Norwegian-Prima Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On January 18, 2026, the cruise ship 'Norwegian Prima' experienced a dramatic incident at Cruise Terminal 5 in Port Canaveral when it broke free from its moorings around 2 p.m. local time. The event was triggered by an unexpected surge of wind, with gusts reaching up to 48 mph and sustained winds between 30-35 mph just before the mishap. As the mooring lines gave way, the vessel drifted away from the pier into the harbor. In response to the emergency, the ship’s bridge crew acted quickly, broadcasting an emergency code to alert personnel and utilizing two tugboats to halt the ship’s movement. Thankfully, the 'Norwegian Prima' was successfully maneuvered back to its dock and secured without incident. Although the embarkation procedures were briefly disrupted, passengers remained safe and were accommodated in the cruise terminal until the vessel was safely reattached to the pier. Notably, this incident did not lead to significant delays, and all travelers scheduled for the week-long Caribbean cruise boarded the ship on time. By 6 p.m., the 'Norwegian Prima' set sail for Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's exclusive island in the Bahamas. The cruise itinerary includes stops at Montego Bay in Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel in Mexico, with a return to Port Canaveral planned for January 25. Authorities, in collaboration with the cruise line, are investigating the situation to identify any contributing factors. For more details and photos, visit: https://www.cruisehive.com/norwegian-prima-drifts-from-dock-after-lines-snap-in-sudden-wind-burst/197640

On October 14, the cruise ship 'Norwegian Prima', while traveling from Cadiz to Barcelona, came across a distressed migrant boat 22 nautical miles south of Cabo de Gata. Swiftly responding to the situation, the ship alerted the Centro de Coordinación de Salvamento Marítimo (CCS) in Almería. In response, the search and rescue vessel 'Guardamar Polimnia' was dispatched to provide assistance. The SAR team successfully transferred the ten individuals aboard the migrant boat, which included two women and two minors, to the port of Almería for further support and care. For more details and photos, visit: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1845793660232728603.

A newly published investigation report from the traffic accident investigation committee sheds light on a harrowing near grounding incident involving the cruise ship 'Norwegian Prima,' which was carrying 4,600 passengers off the island of Viðey on May 26, 2023. The report details how the ship strayed significantly off course during a storm, coming alarmingly close—just 10 meters—from running aground due to the captain's apparent underestimation of the weather conditions. Leaving the Sundahöfn cruise port in Reykjavík, the 'Norwegian Prima' was aided by the tug 'Magni' amid strong southwest winds. The ship's pilot had advised delaying the departure, but the captain opted to proceed as planned. Shortly after departing, as the vessel was maneuvering to turn back to avoid turbulent weather, it encountered ferocious gusts exceeding 50 knots from the west while the captain decided to increase speed. This unfortunate combination of circumstances caused the ship to drift eastwards into dangerous waters as the tug struggled to provide counterforce. There were close calls when the vessel drifted over a buoy, narrowly avoiding a disaster when a chain from the buoy failed to entangle itself in the ship's propeller. As the situation worsened, it became evident that the 'Norwegian Prima' was off its designated course, perilously close to the shallows that would have left less than half a meter of space for the keel. In his first experience sailing into Reykjavik harbor, the captain attempted to correct the course using the ship’s propellers, but ultimately, it was not enough to avert disaster. Following the incident, the tug 'Magni' required repairs, although the cruise ship itself sustained no damage. The investigation report emphasizes preventive measures, recommending that the shipping company undertake a comprehensive evaluation of its risk assessments. Additionally, it advocates for updated communication protocols between tugs and pilots at the Port of Faxaflói, stressing that all communications must be clear, concise, and in English. The report also calls on government officials to enhance pilot authority, enabling them to refuse vessel departures under perilous circumstances. Lastly, it suggests the implementation of risk assessments at all ports frequented by passenger ships. For further details and to view the full report, including photographs, visit: https://www.rnsa.is/media/5200/hs-norwegian-prima-msi-report.pdf

In a remarkable act of compassion, the cruise liner 'Norwegian Prima' turned around mid-journey in the Gulf of Mexico to assist individuals stranded at sea. After departing from Galveston, Texas, on January 26, 2024, the ship's crew spotted a precarious makeshift boat carrying between five to nine people the very next day. The vessel, believed to be crafted from plywood and equipped with a rudimentary sail, had plastic bottles affixed to its sides, presumably used to collect rainwater. Taking immediate action, the 'Norwegian Prima' deployed one of its tenders to rescue the stranded individuals, who were brought aboard for medical care and nourishment. The captain revealed that these individuals had been adrift since December 19, enduring six harrowing weeks without adequate food or water. The rescue mission concluded when the passengers were safely disembarked at the cruise ship's first port of call in Costa Maya, where they were met by awaiting ambulances for further medical support. For additional details, including photo and video coverage, visit: https://maritime-executive.com/article/two-cruise-ship-rescues-after-happening-upon-people-adrift-in-small-boats