Posted on 27-Mar-2026 by Shruti Verma, Contributing Writer
When it comes to affordable family cruises with premium experiences, the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is one of the most popular choices. With a fleet that includes 9 classes of ships, there’s something for everyone. One of their most recent additions is the Prima Class and Prima Class Plus ships. The Prima Class is made up of the Norwegian Prima & Norwegian Viva. The fleet’s latest addition, the Norwegian Aqua, is the first Prima Class Plus ship. The Norwegian Luna will be the second ship in this class.
If you’re thinking of a cruise on these ships, here are a few things you should know.
About the Prima and Prima Plus Ships
The Prima Class and Prima Plus class ships focus on delivering an intimate, upscale cruising experience. That said, the Prima Plus class ships are a larger, upgraded version of the Norwegian Prima & Norwegian Viva. Not only can they accommodate more passengers, they also offer larger public areas. In terms of accommodations, you can expect similar, luxurious cabins with slightly larger balconies and bathrooms.
The new attractions are the main differentiator. The Prima Plus class ships replace the 3-level go-kart track with the Aqua Slidecoaster. This one-of-a-kind ride combines the experience of being on a roller coaster and a waterslide. In addition, the Prima Plus class ships also feature additional dining venues, entertainment spaces, and enhanced recreational facilities.
Norwegian Prima vs Norwegian Viva vs Norwegian Aqua – It’s All About Destinations
Choosing between the Norwegian Prima, the Norwegian Viva and the Norwegian Aqua comes down largely to where you want to go. The Norwegian Prima sails to the Caribbean, Dominican Republic and Mexico. Their 7-night Caribbean cruise from Orlando to Great Stirrup Cay, Montego Bay, George Town and Cozumel is a popular pick.
On the other hand, the Norwegian Viva focuses on longer Mediterranean cruises and holidays around the Greek Isles. If you enjoy history, the 9-night Greek Isle Voyage might be your ideal Europe cruise holiday.
The Norwegian Aqua will spend 2026 sailing to Bermuda from New York City and to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral and Miami. The 7-night cruise from New York with overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard is one of the most popular ways to explore Bermuda’s colourful marine life.
Entertainment & Activities - What to Do on Your Cruise
The Norwegian Prima & Prima Plus class ships spoil you with unending choices for onboard entertainment.
The ships feature several pools and hot tubs, including the Ocean Boulevard's Infinity Beach. There’s also a serene sun deck and the insta-worthy Oceanwalk – the Norwegian Cruise Line’s first glass bridge. The kids’ Aqua Park is sure to be your little one’s favourite spot. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, take a ride on the Drop. This high-speed slide is amongst the fastest slides at sea. And as the sun sets, walk into the 3-storey Theatre for live entertainment or shake a leg at the ship’s nightclub.
And then there are the exclusive Prima and Prima Plus attractions. If you’re looking for an adrenaline kick on the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, go for a ride on the Prima/ Viva Speedway. This 3-level go-karting track offers a truly unique experience. The Norwegian Aqua takes the thrill factor up a notch with its Aqua slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid waterslide and roller coaster at sea.
The Norwegian Prima & Prima Plus - An Epicurean’s Delight
The Norwegian Prima and Prima Plus class ships offer multiple complimentary dining venues and specialty restaurants. You can feast at the Surfside Café & Grill buffet, savour global flavours at the Indulge Food Hall or enjoy a meal with a view at Hudson’s, the main dining room. The menus have everything from fish n’ chips to hotdogs, milkshakes, and cheesecakes and all of these meals are included in your cruise package.
Dining at the specialty restaurants on these ships can make your cruise even more memorable. You can walk into a steakhouse or enjoy a meal at Pan-Asian, Japanese, French, Mexican, Italian, or Mediterranean restaurants. That’s not all, there are multiple bars and lounges spread across the decks so you’re never too far from a good cocktail. Cagney's Steakhouse, Onda by Scarpetta and Le Bistro are hot favourites on all three ships. The Norwegian Aqua also features Sukhothai, the cruise line’s first Thai restaurant at sea, and Planterie, a plant-based food station.
Looking for Exclusivity – Check Out The Haven
The Haven is an exclusive, keycard-accessed enclave for guests seeking a more exclusive experience. While this “ship-within-a-ship” suite complex is available on several NCL ships, the largest and most luxurious Haven complexes are on the newer Prima and Prima Plus ships.
Spread across multiple decks, The Haven includes 8 suite categories, a private sundeck, a pool, and specialty dining and lounge venues. All Haven cruise deals include priority embarkation and debarkation, as well as butler and concierge service. Guests can also enjoy Wi-Fi, a premium drink package, and special seats at the theater.
Accommodation - There's Something for Every Cruiser
Guests can choose from many different types of staterooms on NCL Prima and Prima Plus class ships. The ships cater to accommodation arrangements for solo voyagers as well as a group of friends or families travelling together. Based on their location, the staterooms can be broadly classified as inside, ocean-view, and balcony staterooms.
Solo voyagers do not have to be concerned with paying single supplement fees. Instead, they can book a studio or a solo stateroom. The studios have a full-sized bed, while the solo staterooms have a queen-sized bed.
A stateroom for 2 is ideal if you’re traveling with a partner. These staterooms are designed with two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed. The ocean view and balcony options also have a sitting area. If you’re looking for more space, the family-sized staterooms have beds in varied configurations to accommodate up to 4 guests. Some balcony and ocean-view staterooms can also be inter-connected.
The Club Balcony Suites take the overall experience up a notch with more private space for guests. These spacious staterooms can accommodate 2-4 guests and multiple suites may be interconnected.
Situated at the top of the ship, the Haven suites can accommodate 2-8 guests. Some are designed as studio-style suites, while others include a separate bedroom and living area. The largest suites feature two or even three bedrooms. A few suites also offer a private balcony with a hot tub. It is one of the most luxurious ways to cruise.
Getting the Best Cruise Deals
The Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Aqua sail on exciting voyages throughout the year. Whether you’re looking at Caribbean or Mediterranean cruises, the CruiseBay team can help you plan the ideal holiday. We’ll help you sift through the accommodation options to choose the best one, pick shore excursions, navigate the visa & insurance paperwork, and more. We’ll even help plan flights to and from the end ports – it’s the smoothest way to plan a cruise! Connect with us today.
FAQs
What ships are part of the NCL Prima class?
The NCL Prima class is made up of the Norwegian Prima and the Norwegian Viva.
Which is the latest NCL ship?
The Norwegian Luna is the latest ship to join the NCL fleet. It will be the second Prima Plus class ship, Norwegian Aqua being the first.
Do the NCL ships have a nightclub?
Yes, all the NCL Prima and Prima Plus class ships have a nightclub.
