Norwegian Cruise Line has taken delivery of its new Prima-class cruise ship Norwegian Viva from the Italian shipyard Fincantieri.

Norwegian Viva is a sister ship to Norwegian Prima, a new class of cruise ship designed with the feel of an oceanside resort with huge promenade decks, expansive outdoor spaces and a wide range of bars, restaurants, and cafes.

At 143,535 gross tons and with a passenger capacity of 3,100, this new class of cruise ship is smaller than most new designs for the industry, which gives Norwegian Cruise Line greater flexibility for deployments.

Norwegian Viva at sea

Despite its smaller size, the Prima class feature one of the largest Haven enclaves of any Norwegian Cruise Line ships, with a private elevator, restaurant, lounge, and outdoor pool area.

A further four ships in the class are on order with Fancantieri, which based the design around a prototype developed by Fincantieri in 2017 for MSC Cruises. The shipyard is the same one that built MSC’s Seasideclass ships.

The design also influenced the cruise ships built for Virgin Voyages, with a narrower superstructure to increase the number of cabins while also creating outdoor deck spaces closer to the water.

Fincantieri adapted the design to Norwegian’s needs, with signature brand offerings including freedom and flexibility in the passenger amenities with increased dining options and entertainment.

The main showroom can convert from theatre-style to a large dance hall and the ship has a wide wraparound promenade as well as a three-level go-chart racetrack.

The Prima-class feature a waterfront promenade deck that wraps around the entire ship.

“Ships as stellar as those of the Prima Class are only possible in collaboration with an incredible shipyard like Fincantieri,” said David Herrera, President, Norwegian Cruise Line. “Delivery marks an important milestone for Norwegian Viva, and we are beyond excited to bring this spectacular ship to life as we welcome guests aboard next week.”

In addition to a total of six ships ordered by Norwegian, Fincantieri also has two cruise ships under construction for Carnival Corporation’s Princess Cruises which will be the largest cruise ships yet built in Italy and the company’s first LNG-fueled cruise ship constructions.

The Italian shipyard is also building two large cruise ships for Germany’s TUI Group and has orders for smaller, luxury cruise ships from Norwegian’s Regent Seven Seas and Oceania brands as well as additional ships for MSC’s newly launched Explora Journeys brand and Viking’s ocean cruise ships.

Norwegian Viva is the 19th ship in the company’s fleet, she will enter service on August 10th sailing in the Mediterranean and Greek islands before repositioning to North America.

Norwegian Cruise Line says future ships of the class will be modified to be larger at 158,000 gross tons with a passenger capacity of 3,550.

The fifth and sixth ships of the class will be even larger at 172,000 gross tons and will use green methanol as an alternative fuel source. Delivery of the ships is scheduled to continue through 2028 for the class.