Cover Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Prima
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Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva mark a new chapter for Norwegian Cruise Line, and bring with them a revamped experience in The Haven by Norwegian
With the world emerging from the pandemic, there’s never been a better time or a greater need for some well-deserved respite. And among the myriad options for an overseas escape, arguably none offers an experience that’s as enticing and varied as a cruise vacation aboard the new Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Prima class vessels. For a truly luxurious escape, there’s also The Haven by Norwegian, their ship-within-a-ship concept which elevates the guest experience.
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A Class Unto Itself
Above The stern (i.e. front) of the Norwegian Prima
The stern (i.e. front) of the Norwegian Prima
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The Prima class marks NCL's first new class of ships in nearly 10 years. A total of six vessels have been planned, with two announced so far—the inaugural ship, Norwegian Prima, is set to embark on its maiden voyage in the summer of 2022, while its sister Norwegian Viva will set sail from June 2023.
These new ships promise to raise the bar when it comes to the premium cruise experience. For a start, they will boast the highest staffing levels and space ratios of any new cruise ship in the contemporary and premium cruise categories.
The latter is epitomised by Ocean Boulevard, a sweeping outdoor walkway wrapping around the deck of each ship—a first for NCL. Here, guests can walk around the entire ship to take in amazing ocean views from every direction, while also having the choice to partake in various outdoor activities. Multiple pool decks and infinity-style pools are available too, including two on Infinity Beach, located close to the ocean’s surface in yet another brand-first concept.
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Above Oceanwalk, a part of Ocean Boulevard
Oceanwalk, a part of Ocean Boulevard
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To complement the expansive spaces and effortless access to the outdoors, choices abound for every other aspect of the guest experience, beginning with 13 different suite categories on-board. This is the widest range currently available at sea, and includes the largest three-bedroom suites of any new cruise ship, all to suit different guests’ needs.
Above Indulge Food Hall, at the aft of the Norwegian Prima
Indulge Food Hall, at the aft of the Norwegian Prima
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In the same vein, a staggering range of dining options are available for guests to indulge in. One particular highlight is Indulge Food Hall, NCL's first upscale open-air marketplace, which offers a curated range of cuisines from American southern food to classic Latin fare. Guests can look forward to other new culinary delights on Prima class ships too. Metropolitan Bar, for instance, will feature zero-waste cocktails prepared with surplus ingredients, a fully-sustainable spirits menu and biodynamic wines. Of course, there are returning favourites as well, with Onda By Scarpetta and Los Lobos Cantina being two of them.
Next Level
Above The Haven by Norwegian's penthouse with balcony
The Haven by Norwegian's penthouse with balcony
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For a truly elevated experience, there is The Haven. This ship-within-a-ship concept represents the top echelon of NCL’s offerings, and pairs the amenities that are only available on a larger ship with exclusive, keycard-only access to a private complex. The result? Guests are able to indulge in the best of both worlds.
Apart from having the most luxurious suites on-board, The Haven also offers dedicated amenities and services, including its own lounge, restaurant, bar, sundeck and even outdoor spa. These have all been designed by eminent Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni, whose deft touch can be seen from the overall design language to the tiniest details.
Above Ocean Boulevard's infinity pool at Norwegian Prima's aft
Ocean Boulevard's infinity pool at Norwegian Prima's aft
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Lissoni’s design accompanies a major change for The Haven—all its suites have been relocated to the aft (i.e. rear) of the ship for even closer proximity to the bank of private elevators serving the area. At the same time, public spaces within The Haven have been redesigned as well, and every single one now affords wide open views of the ocean.
All Aboard
Above Aft of the Norwegian Prima
Aft of the Norwegian Prima
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To top things off, NCL has planned a series of breathtaking itineraries for the new Prima class ships. Norwegian Prima will start off with a string of inaugural cruises, then sail a series of voyages around Northern Europe during the summer of 2022, before heading to the Bermudas and the Caribbean. What’s more, pop star Katy Perry has been named the godmother of Norwegian Prima, and will perform at the ship's christening ceremony in Reykjavík on 27 August 2022.
Norwegian Viva, on the other hand, will cruise the Mediterranean from June next year, before sailing the Caribbean for the 2023-24 winter season.
More information about Norwegian Prima is available here.
