Norwegian Prima

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced details of Norwegian Prima, the first of its highly anticipated Prima Class fleet set to feature a host of new spaces and experiences.

Able to accommodate 3,215 guests at double occupancy, the vessel will be a gamechanger for the operator, offering more outdoor deck space than any other newbuild, a food hall, infinity beach and larger staterooms. “Despite not having sailed in more than a year, we never stopped working and innovating, we never once pressed pause,” explains Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “In fact, we doubled down on our brand investment in order to deliver unforgettable guest experiences that go well beyond expectations. Not only will we begin cruising this July, we’re so proud and so incredibly happy to announce the start of an exciting new chapter as we introduce the Prima Class and the first ship in a line of unrivalled vessels with Norwegian Prima.”

Due to begin sailing in summer 2022, the venture marks NCL’s first new class of ship in almost a decade. Each of the six vessels – measuring 965ft in length and weighing in at 142,500 gross tonnes – is being built in Italy by Fincantieri and will feature hull artwork by Manuel Di Rita, commonly known as Peeta, whose three-dimensional graffiti-style mural will extend to the forward of the ship for the first time.

GUEST-CENTRIC DESIGN

NCL has enlisted a stellar line-up of world-class designers to create its interior spaces. Italian architect Piero Lissoni is responsible for suites and public areas of The Haven, a premium ship-within-a-ship concept, while Studio Dado is developing the aesthetic of various restaurants and staterooms. Rockwell Group, SMC Design, Tillberg Design of Sweden and YSA Design are also on board, bringing expertise garnered from years of experience in hotel, restaurant and cruise ship design.

The brief, according to NCL and Fincantieri, was to elevate the guest experience through spacious and thoughtful design, as Sommer explains: “An exemplary

representation of our brand evolution, bringing together our ‘Guest First’ philosophy and our spirit of innovation, Norwegian Prima personifies everything our guests love about NCL and raises the bar. This brand-new class of ships is truly designed to put our guests first.” He adds: “We innovated with purpose and created Norwegian Prima to push the boundaries of conventional cruising, offering our guests more wide-open spaces, thoughtful art and design and world-class service which places our guests at the heart of it all.”

SUPERSIZED STATEROOMS

Norwegian Prima will offer the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any new cruise ship in the contemporary and premium cruise categories, as well as the largest variety of stateroom categories available at sea. Demonstrating its commitment to putting guest comfort first, the vessel will feature NCL’s largest-ever inside, oceanview and balcony staterooms, as well as its largest-ever bathrooms for standard stateroom categories. And in another boundary-pushing offer, there’s a three-bedroom suite thought to be the most spacious of any new cruise ship.

For passengers seeking an ultra-premium experience, The Haven by Norwegian has been elevated to new levels. Designed by Piero Lissoni, the ship-within-a-ship concept spans eight decks and provides dedicated amenities and services as well as the most luxurious accommodations on board. All 107 Haven suites have been relocated to the aft and offer a visual connection to the ocean via floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. Public spaces within The Haven are designed to be more open to the sea; every outlet comes with a view while the outdoor areas have been transformed into an expansive sundeck with an infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake and a new outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room. DESTINATION DINING

Continuing its series of firsts, Norwegian Prima will introduce a new dining concept inspired by the food halls that have been opening in cities in recent years. NCL’s first-ever upscale openair marketplace, known as Indulge Food Hall, has been created to elevate the guest experience and will feature dishes from a variety of global cuisines. Along with a Starbucks and Texan smokehouse, outlets include a rotisserie, noodle emporium, tapas food truck and salad bar, as well as a gelateria and artisan sweet treats stall.

Other dining options on Norwegian Prima include Mexican restaurant Los Lobos, and the revamped Local Bar & Grill set in an upscale beach club atmosphere and serving cocktails and classic Americana cuisine. Onda By Scarpetta will also return having made its debut on Norwegian Encore in 2019. Here, Studio Dado have designed a bold, contemporary dining room befitting of the Italian fare.

A LIFE OUTDOORS

Norwegian Prima will also offer more outdoor deck space than any other new cruise ship with al fresco dining, multiple infinity pools and vast outdoor walkways allowing guests to take in the ocean breeze. NCL has reimagined The Waterfront by doubling its size and adding a greater variety of experiences while Ocean Boulevard will debut as a new feature. Located on deck 8 and spanning 44,000ft2 , the boulevard is designed to be a destination in itself and incorporates open-air lounge La Terraza, two Oceanwalk glass bridges and Infinity Beach featuring two pools close to the ocean surface – an industry design first that enables guests to take in the vastness of the ocean. Completing the offer, The Concourse is an outdoor sculpture garden showcasing immersive works by David Harber and Alexander Krivosheiw, the latter inspired by ancient mythology and contemporary abstract forms.

Norwegian Prima will make its maiden voyage in Northern Europe in summer 2022, before crossing the Atlantic to sail Bermuda and the Caribbean. Since details were announced, the vessel has become NCL’s most in-demand ship ever, taking record bookings within the first week. “Every aspect of Norwegian Prima, from bow-to-stern, was conceptualised with the guest in mind,” concludes Sommer. “With this world-class ship, we are providing our guests with more wide-open spaces, elevated service, thoughtful design and a variety of experiences that go beyond expectation. Our record-breaking sales are a clear indicator of our guests’ excitement to return to the ocean and of the significant demand for a premium vacation experience.” ON DECK Route: Northern Europe, Caribbean Maiden Voyage: Summer 2022 Owner: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Operator: Norwegian Cruise Line Interior Design: Piero Lissoni, Studio Dado, Rockwell Group, SMC Design, Tillberg Design of Sweden, YSA Design Shipyard: Fincantieri www.ncl.com