When I visited Las Vegas for the reveal of Katy Perry as godmother of the new Norwegian Prima from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), we also previewed the upcoming ship’s dining with a visit to the sublime Scarpetta Italian restaurant, found in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Since Onda by Scarpetta will be reprised onboard Prima, it was a delight to revisit favorite dishes shoreside — including the mouthwatering beef carpaccio and refreshing burrata and tomatoes — as well as discover incredible new pastas, such as Sorrento-style scialatelli with Dungeness crab and sea urchin. And the prime filet of beef and Amedei chocolate cake were equally to die for.
Simply put, guests onboard Prima are in for a treat.
Norwegian Prima’s Dining and Bars
But Onda will be just one of many culinary experiences recently previewed and coming to the new vessel and its Norwegian Viva sister ship. The new ship will also feature nine new restaurant and bar concepts.
"We’ve been innovators in the food and beverage space for more than three decades, becoming the first cruise line to offer specialty dining and the first to introduce our ‘Freestyle Cruising’ concept that allows our guests to vacation their way by giving them the choice to decide when and where they dine," said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of NCL, in a press release. "Our latest food and beverage offerings take our Norwegian Prima food and beverage experience to another level, one that travels well beyond the guest expectation to provide elevated gastronomical experiences featuring sophisticated design, masterful mixology and cuisine that delivers full-throttle flavor.”
A pair of main dining rooms — Hudson’s and The Commodore Room — will once again set the scene with 270-degree vistas overlooking the ship's stern. They will transform from a daily rotating menu to a fixed selection featuring international favorites, a build-your-own-pasta option for more than 24 meal combinations and specialties available from the ship’s signature specialty restaurants. Surfside Cafe and Surfside Grill will also provide self-serve casual dining and a la minute dishes on deck 17.
We’ve been innovators in the food and beverage space for more than three decades, becoming the first cruise line to offer specialty dining and the first to introduce our ‘Freestyle Cruising’ concept.
Among the specialty restaurants heading to Prima 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. Nama will feature a marble sushi bar and orange ambient illumination reminiscent of masago coloring.
As for watering holes, Metropolitan Bar will be an environmentally friendly cocktail and wine bar in collaboration with Gerard Bertrand, the 2020 recipient of a Green Award from "The Drinks Business." The bar will offer sustainable spirits and biodynamic vintages. The Belvedere Bar will be another cocktail lounge offering a contemporary spin on classic drinks.
Also along for the ride will be the previously announced and returning favorites Indulge Food Hall (showcasing 11 individual eateries), Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro, Los Lobos, The Local Bar & Grill, Vibe Beach Club, Waves Pool Bar, Prima Speedway Bar and, of course, Onda by Scarpetta.
Norwegian Prima’s inaugural season will head to Northern Europe from Southampton, England; Amsterdam; and Reykjavik, starting on Aug. 12; followed by Bermuda from New York City beginning on Oct. 6 and the Caribbean from Galveston, Texas, and Miami, starting Oct. 27.
The Details
Norwegian Cruise Line
