Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced that its upcoming ship, Norwegian Prima, the first in a new, 'Prima' class of ships for the line, was floated out of its drydock at Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the new vessel touched water.
The float out signifies that the external work and painting of the ship is complete, which includes the hull artwork designed by Italian graffiti artist Manuel Di Rita, known commonly as "Peeta." Work will now continue on Norwegian Prima's interior and guest accommodations before it is officially delivered to the line and begins sailing in summer 2022.
To celebrate, a commemorative coin was welded to Norwegian Prima in a traditional maritime ceremony presided over by Eamonn Ferrin, vice president of international business of Norwegian Cruise Line and Antonio Quintano, shipyard director of Fincantieri.
"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 Norwegian Cruise Line.
"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 onboard in just 12 months' time," Sommer 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 of 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
Norwegian Prima is the first of six ship's in NCL's Prima Class, the brand's first new class of vessels in almost 10 years. The ship measures at 965 feet long, 142,500 gross tons and has a capacity for 3,215 guests at double occupancy. It also offers plenty of outdoor deck space and expansive accommodations.
The ship features some company firsts, such as including Ocean Boulevard, which around the entire deck over 44,000 square feet, experiences such as Infinity Beach, where two infinity pools are positioned for an endless ocean view and Oceanwalk, where two glass bridges allow guests feel as though they are walking on air over the water.
Dining options aboard the ship include the addition of Indulge Food Hall, the 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.
Onboard, Norwegian highlights The Haven, its exclusive and centralized ‘ship-within-a-ship’ suite complex which spans eight decks of suites and public areas, only accessible private elevators and located at the aft of the ship for the very first time. Located in The Haven is a new infinity pool overlooking the ship's wake and a new outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.
2022 Itineraries
In summer 2022, Norwegian Prima will offer itineraries in Northern Europe with voyages from Amsterdam, Netherlands and Copenhagen, Denmark giving guests the opportunity to explore the Norwegian Fjords and Baltic Sea. It 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.
In the fall and winter, Norwegian Prima will offer a variety of port-rich Bermuda and Caribbean cruises from New York; Galveston, Texas; Miami and Orlando (Port Canaveral), Fla., including calls to Harvest Caye, the Company’s private resort destination in Belize as well as the Company’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas.
For more information on NCL and the Norwegian Prima, click here.
