Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) new ship, ’Norwegian Prima’ was recently floated at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy.
To celebrate the occasion, a commemorative coin was welded to ‘Norwegian Prima’ in a traditional maritime ceremony overseen by Eamonn Ferrin, NCL’s Vice President of International Business and Antonio Quintano, Fincantieri’s Shipyard Director.
The float out celebrates the completion of her external construction work and painting, including hull artwork designed by Italian graffiti artist, Manuel Di Rita, known as ‘Peeta.’
Work now continues on her interior fittings and guest accommodation, before she is officially delivered to NCL and commences sailing next summer.
“A ship’s float out is always a significant milestone, but this one is particularly special,” said Harry Sommer, NCL’s President and CEO.
“Our 18th ship, ‘Norwegian Prima’ represents an exciting new chapter for our brand and the first vessel to be delivered in our groundbreaking new ‘Prima’ class.
“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 on board in just 12 months’ time,” he concluded.
“The float out of ‘Norwegian Prima’ signifies a renewed confidence in cruise and a new era for shipbuilding,” said Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Merchant Ships Division at Fincantieri.
“We are glad to celebrate not only many months of hard work, but also the true spirit of collaboration between our brands – a partnership that will lead the way for a pioneering class of ships in NCL’s ‘Prima’ class.”
‘Norwegian Prima’ is the first of six ships in NCL’s new class, the brand’s first new series of vessels in nearly 10 years. She is 965 feet long, 142,500 gt and with capacity for 3,215 guests at double occupancy.
Claimed to be the most spacious new cruise ship in the premium and contemporary categories, ‘Norwegian Prima’ offers the most outdoor deck space and the most expansive accommodations of any newbuilding.
She boasts multiple NCL firsts, including Ocean Boulevard, wrapping around the entire deck over 44,000 sq ft, allowing guests to view the ocean while enjoying alfresco dining and unique experiences, such as Infinity Beach, where two infinity pools are positioned to take in uninterrupted views, and Oceanwalk, where two glass bridges to make guests feel as though they are walking on air over the water.
Dining will include the addition of Indulge Food Hall, the brand’s first upscale open-air market place offering diverse menu items from 11 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® will offers NCL’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.
Every public area in The Haven will offer sea 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 summer 2022, ‘Norwegian Prima’ will offer itineraries in Northern Europe with voyages from Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Copenhagen, Denmark. She will then sail a 12-day transatlantic voyage from Southampton to New York via the Shetland Islands, Halifax (NS) and an extended overnight stay in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Through the autumn and winter, she will offer a variety of Bermuda and Caribbean cruises from New York; Galveston, Texas; Miami and Orlando (Port Canaveral), Fla.
All NCL cruises out of the US will only be available to fully vaccinated guests in line with CDC guidance.
