Categories: Cruise News

Norwegian Prima christened in Iceland, sets sail on maiden passenger voyage

Norwegian Prima, the first of Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima-class cruise ships, was christened on Saturday by godmother Katy Perry ahead of her maiden passenger voyage from Reykjavík, Iceland to Amsterdam.

Norwegian Prima will spend the remainder of the European summer operating ten night cruises between Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Southampton, before crossing the Atlantic to sail a Caribbean season out of Port Canaveral, with departures also scheduled from New York, Galveston and Miami.

Norwegian Prima is the first major cruise ship to be christened in the Icelandic capital, hosting 2,500 guests for an immersive experience that included performances by popular Icelandic group and 2021 “Eurovision Song Contest” fan favorites, Daði og Gagnamagnið (pronounced “Dah-they Oh Gack-no-Mak-ne”).

Norwegian Prima in Reykjavík, Iceland

RELATED: Additional dining, bar concepts revealed for Norwegian Prima and Viva

RELATED: Enormous demand for The Haven as Prima breaks NCL booking history

The ship’s godmother, Katy Perry, then took to the main stage of the three-level Prima Theater & Club to officially name and christen the vessel with the ceremonial champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull broadcast on giant LED screens.

“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, before performing a concert that included some of her best-known hits.

“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!” she added.

Katy Perry and Norwegian Cruise Line executives celebrate the christening of Norwegian Prima

“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 & CEO 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,” he added.

Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships of this new class for Norwegian Cruise Line, which builds on some of the most popular features of its Breakaway-Plus class ships, including an expanded Waterfront area (renamed the Boulevard aboard Prima), and a go-kart track up on the top deck.

The Prima Theater & Club is another innovation aboard the ship. The three-deck space transforms from a theatre in the early evening into a Vegas-style nightclub later in the night, providing guests with a multifaceted entertainment experience.

The main dining menu aboard Norwegian Prima has also been completely re-imagined, while existing venues in the fleet, such as the Le Bistro, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Food Republic and the Observation Lounge, have all been enhanced.

Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com.

Recent Posts

Cunard Line reveals first look at Queen Victoria following refit and refurbishment

Cunard Line has revealed the first look at the refurbished interiors of Queen Victoria following…

3 days ago

Cunard Line reveals new Queen Mary 2 interiors ahead of 2027 refurbishment

Cunard Line has unveiled new interior designs for Queen Mary 2 ahead of a major…

3 days ago

Hanseatic Spirit to open Hermanus cruise season with Walker Bay call

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Hanseatic Spirit is scheduled to visit Hermanus on 16 November 2026, marking the…

4 days ago

Marella Cruises to add 4 new venues aboard Marella Discovery 2 as ship goes adults-only

Marella Cruises is introducing four new entertainment and leisure venues aboard Marella Discovery 2 as…

1 week ago

Azamara Cruises announces South Africa return as part of 85 new sailings

Azamara Cruises will return to South Africa and the wider African coast in 2028 and…

1 week ago

Seven Seas Prestige to debut 6 productions and new entertainment programme

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has revealed six original productions and an expanded live music programme…

2 weeks ago