Norwegian Cruise Line had a specific ambience in mind for the Prima: Travel Weekly

The central hub of the new Norwegian Prima can be seen thanks to the pointy stars hanging from the ceiling. It is here that sleepy passengers order coffee, consult with the crew about excursions, or pull up a seat at one of the two bars and sip whiskey before a show.

The upper level of the Penrose is home to the Whiskey Bar. The TW photo was taken byAndrea Zelinski.

The design of the Prima is an upgrade from previous Norwegian Cruise Line vessels. A larger-scale version of the casual elegance one might expect from its sister lines is what the line's first entry in the six-ship Prima class looks like.

It shouldn't be a big deal. Frank Del Rio, the CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, has had a hand in the creation of all three of the company's brands.

At the Cruise World conference in Fort Lauderdale, Del Rio said that he wanted to fight the idea that cruise ships should be loud. He wanted the ship to be a high end boutique hotel.

The TW photo was taken byAndrea Zelinski.

The Haven is a big difference between the Norwegian Prima and its predecessors.

The restaurants, rooms and gathering spaces are modern and designed to make guests forget they are on a vacation. The design creates smaller spaces on the ship through walkways that draw people in or out of a central meeting place. The paths in Venice that draw people to St. Mark's Square were the inspiration for this.

He said that the city unfolds from the plaza and that all the paths lead back to the center.

• Related: Icelandic invigoration on Norwegian Prima sailing

The ship's colors have aged well with history, and bring a level of sophistication to the ship. The chairs contrast with a dark sea-blue and the sand couches mirror the natural color of sand.

The entrance to the pavilion. The photo is courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line.

A half-dozen specialty restaurants, a pair of bars, the Observation Lounge, and the staterooms were designed by Studio Dado.

The tone of the Prima was supposed to blend innovation and immerse. In Le Bistro, Norwegian's staple specialty French restaurant, tables surround chandeliers to make sure there is no bad seat. The spaces are designed to get attention. "We live in a world of fleeting moments," he added.

The elevators with a wall of tiny lights that look like they continue infinitely or a square, full-length mirror in the walk-up to the ship's 10-deck-long drop slide are some of the unique selfies on the ship.

One of the most popular spots on the ship is the see-through walkway. The photo is courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Todd Hamilton, the line's senior vice president of sales, said that the place with the most social media attention is the racetrack on the ship. There is a see-through walkway eight decks above the ocean.

The waves are beating against the ship when you go 20 knots.