By
Alice Chambers |
Norwegian Cruise Line launched its newest ship Norwegian Prima in Reykjavik, Iceland, on 27 August 2022. With record-breaking bookings on the first day and week of its sales, the destinations that it visits have helped the ship become the line’s most in-demand vessel to date.
Norwegian Prima then began its inaugural season from Cruise Port Amsterdam in the Netherlands on 2 September 2022. This was celebrated by a water salute from harbour tugs and a traditional plaque and key ceremony where the captain of the vessel was presented with a proverbial key to the city. Since then, Norwegian Prima has been sailing on the North Sea with several eight-day voyages from Amsterdam and Copenhagen, Denmark, visiting Northern Europe destinations such as the Norwegian fjords.
“Norwegian Prima was the first major cruise ship to be christened in Reykjavik, which we find suitably fitting as it represents several onboard firsts for the industry and Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Gary Anslow, senior sales director in the UK and Ireland at Norwegian Cruise Line, reflecting on the vessel’s three-level race track, freefall drop dry-slide and the ship-within-a-ship concept. “Norwegian Prima will spend half of its years in Northern Europe, so it made sense to christen it in one of these outstanding places.
“When thinking of potential christening locations, we drew on the ship’s elegant design and unique offerings, which put Norwegian Prima in a league of its own. We wanted to launch the vessel in a location as special and unique as it is. Reykjavik’s striking landscape was the perfect setting for such a milestone occasion.”
During the winter season between October and May, Norwegian Prima will offer Caribbean itineraries from the USA.
“The ship will sail to Bermuda from a handful of American ports including New York, Galveston, Miami and Orlando so that guests can enjoy the sunshine during the British winter months,” said Anslow. “The new destination of Galveston, Texas, is a landmark for Norwegian Cruise Line since Norwegian Prima is the first of the fleet to dock at this port.”
The ship will also call at several Canadian ports during its transatlantic sailing between seasons. “We are excited and honoured to host the new Norwegian Prima in Atlantic Canada as it calls on Halifax twice this cruise season, and both Halifax and Sydney next season as part of its transatlantic sailing,” said Sarah Rumley, executive director of Cruise Atlantic Canada. “As more ships continue to call on our incredible ports, throughout our peak cruise season and the spring and summer months, we will build on the momentum we’ve established since cruise has returned, with a focus on restoring Atlantic Canada’s economic prosperity.”
The destinations that Norwegian Prima will visit have continued to be popular and has contributed to the line’s most in-demand ship.
“So far, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from those who have had the chance to sail on Norwegian Prima,” said Anslow. “Highlights include The Haven, our ship-within-a-ship concept, and our new dining experiences, including the Indulge Hall that offers cuisine options from around the world.”
This article was first published in the 2023 issue of Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed. Subscribe to Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning for FREE here to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox or your door.