ABOARD THE NORWEGIAN LUNA -- The 18th and 19th decks of Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship are a maze of enticing entertainment options.
Turn one way and you're in Luna Midway, a mini version of a state fair with carnival games. Just past it is the Moon Climber obstacle course, then a mini golf course, then a table games area and then the marquee attraction, the Aqua Slidecoaster.
The well-laid-out venues encapsulate one way the Prima Plus ship class shines: it provides something for a guest of any age, and that "something" doesn't feel like it's competing for space or bumping up against another venue.
Though there are few children on this sailing, many would happily spend hours on Decks 18 and 19. That area feels completely removed from the pool just down the stairs on Deck 17.
With a ship of this size -- the Luna can support 3,565 guests -- there was breathing room rather than venues abutting each other.
Also, breathing room within large venues will be appreciated. There are plentiful loungers, for example, on the wraparound exterior of Deck 8 and in the adults-only Vibe Beach Club.
A moment from “Elton: A Celebration of Elton John" on the Norwegian Luna. Photo Credit: Teri West
There are also venues for families to congregate and share experiences, such as the Luna Theater & Club for the new Elton John and Eagles tribute shows.
The Elton John and Eagles shows build on what NCL has already identified as a crowd-pleasing model: tightly produced shows, from the lighting to the sets to the costumes, that complement beautifully sung hits from a single artist, all in under an hour.
But NCL is also experimenting with a new entertainment model on this ship, a more intimate, adults-only experience in the Improv at Sea venue. "Lunatique" introduces a cast of circus-style characters who guide guests through an evening of dirty humor and covers of pop songs. Four cocktails are included with the $45 cover.
Loungers on the Norwegian Luna's pool deck. Photo Credit: Teri West
Great Stirrup Cay
This winter, some new spaces opened on the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.
The island is still very much an active construction site, but the completed spaces add choices for guests.
Inside the Moon Climber, an obstacle course on the Norwegian Luna. Photo Credit: Teri West
There's a splash pad for little ones that produces an impressive waterfall when the elevated bucket finally fills enough to lose its balance. It neighbors the island's first complimentary pool, the spacious Lagoon, with padded flooring, lots of in-water loungers and two swim-up bars.
The Lagoon is conveniently the closest attraction to the new welcome center, a well-shaded area for when guests first step foot on Great Stirrup Cay.
For $100, adults can access the new Vibe Shore Club, equipped with the extra-plush loungers they'll also find onboard at the Vibe Beach Club.
The loungers are comfortable, well-shaded and more well-spaced than those on the complimentary beach. The area achieves a tranquil vibe. The Lagoon, meanwhile, has a DJ booth.
Luckily, our cruise was one of the final sailings with access to the new pier, which opened this past winter but can accommodate just one ship right now. Ships will temporarily return to tendering on April 1 to allow for construction to be completed on the second berth, with an anticipated reopening this summer.
The ease of walking off the ship and right on to the island is a perk that NCL guests will appreciate when the work is done.
Correction: The Eagles tribute show is performed in the Luna Theater & Club. A previous version of this report listed an incorrect venue.