Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) took delivery of Norwegian Prima, in Marghera, Venice last Friday at the renowned Fincantieri shipyard. This is the first ship in NCL’s Prima Class which will see six new ships delivered through 2027. NCL also announced that Norwegian Viva, the second of six vessels in its groundbreaking Prima Class, floated out from her drydock at the Fincantieri shipyard today, 2nd August, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the new vessel touches water.
NCL Takes Delivery of Norwegian Prima
Harry Sommer, president and CEO of NCL said: “We usher in a thrilling new era in cruising as we celebrate the delivery of Norwegian Prima, the long-anticipated first ship in our extraordinary new Prima Class. She is a true testament to our Guest First philosophy as well as our commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences that exceed expectations. We thank our wonderful partners at Fincantieri, whose coveted craftsmanship, expertise, and dedication, helped bring Norwegian Prima to life. We cannot wait to welcome our guests on board.”
At 965 feet/294 m long, 142,500 gross tons and with a capacity for 3,100 guests, Norwegian Prima is designed to put guests first. She features wide-open spaces, thoughtful and stunning design, and a variety of brand and industry-first experiences. She lays claim as the most spacious new cruise ship in the contemporary categories and offers the most outdoor deck space and expansive accommodations of any new build. Her variety of elevated experiences and epicurean delights include the Brand’s first upscale open-air food hall, Indulge Food Hall; the largest and first three-level racetrack at sea on the Prima Speedway as well as The Drop, the world’s first freefall dry slide offering a 10-story plunge experience that reaches more G-forces than an accelerating F1 race car.
Other onboard standouts include Ocean Boulevard, which wraps around the entire deck; that’s over 44,000 square feet, allowing guests to connect to the ocean while enjoying alfresco dining and elevated experiences. Guests will enjoy the ultimate in relaxation via Infinity Beach, boasting two stunning infinity pools which are positioned close to water level to take in the vastness of the ocean with uninterrupted views as well as Oceanwalk, where two glass bridges make guests feel as though they are walking on air over the water. An oasis for art lovers, Norwegian Prima will boast The Concourse, the first outdoor sculpture garden at sea with six installations created by international metal artist Alexander Krivosheiw and an art wall designed by David Harber.
Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the Merchant Ships Division of Fincantieri said: “We’re glad to work with Norwegian Cruise Line to create a world-class series of ships, and it’s a proud day seeing the first of the six Prima Class vessels delivered today. Norwegian Prima comprises world-firsts, never-before-seen features, and extraordinary attractions you would never expect at sea”.
Launching this August, Norwegian Prima will be the first major cruise ship christened in Iceland, commencing her eight-day inaugural voyage in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik on 27th August 2022, sailing to Amsterdam. Global popstar Katy Perry, who serves as Norwegian Prima’s Godmother, will fulfil the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming the ship, as well as performing during the christening ceremony.
Following her inaugural voyage, Norwegian Prima will sail a series of eight-day voyages from Amsterdam and Copenhagen offering guests the opportunity to explore Northern Europe and the Norwegian Fjords. She’ll sail Bermuda from 10th October 2022; Caribbean itineraries from 15th October 2022; and Western Caribbean voyages from 11th December 2022 to 19th March 2023, before returning to Bermuda from 28th March to 7th May 2023. She’ll then offer cruises to Northern Europe from 14th May through 17th September 2023.
Norwegian Viva Marks a Milestone
To celebrate Norwegian Viva floating out from her drydock at the Fincantieri shipyard, a commemorative coin was welded into Norwegian Viva in a traditional maritime ceremony, presided over by Harry Sommer, president and CEO of NCL and Antonio Quintano, shipyard director of Fincantieri.
The float out signifies the completion of external works and painting of Norwegian Viva, including the striking hull artwork designed by Italian graffiti artist Manuel Di Rita, commonly known as “Peeta.” Construction now continues on Norwegian Viva’s interior fittings and guest accommodations before she is officially delivered to the cruise line and commences sailing in 2023.
“The float out of Norwegian Viva has been much anticipated and it’s an incredibly proud day for us all,” said Harry Sommer. “As our nineteenth ship and the second in our innovative Prima Class, Norwegian Viva continues to represent our ongoing commitment to giving guests the best holiday experience imaginable. With Norwegian Viva’s name meaning “to be alive”, and her motto being ‘Live it Up’, we simply cannot wait to put this into practice and welcome guests on board soon for the vacation of a lifetime.”
