Norwegian Prima

The 2022-built Norwegian Prima cruise ship is the first of six PRIMA-class NCL liners constructed in Italy by Fincantieri (Marghera Yard/Venice). By volume (142500 GT), Prima’s direct sistership is Viva (2023). From the PRIMA PLUS series are the 10% larger (158000 GT) sisterships Aqua (2025) and Luna (2026), as well as the 20% larger (172000 GT) Aura (2027) and TBN6 (2028).

The vessel (IMO number 9823986) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311001059) and registered in Nassau.

The building cost of an NCL PRIMA-class unit is EUR 730 million (USD 850 million).

NCL’s previous BREAKAWAY PLUS-class ships were built by Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany).

The design includes 20 decks, 1646 staterooms, gross tonnage of 142500 GT, passenger capacity of 3215 (double occupancy), and 16 passenger elevators (including 2 dedicated to The Haven complex). All Haven public areas and the 107 Haven Suites were designed by the Italian studio Lissoni & Partners (Piero Lissoni).

Norwegian Prima’s hull artwork was created by Italian graffiti artist Manuel Di Rita (Peeta).

History – construction and ownership

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH). Founded in 1966, NCL is headquartered in Miami, Florida, and is publicly traded on NASDAQ/NYSE (New York City). NCLH’s major shareholders include Apollo Global Management (USA), Genting Group (Malaysia), and TPG Capital (USA).

In 2017, the NCL brand held an 8.7% global passenger market share and an 8.4% revenue share.

NCLH owns the brands NCL, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Decks and Cabins

Norwegian Prima staterooms (1646 total) are offered in 35 grades and 7 types: The Haven Suites (107 total), Suites, Club Balcony Suites (Mini-Suites), Balcony, Oceanview, Interior, and Studios (single-occupancy cabins with no single supplement). The PRIMA-class design features 18 Suite categories—including the fleet’s first 3-bedroom suites—and NCL’s largest Inside, Oceanview, and Balcony staterooms.

The ship has 41 ADA-certified wheelchair-accessible cabins in the following categories: HB-Haven Aft Penthouse (1), BA-BB-BF-Balcony (16), O4-Oceanview (7), IA-IB-IF-Inside (17). “Guaranteed” cabin categories include MX-Club Balcony Suite, BX-Balcony, OX-Oceanview, and IX-Inside.

The smallest accommodations are T1-Studios (95 ft2 / 9 m2). Inside cabins measure 160–255 ft2 (15–24 m2). Oceanview cabins feature a large round window and come in Standard (185 ft2 / 17 m2), Large (235 ft2 / 22 m2), and Family (235–370 ft2 / 22–34 m2) layouts. Balcony cabins range between 230–360 ft2 (21–34 m2), with balconies sized 45–100 ft2 (4–9 m2). The largest suite is The Haven Premier Owner’s Suite (sleeps 8), measuring 2100 ft2 (195 m2) with an 830 ft2 (77 m2) wraparound terrace.

The ship has 20 decks, of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 9 contain cabins.

Staff and crew accommodations total 912 cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The PRIMA-class design emphasizes expanded indoor and outdoor public spaces, reduced passenger capacity (compared to BREAKAWAY and BREAKAWAY PLUS ships), new dining and entertainment concepts, 35 dining venues and bars (including seven fleet-first venues), and elevated service levels.

The Waterfront concept was redesigned and expanded into Ocean Boulevard—a 360-degree outdoor promenade (44000 ft2 / 4090 m2) encircling Deck 8. Ocean Boulevard includes two large infinity pools, the glass-bottom Oceanwalk bridges, Indulge Food Hall (NCL’s first open-air marketplace), and The Concourse (a sculpture garden with selfie-ready installations by Alexander Krivosheiw and David Harber).

Penrose Atrium is NCL’s first three-level atrium (Decks 6–7–8), featuring glass walls, panoramic sea views, futuristic architecture, a 3-ton constellations-themed crystal chandelier (custom-built by Lasvit), a full-height art installation resembling a topographic map, and bars and retail spaces on all levels (including Starbucks, Whiskey Bar, Penrose Bar, and Prima Casino).

