PRIMA DONNA
DAVE MONK drops in on the launch of Norwegian’s newest ship and finds it’s Hot Stuff
TAKING the lift is for wimps. The quickest way to descend 10 decks on new cruise ship Norwegian Prima is to wrap yourself in a shiny sack, stand inside a glass cylinder – and wait nervously for the floor to suddenly open.
After plummeting feet first, you’re sent sliding round a spiral tube before landing seconds later at the bottom of this white-knuckle helterskelter, simply called The Drop. It’s not the only thrill on this 20-deck ship – the first in a new class of six from Norwegian Cruise Line.
You can race a friend on twin slides called The Rush or ride electric go-karts at up to 30mph on a three-storey track that winds around and through the funnel. The Wave waterslide sends you spinning round a giant bowl – or you can fly through hyperspace in the Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality arcade. More down-to-earth games include table shuffleboard, beer pong cups, darts and a crazy minigolf course. Kids have their own clubs too.
But it would be wrong to think this 3,099-passenger ship, christened by singer Katy Perry in Reykjavik earlier this month is simply A Teenage Dream. A key part of the design is the creation of lots more outdoor space on the promenade that wraps around deck 8.
Infinity pools, squashy beds and loungers tempt sun lovers while tables and chairs spill out of restaurants to create an alfresco dining area. A glass walkway gives dizzying views of the ocean below.
There’s even room for a multimillion-pound collection of modern sculptures.
On deck 16, guests entering the spa are greeted by a two-storey cascading waterfall. They can choose to relax in the first charcoal sauna at sea, try an infrared hot room, enjoy a salt flotation pool or chill in an ice cave.
At the front of the ship is an Observation Lounge filled with inviting places to settle down with a drink and enjoy the passing view.
Evening entertainment includes The Price Is Right Live – the first floating version of the popular TV show, made even more spectacular on our Amsterdam-bound preview cruise by the appearance of Katy Perry and fiance Orlando Bloom as surprise contestants. She didn’t win the prize car for charity but was consoled by a $25,000 donation by the cruise line for her Firework Foundation which hosts summer camps for children.
Another pop icon is remembered in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical – a stunning performance by three singers representing the Queen of Disco at different stages of her life, which ended in 2012.
After a West End-style performance of Hot Stuff, I Feel Love and more which had the opening night audience on their feet clapping and dancing, the three-storey theatre was transformed by the seats packing away to create a giant disco dance floor. Another night the same space was a throbbing night club with DJS getting the crowd moving with contemporary hits accompanied by dazzling light effects. Passengers looking to end the evening with a laugh can also head to The Improv At Sea comedy club.
On the dining front, the 965ft-long ship offers a wide choice of speciality venues including a steakhouse, sushi, Italian, Mexican and bistro. As well as main dining rooms and a buffet, Norwegian Prima has a food court with stands including rotisserie, tapas, desserts and ice cream.
And, of course, there are plenty of places to drink, including rock club Syd Norman’s Pour House.
For those who like a little exclusivity, The Haven is a private eight-deck section for high-spenders with its own restaurant, lounge, sundeck and infinity pool – but giving all the advantages of big-ship features outside its glass doors.
But, whatever you pay, you’ll find the 1,506 hard-working crew ready to help with a smile. Where Norwegian Prima leads, five more nearidentical ships will follow by 2027, starting with Norwegian Viva next year. Britons won’t have to travel far to enjoy them – cruise line chief executive Harry Sommer said: ‘‘We are committed to having a Primaclass ship based in Southampton – as this one will be next year – for the foreseeable future’.’
Whether you like racing, dancing, relaxing or dining, it seems there will be a Prima spot at sea for you.