Is Norwegian Prima a Hit or a Miss? Our Review of the Ship

[@Cruisewith]

Head to squarespace.com/benanddavid to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code BENANDDAVID.

[@MichaelQing]

With a celebration that included a concert by pop icon Katy Perry and a departure from picturesque Reykjavik, Norwegian Prima set sail on its maiden journey this week. Delayed, like nearly everything else, by the pandemic, the triumphant debut brings a fully new class of NCL vessels to the seas. Norwegian Prima is the first in the eponymous Prima Class, which will ultimately grow to six ships. The much-anticipated 3,100-passenger ship - which we first got a sneak peek of at the shipyard in July - doesn’t disappoint, with new restaurants, a modern vibe and more activities than you can get to in the space of a week. Cruise Critic is onboard Norwegian Prima as it sails to Amsterdam. Here’s what works, and what doesn’t. “Our goal was to create something that didn’t feel like a cruise ship,” NCL President Harry Sommer said onboard the ship. Mission accomplished. You won’t find giant, over-the-top public spaces or bars that feel like banquet halls. Instead, Prima is filled with more intimate venues, be it the sleek Belvedere Bar or the swanky Vibe Beach Club. It starts with the gorgeous three-deck atrium area, which feels very much like the impressive entry spaces you might find in an upmarket hotel. The absolute best new spot on Norwegian Prima is its spectacular Ocean Boulevard. Wrapping the entirety of Deck 8, it includes al fresco seating for Onda by Scarpetta, Los Lobos, Indulge Food Hall and The Local. It also has lounge chairs, sunbeds, swinging seats, dip pools and infinity pools. And there’s a fanciful sculpture park. This is where you’ll want to be spending your time when the weather is pleasant.

[@jayoneill1533]

“Nicolas Cage’s failing movie career!” When he likes the food, Ben’s description of something he especially enjoys never fail to make laugh out loud.

[@themerrymanderschristmassh9568]

That was one of his best comments yet I think

[@monykalynf3604]

Right? I should know better than to sneak watch at work when I have to stop myself from really LOL'ing

[@curious-traveler7730]

Yes! I gain weight just watching 😂

[@marsha1963]

Yes, it’s almost like Tourette’s ! He can’t control the words.

[@marsha1963]

I’m glad you translated it for me!

[@patt335]

I adore you both equally for different reasons. Ben’s wit is so sharp. Never mean but funny as heck. David’s beautiful smile and how he expresses his absolute delight is genuinely so sweet. Two beautiful souls. I’m laughing out loud at Ben’s jokes. Truly funny.

[@scottdrichard7325]

Hands down the best cruise / vacation content creators on the tube. Great job fellas.

[@duchessofst.andrew7210]

Amen and Amen 👏🏼👏🏼

[@brentshuffler1234]

Scott D Richard, is it actually the content that you meant . . . or the exaggerated phrases, facial expressions, and entertainment/theatrics of the two complimentary clowns? [wink]

[@Rusty84CV]

Don't you mean the worst

[@shelcheese8344]

Every one of your videos is like a mini vacay. Lots of laughs and honest remarks.

[@j.s.7564]

I wish I could like this video 10 times. You two are just the best cruise content creators. Thank you for being fabulous and funny.

[@djay1066]

I laughed at the wave machine comment because, one cruise I was on, we returned from port early and decided to go for a swim. While floating in the pool there were a couple of women chatting, and one says to her friend “it’s a shame they don’t have the wave machine going while we are in port”, and she was totally serious

[@nanfrostsfashionfocusstyle6250]

I love how honest you both are without being mean or degrading. It's a lesson for us all to be kinder with our comments about places or things that don't live up to our expectations. On another note, Okra is used in southern cooking, specifically what you would find in Louisiana in the US. Usually, it is used in gumbos and such as a thickener.

[@ellenraysmith4391]

Agreed! Ben and David are always polite, never snarky about their reviews.

[@Emmagracee.]

Ben should try to dip his okra in ketchup mixed with Frank's Red Hot❤❤❤!!!

[@NIckyFromDunedin]

@@Emmagracee. ive had it in South Africa as a curry, very filling and spicy if you can get it to grow its very prolific, not much flavor on its own but a good base or filler

[@rpgamera]

I could do with a separate short with David just spitting troll facts in that David Attenborough voice. 🤣

[@kamelhaj6850]

Yes! That was fantastic!

