Norwegian Prima has touched water for the first time after it floated out from its dry dock at a Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.
The Norwegian Cruise Line ship (pictured) is due to launch in August 2022 and will be the first of six Prima-class ships to be delivered to the brand before 2028.
A commemorative coin was placed within Norwegian Prima in a traditional maritime ceremony that was attended by Eamonn Ferrin, NCL’s vice president, international business; and shipyard director Antonio Quintano, before the ship floated out.
The float out means external work – including the hull artwork – has been completed on the 3,215-passenger ship.
Interior fittings and cabins will now be built into the vessel, which will have 11 dining venues located in an open-air market place.
Prima will also have two glass bridges and 44,000 square-feet space called Ocean Boulevard, where passengers can eat outside.
Harry Sommer, NCL’s president and chief executive, said: “A ship’s float out is always a significant milestone, but this one is particularly special.
“Our 18th ship, Norwegian Prima represents an exciting new chapter for our brand and the first vessel to be delivered in our ground-breaking new Prima class,”
“We’re now one step closer to welcoming our guests onboard in just 12 months’ time.”
Luigi Matarazzo, general manager merchant ships division of Fincantieri, said: “We are glad to celebrate not only many months of hard work, but also the true spirit of collaboration between our brands – a partnership that will lead the way for a pioneering class of ships in NCL’s Prima Class.”