Norwegian Cruise Line has christened its newest and most innovative ship, the Norwegian Prima, making history as the first major cruise line to christen a ship in Reykjavik, Iceland.
The first of six ships in the innovative Prima Class, the Norwegian Prima, has made its debut before more than 2,500 guests who were able to enjoy an immersive experience in the beautiful Icelandic capital and an unparalleled christening celebration.
“With its stunning design and unique offerings, Norwegian Prima is in a league of its own,” said Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “As the industry’s most spacious new cruise ship offering ‘experiences only available on Prima,’ it continues NCL’s legacy of industry innovation. We wanted to launch Norwegian Prima in a location as special and unique as this, and Reykjavik’s breathtaking scenery is the perfect backdrop for such a momentous occasion. We thank the Reykjavik community for welcoming us with open arms.”.
Measuring 294 meters in length and weighing over 143,535 tons, with a capacity for 3,100 guests, the Norwegian Prima offers the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any contemporary or premium cruise ship. It also boasts the widest variety of suite categories available at sea, as well as the redefined Haven by Norwegian, the ultra-premium, card-accessible ship-within-a-ship concept. Its diverse recreational activities, including the thrilling water slides – The Rush and The Drop – and Prima Speedway, the first three-level racetrack at sea, provide guests with adrenaline-pumping experiences. Spaces such as Ocean Boulevard; The Concourse, with its multimillion-dollar outdoor sculpture garden; and the expansive pool decks and infinity pools at Infinity Beach offer guests opportunities to relax.
“We’ve been preparing for this special event for several years, so we’re thrilled to embark on the next chapter of NCL with Norwegian Prima,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are so grateful to our team members and partners around the world who have made Norwegian Prima such a stunning reality.”
Guests at the christening ceremony enjoyed a performance by the Icelandic group Daði og Gagnamagnið, before Norwegian Prima's godmother, Katy Perry, took to the stage to officially christen the ship with the traditional champagne-breaking ceremony. "It was so much fun to sprinkle a little fairy godmother dust on Norwegian Prima and send her sailing the high seas," commented Katy Perry.
In the evening, before the opening ceremony, guests were treated to an experience at the HARPA cultural center. Attendees enjoyed an LED light show by artist Olafur Eliasson, as well as a performance by Icelandic singer Briet, who joined the Iceland Symphony Orchestra for a spectacular show.
The Norwegian Prima will make inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from the Netherlands, Denmark, and England beginning September 3, 2022, before arriving in the United States. It will then sail to the Caribbean from New York City, Galveston, Texas, and Miami in October and November, before settling into its homeports of Port Canaveral, Florida, and Galveston, Texas, for the 2023-2024 cruise season.
