Norwegian Prima Christening in Reykjavik, Iceland – Cruise Maven

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Norwegian Prima at sea

Norwegian Cruise Line christened its newest ship Norwegian Prima on August 27, 2022 becoming the first major cruise ship to be christened in Reykjavík, Iceland.

The glamor and glitter event took place in the Icelandic capital with more than 2,500 guests from around the world.  Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships in the cruise line’s Prima Class.

Norwegian Prima at sea

The new ship is 965 feet long and weighs in at over 143,535 tons.  At double capacity, it can accommodate 3,100 passengers, a smaller ship by today’s mega-standard. 

In addition, Norwegian Prima offers the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any contemporary or premium cruise ship.

Norwegian Prima in Reykjavik, Iceland.

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

Norwegian Prima offers the largest variety of suite categories available on any cruise ship.  The Haven by Norwegian, NCL’s keycard-only access accommodations, has seen a new take on design from the other NCL ships’ Haven area. 

The ship has a huge variety of activities including the fastest slides at sea, The Rush and The Drop.  The race car track in back and renamed the Prima Speedway.  It’s the first three-level racetrack at sea.

There’s a 44,000 square foot promenade named, Ocean Boulevard, and wraps around the entire ship, as true cruise ship promenades should do.  A multi-million dollar outdoor sculpture garden, spacious pool decks and infinity pools at Infinity Beach give guests the option to relax and refresh. 

Norwegian Prima Infinity Beach
Norwegian Prima 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,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “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 Norwegian Prima‘s christening ceremony were treated to a show-stopping performance by popular Icelandic group and 2021 “Eurovision Song Contest” fan favorites, Daði og Gagnamagnið (pronounced “Dah-they Oh Gack-no-Mak-ne”. 

Katy Perry, godmother to Norwegian Prima, officially named and christened the vessel as the ceremonial champagne bottle broke across the ship’s hull.

Norwegian Prima christening ceremony

The three-level Prima Theater & Club stage was transformed into a whimsical backdrop where guests enjoyed a performance of some of Perry’s chart-topping hits including “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” “Roar,” and “Firework.”

“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 Katy 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!”

Prior to the Christening ceremony, guests were surprised with an authentic Icelandic experience at the HARPA cultural center. Attendees were treated to a captivating LED light show by Artist Olafur Eliasson as well as performances by Icelandic singer-songwriter Bríet who joined the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.

Norwegian Prima will depart on inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from the Netherlands, Denmark and England beginning Sept. 3, 2022.  Then the ship will cross the Atlantic for late fall and winter cruises to the Caribbean from New York City; Galveston, Texas and Miami in October and November. 

Finally, Norwegian Prima will homeport at Port Canaveral, on Florida’s Space Coast.  Then it’s on to Galveston, Texas for the 2023 and 2024 cruise season.

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