NCL Celebrates Company Milestones, Makes History in Iceland

Travel insights from Codie Liermann, managing editor of The Compass

Travel insights from Codie Liermann, managing editor of The Compass Published September 01, 2022

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has spent 55 years crafting the sailing vacation experience and recently made history when it christened the first major cruise ship in Reykjavik, Iceland. Upon her debut, Norwegian Prima quickly became the cruise line’s most in-demand ship, with record-breaking sales from week one.

"With her stunning design and unique offerings, Norwegian Prima is in a league of her own,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “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. We thank the Reykjavik community for welcoming us with open arms.”

Norwegian Prima has the capacity for 3,100 guests at double occupancy and offers a variety of suite categories. Guests are treated to a number of recreational activities onboard, including the first three-level racetrack at sea, Prima Speedway, and the fastest slides at sea, The Rush and The Drop. Cruisers can also enjoy a 44,000 square foot outdoor path that wraps around the entire ship. Other amenities onboard include a spa, a fitness center, relaxing lounge areas and plenty of delicious dining options.

Godmother Katy Perry was in attendance to “sprinkle some fairy godmother dust” before offering guests a special performance singing some of her most beloved hits from over the years.

"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," she said. "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!"

Norwegian Cruise Line also recently debuted “The Evolution of Innovation” series on Embark with NCL, which celebrates the cruise line’s past, present and future. The three-part episode guides viewers through NCL’s journey, starting with the company’s first roundtrip cruises in 1966 to the recent debut of Norwegian Prima, with never-before-seen interviews and archived footage along the way.

To watch the latest episode, visit nclembark.com.

About the Author

Codie Liermann is the managing editor of The Compass. She began her career in the industry as a travel advisor prior to working as an editor. With a passion for creating valuable content for travel advisors, she aims to develop meaningful relationships with all types of travel companies in order to share their unique messages with the travel agency community.