Below is the complete list of Norwegian Prima’s restaurants and food bars:

• Indulge Food Hall – open-air marketplace with 11 eateries, Luna Bar, Indulge Outdoor Lounge, Soleil Bar, Waves Pool Bar, Prima Speedway Bar, and a Starbucks service counter.
• Los Lobos Cantina – à la carte Mexican restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating.
• Onda by Scarpetta – Italian specialty restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating and a Waterfront terrace.
• Coco’s – patisserie for artisan desserts.
• Seaside Rotisserie – grilled and spit-roasted meats.
• Nudls – noodle dishes and global street food.
• Tamara – classic Indian cuisine with vegetarian options.
• Tapas Food Truck – Spanish-inspired street food.
• Q Texas Smokehouse – Southern barbecue.
• The Local Bar & Grill – casual American dishes and cocktails.
• Garden Kitchen – customized salads with 12+ ingredients.
• The Concourse – outdoor sculpture garden valued at USD 2+ million.
• La Terraza – open-air lounge with forward-facing sea views.
• Infinity Beach – two infinity pools and two glass-bottom Oceanwalk bridges.
• Palomar – Mediterranean seafood restaurant.
• Hasuki – Japanese hibachi restaurant.
• Nama – sushi and sashimi bar.
• Le Bistro – French specialty restaurant.
• Cagney’s Steakhouse – premium steak and seafood; also exclusive breakfast/lunch for suite guests.
• Food Republic – Asian-fusion restaurant with iPad ordering.
• Observation Lounge & Bar, Humidor Cigar Lounge, The Belvedere Bar, Metropolitan Bar (NCL’s first sustainable bar).
• Surfside Cafe & Grill – casual buffet and made-to-order selections.

The two Main Dining Rooms (The Commodore Room on Deck 6 and Hudson’s on Deck 7) offer revamped fixed menus featuring international dishes, vegetarian/vegan selections, a “build-your-own pasta” option, and the ability to sample items from specialty restaurants.

Additional venues include The Latin Quarter, Just Desserts, and Just Ice Cream.

The Haven by Norwegian (designed by Lissoni & Partners) spans 8 decks and includes all 107 suites, public areas, and exclusive venues, all located aft.

The complex has two private elevators connecting Decks 6–18 and provides sea views from all public areas. The Haven Sundeck stretches across Decks 16–17–18, offering exclusive sunbathing areas and outdoor leisure spaces.

• Deck 16 – infinity pool overlooking the wake, outdoor spa (glass-walled sauna and cold room), Concierge Desk, Haven Outdoor Restaurant, Haven Outdoor Lounge & Bar.
• Deck 17 – two outdoor Jacuzzis and showers.
• Deck 18 – infinity pool with glass wall and a large sunbathing area.

All Haven guests receive complimentary 24-hour butler service.

The wellness complex consists of Mandara Spa and Pulse Fitness Center.

• Pulse Gym – modern equipment, separate aerobics studio, and Performance Recovery Room (Hyperice technology).
• Mandara Spa – charcoal sauna, two-story waterfall, Salt Room, Steam Room, Ice Room, Infrared and Finnish saunas, experiential showers, Vitality Pool, Flotation Salt Pool, Relaxation Lounge (22 heated loungers), and 20 treatment rooms.

New spa services introduced with PRIMA-class ships include computer-controlled acoustic and vibrational therapies (via two Gharieni beds), Ocean Spa Wave Massage, Zero Gravity Wellness Massage, and ELEMIS’ Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap treatments.

The Aqua Park (three decks high) features two swimming pools, five multi-level waterslides (Ocean Loop), two racing slides (The Rush), one 10-deck-high freefall dry slide (The Drop), the “Tidal Wave” innertube waterslide, four Jacuzzis (two infinity hot tubs), a poolside bar, and a large sundeck.

Vibe Beach Club is an adults-only area (extra charge) with two infinity whirlpools, pool bar, sun loungers, and private cabanas.

Syd Norman’s Pour House is a rock-and-roll bar with live band performances.

Headliners Comedy Club hosts “The Second City,” “Howl at the Moon,” “The Improv at Sea,” and “Science of Comedy.”

The Sensoria Theatre Lounge (Prima Theater & Club Bar) spans Decks 6–7–8, featuring a full-size stage, LED screen, dance floor, customizable seating, UHD technology, and nightclub conversion for DJ events.

