Norwegian Cruise Line Takes Delivery of Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Prima, the first of six ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, was delivered to the cruise line in Italy.
On July 29th near Venice, Norwegian Prima was delivered from the shipyard to Norwegian Cruise Line. Along with the delivery of the cruise line’s newest ship, the usual celebratory signing ceremony took place attended by all the top brass from NCL and Fincantieri shipyard.
Norwegian Prima Delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line
This long-awaited milestone marks the arrival of the first ship in Norwegian’s Prima Class with six new ships expected to be delivered through 2027. Attending the “hand-over” event was Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd and Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. From Fincantieri shipyard was Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the Merchant Ships Division.
The delivery celebration was followed by the traditional flag exchange ceremony.
RELATED: Sneak Peek at Norwegian Prima Dining
Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line said: “Today we usher in a thrilling new era in cruising as we celebrate the delivery of Norwegian Prima the long-anticipated first ship in our extraordinary new Prima Class. She is a true testament to our Guest First philosophy as well as our commitment to deliver unforgettable experiences that exceed expectations. We thank our wonderful partners at Fincantieri, whose coveted craftsmanship, expertise, and dedication, helped bring Norwegian Prima to life. We cannot wait to welcome our guests on board.”
Right: General Manager Martin Ivanov, Captain Roger Gustavsen, President & CEO Harry Sommer, Staff Captain. Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Prima runs 965 feet long, weighs in at 142,500 gross tons and can accommodate 3,100 guests. The new class of ship features wide-open spaces, a well-thought-out design, and plenty of brand and industry-first experiences.
The ship claims to be the most spacious new cruise ship in its contemporary category and offers the most outdoor deck space and expansive accommodations of any new build.
Norwegian Prima features the cruise line’s first upscale open-air food hall, Indulge Food Hall. There’s the the largest and first three-level racetrack at sea on the Prima Speedway. Plus, for daredevils, there’s The Drop, the world’s first freefall dry slide with a 10-story plunge experience that reaches more G-forces than an accelerating F1 race car.
A wrap-around promenade and venue, Ocean Boulevard, is 44,000 square feet giving guests a chance to enjoy ocean views while enjoying alfresco dining and other innovative experiences.
There’s Infinity Beach with two gorgeous infinity pools positioned close to water-level. If heights are your thing, take a walk around the ship on the Oceanwalk. With its two glass bridges, guests feel as though they are walking on air over the water.
RELATED: Complete Dining Guide to Norwegian Bliss
Art lovers will appreciate, Norwegian Prima’s The Concourse, the first outdoor sculpture garden at sea with six installations created by international metal artist Alexander Krivosheiw and an art wall designed by David Harber.
Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the Merchant Ships Division of Fincantieri said: “We’re glad to work with Norwegian Cruise Line to create a world-class series of ships, and it’s a proud day seeing the first of the six Prima Class vessels delivered today. Norwegian Prima is packed with world-firsts, never-before-seen features, and extraordinary attractions you would never expect at sea”.
RELATED: Norwegian Cruise Line Complete Drink Packages Guide
When Will Norwegian Prima Launch
Launching this August, Norwegian Prima will be the first major cruise ship christened in Iceland, commencing her eight-day inaugural voyage in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik on Aug. 27,2022, sailing to Amsterdam. Global popstar Katy Perry, who serves as Norwegian Prima’s Godmother, will fulfil the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming the ship, as well as performing during the christening ceremony.
Following her inaugural voyage, Norwegian Prima will sail a series of eight-day voyages from Amsterdam and Copenhagen offering guests the opportunity to explore Northern Europe and the Norwegian Fjords.
The ship will then sail from New York City to Bermuda on Oct. 10,2022; New York to Galveston via the Caribbean on Oct.15, 2022; Galveston to Miami on October 31. After several cruises from Miami, the ship will homeport at Port Canaveral, Florida until March 19, 2023, before returning to Northern Europe from May 14 through Sept. 17, 2023.