[@CitizenMio]

David doing all the Attenboroughs in this one 😂

[@irenedownie6559]

That was soo funny! 😂

[@sissimpson]

I preferred the wings at the Local when they were fries instead of baked.

[@FollowmedowntheNumberWhole]

It’s a year later, where’s the Attenborough vid? 🤪😁

[@cynthiabrown-gy2wn]

I've sailed on the Prima...enjoyed it so much. Your description of the food and how you feel after consuming so much, left me in stitches...I could relate. Thanks and happy sailing

[@phyl1042]

I follow 4 or 5 other cruise vloggers and you two are my absolute favorites. This is the second time I've watched this one and it's just as good the second time around. Bravo!

[@judydale9661]

I love the colors, and decor of that ship. Your cabin is beautiful ! The outdoor areas and views are wonderful.

[@sheilaanderson1553]

Just love watching you two! You share amazing information . Binge watching your videos. You both are the best !

[@Cruisewith]

Thanks so much!

[@sandramayhew4443]

You two are so much fun. Love your entertaining and informative videos. Lovely the way you compliment one another. Ben, I spewed my tea when David was trying to kindly describe the port area and you finished his sentence. You’re like my brother from another mother. Love and hugs from South Carolina, USA.

[@valeriebelmonte9556]

What a beautiful ship! It doesn’t seem crowded like some of the other ships

[@judithp.1313]

“I can hear angels singing in my head”……BEN,THE BEST!…This video has made my day! So excited, I’m scheduled to be on the Prima in December.

[@wendymeuret1158]

We are boarding Prima Dec 30! Can’t wait🤩🤩🤩

[@jaeninec]

I’m so ready to sail on Prima. Thanks for all you two do . Great presentation as usual.

[@poodlebone]

You are officially my favorite cruising related channel! Can't wait to go on the Prima out of NYC in April!

[@spitknott]

On the Prima to Bermuda from NY 23rd April really looking forward to it.

[@irenedownie6559]

I enjoyed this so much that I wish I was off on a cruise right now! You two are such a tonic, you’ve cheered me up no end. Keep up the good work. ❤️

[@barbaraleshin-zucker2535]

We were on the Prima in a cold climate. The ship was gorgeous and we enjoyed the food, especially Indulge but since the outdoor spaces weren’t really useable we spent a lot of time managing how and when to get to a restaurant so we could get in. We ended up skipping breakfast so we could get to indulge early (at 11) or we couldn’t get a table. Also not many places to sit an play a game, etc. and we couldn’t get into the comedy show in the 10’days on the ship. So, we would absolutely go on the Prima again, but only in a warm weather cruise. It is a very beautiful ship!

[@mruggier0]

Wow I think there needs to be a disclaimer prior to watching you videos for us middle age woman with weak bladders. You men are so funny all the while giving us so much information. At times I feel like I'm on the ship with the both of you. Thanks for the great review once again.

[@diannesmothers2171]

So glad you loved the okra! One of our favorites here in Tennessee. Beautiful plant..blossoms look like a tropical dream! Then you get the okra...cut ..batter and fry. (Admittedly we fry just about everything in the South...) a true southern staple! Love your videos.

[@debsterlee3801]

I got on the Prima for 12 days as you guys got off. Agree totally about the beautiful cabin, the great food and the fabulous crew. Our cruise was very cold (transatlantic) so we didn't get to enjoy the outside at all, which caused the inside to be very crowded. But overall a beautiful ship and I hope to sail her (or Viva) in warmer weather. Great video as always!

[@emmaparkerNJT2024]

Hey guys! Thanks for the shoutout - it was great to meet you too!

[@Bessie66]

Love your honest recommendations for the “hop on hop off” bus 👍

[@chulita097]

😂😂 The last supper was hysterical. Glad you made it back to the cabin before the contraction’s intensified. Loved this video and the Fjords. Amaze balls.

[@deenah99]

Great review! I really want to try Prima or Viva.

[@ValslifeHealthJourney]

I love your show! So fun, and love that you tell us honest feelings about cruises! Cheers

[@Sherriedc]

Fried okra is a staple on a southern table! I’m proud y’all trying so many foods! Yum!

