This was the repositioning cruise from Southampton UK to New York City, the second leg of its maiden voyage. Prima is daring in design and most of it works - but some warnings.

This is a warm-weather ship, with lots of real-estate devoted to the outdoors. Public rooms are small (intimate?) and the ship is enigmatic in its layout. Many public rooms are narrow and easily crowd when access to the outdoors is limited, as was the case in our transatlantic crossing. For those of us over 60, such toys as as the race track, water slide, and galaxy pavilion of virtual reality games were idle. So not only is the Prima a warm-weather lady, but a cougar.

The ship was full of loyal NCL fans brandishing their medals like war generals at a reunion. They sail only (or mainly) NCL, having gotten caught up in their brilliant marketing scheme - Cruise Next. They have little to compare NCL to, and forgive them most everything - especially the way they nickel and dime cruisers - up-charging for everything and anything. Toward that end, they have packed the ship with more than a dozen premium restaurants. In return, they have muted and dumbed-down the 'complimentary' dining rooms (except Food Nation, which is excellent). The quality of the 'comp' food is mediocre and repetitive, whereas the premium eateries feature some of the best food I've ever tasted. So get the dining package; you'll thank yourself later. Read more