Norwegian Prima floated out of construction dry dock ahead of 2022 delivery
Norwegian Prima has touched water for the first time, leaving her construction dry dock at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Venice to commence her final fit out and finishing stage. Norwegian Prima is the 18th ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and the first of the new Prima-class vessels, making her float out “particularly special”, said Harry Sommer, President & CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“A ship’s float out is always a significant milestone, but this one is particularly special”, said Sommer. “Our eighteenth 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,” he added.
Norwegian Prima is also the first new class of ship for the cruise line in almost a decade, after the introduction of Norwegian Breakaway, which started construction in 2011. Before Norwegian Prima was floated out, a commemorative coin was encased within her superstructure under the radar mast, to bring the ship good luck, a maritime tradition that dates back hundreds of years.
In the age of sail, ships would have a mast stepping ceremony, during which a coin was placed beneath the mast when it was raised. In shipbuilding today, the launch or float out of the vessel is the modern equivalent.
All major external works and painting are now complete aboard Norwegian Prima, including the hull artwork designed by Italian graffiti artist Manuel Di Rita, known commonly as ‘Peeta’.
The focus will now shift to her interior. There are more than 1,600 cabins to decorate and furnish, more than 14 restaurants, and dozens of bars, lounges and various public spaces to fit out.
Norwegian Prima is due for delivery in mid-2022, with her first cruises scheduled for June next year. She’ll sail in North Europe before heading to the US in late 2022, sailing a variety of Bermuda and Caribbean cruises from New York, Galveston, Miami and Port Canaveral.
These cruises will include calls to Harvest Cay, Norwegian’s private resort destination in Belize as well as its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas. Norwegian Prima will have more open deck space and the largest accommodations of any recent newbuild, as well as a mix of new and signature Norwegian Cruise Line food and entertainment options.
These include Ocean Boulevard with its ocean views, infinity pools, sun loungers and art installations in addition to dozens of bars, restaurants and cafes at Indulge Food Hall, where all the main dining venues are grouped together around the stern of the ship.
