Pincho Tapas Bar

The Logbook — Real Guest Soundings

Depth Sounding: This is a composite account from multiple guest experiences, edited to our venue standards for clarity. Individual sailings vary by ship, itinerary, and crew.

Pincho Tapas Bar Review: Small Plates, Big Flavors

Introduction. Pincho Tapas Bar serves Spanish-inspired small plates on select Norwegian ships. It's positioned as a tapas experience — order several small dishes to share, paired with Spanish wines and cocktails. There's typically a surcharge per plate ($5-9 each) or it may be covered by dining credits. It's a fun, flexible dining option that works for both snacks and full meals.

Food & Drinks

The Patatas Bravas are the essential order — crispy potatoes with a smoky paprika aioli and spicy tomato sauce that has genuine depth. The Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) sizzle in olive oil with chili flakes and are meant to be mopped up with bread. The Jamon Iberico (when available) is thinly sliced and nutty — proper cured ham. The Croquetas de Jamon are crispy on the outside, molten bechamel and ham inside — addictive. Where it falls short: the Tortilla Espanola (Spanish omelet) arrives lukewarm and lacks the custardy center of the real thing. The Chorizo is sometimes overcooked and dry. The portions on some plates are small even for tapas — the Gambas give you 4-5 shrimp, which feels light at $7-8 per plate. The total bill adds up fast if you're hungry.

Service

Service is casual and the staff understand the sharing format. They'll suggest how many plates to order (typically 3-4 per person for a full meal) and stagger the delivery so you're not overwhelmed. Wine recommendations lean Spanish — Rioja, Albarino, Cava — and are well-matched. The pace is convivial and meant for lingering. Most visits last 60-75 minutes.

Atmosphere

The space is warm and inviting — Spanish tile, warm wood, ambient lighting. It feels like a tapas bar in Barcelona's Born district, which is the point. Seating is a mix of small tables and bar-style counters. The energy is social and lively — this is a sharing-and-talking venue. Music is Spanish guitar or flamenco-influenced playlists. It's one of the more distinctive dining spaces on Prima class ships.

Conclusion

Rating: 3.8/5. Pincho Tapas Bar delivers an authentic tapas experience with genuine highlights — the Patatas Bravas, Gambas, and Croquetas are all worth ordering. It loses points for the small portions relative to price, the lukewarm Tortilla, and the bill shock when ordering for a full meal. Tip: Share 8-10 plates between two people — that's the sweet spot for variety without overspending. Start with the Bravas and Croquetas, and pair with a glass of Rioja.

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