[@Jaggy92]

5:37 "And that's just in our bathroom" I can't 😂😂

[@teresecox4109]

I laughed out loud at that! 😂

[@barbarashuster9029]

We did a walking tour of the town and even though it was very difficult to hear our guide most of the time, we learned a lot. We also went to the museum and learned more about the fire!

[@davidriel7805]

You guys really have the best cruise KZbin channel. We are going in our first cruise soon and watching the different channels I think you guys do it better than any other!!

[@lynnwinters7600]

We're going on the NCL Prima it's good to hear the food is good.

[@sandykmalta]

I grow okra in my garden here in Texas

[@janicemcalisterdouglas7351]

Okra comes from Africa and the people forced to come to the new world brought the seeds so they could have something to eat from their original home. Here in the Southern United State of America we eat okra fried and in gumbo soup and other dishes. I love watching you two. Y'all are so fun!

[@thesuncollective1475]

Ladies fingers

[@Buddy869-z9x]

And my favorite…pickled (the hot Pete’s version is esp good 😮)

[@elliechristie2498]

OMG!! “Angels swimming in my head!!” What a lovely vision! Thank you you twos!!🥰

[@Bessie66]

Pressed “thumbs up” before I’ve seen video as I know it’s going to be informative and fab ❤

[@brummienik4273]

Never been on an ocean cruise but find your channel really interesting and love the funny quips !

[@504YaHeard]

Love you guys!! You are so much fun to watch and your videos are so well made. Ben’s comments while eating the chicken wings had me cracking up!!

[@TheBBBB0B]

My wife kept asking what I was laughing at. Great video. Can't wait to do the Prima next year.

[@janie1977ful]

You two are the best !! I can’t even watch other vlogs after following you. Such quality work . Thank you ❤🎉

[@momopopov2719]

Norwegian is realy going in good direction with Prima ship, she looks amazing.

[@OzarksAmy]

The okra discovery is cracking me up! We grow it in the garden and eat it all the time.

[@TVHouseHistorian]

This ship is incredible! I just got off the Encore this last weekend, and the MDR didn’t have near the variety you guys got on the Prima. They never changed the menu all week, and it was just basic stuff for dinner. The food was good overall, but it looks like you guys got treated better. The pretzel bun “theme” they ran with at the buffet absolutely made my vacation. This was my first cruise with NCL, and I’m sure I’ll be booking more cruises with them. They do an amazing job with solo cruisers, and that hit a bell with me too.

[@brentshuffler1234]

Dustin T Seloover, thanks for sharing a bit about your experiences with cruises. Can you tell me more details about what N.C.L. does so well for solo cruisers? That part is of great interest to me, comparing other cruiselines that I have experienced (e.g., Royal Caribbean gives solo passengers double Cruise Points whilst Holland America does not).

[@stephenedwards9341]

The troll and Allison the Seagull talk! We need more of that! 😂👍👍

[@rachnowak16]

Totally agreed with you on this episode. Def top tip to order each course as you go in Indulge. We also loved Hudsons for glamour value and the big glass fronted outlook. We loved the contemporary design particularly of the atrium. We heard someone complaining 'it had all the charm of a hospital canteen' 🤣😂 Some people!!!!! Youre right about having to walk through Surfside though....

[@zenkakuji3776]

Thanks for the review of Prima. Really enjoyed the overall segment. I think you may have reached Nirvana when you were enjoying the Indian curry dish. And, when I was last on an NCL ship, I thoroughly enjoyed the Reuben sandwich at The Local pub restaurant as well, and the carrot cake did not disappoint (several times!). Cheers 🥂

[@sondraking902]

I love the blurred background in different scenes

[@maryanncapece2623]

Oh my gosh, that food all looked amazing. Your description always makes me smile 😆😆. Great as always! Love watching the two of you. Thank you

[@badpinktink100]

So interesting seeing your Alesund Day. I was there on 6th September on The Disney Magic. We had a beautiful sunny blue skies day. I didnt do the Hop On Hop Off bus or any excursion, I just walked around the town. There was free WiFi at the tourist centre , not the one by the ship but the one down the waterside. I was there on a Tuesday and the high street area shops were all open. I even found a great mall / shopping centre in the centre of the shopping area about 10 minutes walk from the ship.

[@maryellencasceillo8669]

You guys are the best! Informative and entertaining! I started my day with a good laugh! 😂 Can't wait for our cruise on the Prima!! Thank you!

