CALL it serendipitous but Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) managed to get the design of its new ship, the Norwegian Prima, perfect for the times we are living in.
The ship's wide-open spaces, providing the most outdoor deck space and expansive accommodation of any new build, were designed pre-pandemic. More space, according to NCL's vice president and managing director, APAC, Ben Angell, is exactly what today's cruisers are looking for, post-pandemic.
In pole position to take advantage of the world's great cruise comeback, Norwegian Prima launches in Iceland on Saturday, August 27 after the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming the ship, this time by global popstar Katy Perry. The first in NCL's Prima class of ship, Norwegian Prima will start her eight-day inaugural voyage from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, sailing to Amsterdam.
Angell describes the 3300-passenger Norwegian Prima as a "truly spectacular vessel" and "a ship of firsts".
"We have a 'guest first' philosophy and when we design a ship, we listen to what our guests tell us they want. One of the things they said they wanted was more space. It was the most serendipitous part of the design."
One of the most striking features of Norwegian Prima is the Ocean Boulevard, which wraps around the entire deck and offers alfresco dining. The aptly-named Infinity Beach has two infinity pools, which are positioned close to water-level to take in the vastness of the ocean and there is an Oceanwalk where two glass bridges are designed to make guests feel as though they are walking on air over the water.
There is also the first upscale open-air food hall, Indulge Food Hall with 11 different dining options as well as extraordinary attractions you would never expect at sea. Norwegian Prima has the largest and first three-level racetrack at sea on the Prima Speedway as well as The Drop, the world's first freefall dry slide offering a 10-story plunge experience that claims to reach more G-forces than an accelerating F1 race car.
More sedate pursuits can be enjoyed at The Concourse, the first outdoor sculpture garden at sea with six installations created by international metal artist Alexander Krivosheiw and an art wall designed by David Harber. The ship's magnificent $6 million art collection was curated by Frank Del Rio, NCL's president and chief executive officer.
Then there is a bounty of new culinary offerings in the ship's restaurants and a three-storey theatre offering Broadway-style shows.
Angell said the new design also incorporated a re-imagined Haven, an exclusive enclave with the ship's most premium and spacious accommodation. With key card access, The Haven is "a ship within a ship", Angell said, for those who like a more exclusive, luxurious experience.
Following her inaugural voyage, Norwegian Prima will sail a series of eight-day voyages from Amsterdam and Copenhagen offering guests the opportunity to explore Northern Europe and the Norwegian Fjords. She'll then offer Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries before returning to Northern European cruises from May to September next year.
To celebrate the launch, NCL is offering bonus value when cruising on the new Prima Class of ships, including free beverage package, wi-fi package, specialty dining package and shore excursion credit, together with reduced rates for third and fourth guests on select sailings. There is also a limited time offer of savings of up to 40 per cent.
Norwegian Prima voyages in this offer include:
- A 12-Day Transatlantic: Scotland & Iceland cruise departing London (Southampton), England on September 23, 2022, is priced from $3240pp and visits five destinations, including Kirkwall in the Orkney Isles of Scotland; an overnight stay in Reykjavik, Iceland; a visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia; before arriving in New York.
- Cruise from the Big Apple to Iceland on a 11-Day Transatlantic: Halifax & Akureyri cruise departing from New York on May 14, 2023. Priced from $3545pp, this voyage visits six destinations including Halifax and Sydney Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia; Akureyri and Isafjordur, Iceland; before arriving in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik for an overnight stay.
- Discover the fascinating history and extraordinary beauty of Northern Europe aboard an 11-Day Northern Europe: Iceland & Norway roundtrip cruise departing London (Southampton) on May 12, 2024. Priced from $3805pp, guests will visit nine destinations including Brussels/Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Bergen, Geiranger and Alesund, Norway; Isafjordur, and Akureyri, Iceland; before arriving in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik for an overnight stay.
Mirroring the elevated design of her sister ship, Norwegian Viva, will begin sailing remarkable Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries from 2023, homeporting in Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste), Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Athens (Piraeus), Greece.
The offer is also available on a wide selection of NCL's worldwide voyages on its fleet of 18 ships, departing this year, 2023 and 2024.
Phone 1300-255-200 or click here for more information.
