Norwegian Cruise Line has taken delivery of its newest ship Norvegian Prima at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Venice.
The milestone marks the arrival of the first ship in NCL's Prima class. Six more ships of this class will be delivered by 2027.
"Today we usher in an exciting new era of cruising as we celebrate the delivery of Norwegian Prima, the long-awaited first ship in our remarkable new Prima class," said Harry Sommer, NCL's president and CEO. "She is a true testament to our Guest First philosophy and our commitment to delivering memorable experiences that exceed expectations."
With a length of 294 meters, 142,500 gross tons, and a capacity for 3,100 guests, Norvegian Prima claims to be the most spacious new cruise ship in the contemporary category.
Prima features include the first outdoor food hall, Indulge Food Hall; Prima Speedway's first three-level racetrack at sea, as well as The Drop, the world's first dry free-fall roller coaster offering a 10-story plunge experience that reaches more G-forces than a speeding F1 race car.
Other attractions on board include Ocean Boulevard, which wraps around the entire deck; which is over 44,000 square feet/4,000 meters long, allowing guests to connect with the ocean while enjoying alfresco dining.
Infinity Beach features two infinity pools positioned close to the water level to enjoy the expanse of the ocean with uninterrupted views, as well as the Oceanwalk, where two glass bridges are designed to make guests feel like they are walking on air above the water.
Norway Prima will also host The Concourse, the first outdoor sculpture garden at sea with six installations created by international metal artist Alexander Krivosheiv and an art wall designed by David Harber.
Along with Sommer, Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. was present at the ceremony. The handover ceremony was followed by the traditional exchange of flags.
Luigi Matarazzo, Managing Director of Fincantieri's Merchant Shipping Division, said: “We are delighted to be working with Norwegian Cruise Line to create a series of world-class ships, and it is a proud day to see the delivery of the first of six Prima-class ships today. Norwegian Prima is packed with world firsts, never-before-seen features and extraordinary attractions you'd never expect at sea."
Later this month, TravelPulse Canada's John Kirk will be on board when Norwegian Prima becomes Iceland's first major cruise ship, beginning its eight-day inaugural voyage in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik on August 27.
