Last Saturday, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) officially christened its newest ship, the Norwegian Prima, which made history when it became the first major cruise ship to be christened in Reykjavík, Iceland.
Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships in the groundbreaking Prima Class. More than 2,500 guests came on board for an immersive experience and a christening celebration like no other in Iceland’s beautiful capital.
Frank Del Rio, President & CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd: “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.”
At 965 ft and more than 142,000 tons, with a capacity of 3,100 guests at double occupancy, Norwegian Prima offers the highest staff level and space ratio of any premium cruise ship. The Prima also boasts the largest variety of suite categories available, including a redefined Haven, NCL’s ultra-premium keycard-only access ship-within-a-ship.
The ship’s recreational activities include the fastest slides at sea, and the Prima Speedway, the first three-level racetrack at sea, all providing guests with an adrenaline-filled vacation. Public spaces include Ocean Boulevard, the 44,000 sq ft outdoor walkway which wraps around the entire ship, while the Concourse boasts a multi-million dollar outdoor sculpture garden. And let’s not forget expansive pool decks and infinity-style pools at Infinity Beach, offering guests a chance to slow down and relax.
Harry Sommer, President & CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line: “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 holiday 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 superstar Katy Perry, who officially christened the vessel with the ceremonial champagne bottle break across the hull before she went on stage at the three-level Prima Theater & Club to perform some o other greatest hits.
Starting September 3, 2022, Norwegian Prima will depart on inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from the Netherlands, Denmark, and England, before making her way to the U.S. In Octover-November, the ship will sail voyages to the Caribbean from New York City, Galvaston, Texas, and Miami, before settling into her homeports of Port Canaveral, Florida, and Galveston, Texas for the 2023 and 2024 cruise seasons.
