As a family that loves to travel, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to head to Europe when we realized the kids had a full fall break and no activities scheduled. And what better way to experience Europe for the first time than by cruise — one suitcase, no daily hotel changes, and built-in meals. We booked a 12-day sailing on the Norwegian Prima, cruising from London to Barcelona, and stayed in a 2-bedroom Haven suite. It was an unforgettable adventure — with a few lessons learned along the way.
✈️ The Journey Begins: Flying to London
We booked the cruise pretty last-minute, which meant we scored a great deal on the itinerary, but the flights were pricey — so we didn’t upgrade our seats. We took a nonstop red-eye from Phoenix to London, and while convenient, it was definitely a rough start after an overnight in economy.
🏨 24 Hours in London
With only one day in London before embarkation, we knew we had to make the most of our time. We stayed at the St. Ermin’s Hotel, which was a perfect home base — central, charming, and within walking distance to many major sites.
We opted to take a cab instead of the Tube, which ended up taking a long time due to London traffic. Lesson learned for next time!
🚢 Embarkation & First Impressions of the Norwegian Prima
The cruise port was a couple of hours from London, so we arranged a private car transfer. Embarkation was a breeze — even outside of the Haven priority line, the terminal was nearly empty. We quickly learned that the ship wasn’t full, which made for a relaxed and enjoyable voyage.
This was our first time on the Norwegian Prima, and while it’s a gorgeous ship, it definitely had a different vibe and layout than previous NCL cruises. The Haven area was much larger and more open, which made it feel less exclusive than other ships like the Escape.
🛌 Our Haven 2-Bedroom Suite
For our family of four, the 2-bedroom Haven suite worked beautifully. The kids alternated between the pull-out couch and the second bedroom, and having two bathrooms made a world of difference.
That said, the room had limited storage space, and the main bathroom didn’t have a proper vanity or counter for getting ready — something I missed compared to previous ships. But overall, it was a comfortable and luxurious setup.
🎡 Life Onboard & Activities
Since the ship wasn’t crowded, our kids had free reign to explore. While there weren’t many other children onboard, there were still plenty of activities for them to enjoy.
We loved the relaxed pace, friendly service, and the beautiful design of the ship — it felt elevated, modern, and very clean.
🌍 The Itinerary: France, Portugal & Spain
This cruise stopped at:
- Two ports in France, including one where we took a 3-hour journey into Paris so our daughter could finally see the Eiffel Tower. It was magical for her — but we all agreed we wouldn’t make that long excursion again during a short port stop.
- One port in Portugal (it was supposed to be two, but one was canceled).
- The rest of the cruise focused on various cities in Spain, which absolutely stole our hearts.
Cruising was the perfect way to get a taste of Europe. We now have a clear idea of which cities we’d love to revisit — and which ones we can skip next time.
🍽️ Why Cruising Was Perfect for Our First Time in Europe
The best part of cruising with kids? No unpacking and repacking. We could explore by day, eat onboard at night, and let the kids roam safely on the ship while we enjoyed the occasional cocktail or show.
Food was never a concern, and having the same bed each night made the whole experience less stressful and more fun.
🧳 Final Thoughts & Tips
This trip was an incredible introduction to Europe — and it gave us the confidence to plan more international adventures. The architecture, the history, the culture — it’s all even more magical in person.
📝 If You’re Planning Something Similar:
- Book flights early if possible — red-eyes in economy are no joke.
- Skip far-off excursions (like Paris) unless you have an overnight.
- If cruising, pack light, bring power strips, and prioritize comfort over quantity when it comes to activities.
- The Haven suites are worth it — especially for families.
We can’t wait to go back and explore more of Europe in depth next time. But for a first taste? This cruise was just right.
