One of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest flagships made her inaugural visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands on Monday, April 22, Norwegian Prima arrived at the West Indian Company Dock at 12:30 p.m. and remained in port until 9 p.m.
She is the first of six prima-class ships being delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) between 2022 and 2027.
WICO executives and cruise industry stakeholders welcomed the ship at a plaque exchange ceremony to observe the occasion.
“The much-anticipated Project Leonardo vessels are Norwegian’s first new class of ships in a decade,” said Anthony A. Ottley, WICO president and CEO. “The overwhelming response on the first day and during the first week Norwegian Prima bookings opened made her the cruise line’s most in-demand ship ever. It is a pleasure to welcome this Prima-class leas vessel to our shores.”
Norwegian Prima features elaborate hull art in muted shades of blue with the ship’s interior reflecting that of an intimate resort. Prima-class ships are designed with lower passenger capacity and more public spaces. They are about 140,000 gross tons, have 16 passenger decks, 11 dining options and other amenities.
In service since 2022, the $1.5 billion Norwegian Prima appeals to a broad range of cruise travelers by mingling understated, elegant, luxurious amenities with fun opportunities such as go-karts and food trucks.
The 3,206 passengers and 1,471 crew are on an 11-day sailing that also includes stops to the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Curacao and the USVI.
Norwegian Prima Specifications
Built: Fincantieri Shipyard, Italy
Entered Service: 2022
Port of Registry: Nassau
Class: Prima
Cost: $850 million
Capacity: 3,099 passengers
Crew: 1,506
Weight: 143,535 tons
Length: 965 feet
Decks: 20
Speed: 22 mph
Godmother: Katy Perry
