Norwegian Cruise Line accepted delivery of its newest ship, Norwegian Prima, on 29 July 2022 in Marghera, Venice at the Fincantieri shipyard.
This handover milestone marks the arrival of the first ship in NCL’s Prima Class which consists of six new ships delivered through 2027. It was also the maiden ship Fincantieri has constructed for NCL as part of a US$4 billion deal. NCL’s most recent ships, until now, have been constructed by Meyer Werft.
At the landmark event was Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd; Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line; Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Merchant Ships Division of Fincantieri; as well as other notable NCLH and Fincantieri executives. The delivery celebration was followed by the traditional flag exchange ceremony.
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“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,” remarked Sommer. “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.”
At 294 metres long, 142,500 gross tonnes and with capacity for 3,300 guests, Norwegian Prima is designed to put guests first.
Norwegian Prima features wide-open spaces, thoughtful and stunning design, and a variety of brand and industry-first experiences. She lays claim as the most spacious new cruise ship in the contemporary categories and offers the most outdoor deck space and expansive accommodation of any new build.
Onboard Norwegian Prima will be 107 Haven suites, representing about 6.5% of the ship’s total berths. That compares to 80 suites (around 4.5% of berths) offered aboard NCL’s Breakaway Plus fleet.
Unlike other interpretations, The Haven on Norwegian Prima will be centralised in one location. On the Prima Class ships, The Haven has repositioned from the front to the aft, and self-contained across seven decks – five levels of suites and two levels of public areas for its exclusive facilities, such as The Haven Restaurant and The Haven Lounge & Bar. All of which is linked via dedicated private elevators.
Luigi Matarazzo, GM 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”.
Launching later this month, 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 27 August 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.
She’ll then sail Bermuda from 10 October 2022; Caribbean itineraries from 15 October 2022; and Western Caribbean voyages from 11 December 2022 to 19 March 2023, before returning to Bermuda from 28 March to 7 May 2023. She’ll then offer cruises to Northern Europe from 14 May through 17 September 2023.