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Norwegian Prima Christening celebration honors its past, present and future

By Cristine Struble

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND - AUGUST 27: Global superstar and godmother of Norwegian Prima, Katy Perry, joins Norwegian Cruise Line executives in Reykjavik, Iceland to officially christen and name NCL’s 18th vessel in its leading-edge Prima Class. (from left to right: President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Frank Del Rio, Global Popstar, Katy Perry, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, Harry Sommer and Radio Host of Elvis Duran and The Morning Show, Elvis Duran). (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Norwegian Cruise Line)
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND - AUGUST 27: Global superstar and godmother of Norwegian Prima, Katy Perry, joins Norwegian Cruise Line executives in Reykjavik, Iceland to officially christen and name NCL’s 18th vessel in its leading-edge Prima Class. (from left to right: President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Frank Del Rio, Global Popstar, Katy Perry, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, Harry Sommer and Radio Host of Elvis Duran and The Morning Show, Elvis Duran). (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Norwegian Cruise Line) /
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As the first ship to set sail as part of its new concept, the Norwegian Prima Christening celebration captured the legacy of the sailing while setting a new course in the leisure industry. From the ship’s style to its guest experience, stepping aboard promises an adventure both on and off the ship.

After being stuck at port too long, the cruising industry is ready to take to the water again. It is more than just people looking for another vacation from the daily grind. The concept of unpack once and explore multiple locales appeals to all ages. Whether it is a quick getaway or a longer escape, the dock is open, and guests are ready to embark.

With the new Norwegian Prima, guests are being welcomed into a new experience. Beyond the delicious food options, spacious quarters, and welcoming ambiance, the Christening event looked beyond just a celebration of the grandeur of launching a new vessel. It was a time to honor how a vessel can open people to a world beyond their front door.

As the only ship to have its inaugural cruise from Reykjavík, Iceland, the connection to Nordic culture is more than just a name. Given that Norwegians settled in Norway, that Viking culture of an eagerness to set their own path to success seems to have a slight nod to the willingness to set off on the next great adventure.

Speaking to the Norwegian Prima christening, Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd said, “As the industry’s most spacious new cruise ship featuring ‘only-available-on-Prima-experiences,’ she is continuing NCL’s legacy of industry firsts. We wanted to launch Norwegian Prima in a location just as special and unique as she is, and Reykjavik’s striking landscape is the perfect setting for such a milestone occasion.”

While the launch locale offered a celebration of history and culture, it was the ship’s Godmother, Katy Perry that brough the vibrant celebration to new heights. Perry said, “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. 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!”

Beyond toasting the new ship, Perry took to the stage for a high energy performance that was a scene straight from her Las Vegas residency. While it might sound cliché, her long set was full of fireworks. From well-known favorites to even a Whitney Houston cover, the pop music icon brought set the tone for guests to better understand that this ship wants to be a totally new experience.

From its new Indulge Food Hall to mesmerizing scenic views interspersed with sculpture gardens, it will take guests hours to appreciate all the intricacies of the ship. While this ship is meant to be a new chapter for NCL, it is more than just setting themselves apart in a sea of ginormous getaways.

It is about capturing the idea that NCL was founded. Setting sail on an impeccable ship is an invitation to come together. It is a celebration of tradition that brings all people, of varying backgrounds, on board and allows them to set forth on an adventure that will make a lasting memory.

How guests will embrace the new NCL category of ships remains to be seen. For now, the ship has set sail and more will be said as she arrives at her next port.

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