Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) yesterday christened its newest ship Norwegian Prima, which made history as the first major cruise ship christened in Reykjavík, Iceland.
The first of six ships in the groundbreaking Prima Class, Norwegian Prima debuted to more than 2,500 guests at a christening celebration “like no other”.
Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, said: “With her stunning design and unique offerings, Norwegian Prima is in a league of her own.
“As the industry’s most spacious new cruise ship featuring ‘only-available-on-Prima-experiences, she is continuing NCL’s legacy of industry firsts.
“We wanted to launch Norwegian Prima in a location just as special and unique as she is, and Reykjavik’s striking landscape is the perfect setting for such a milestone occasion.
“We thank the Reykjavik community for welcoming us with open arms.”
The vessel is 965 feet (294 meters long) and weighs more than 143,535 tons with a capacity for 3,100 guests at double occupancy.
Norwegian Prima offers the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any contemporary or premium cruise ship, said NCL in a statement.
She also boasts the largest variety of suite categories available at sea as well as a redefined The Haven by Norwegian, NCL’s ultra-premium keycard-only access ship-within-a-ship concept.
Recreational activities include the fastest slides at sea – The Rush and The Drop – and the Prima Speedway, the first three-level racetrack at sea, providing guests with adrenaline-pumping moments.
Other notable spaces include Ocean Boulevard, the 44,000 square foot outdoor walkway which wraps around the entire ship; The Concourse, which boasts a multi-million dollar outdoor sculpture garden; and expansive pool decks and infinity-style pools at Infinity Beach.
Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “We have been eagerly anticipating and preparing for this special event for several years, so we are delighted to embark on NCL’s next chapter with Norwegian Prima.
“It’s been a joy to see our vision come to life with this landmark christening ceremony, which sets the tone for the unparalleled holidays guests will enjoy for years to come.
“We are so thankful to our team members and partners worldwide who have made Norwegian Prima a stunning reality.”
Guests at the christening ceremony were treated to a show-stopping performance by a popular Icelandic group and 2021 “Eurovision Song Contest” fan favourites, Daði og Gagnamagnið (pronounced “Dah-they Oh Gack-no-Mak-ne”).
Norwegian Prima’s very own godmother, Katy Perry took to the main stage to officially name and christen the vessel with the ceremonial champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull.
The three-level Prima Theater & Club stage was then transformed into a whimsical backdrop where guests enjoyed a powerhouse performance of some of Perry’s chart-topping hits including “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” “Roar,” and “Firework.”
“It was so much fun to sprinkle some fairy godmother dust on Norwegian Prima and send her on her way to sail the high seas,” said Katy Perry.
“I always appreciate a family vacation and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I was happy to wish all the vacationing guests a happy bon voyage!”
Prior to the Christening ceremony, guests were surprised with an authentic Icelandic experience at the HARPA cultural centre.
Attendees were treated to an LED light show by Artist Olafur Eliasson as well as performances by Icelandic singer-songwriter Bríet who joined the Iceland Symphony Orchestra in an awe-inspiring show.
Norwegian Prima will depart on inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from the Netherlands, Denmark and England beginning Sept. 3, 2022, before making her way to the U.S.
She will then sail voyages to the Caribbean from New York City, Galveston, Texas, and Miami in October and November before settling into her homeport of Port Canaveral, Fla., and Galveston, Texas for the 2023 and 2024 cruise season.
For more information, visit NCL.com.
Subscribe now and follow Travel Pursuit UK on our travel social media for all must-see travel updates published daily in UK’s brand new, travel trade publication.
