NCL officially welcomes Norwegian Prima in Iceland

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) christened its newest ship Norwegian Prima on Sunday, making history as the first major cruise ship christened in Reykjavík, Iceland.

The first of six ships in the Prima Class, Norwegian Prima, debuted to more than 2,500 guests in the Icelandic capital.

“With her stunning design and unique offerings, Norwegian Prima is in a league of her own,” the president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, Frank Del Rio, said.

“As the industry’s most spacious new cruise ship featuring ‘only-available-on-Prima-experiences,’ she is continuing NCL’s legacy of industry firsts. We wanted to launch Norwegian Prima in a location just as special and unique as she is, and Reykjavik’s striking landscape is the perfect setting for such a milestone occasion. We thank the Reykjavik community for welcoming us with open arms.”

The ship sits at 294 metres long and more than 143,535 tonnes with capacity for 3,100 guests at double occupancy. Norwegian Prima’s variety of recreational activities include some of the fastest slides at sea – The Rush and The Drop – and the Prima Speedway, a three-level racetrack. Spaces like Ocean Boulevard, the 4,088 square metres outdoor walkway which wraps around the entire ship; The Concourse, which boasts an outdoor sculpture garden; and pool decks and infinity-style pools at Infinity Beach.

“We have been eagerly anticipating and preparing for this special event for several years, so we are delighted to embark on NCL’s next chapter with Norwegian Prima,” president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, Harry Sommer, said.

“It’s been a joy to see our vision come to life with this landmark christening ceremony, which sets the tone for the unparalleled holidays guests will enjoy for years to come. We are so thankful to our team members and partners worldwide who have made Norwegian Prima a stunning reality.”

Guests at the christening ceremony were treated to a performance by Icelandic group and 2021 “Eurovision Song Contest” contestants, Daði og Gagnamagnið (pronounced “Dah-they Oh Gack-no-Mak-ne”), before Norwegian Prima’s godmother, Katy Perry took to the main stage to officially name and christen the vessel with the ceremonial champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull.

The three-level Prima Theater & Club stage was then transformed into a backdrop where guests enjoyed a performance of some of Perry’s hits.

Katy Perry performing on the Norwegian Prima

“It was so much fun to sprinkle some fairy godmother dust on Norwegian Prima and send her on her way to sail the high seas,” Katy Perry said.

“I always appreciate a family vacation and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I was happy to wish all the vacationing guests a happy bon voyage!”

Norwegian Prima will depart on inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from the Netherlands, Denmark and England beginning 3 September, 2022, before making her way to the U.S. The ship will then sail voyages to the Caribbean from New York City, Galveston, Texas, and Miami in October and November before settling into her homeport of Port Canaveral, Fla., and Galveston, Texas for the 2023 and 2024 cruise season.

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Frank Del Rio harry sommer Katy Perry norwegian cruise line Norwegian Prima