[@tulsaken2754]

Excellent video on the Prima. Makes me want to book her at once! In fact I think I will!

[@jennygagne9099]

Thank you for all the content! You really brighten my Sunday

[@chrisyboy2000]

Norwegian Prima looks amazing & fun!!!!

[@francoisedunne223]

OMG you guys are too funny I’m sitting here watching your video and I keep laughing I love all the little cheesy remarks you make they are fabulous keep it up we love you Both! San Diego here

[@bobbiem50]

San Marcos here:)

[@elizabethmartell3258]

Love you guys....Can't wait til December for our Prima cruise 🛳 😍

[@sherladixon2842]

We love NCL so much. You guys are so entertaining . Thank you

[@PicaloOneill]

12:32 ".... Chile con carne .... " laughed till sides hurt !😂

[@Please507]

I just happened to look at a few of your reviews. I love your tact, honesty and humor. You are both adorable. I'm going to follow you.

[@Diane-s5g]

Absolutely love you guys, greetings from Vancouver Island!!!!

[@kathleenernst7935]

Just finished watching your Prima blog which I had seen last year - BUT paying more attention to it as the Prima will be sailing from NYC in 2025. Now I definitely want to try it for sure. I am a "Fun Ship" gal (in NJ) but love the look of the Prima. Safe travels!

[@erikagholston6610]

The food looks delicious. I hope Ben didn’t catch a cold, David looks nice and warm in his coat & hoodie.

[@Emmagracee.]

I was pleasantly surprised that FRIED OKRA was offered during your meal!!! I grew up eating it & it was a breath of fresh air watching you enjoy it for the "first" time. Ben & David, next time please try dipping your FRIED OKRA in ketchup mixed with Frank's Red Hot or any hot sauce!!! Im from Texas & that's a fun southern dip for the okra!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE WATCHING YOU TWO!!! I want to TREAT MYSELF more now ❤❤❤❤!

[@smeLLyphant37]

Thank you for another video!!! We actually took the cute little blue train around Alesund! Enjoyed it a lot! Now we need to book our next cruise ❤️

[@EpicFilmTime1]

Yessss! First comment! ❤ Love you guys, see you on the Carnival Vista!

[@irenedavo3768]

Second!

[@shariherrington7035]

You guys are freaking hysterical! Can’t believe I just now found you. Binge-watching on a Sunday night isn’t wise. 😜

[@Cruisewith]

Welcome Shari! Thanks for watching.

[@timbrace]

My wife and I were on the sailing before you, we agreed with all of your comments. I think the Prima is our favourite ship overall.

[@secretaryweberdavisnfb878]

Okra is from the Mellon family. The pods are cut into wheels and dipped in tempura for frying. It is commonly used in stews and gumbo‘s to help thicken them.

[@1978puertogirl]

I love you guys!!! I found you guys today and I'm already in love!!!! from all the description videos I have seen I feel like you guys are the most real, Thank you!

[@allisonabbott-kline4765]

Once again you have my Sunday with your video. From this Allison to your Alesund, you both are marvelous!

[@attorneycarissa]

Okra is a veggie associated with the south in the USA. Fried okra is a favorite southern food here. 🙂

[@JaswantSingh-ym9zo]

In Asia too. We call it "ladies' fingers" here

[@jackiehoward7300]

Thank you for your delightful video. You guys made me smile today. Thank you.

[@sarahann4007]

Love your channel as always Ben and David! I just got off the Norwegian Joy for a 10 Day Canada and New England. I love NCL. Funny that you talk about the ships paint as they were touching up the coral colored flowery section on the dock side in Halifax and it made me laugh as my family and I had been discussing just how much they keep up these ships. One crew in the Observation lounge just an hour prior was scrubbing the lower window tracks with a toothbrush! As always, I wanted to take some NCL Crew home as they are all so lovely! I hope you all run into Ryan North on a future NCL cruise. Don’t miss him, my cruise was his first week with NCL, he is from the UK and a great Piano and Guitar player. Look for him in the future! (Although he did say he has worked Carnival and P&O but after one week on NCL he sounded like he has found his home and said he loved the experience already 😊)

[@sacredsiren]

Ok, you guys are adorable! I found you looking for a Prima ship tour and it was an instant subscribe. Thank you for these wonderful videos and awesome tips.

