roller board is 75% done ✅  I had the honor again of packing hers. 

[mking8288]

Mission - smart packing, nearly accomplished and still have room inside the expandable 24" rollerboard, just under 41 lbs on the portable luggage scale  < Challenge goal:  no more than 45 lbs leaving home  >

 

 

I did say, 75% finished - 1 pr. of shoes and small handbag, etc. to be added. Stowaway 20L daypack in there plus a 16 oz. collapsible water bottle, packed in there already, and some ziplock bags.  

 

Edited April 21 by mking8288

[www3traveler]

Will you have enough space or be under weight, if she decides to purchase shoes on this adventure?

[Fogfog]

The one disadvantage with these roller bags is the bag weight for certain.

We have some very light "travel Lite" roller aboards and duffels that I bought years ago from a UK company. The roll-aboards were made to fit Ryanair specs. We used them for years

Just in Feb my better half said enough is enough because dragging the duffels was a pita--and we bought the hard side roller bags.

Wow--so much easier for self assist disembark this past Feb-March when we did semi B2B and had to change ports. They were great.

We have an early disemb at Southampton so we will self assist-roll off again (here's hoping Haven does what they promise)

And like you--I like packing cubes. My better half doesn't use them..so if we share bags to spread out the weight shoes 😉 ) at least shoe bags help. Toiletries/liquids double bagged.

Goal is for under 40#. 

 

Re the rainy weather Sat....That's really going to make it a bad hair day  😞

 

 

 

 

[ellewoods]

20 hours ago, genealogyfan said:

I just finished a sailing on the Prima last week. Loved the ship. It never seemed crowded. So many different venues to eat, sit and walk around. It was a beautiful ship too. It didn't seem hard to get around. The carpet had "triangles" that faced toward the front of the ship. Ocean Blvd was great to walk around. Lots of different seating areas. Enjoy your cruise, you will love the ship and the crew was great.

Why don’t they tell people about the triangles 😂😂😂 on day 5 of my cruise now and finally I will know which direction I am going. Thanks!!

[Fogfog]

31 minutes ago, ellewoods said:

Why don’t they tell people about the triangles 😂😂😂 on day 5 of my cruise now and finally I will know which direction I am going. Thanks!!

On the older ships, it was the way the fish were swimming.

Funny no one told you🤣

[ellewoods]

4 minutes ago, Fogfog said:

On the older ships, it was the way the fish were swimming.

Funny no one told you🤣

I knew about the fish and I assumed since they got rid of them we were on our own 😂😂 seems like partially my fault for not figuring it out! It’s ok though every time I walk in the wrong direction it’s a little more exercise! Because I am eating way more than necessary 🙄