Travel blog

Wining and Dining on NCL's Norwegian Prima

For some of us, travel is as much about the food as anything else. I’ll happily admit that I’m one of those people. Checking out photos of the hotel breakfast before I go? Check. Googling the best pesto pasta in Genoa? Double check.

2min read

Published 26 October 2023

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

Norwegian Prima takes freestyle cruising seriously. And when that comes to eating and drinking, it means you can forgo the traditional experience of set dining times and buffets, if you so choose (though I do recommend trying out the surfside buffet during your stay!).

The food options onboard the Prima far surpassed the offerings I’ve experienced at even luxury resorts in Mauritius and the Maldives. So much so that I’ve even found myself questioning whether I should grab lunch on shore or just wait until I can sink my teeth into a Reuben sandwich and frozen rosé (Frosé) wine slushies. Yes, really – we’re getting to that part.

Here's the deal on what and where you can eat and drink, and my top picks from the Prima:

1. Indulge Food Hall

Think artisan food market, but with iPads. Indulge was one of my favourite spots for a quick lunch or dinner. When the overwhelm takes over and you’re not sure what you feel like eating, browsing the menu from multiple different venues is the way to go. I like to mix and match, so tried everything from Indonesian noodles to BBQ beef brisket…. sometimes in the same meal. There’s no limit on how many different dishes you can order, so it’s also a great place to visit with friends or family when you can share tastes of each other’s meals.

One thing that stood out time and time again was how quickly the food arrived, regardless of what or how much you ordered. While you’re there, make sure to try the Pad Thai, any of the noodle broths, the made-to-order naan bread, and a classic American smokehouse-style pulled pork sandwich with a side of pickles. The salads are exceptionally good too, if you’re craving some vegetables.

2. The Local Bar and Grill

One of my favourite spots on the entire ship was The Local. Call me simple, but it ticked all the boxes. Great comfy seating, a big TV for tennis and rugby, quick bar service, and fantastic bar food. At the café side you can have a wider variety of meals, including the Reuben sandwich, pub-style fish and chips or a smashburger. On the bar side, you’ll have options for snacks like nachos, wings, and dips.

Pro tip: the buffalo wings are next-level good. If you’re having a drink at The Local, order a portion whether you’re hungry or not.

3. Hudson’s

Hudson’s is the main dining room onboard Norwegian Prima and offers a standard menu as well as some changing daily dishes. It’s elevated bistro-style, with options like seafood pasta, steak, salads, and more.

Truthfully, I assumed anywhere with white tablecloths and floor-to-ceiling windows with a sea view would be at a surcharge, but you can eat here for free at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Book a table or be prepared for a little bit of a wait around dinner time. It’s worth it! Try to swing by during dusk for amazing sunsets and watercolour-painting skies.

4. The Metropolitan

Moving away from food for just a second, it’s time to talk about drinks. More specifically, it’s time to talk about cocktails. Though there’s an extensive wine and spirits list at The Metropolitan, it’s also my cocktail venue of choice. Take a seat during the trivia or live music and flip through their choices of sustainably-made cocktails featuring low-waste ingredients and responsible practices in crafting your drinks. My personal favourite was the croissant Mai Tai, but some of our group may have indulged in a few too many of the famous bananrum-ble too.

5. Syd Norman’s Pour House

If craft breweries and vibey pubs are your choice of watering hole, Syd Norman’s will be right up your street. With live music, speciality cocktails, plenty of beers to choose from, and an aesthetic that screams 80s rock’n’roll, you can settle in for the night and enjoy. And if you do fancy a change of music (unlikely!), you can always pop directly across the hall to Improv at Sea and watch the karaoke. Or join in, if you’re that type of cruiser!

Speciality Dining

On top of the ‘eat what you want’ complimentary options, you can also dine at speciality restaurants for a surcharge or include some meals in your package when you book. When I say you’ll be hard-pressed to make a choice, believe me! From fine French cuisine to Japanese dinner and a show, there’s something for most palates.

For those who appreciate Italian cuisine, Onda by Scarpetta is a must-visit. The restaurant offers a modern twist on classic Italian dishes. Go for house-made pasta and classic tomato and basil sauce, choose seafood, or try creamy polenta. It’s classic Italian, done well. Add in an extensive wine list featuring a range of Italian wines, and Onda sets the stage for a memorable Italian culinary experience. On par with Italian port restaurants? Absolutely. When it comes to pasta, the Prima isn’t messing around. Even NCL Prima’s Captain Kevin agrees, and says that Onda does some of the best pasta he’s tried.

South Africans love their steak, there’s no doubt about it. And after watching the Bokke fight their way past France, we were in the mood for a taste of home. Cagney’s is an elegant steakhouse offering certified Angus beef, as well as select seafood and meat dishes. I had to try the filet mignon, cooked to a perfect medium rare and served with parmesan-coated truffle fries. For dessert, go for the caramel-butterscotch cheesecake, and remember that onboard, calories don’t count.

A Special Mention for the Frosé

I never thought I’d say I was a rosé kind of girl, but if you find yourself onboard Norwegian Prima, do not set foot off that ship without trying the frozen rosé slush at Waves bar next to the pool on deck 17. It’s impossible to have only one.

If you’re a traveller who doesn’t like to sacrifice good food when you’re exploring, the Prima will keep you full and content. Throw in their a strong commitment to sustainability in its culinary and beverage offerings, and all I can say is…bon voyage and bon appétit!

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