Prime Meridian 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.

Prime Meridian Bar Review: Nautical Theme, Standard Drinks

Introduction. Prime Meridian Bar is a cocktail bar found on select Norwegian ships, typically positioned on the Waterfront or promenade deck. The nautical-themed bar serves the standard NCL drink menu with an emphasis on being an outdoor or semi-outdoor drinking spot. Drinks are standard pricing or covered by the beverage package.

Drinks & Service

Standard NCL bar card served al fresco. The Dark and Stormy (dark rum, ginger beer, lime) is the unofficial house drink — it pairs perfectly with the ocean breeze. Frozen cocktails are popular on warm-weather itineraries. Draft beer is cold and reliable. The Aperol Spritz is a surprisingly good choice here — the bitterness cuts through the salt air. Wine by the glass is the standard Mondavi list but feels better outdoors. No venue-specific cocktails, though the bartenders will muddle fresh fruit on request when the bar isn't slammed.

Service

Bartenders are friendly and the pace is relaxed — this is a stop-by bar rather than a destination. Service is quick, especially during off-peak hours. During embarkation and sail-away, it can get busy. The outdoor positioning means you're getting ocean breeze with your drink, which is a nice touch.

Atmosphere

The Waterfront location is everything. Open air, ocean at arm's reach, the sound of waves, and a salt-tinged breeze. On warm evenings, this is the best bar on the ship — not for the drinks, but for the setting. Nautical brass accents, teak-style decking, and rope details create an authentic seafaring feel. The bar stools face the ocean, which is the correct design choice. Sunset here is spectacular. During port days when the ship is docked, you're watching the harbor activity. In rough seas, this bar closes — it's genuinely outdoor and at the mercy of weather. The energy is relaxed and contemplative, never rowdy.

Conclusion

Rating: 3.5/5. Prime Meridian Bar benefits enormously from its Waterfront location — ocean-side drinks at sunset are hard to beat. The standard drink menu is the only thing holding it back from being a true standout. Tip: Grab a spot at sunset with a Dark and Stormy — the combination of the ocean breeze, the view, and a spicy ginger cocktail is one of the best free experiences on the ship (well, the drink isn't free, but the setting is).

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