Cruise review: Restaurants, bars, and lounges on Norwegian Prima

Norwegian Prima class ships have some new ideas about dining, and it really sets them apart.

Norwegian Cruise Lines Prima Class ships (Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Aqua) are designed to be an elegant resort holiday. We boarded the inaugural sailing of Prima and then spent seven nights on board Viva to unravel the difference the Prima Class restaurants and bars bring the cruising traveller.

To read our overall impressions, take a look at our Norwegian Prima review and Norwegian Viva review, and read on for a full breakdown of Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva‘s complimentary and specialty dining.

Norwegian Prima complimentary dining

The Local Bar and Grill

They nailed the brief – it is a typical unfussy neighbourhood-style bar and eatery. The Local and the Indulge Food Hall were our favourites of the complimentary eateries. The classic American menu is perfect for lunch or an easy dinner (think burgers, dogs, cobb salad). The Reubens are the best at sea bar none.

Enjoy frozen cocktails at Norwegian Prima‘s The Local Bar & Grill.

Indulge Food Hall – Deck 8

The Indulge Food Hall is unusual. A bit like a Singaporean Hawker stand but eleven different cuisines from around the world with something like 77 different options. The food trucks and stalls serve up a multitude of dishes: Indian tikka from the tandoor at Tamara, pad thai or pasta from Nudls, pulled pork burgers from the Q Texas BBQ, nachos from the Latin Quarter (housed in a mini airstream food truck) and charcuterie from the Tapas food truck.

Ordering is simple. Select your items on an iPad at a table, and in about two minutes it will be delivered to your table. You don’t need to move or order through an attendant. Make a note to explore the Soleil bar at the rear of the food hall as it is the pick of the alfresco bars in our opinion.

Nachos, guacamole or Tostados from the Latin Quarter food truck at the Indulge Food Hall.

Hudson’s – Deck 7

An incredible space with banquettes for intimate tête-à-têtes or round tables for larger travelling parties. Classic dining rooms have a seven-day ever-changing menu. On board Norwegian Prima and Viva, the menu is the same every day – however, there are enough choices that you would be hard-pressed to get through the entire menu on a seven-day voyage. Think classic starters like Coconut shrimp and mini crab cakes (our recommendation), a design your own pasta or “entrees” (remember these are mains in the US) of steaks, beef wellington, shrimp creole or rotisserie chicken.

The Hudson decor and 360-degree views are fresh with bright white and aqua furnishing. The complimentary restaurant is a great place for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Admire 270-degree views from floor to ceiling while indulging in specialty dishes at Hudson’s.

Surfside Cafe & Grill

The buffet, by any other name – there are no surprises here. Located where all buffets are found, on the top deck near the main pool, we couldn’t justify eating here when there was the Indulge Food Hall. It is also a little small for this size ship.

Surfside Cafe Grill serves a complimentary buffet.

The Commodore Room – Deck 6

We did not have the opportunity to sample the Commodore room on our visit. It is a less upmarket main dining room option to Hudson.

Elegant dining set-up at The Commodore Room.

Norwegian Prima specialty dining

Across two sailings, one on Norwegian Prima and one on Norwegian Viva we have yet to try all of them (some twice). We have listed the specialty dining on board Prima Class ships in order of our personal preference.

1. Los Lobos – Deck 8

This is a lively space for a Tex Mes feast. The guac made at the table is always a winner and we love great fajitas, all washed down with a few classic margs. We are coming back to try the Cochinita Pibil (slow braised pork in bitter orange served on shredded banana leaf) next time.

Los Lobos serves traditional Mexican food with a twist.

2. Le Bistro – Deck 7

Snail, tartare, crab roulette, goat’s cheese croquettes, coq au vin and de boeuf… there is nothing that is not classic French on the menu. The steak tartare on board Prima and Viva was executed brilliantly both times. On board Prima the fruits de mer was similarly excellent. On board Viva the Carré D’Agneau Rôti Et Souris D’Agneau Aux Saveurs Marocaines Viva (lamb chops and shank meat in Moroccan spices) was a classic French heavy main.

The accompanying wine list was a good mix of American, European and South American whites with a more extensive list of quality reds.

Le Bistro is a must if you’re planning a romantic dinner.

3. Cagney’s Steakhouse – Deck 6

The Norwegian Cruise Line signature steakhouse available on all ships in the fleet does exactly what it says on the tin, classic all-American steak house. Start with a lobster bisque, wedge salad or jumbo shrimp. Choose from the classic steak options; rib eye, filet mignon, petite fillet mignon and New York strip. Two lovely touches at Cagney’s. Once you have ordered meat of choice, the waiter appears and offers you a selection of steak knives to use.

The wine list comes on an iPad with full a description, tasting notes and the ability to compare several wines and even have them emailed to you for further exploration at home.

