(TAN): Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship, Norwegian Prima, was recently floated out from her drydock at Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy, the cruise company said.
To celebrate the occasion, 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.
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 accommodations, before she is officially delivered to the Cruise Line and commences sailing in summer 2022.
“A ship’s float out is always a significant milestone, but this one is particularly special,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO 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.”
Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships in NCL’s Prima Class, the brand’s first new class of vessels in nearly 10 years. At 965 feet long, 142,500 gross tonnes and with capacity for 3,215 guests at double occupancy, the vessel boasts wide-open spaces, and thoughtful and stunning design.
Dining is elevated on Norwegian Prima with the addition of Indulge Food Hall, the Brand’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.
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Commencing summer 2022, Norwegian Prima will offer bucket-list 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 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.
