Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovative global cruise company with a 54-year history of crossing borders, has announced that its revolutionary new ship, the Norwegian Prima, has floated out of its dry dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy, marking a major milestone in cruise ship construction and the first time the innovative vessel has touched the sea.
To celebrate the occasion, a commemorative coin was soldered to the Norwegian Prima in a traditional maritime ceremony presided over by Eamonn Ferrin, Vice President International Business of NCL, and Antonio Quintano, Shipyard Director of Fincantieri.
The launch marks the completion of the exterior work and paintwork on the Norwegian Prima, including the striking hull artwork designed by Italian graffiti artist Manuel Di Rita, known as “Peeta.” Interior outfitting and guest staterooms are currently underway on the Norwegian Prima before its official delivery to NCL and its maiden voyage in the summer of 2022.
“The launching of a ship is always an important milestone, but this one is particularly special,”said Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCL. “Our eighteenth ship, Norwegian Prima, represents an exciting new chapter for our brand, being the first ship built within our innovative Prima Class.
“We have worked closely with our partners at Fincantieri to build a truly remarkable vessel. Their passion, skill, and craftsmanship have brought to life one of the most elegant and innovative boats ever to set sail. I am delighted that we are one step closer to welcoming our guests aboard in just 12 months,” concludes Sommer.
“The launch of Norwegian Prima signifies renewed confidence in cruising and a new era for shipbuilding,” says Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division. “We are delighted to celebrate not only many months of hard work, but also the true spirit of collaboration between our brands, a partnership that will pave the way for a pioneering class of ships in NCL’s Prima Class.”
Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships in NCL's highly anticipated Prima class, the brand's newest class of ships in nearly 10 years. Measuring over 295 meters in length, with a gross tonnage of 142,500 and a capacity for 3,215 guests at double occupancy, the ship is designed to put its guests first. Norwegian Prima boasts spaciousness, thoughtful and impressive design, and a variety of new experiences for the brand.
Claiming the title of the most spacious new cruise ship in the premium and contemporary categories, Norwegian Prima offers the largest outdoor deck space and most expansive amenities of any new build. The ship boasts numerous firsts for NCL, including Ocean Boulevard, which wraps around the entire 13,000-square-meter deck, allowing guests to connect with the ocean while enjoying al fresco dining and unique experiences such as Infinity Beach, featuring two stunning infinity pools with uninterrupted views of the vast ocean, and Oceanwalk, where two glass bridges make guests feel as if they are walking on air above the water.
Dining on the Norwegian Prima has been elevated with the addition of Indulge Food Hall, NCL's first-ever outdoor market, offering a diverse menu from up to 11 different culinary establishments. Ocean Boulevard is also home to three restaurants: Onda By Scarpetta, Los Lobos, and The Local Bar & Grill.
Additionally, The Haven by Norwegian® on Norwegian Prima offers the suite complex . Spanning eight decks of suites and public areas, it is accessed via private elevators and, for the first time, is located at the stern of the ship. Designed to be more open to the sea than ever before, all of The Haven’s public areas will offer spectacular views, along with a stunning new infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake and a new outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.
Beginning in summer 2022, Norwegian Prima will offer dream itineraries in Northern Europe with voyages from Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Copenhagen, Denmark, giving guests the opportunity to explore the stunning Norwegian fjords and the Baltic Sea. It will then embark on a 12-day transatlantic voyage from Southampton to New York via Scotland’s Shetland Islands, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and an overnight stay in Reykjavik, Iceland. During the fall and winter, Norwegian Prima will offer a variety of Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries from New York, Galveston, Texas, Miami, and Orlando (Port Canaveral, Florida), including stops at Harvest Caye, the Company’s private resort destination in Belize, as well as NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas.
For more information about NCL's fleet and itineraries, or to book a cruise, call 93 176 34 70, contact a travel professional, or visit www.ncl.com.