Satisfy your steak cravings at Cagney’s Steakhouse.

4. Onda by Scarpetta – Deck 8

The speciality fine dining restaurant’s menu is mostly Italian classics – think burrata, carpaccio, crudo, pizza and every kind of pasta. But the protein-heavy secondi are not particularly Italian, except perhaps the veal Milanese.

Onboard Norwegian Prima we could have had several helpings of the tagliatelle with lobster, tomato, spring onions and spicy bread crumbs but were disappointed to be off the menu on Norwegian Viva. The scialatielli with shrimp, clams, mussels and calamari in white wine garlic sauce was a great alternative option.

Dine modern Italian dishes at Onda by Scarpetta.

5. Nama Sushi and Sashimi – Deck 7

Yes, the sushi and sashimi are as you would expect. But Nama also offers hot and cold fusion Japanese dishes like tuna pizza (tuna on a tortilla), tempura and karaage. Sushi rolls US$7-$16, sashimi US$11-$12

Norwegian Prima‘s contemporary sushi house. (Image: Steve Millay)

6. Palomar

A seafood-focused Mediterranean restaurant, Palomar was creating a buzz with other cruises – claiming to be the best dining option on board. Starters from US$8-$19 and mains from US$32-$45

Dine seafood dishes at Palomar for an epic evening.

7. Food Republic

Food Republic is relaxed global street food in one spot. The eclectic dining option include sushi, schnitzel, nachos, dumplings, pad thai and Peruvian beef skewers.  A la Carte, but as a guide, pad thai is US$19.

Norwegian Prima’s Food Republic is designed with a minimalistic dining interior.

8. Hasuki – Deck 7

Japanese teppanyaki in a beautiful setting.  $US49 pp.

Hasuki serves athentic Japanese cuisine.

Norwegian Prima bars

There are a number of fantastic bars and lounges on Norwegian Prima. We have listed them in order of our favourites.

1. The Local – Deck 8

Cool and chic interior at The Local.

As stated earlier, this is our pick for a relaxed post-shore trip drink and nibble or for watching your favourite sporting matches. Classic bar eats like wings and burgers are on offer.

2. Syd Norman’s Pour House – Deck 7

This is a great performance space for contemporary music and where the Rumours show is held. If you recognise Go Your Own Way and Never Going Back Again then make a point of seeing the show. But it is popular so my advice is to line up 40 minutes before showtime.

3. Improv at Sea – Deck 7

As the name suggests the comedy performance space also doubles as a nightclub and party bar. Keep an eye on the daily schedule and you will find a party to relive your youth.

4. Soleil Bar – Deck 8

As the name suggests, Soleil is the sun in Spanish. This is the bar for sunset drinks. Find it tucked behind the Indulge Food Hall. Take a seat in the alfresco seating or lounges and enjoy the wake view as the sunsets with your favourite drink.

5. Observation Lounge – Deck 17

The library-like lounge at the stern of Deck 17 this is a retreat into quiet time. During the day there is coffee and snacks to be had while relaxing with a book on the comfy lounges.

Towards the evening the bar opens up and is again a quiet space for a drink and nibble without the buzz of the rest of the public spaces.

6. The Metropolitan – Deck 7

The Metropolitan is a sustainable bar where Norwegian has made an effort to reuse and repurpose organic waste into the basis of cocktails. Take for example the Primadonna cocktail which takes banana skins and combines them with sugar and cinnamon to create a banana syrup which is then combined with walnut bitters and Fleur de Cana Eco Rum. Other such innovations include the Watermelon twist which turns watermelon skin into a syrup, and the Croissant Mai Tai which transforms stale almond croissants into an orgeat.

The Metropolitan is Norwegian Prima‘s first-ever sustainably-focused bar.

7. Belvedere Bar – Deck 6

Probably the most intimate and moody bar, this is the place for a pre or post-dinner drink without the crowds or noise.

8. Prima Speedway Bar – Deck 18

Tucked under the go-kart track with great views of the wake, the bar is one of the least visited and can be a great quiet place when the ship is busy.

9. Penrose Bar – Deck 6

Tucked into the bottom deck of the atrium the Penrose Bar is very Vegas with pokies imbedded in the bar.

10. Whiskey Bar – Deck 7

The Whiskey Bar offers great after-dinner nightcap whiskey if the Belvedere Bar is a little busy or too moody. During the day the Whiskey Bar is a great place to have your coffee from Starbucks below.

11. Vibe Beach Club – Deck 17

Finally, there is the adults-only Vibe Beach Club bar which forms part of the exclusive Vibe Beach Club and commands a US$249 for a week’s access. As the name suggests, it has a beach club vibe with alfresco lounges and banquettes.

Two plunge pools, a bar and plenty of sun loungers at the Vibe Beach Club.