Global superstar Katy Perry, godmother of the new Norwegian Prima, christened that 3,100-passenger ship in Reykjavik, Iceland, on Saturday. As the ceremonial champagne bottle broke across the ship's bow, it also marked the first christening of any cruise ship in that city.
Also participating in the event were Frank Del Rio, president and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the cruise line's parent company, and Harry Sommer, president and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line, as well as Elvis Duran, radio host of "Elvis Duran and The Morning Show."
Norwegian Prima is the first of six new Prima-class vessels for the Norwegian brand. "With her stunning design and unique offerings, Norwegian Prima is in a league of her own," said Del Rio, who added that the ship is continuing the line's legacy of industry "firsts."
"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," said Perry. "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."
More than 2,500 people attended the celebratory christening event and also heard a performance by popular Icelandic group Daði og Gagnamagnið, a 2021 "Eurovision Song Contest" fan favorite.
Headed for the U.S. This Fall
"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," said Sommer, thanking NCL team members and partners worldwide.
Prima (Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line)
At 965 feet long and at 143,535 gross tons, Norwegian Prima is the 18th ship in Norwegian's fleet. The new ship sail inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from the Netherlands, Denmark and the United Kingdom beginning September 3, 2022, before arriving along the U.S. East Coast. The new ship will then operate voyages to the Caribbean from New York City; Galveston, TX; and Miami, FL, in October 2022 and November 2022. Following, the ship will be home ported at Port Canaveral, FL, and Galveston for 2023 and 2024.
According to Norwegian, the new ship offers the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any contemporary or premium cruise ship, as well as the largest variety of suite categories at sea. In addition, the ship has an enhanced Haven, the line's upscale, ship-within-a-ship concept.
Norwegian Prima's Penrose Atrium is NCL’s first three-level atrium. Other highlights? Ocean Boulevard, a 44,000-square-foot outdoor walkway, wraps around the entire ship.The Concourse offers a multimillion-dollar outdoor sculpture garden—the first at sea. Plus, the ship has expansive pool decks and infinity style pools at Infinity Beach. For guests seeking thrills, The Rush and The Drop, both steep slides, await. In addition, Prima Speedway is the first three-level racetrack at sea.
Perry's Performance
Pre- and post-christening, guests at the Reykjavik event were treated to an array of high-caliber entertainment. After the christening, Perry performed in a concert at the three-level Prima Theater & Club stage. She sang some of her chart-topping hits, including "California Gurls," "Teenage Dream," "Roar," and "Firework."
Prior to the christening ceremony, guests were surprised with an authentic Icelandic experience at the HARPA cultural center. Attendees were treated to an LED light show by artist Olafur Eliasson as well as performances by a cellist quartet, Icelandic singer-songwriter Bríet and Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
For more information, visit www.ncl.com.
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