The new Norwegian Prima, was floated out from her drydock at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and she marks a new era for the cruise line, who will launch five more Prima class ships.
To celebrate the occasion, a commemorative coin was encased within Norwegian Prima in a traditional maritime ceremony.
The float out signifies the completion of external works and painting to Norwegian Prima, including the striking hull artwork designed by Italian graffiti artist Manuel Di Rita, known commonly as “Peeta.” Work now continues on Norwegian Prima’s interior fittings and guest accommodation, before she is officially delivered to NCL and commences sailing in the northern hemisphere summer of 2022.
“A ship’s float out is always a significant milestone, but this one is particularly special,” said Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCL.
“Our eighteenth ship, Norwegian Prima represents an exciting new chapter for our Brand and the first vessel to be delivered in our groundbreaking new Prima Class,” said Mr Sommer.
“We’ve worked closely with our partners at Fincantieri to deliver a truly remarkable vessel. Their passion, skill and craftsmanship has brought to life one of the most stylish and innovative ships to ever set sail. I’m thrilled we’re now one step closer to welcoming our guests onboard in just 12 months’ time.”
Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships in NCL’s highly anticipated Prima Class, the Brand’s first new class of vessels in nearly 10 years. At 294.1 metres long, 142,500 gross tons and with capacity for 3,215 guests at double occupancy, the vessel is designed to put guests first. Norwegian Prima boasts wide-open spaces, thoughtful and stunning design, and a variety of new experiences for the Brand.
The cruise line is claiming the Norwegian Prima will be the most spacious new ship in the premium and contemporary categories with the most outdoor deck space and the most expansive accommodation of any new build. She boasts multiple NCL firsts, including Ocean Boulevard, wrapping around the entire deck over 4,087.7 square metres, allowing guests to connect to the ocean while enjoying alfresco dining and unique experiences such as Infinity Beach, where two stunning infinity pools are positioned to take in the vastness of the ocean with uninterrupted views, and Oceanwalk, where two glass bridges will make guests feel as though they are walking on air over the water.
In addition, the Indulge Food Hall is NCL’s first upscale open-air marketplace offering diverse menu items from a variety of eleven different culinary venues. In addition, Ocean Boulevard hosts three restaurants; Onda By Scarpetta, Los Lobos and The Local Bar & Grill.
Meanwhile The Haven by Norwegian on Norwegian Prima offers the Brand’s most exclusive and centralised ‘ship within a ship’ suite complex. Spanning eight decks of suites and public areas, it is accessible via private elevators and located at the aft of the ship for the very first time. Designed to be more open to the sea than ever before, every public area in The Haven will offer spectacular views, together with a stunning new infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake and a new outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.
Commencing in the northern hemisphere summer of 2022, Norwegian Prima will offer itineraries in Northern Europe with voyages from Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Copenhagen, Denmark giving guests the opportunity to explore the stunning Norwegian Fjords and Baltic Sea. She will then sail a 12-day transatlantic voyage from Southampton to New York via Scotland’s Shetland Islands, Halifax in Nova Scotia and an extended overnight stay in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Through the northern hemisphere autumn and winter, Norwegian Prima will offer a variety of port-rich Bermuda and Caribbean cruises from New York, Galveston, Miami and Orlando, , including calls to Harvest Caye, the Company’s private resort destination in Belize as well as NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas.