By
Alex Smith |
Norwegian Cruise Line’s new cruise ship Norwegian Prima has been floated out from her dry dock at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Marghera, Italy.
The construction milestone was marked in a ceremony led by Eamonn Ferrin, vice president of international business at Norwegian Cruise Line, and Antonio Quintano, shipyard director of Fincantieri. A commemorative coin was welded to the ship as she touched water for the first time.
"The float out of Norwegian Prima signifies a renewed confidence in cruise and a new era for shipbuilding," said Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the merchant ships division of Fincantieri. "We are glad to celebrate not only many months of hard work, but also the true spirit of collaboration between our brands – a partnership that will lead the way for a pioneering class of ships in Norwegian Cruise Line's Prima Class."
Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships in Norwegian Cruise Line's Prima Class, the brand's first new class of vessels in nearly 10 years. The ship will have capacity for 3,215 guests, and feature the new Ocean Boulevard, a promenade wrapping around the entire deck that will offer several dining venues, two infinity pools looking out to the ocean and two glass bridges.
Dining options will be expanded with the addition of Indulge Food Hall, an open-air marketplace with 11 different culinary venues. Meanwhile, The Haven by Norwegian suite complex will be located at the aft of the ship for the first time, spanning eight decks of suites and public areas. The Haven will also feature a new infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake and a new outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.
"A ship's float out is always a significant milestone, but this one is particularly special," said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. "Our 18th 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.”
Work will now continue on Norwegian Prima's interior fittings and guest accommodations, before she is officially delivered to the cruise line and begins sailing in summer 2022. She will offer in Northern Europe with voyages from Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Copenhagen, Denmark sailing to the Norwegian Fjords and Baltic Sea.