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

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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.

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