The Ultimate Beverage Guide to Norwegian Prima’s 6 New Drink Destinations

Those who have sailed every Norwegian Cruise Line fleet ship will find new elements to enjoy on its latest vessel, the Norwegian Prima. When it comes to Norwegian Prima bars, you’ll see plenty of longtime favorites, but guests will also find several new-to-Norwegian spaces and concepts worth checking out.

What does each bar offer? Read on for a taste!

1. Metropolitan

I was eager to see what Metropolitan offered as part of the Sail & Sustain initiative. I already knew these concoctions used various “leftover” ingredients from food served at other venues around the ship. For example, the peels of a banana can be used to create a syrup, or the pineapple’s crown can be used as a garnish.

One day, I grabbed a seat at this popular bar and perused a tablet describing all the sustainable cocktails in detail. With various choices, I couldn’t choose. So I asked another patron what he had tried, and he recommended the Primadonna. I was surprised to see the ingredients, which include Flor de Caña ECO rum, homemade banana peel syrup, walnut bitters, and orange peel.

I wasn’t a fan of the actual space in which the Metropolitan exists. While it’s modern, the crisp lines and color scheme had an upscale doctor’s office vibe. However, I enjoyed the design of these sustainable cocktails, which I tried!

It’s also probably worth mentioning that the sustainable elements aren’t plucked out of a garbage can. Instead, they come directly from the fresh fruit or vegetable they are a part of and then processed.

Two favorites were the Croissant Mai Tai and Café Replay. The Mai Tai mixes rum, Cointreau, lime juice, croissant syrup, and cardamom for a refreshing beverage. Café Replay, meanwhile, is made from used coffee grounds transformed into a cordial and mixed with vodka, Frangelico, bitters, and pineapple juice.

2. Belvedere

Next on our tour of Norwegian Prima bars is Belvedere, where gin is the star of the show. ‘66 by Norwegian organic gin is featured in several cocktails. Some offerings are bottled drinks, served in an attractive small bottle with an artistic tag.

Of course, I had to try one with the gin — and a few others — just for good measure. My gin-based drink contained gin, along with Chambord, fresh lime juice, and basil syrup.

Another bottled drink, called the Bourbon Myth, features bourbon, fresh lemon juice, rosemary honey syrup, and ginger. The good news is there specialty drinks are included in the beverage package, costing less than the $15 maximum.

In addition to cocktails, Belvedere offers wines that can be included in the beverage package and some premium wines that exceed the allotted price.

Belvedere is much more intimate than Metropolitan, although it can be a crowded area, as it is used as a cut-through to access some restaurants. Despite the difference, Belvedere and Metropolitan are popular drink destinations aboard the cruise ship.

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3. Soleil Bar

With its perfect setting on the aft deck, Soleil Bar includes another Norwegian drink specialty, also known as ‘66 by Norwegian. Brewed by Terrapin Brewery in Georgia, this golden ale combines yuzu and mango.

As its name implies, Soleil is on the sunny exterior of the ship, just outside and behind the Indulge Food Hall. With seating at the bar and plenty of seating options on the deck, it’s a great place to enjoy refreshments. And because it is located outside, drinks are served in plant-based glasses rather than glass.

4. Luna

Luna is just on the other side of the wall from Soleil but inside the Indulge Food Hall area. Not only do Luna and Soleil share a wall, but they also share a menu. Here at Luna, the menu features a drink of the day from the Sail & Sustain offerings, which usually cost $12.

What I found impressive about Luna and Soleil, as well as the aforementioned bars, is the knowledge of the bartenders, who knew the process of how these drinks were made and what made them sustainable.

For my drink, I ordered a Watermelon Twist, which included tequila, lime juice, watermelon rind cordial, and homemade chili liqueur with a spicy salt rim. The bartender explained the process of using the rind to create the cordial.

5. Prima Speedway Bar

The Prima Speedway Bar is located on the 18th deck near the entrance to the Prima Speedway and Tee Time mini-golf, The Bull’s Eye dart lounges, and the Stadium complex. This bar has limited hours, so it’s suggested to check the Freestyle Daily for opening times.

It’s definitely the place to celebrate your winning game or race time. Options at Prima Speedway Bar include frozen cocktails by Kelvin Slush Company. Beer, seltzers, and the sustainable drinks of the day are also served here.

Fans of the Prima Speedway might be interested in the souvenir cup. Who wouldn’t want a Prima tire cup to take home?

6. Whiskey Bar

Another bar to note is the famous Whiskey Bar on Deck 8 on the way to the theater. This bar bustled with activity most of the evenings.

What’s more, the bartenders are knowledgeable about the specialty whiskeys they serve. Here, you can even sample some of the extra special whiskeys.

Final Thoughts

With the many beverage options on Norwegian Prima, it would take many sailings to try the various drinks offered. This makes discovering all that is new a worthwhile adventure.

Photos by Theresa Russell

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