I saved the “best” for last in a way as Norwegian Pr1ma’s culinary experiences are not just elevated, they are game-changing for the contemporary cruise space. It is true that other lines have tried to break up the traditional large main dining room and endless buffet concepts before but none succeeded in the way Pr1ma has. As I observed, it is in the implementation that Norwegian succeeded where other lines failed.
For those who have sailed on big ships before, long lines at noisy buffet settings on Lido decks are often unpleasant reminders of the size of ships. Not so on Pr1ma where they broke up the buffet area into smaller stations and added the Indulge Food Hall which succeeds by creating a speedy and delicious experience that moves large number of guests quickly. Each food hall station features up to 5 dishes freshly prepared in food truck style kitchen stations. Preparing a limited number of menu items allows chefs to get it right every time and crank out lots of plates. Judging from all the smiles on customers’ faces (including mine), this is a winner sure to find it’s way to other Norwegian ships in the near future.
In essence, Indulge Food Hall is your complementary food truck heaven offering 11 diverse culinary venues: Coco’s, Q Texas Smokehouse, Starbucks, Seaside Rotisserie, Nudls, Tamara, The Latin Quarter, Tapas Food Truck, Garden Kitchen, Just Desserts, and Just Ice Cream. Guests order at their table on a tablet and a few minutes late the plates arrive. Pro tip: Stagger your orders or you have appetizers, main courses, and desserts all at once.
Prefer mor traditional dining room experience? NO PROBLEM – Pr1ma has those too. In fact, guests can choose the décor they prefer by eating at either The Hudson or The Commodore Room. Both serve the same menu which features a nice selection of dishes. 95% are remaining the same day by day (this enhances quality and consistency of each dish) while a few daily specials rotate. I was thoroughly impressed with my dinner (documented in images for you).
Finally, if complimentary is not your style, there is a long list of specialty dining (for extra charge) on offer. Among the specialty restaurants are Palomar, a relaxed Mediterranean seafood venue, as well as Hasuki and Nama. Hasuki will be a hibachi-style experience complete with Japanese art and craftsmanship, while Nama will be the ship’s sushi house for refined sushi and sashimi. Classics like Onda by Scarlett’s in Vegas; Cagney’s steakhouse and Los Lobos (Mexican) and Food Republic return as well.
All in all, Pr1ma elevated the culinary game another notch and I was thrilled to hear that a deal was reached with Coca Cola to finally settle the soft drink war. The news shared at an industry panel was met with ravenous applause. in closing, this ship and its upcoming sister Viva are elevating Norwegian’s game and make it fabulous choice for any vacation.
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