Wining and Dining on NCL's Norwegian Prima

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!