Norwegian Prima Review
Extensive Ship Review - What the ship is and what it is not
Rating by category
Additional details
For perspective, we're a young, active 61 year old couple and this was our 26th cruise (4th on NCL - Sun, Epic, Bliss). We've been to these same ports many times previously, so I'll just focus on our experience with the ship.
Embarkation
We had a 9:30am time embarkation time (time to show up at the cruise pier) and 9am would have been the earliest group. We were maybe 15th in line and they didn't start the process until after 9:30, which meant they were a half hour behind their schedule, but once they got going, we cruised right through and were soon sitting and waiting. We were in the Priority Access group, so we boarded immediately before Group 1. I think we walked onto the ship right just before 11am. I looked over at the embarkation lines outside the terminal from the ship at 1pm and it looked packed. By 1pm with other cruise lines, you are breezing right through with no crowds. NCL makes you stop at a counter in the terminal to get your room key vs. many others where you get it at your cabin door. Maybe that's the difference?
Cabin Review
Oceanview with Round Window
The cabin was actually really nice (5738). One of the best we've ever had and the fabrics and finishes actually felt more upscale than any Royal Caribbean cabin we've had over the years. We only did an ocean view this time because it's Christmas week and you never know what the weather is going to be like, plus the oceanview was 1,200 less than a balcony. At this time of year, I'd get more fun out of spending that in the casino.
The TV was good and we watched a couple of movies in the room. There was a decent selection of movies, but channels are very limited and there's really no broadcast TV other than a couple of news channels.
The colors in the room were great, the bed was comfortable, the bathroom was nicely sized and the shower was great.
Port Reviews
Cozumel
It rained when we were docked in Cozumel and we have been there many times, so we chose not to get off the ship. Our recommendation however would be to book the Cozumel Bar Hop directly on the Cozumel Bar Hop site. You get to see the other side of the island and someone else is doing the driving. We've done it a few times.
Ocho Rios
Never have liked Jamaica. We got off the ship in Ocho Rios and planned to go somewhere local to have lunch and give some business to a non-touristy business owner. We walked about 2 blocks after leaving the port and every 10 feet, someone was bugging us to take us on a tour. It was so bad that we turned around and went back to the ship without spending a dime in Jamaica. Ugh...