Norwegian Cruise Line, one of America’s powerhouse cruise brands, announced it would be launching a new class of ship, starting with the Norwegian Prima.

The ship will be the first of six Prima Class vessels which will be smaller, allowing the vessels to navigate into more remote ports. The defining difference of the design of the ships is more wide-open spaces.

Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the parent company of NCL has had a hands approach to the design of the ships.

In a press conference with Australian media, NCL’s president and CEO Harry Sommer said that Mr Del Rio’s love for art and design played an integral part in the design of the ships.

“Guests can see touches of Frank on the Norwegian Encore and Breakaway, but he’s had a real-hands on approach when it comes to the Prima. It was fortuitous that we had designed these vessels with more open spaces especially when cruisers are looking for more room,” he said.

The ship will be able to accommodate 3,215 guests at double occupancy with voyages set to start in the northern hemisphere summer of 2022.

“Despite not having sailed in more than a year, we never stopped working and innovating, we never once pressed pause,” said Mr Sommer.

“In fact, we doubled down on our brand investment in order to deliver unforgettable guest experiences that go well beyond expectations. Not only will we begin cruising this July, we’re so proud and so incredibly happy to announce the start of an exciting new chapter as we introduce the Prima Class and the first ship in a line of unrivalled vessels with Norwegian Prima.”

Here are some of the thing’s guests will see on the Norwegian Prima.

Open spaces

“We innovated with purpose and created Norwegian Prima to push the boundaries of conventional cruising, offering our guests more wide-open spaces, thoughtful art and design and world-class service which places our guests at the heart of it all,” said Mr Sommer.

She will offer the largest variety of suite categories available at sea with 13 suite categories as well as the largest three-bedroom suites of any new cruise ship and the Brand’s largest-ever inside, oceanview and balcony staterooms.

Norwegian Prima will also offer the most outdoor deck space of any new cruise ship including more total pool deck space than any other ship in NCL’s fleet as well as multiple infinity pools and vast outdoor walkways allowing guests to take in the sea, the ocean breeze and a variety of elevated experiences.

The Elevated Haven

For the first time, NCL will relocate all 107 Haven suites to the aft (the rear of the ship) within close proximity of private elevators exclusively reserved for Haven guests.

The Haven Courtyard on Norwegian Prima has been transformed into an expansive Haven Sundeck, with a new infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake and a new outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.

All public areas and suites in The Haven have been designed by Piero Lissoni, one of Italy’s preeminent designers. Lissoni provided an elegant and sophisticated design to The Haven Sundeck, The Haven Restaurant, The Haven Lounge & Bar and the Outdoor Spa: Sauna and Cold Room.

The new Ocean Boulevard

NCL have doubled the space at The Waterfront and are adding a greater variety of experiences and dining options than ever before by introducing Ocean Boulevard.

Located on deck eight, Ocean Boulevard wraps around the entire deck, allowing guests to walk around the entire ship and experience amazing ocean views while having the choice to partake in numerous exceptional outdoor activities.

Global Cuisine with Indulge Food Hall

The Prima will have a new food offering – the Indulge Food Hall. It offers visitors diverse menu items from a variety of culinary venues as well as a mix of indoor and outdoor seating.

There are 11 venues including returning guest culinary favourites Coco’s, serving artisan sweet treats; Q Texas Smokehouse, boasting delicious American Southern comfort food and barbecue; and Starbucks.

Other restaurants include Seaside Rotisserie, which will have rotisserie-cooked dishes; Nudls, an emporium serving noodle dishes from around the world, from Italian to Thai cuisines; Tamara, preparing classic Indian dishes and multiple vegetarian food options; The Latin Quarter, serving classic Latin food with a twist; Tapas Food Truck, cooking elevated Spanish-inspired street food; Garden Kitchen, where guests can order customised salads with more than two dozen ingredients to choose from; Just Desserts, featuring classic dessert items such as pies and cakes and Just Ice Cream serving all guest favourite ice cream flavours.

Hybrid Dining on Ocean Boulevard

Adding to the culinary offerings available on Norwegian Prima’s Ocean Boulevard, the site will host three additional dining venues offering both indoor and outdoor seating including Onda By Scarpetta, Los Lobos and The Local Bar & Grill.

The Concourse, Infinity Beach, Oceanwalk and La Terraza

Onboard the Prima, The Concourse is an outdoor sculpture garden features an art wall designed by famed artist David Harber and six installations designed by Alexander Krivosheiw featuring immersive art inspired by ancient mythology and contemporary abstract forms.

The seven sculptures, valued at over US$2 million, offer stunning effects that change as the sun sets, making them perfect for photos and social media posts. Guests can also relax at Infinity Beach featuring two infinity pools, one located on each side of the ship and close to the ocean surface. The two Oceanwalk glass bridges, also new to the Brand, will provide guests with photographic, breathtaking views that will make them feel as if they are walking on air over the water. La Terraza, an open-air lounge, features a quaint retreat for visitors to catch stellar forward-facing sea views.

The itineraries

Northern Hemisphere Summer 2022: Northern Europe and the UK

From 17 Aug to 13 Sept 2022, she will sail a series of eight-day voyages from Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Copenhagen, Denmark, offering guests the opportunity to explore the continent’s Northern Europe, Norwegian Fjords and Baltic regions.

Northern Hemisphere Spring and Summer 2023: Northern Europe

On 17 Sept, Norwegian Prima concludes her northern hemisphere summer 2023 season with a 14-day roundtrip voyage from Southampton, England, featuring between seven and 10 in-port hours with notable calls to Dublin, Ireland; Isafjordur and Akureyri, Iceland, with an overnight in Reykjavik; and visits to Geiranger, Olden, and Stavanger, Norway.