CLIMBING aboard the Norwegian Prima, we were making history. At least in our mind. After all, we were among the first passengers on this inaugural cruise from New York to Halifax in Canada, by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Based in Miami, the cruise company is set to launch a series of ships over the next five years.

Whether you’ve seen New York’s iconic skyline by air or on land, there’s nothing like viewing it from the sea. As we coast along the glittering waters after departing the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, the view is surreal. The soaring skyscrapers that you often see in movies are bathed in golden sunlight. No filter whatsoever. The best view is from the Observation Lounge on the top deck, where we get to sip champagne and toast to our floating home for the next few days. There are a host of itineraries to choose from when you cruise with Norwegian Prima or other ships by NCL. For instance, a trip from New York City to Iceland is an 11-day discovery journey from the East Coast of the US towards Halifax, Nova Scotia. The journey continues to Iceland’s Akureyri, Isafjordur and finally its capital Reykjavik. Other trips from New York include a seven-day cruise to Bermuda (return) in April 2023. 

Myriad dining options

With a few days spent at sea, dining options are a priority and Norwegian Prima doesn’t disappoint. Established over 50 years ago, NCL was the first cruise operator to eliminate set dining times for guests. And with both complimentary and speciality choices on offer, you will never go hungry.

Breakfast with a view at Hudsons, where cinnamon French toast, buttermilk pancakes, eggs benedict, or even sirloin steak is served. At lunch time, the sprawling Indulge Food Hall offers an international feast with surprisingly authentic Indian food. A tandoor oven fires up succulent smokey meats. Everything is good here from the fish tikka to the chicken korma and aloo gobi.

For dinner, the casual chic Paloma is the place for freshly shucked oysters, grilled octopus, langoustine and other seafood, paired with fine wines and cocktails. Or splash out at Le Bistro, an elegant French fine-dining restaurant with three dramatic floor-to-ceiling chandeliers.

Shore excursions

After two days of sea-faring, we look forward to docking at Halifax. Join the onshore excursion to visit the public gardens, historic town, or take a scenic drive to Peggy’s Cove, an active lighthouse in Atlantic Canada. If you have the chance, lug back some maple syrup produced in Nova Scotia. The excursion will take several hours. Alternatively, just walk along the tranquil waterfront to soak in the views and fresh air.

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If lobster rolls are your thing, try Bluenose II Restaurant (1824 Hollis St), a Halifax institution since 1964. This classic diner is packed with locals from breakfast, lunch to dinner. Tuck into generously portioned lobster rolls with fries or seafood and steaks. 

For sharing platters and satisfying fresh seafood from Nova Scotia, swing by Waterfront Warehouse (1549 Lower Water St) just by the water. Order rounds of craft beers and more lobster rolls and plump oysters. The nautical décor indoors is warm and welcoming. You can choose to sit outdoors if you’re fine with the cold. 

If you’re a history buff, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to learn more about the history, wreckage, and artefacts of the Titanic- the ‘unsinkable’ ship that sank in 1912 - near Halifax (the ship hit an iceberg 700 nautical miles east of Halifax).

The museum houses a permanent exhibit and tells the story of Halifax’s key role in one of the greatest marine disasters in recorded history. While Titanic’s survivors went to New York, some of those that perished were buried in Halifax. 

Relaxation and entertainment

Come back to the ship in time for a pampering session at The Mandara Spa, where you can take a dip in the pool or pick from a menu of unique sauna sessions. The Mandara is home to a charcoal sauna (the first at sea), influenced by Japanese and Korean wellness practices. It uses a radiant heat system with an outer charcoal layer to reach temperatures between 30 and 50 deg C. The heat is said to help boost circulation and metabolism and remove toxins from the body. There’s also an Infrared Sauna that utilises lamps to directly warm the body to promote relaxation, detoxification, better sleep, and other benefits.

There’s plenty of entertainment on board too, from a go-kart race track for adrenaline junkies to musicals (think Summer: The Donna Summer Musical ) and lively comedy acts. It doesn’t end there. When the evening’s performance is over, the theatre seats retract to create a huge dance floor for you to boogie the night away.

If it feels like there’s so much to do, that’s the whole point. After all, you may be cruising to a final destination, but getting there is all part of the fun. 

For more information about Norwegian Prima, visit https://www.ncl.com/