It’s the first of a new line of ships – and Norwegian’s Prima got a rock star send off this weekend with a new-style godmother.

Forget ageing Italian starlets – Katy Perry did the honours at a glittering ceremony in Iceland where the pop superstar performed for guests of Norwegian Cruise Line in Reykjavík,

Katy Perry is the company’s latest ‘godmother’, a honorary title that’s been bestowed on everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Reba McEntire.

Ms Perry said she “loves” anything “big, shiny and new.” And Norwegian Prima is certainly all of those.

The first of six ships in the groundbreaking Prima Class, the vessel’s launch party was attended by more than 2,500 guests who enjoyed an immersive experience in the beautiful Icelandic capital and a christening celebration like no other.

At 294 metres long and more than 143,535 tonnes with 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.

She also boasts the largest variety of suite categories available at sea as well as a redefined luxury area, The Haven by Norwegian. And the fastest slides at sea – The Rush and The Drop. Not forgetting the Prima Speedway, a three-level racetrack.

Outdoor areas include Ocean Boulevard, a 4,088 square metres outdoor walk way which wraps around the entire ship; and The Concourse, which has a multi-million dollar outdoor sculpture garden.

Guests at the christening ceremony were treated to a show-stopping performance by popular Icelandic group and 2021 “Eurovision Song Contest” fan favorites, Daði og Gagnamagnið (pronounced “Dah-they Oh Gack-no-Mak-ne”), before 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 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!”

Norwegian Prima will depart on inaugural voyages to Northern Europe beginning 3 September, before making her way to the U.S. She will then sail voyages to the Caribbean .

Perry revealed she has been a cruiser all her life. “All of the best trips my family has taken have been on a boat. Nothing compares,” she told Rolling Stone. “I think it’s the best way to see the world.”

She added: “Every morning that you wake up, you get to experience an incredible new view. I love that I get to christen her with my good vibrations, and I’m so excited for this new, beautiful, high-end, high-tech ship to take the seas, and provide once-in-a-lifetime vacations for so many families.”

The Prima is the very latest in the Norwegian fleet and represents a new class of ship.