[@DiaryofaBasicBW]

Y'all are so entertaining and informative. Love your videos 😄

[@donnathompson1682]

Fantastic video! The food looked great. We are sailing on Jan 8 to the Carribean for 7 days.

[@jeannecrawford6324]

Thank you for another wonderful Sunday vlog. I enjoyed this very much. The food on the Prima looks good especially the desserts and the pretzel buns. Love those. As far as okra goes, if it's not fried, I can't eat it. It's slimy, but fried is superb especially with a dip alongside.

[@happycruiser]

Thank you for letting us share your adventures.

[@AnthonyWilliams-dc5ez]

Okra is a vegetable indigenous to Africa used on Creole dishes as a thickening agent in Gumbos and soups. Great deep fried!❤️😉

[@danimartin818]

I love the videos but am I the only one who misses Ben's glasses? They were iconic!

[@grannyoffive1313]

Thank you ....wonderful video!!!! As always my favorite parts are your food reviews and watching you eat… and of course everything else in the video… Lol🛳

[@barbaragill5984]

Another enjoyable and informative video. Thank you.

[@ThompsonsTravels]

Y’all are so funny.. Fried Okra is a southern US food. It is a vegetable fried in a batter. Enjoy! One of my favorites. (Texan girl here) Ben keep up your quotes! Hilarious!

[@jackiesaylor2487]

I just started watching you like yesterday and I soooo love all your descriptions of things (a food) I literally laugh every time. I just realized that David kind of looks like Sam Heughan in the face. When Ben did the Botox lips I couldn't stop laughing. Y'all are hilarious. Also I just booked my very first cruise on NCL encore from Seattle to Alaska and back in late August 2025. Super excited for my first cruise. We're also taking a 5 hour train into the mountains at skagway and planning for gold. There might be a whale watching excursion too, but I hear it's a hit or miss on seeing whales, and since I live on the Gulf of Mexico I can see dolphins swimming any day I want and they're cuter.

[@jennifersmyth9945]

I think you both are so funny. The whip cream in the beard so funny. You both make me wanna go on a cruise....and I get sea sick. Thanks for the chuckles

[@richardc8738]

Amazing impression of Charles III. Loved the review.

[@med6399]

Yes - the much of the food does look good! (You both do a great job! Thank you!)🎖🎖🎖😎😎😎🌹🌹🌹

[@1SummerMTL]

We love you guys, really. My partner and I are regular cruisers. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Maybe we'll meet on a cruise. :)

[@debbieholden7790]

Thinking about booking this ship for winter 2024, thanks for the fantastic info as always

[@katythriftyunder35homeowne57]

Okra is very popular in the southern United States. We're not into it much in the Northern United States, though 😂

[@peteri8924]

Great videos from this ship, thinking of booking with NCL as we have never sailed with them. Great to see David looking well and glowing, a few cruises and some good food.

[@ellenraysmith4391]

Ben!!!!! You are a RIOT! Going on and on about your favorite delectables! Love the restaurant reviews!

[@Turtlesunset]

The race track looks cool

[@lawrenceakini9507]

Thanks for this vlog. I really enjoy it. You both take care. Travel safe. Ciao.

[@andyrawlins]

ROFL nice one guys. Alesund is beautiful - not sure where you got off! Norwegian looks fab. You should try Hurtigruten . Would be a bit of a shock for you but you'd be down with the locals. Keep posting (and eating)

[@summerwinter4]

Greetings from California! Thank you for the great ship review!

[@dawnbanerdt-adams8356]

Terrific video! You both had me laughing so hard. I'm getting so excited about going on a cruise now.

[@Cruisewith]

We are so happy you enjoyed our video! Have an amazing time on your upcoming cruise 🚢😄

[@rickthibodeau9172]

Great video! Love your reviews! We're sailing on the Prima in June from Iceland to Norway, Amsterdam, Brussels and ending in South Hampton. I'm looking forward to the experience! I already plan on eating several lunches in Indulge. I can't wait to try the race track, minigolf and VR games. Good tip to prebook shows.

[@roadrebels1]

Ben, your boat shirt complements your eyes beautifully!

[@yeseniacolon1128]

So much fun to watch this video! Thank you for all the details. First time in Norwegian this up coming November 2023. Celebrating our 25 th wedding anniversary. Any suggestions are really appreciated. I cruised many times. This will be my first time. Western Mediterranean. Exited. A bit loss.