Daily programming includes enrichment lectures, bingo, and trivia.

• Exclusive production show: “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” (75 minutes, 20+ hit songs).
• NCL interactive game shows “LIVE on NCL”: “The Price Is Right,” “Supermarket Sweep,” “Press Your Luck,” “Beat the Clock.”

Norwegian Prima features the fleet’s largest Prima Speedway (three-level racetrack), “The Rush” dry slides, and “The Drop” freefall slide (10 decks high). The racetrack totals 420 m (1378 ft), features 14 turns, passes through the funnel, and accommodates up to 15 racing karts simultaneously.

Galaxy Pavilion is an indoor virtual-world gaming complex with 14 attractions, four new simulators, two escape rooms, Topgolf Swing Suite, and “The Bull’s Eye” digital darts experience.

The ship also offers “Tee Time,” a 9-hole interactive mini-golf course.

NCL debuted its own gin brand—‘66 by Norwegian—distilled in Nicaragua and named after the company’s founding year. Prima also introduced a new draft beer, ‘66 by Norwegian, brewed by Terrapin Beer Company and first served at Soleil Bar.

Additional lounges, clubs, and venues include:

• Viva Theater & Club (formerly Sensoria)
• Penrose Atrium
• Penrose Bar
• Cruise Next, Sales Office, Shore Excursions & Guest Services
• Casino (VIP & Smoking)
• Belvedere Bar
• Splash Academy (kids 3–12), Guppies Nursery (6 months–2 years), Kid’s Aqua Park
• I-Connect Internet Café
• Art Gallery
• Whiskey Bar
• The Gateway mini mall
• Beauty by Design & Aficionados

The ship’s shops include Roberto Coin, Effy Jewelry, Timeless Luxury & Fine Watches, Pandora Jewelry & Lifestyles, The Zone & Eye Style, Tech @ Sea, and Perspectives Photo Studio & Gallery.

Itineraries

Norwegian Prima’s itinerary program includes seasonal European and Caribbean deployments, Transatlantic crossings, and homeporting in three US ports—Port Canaveral, Miami, and Galveston (the latter since December 2023). Bookings opened May 12, 2021. Shortly after, NCL announced record-breaking first-day and first-week sales for the ship.

The Maiden Voyage was initially scheduled for August 17, 2022. The inaugural season featured 10-day Baltic itineraries from Amsterdam and Copenhagen, calling at Northern European ports including Norway’s fjords.

• On September 22, 2022, Prima sailed a 12-day Transatlantic from Southampton to New York City, calling at Lerwick (Scotland), Reykjavik (Iceland), and Halifax (Nova Scotia).
• On October 10, the ship began her first ex-USA voyage—a 5-day Bermuda itinerary from NYC.
• On October 15, she operated a 12-day relocation cruise from NYC to Galveston, visiting Puerto Plata, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, and Cozumel.
• On October 31, she repositioned from Galveston to PortMiami on an 11-day voyage calling at Cozumel, the ABC islands, and Great Stirrup Cay.

Between December 11, 2022, and March 19, 2023, Prima was based in Port Canaveral, operating 5-7-9-day Western Caribbean roundtrips (Cozumel, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Great Stirrup Cay). From March to May 2023, she homeported in NYC for 5-7-day Bermuda cruises.

During summer 2023 (May 25–Nov 20), Prima sailed Northern Europe itineraries (10–11-day Iceland and Norway voyages from Reykjavik and Southampton) and Mediterranean itineraries from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona.

In September 2021, NCL announced that Norwegian Prima would be based in Galveston for the 2023–2024 winter season, operating 7-day Western Caribbean cruises (Cozumel, Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan).

In 2025–2026 (Nov 2–Nov 1), the ship is scheduled to homeport in Port Canaveral.

During winter 2026–2027 (Nov 15–Mar 28), NCL Prima will homeport in New Orleans (NOLA).

On February 16, 2017, the shipowner NCLH (Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd) signed with Fincantieri an order for four NCL LEONARDO-class units (renamed “NCL PRIMA” in 2021) for the NCL brand.

• The newbuilds were scheduled for delivery between 2022 and 2025 (one ship per year), with an option for two additional units. On July 12, 2018, NCLH exercised this option and ordered two more ships (PRIMA PLUS series), currently scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028.
• The NCLH–Fincantieri agreement was financed with the support of CDP (Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA, established 1850, Turin-based investment bank) and SACE SpA (Servizi Assicurativi del Commercio Estero, Italy’s Export Credit Agency founded in 1977).
• All shipbuilding contracts were signed by Frank Del Rio (NCLH President and CEO) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri SpA CEO).

The following YouTube video is NCL’s official release featuring renderings of the new-class vessel.

The ship was launched (floated out from drydock at the Marghera yard near Venice, Italy) on August 13, 2021. The float-out ceremony was attended by Harry Sommer (NCL President and CEO) and Luigi Matarazzo (General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division).

Norwegian Prima was originally scheduled for delivery to NCLH on June 30, 2022, but the handover was delayed to July 29. The ceremony at the Marghera yard was attended by Harry Sommer (NCL), Pierroberto Folgiero (Fincantieri CEO and Managing Director), Captain Roger Gustavsen (the ship’s first Master), and Frank Del Rio (NCLH’s President and CEO).

Prima is the first of six PRIMA-class (formerly LEONARDO-class) units ordered by NCLH for its subsidiary NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line. Deliveries were originally planned from 2022 through 2027 (one ship annually).

The ship’s namesakes include the AmaWaterways riverboat AmaPrima (2013-built) and AIDA Cruises’ AIDAprima (2016-built).

The vessel (Fincantieri Marghera hull number 6298) is powered by five Wärtsilä main diesel engines—three 8L46 (8-cylinder) and two 12V46 (12-cylinder)—supplemented by one Caterpillar diesel generator (3516C HD) and six Alfa Laval auxiliary boilers (one oil/gas-fired, five exhaust-gas heated).

The propulsion system is diesel-electric, featuring three Brunvoll FU115 bow thrusters and two ABB Azipod XO aft thrusters.

The registered shipowner is LEONARDO ONE LTD (an NCLH subsidiary), while the ship manager is NCL BAHAMAS LTD.

Ship christening 2022

On March 17, 2022, NCL announced the ship’s godmother: Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson (Katy Perry, 1984-born American singer, songwriter, and “American Idol” judge).

• With more than 143 million records sold (as of 2022), Katy Perry is among the world’s best-selling music artists. Her accolades include nine US No.1 singles, three US No.1 albums, five Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards, one Brit Award, and one Juno Award.
• She holds four Guinness World Records: 2010 (best digital chart debut by a female artist, 2+ million singles sold), 2013 (first female artist with five No.1 Billboard Hot 100 songs), 2014 (most-watched Super Bowl halftime show, 118.5 million US viewers), 2015 (most Twitter followers).
• As of 2022, she remains the most-followed person on Twitter (100+ million).
• Since 2018, Katy Perry has been a judge on “American Idol” (relaunched in 2018 and aired on ABC).

NCL Prima’s christening was initially scheduled for September 3, 2022, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, prior to the Maiden Voyage, but the ceremony took place earlier—on August 27—in Reykjavik, Iceland, attended by more than 2500 guests.

The naming event was held in Reykjavik’s Harpa Concert Hall (home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera, and Reykjavik Big Band). Guests included Frank Del Rio (NCLH President and CEO), Katy Perry (godmother), and Richard Ambrose (NCL Senior VP of Entertainment and Cruise Programs). Performances were given by IDC–Iceland Dance Company (est. 1973), singer Briet Isis Elfar, and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra’s 8-person Cello Ensemble.

The ceremony opened with a LED light show by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson (born 1967).

Inaugural itineraries 2022

The following tables present the Maiden Voyage and the first Norwegian Prima cruises, with lowest double-occupancy fares.

MAIDEN VOYAGE – 10-day Amsterdam to Copenhagen (US$2250 pp)

Inaugural Transatlantic Crossing – 12-day UK to USA (US$3730 pp)

Inaugural Bermuda Cruise – 5-day roundtrip from NYC (US$985 pp)

East Coast USA Relocation – 12-day NYC to Texas (US$2045 pp)

Repositioning – 11-day Texas to Florida (US$2085 pp)

Inaugural Caribbean from Miami – 7-day (US$1330 pp)

Inaugural Caribbean from Port Canaveral – 5-day (US$980 pp)

Godspeed!