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B M & T ••• September/October 2021 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 30 N orwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 54-year history of breaking bound- aries, recently announced that its game-changing new ship, Norwegian Prima was floated out from her drydock at Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the new vessel touches water. To celebrate the occasion, a commemorative coin was weld- ed to Norwegian Prima in a traditional maritime ceremony presided over by Eamonn Ferrin, vice president of internation- al business of Norweg- ian Cruise Line and A n t o n i o Quintano, shipyard director of Fincantieri. The float out signifies the completion of external works and painting to Norwegian Prima, including the striking hull art- work designed by Italian graffiti artist Manuel Di Rita, known commonly as "Peeta." Work now continues on Norwegian Prima's interior fittings and guest accommodations, before she is officially delivered to the Cruise Line and commences sail- ing in summer 2022. "A ship's float out is always a significant milestone, but this one is particularly special," said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "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've worked closely with our partners at Fincantieri to deliver a truly remarkable vessel. NORWEGIAN PRIMA M A R K S F L O AT O U T Their passion, skill and craftsmanship have brought to life one of the most stylish and innovative ships to ever set sail. I'm thrilled we're now one step closer to welcoming our guests onboard in just 12 months' time," Sommer concluded. "The float out of Norwegian Prima signifies a renewed con- fidence in cruise and a new era for shipbuilding," said Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the merchant ships division of Fincantieri. "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." Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships in NCL's highly anticipated Prima Class, the Brand's first new class of vessels in nearly 10 years. At 965 ft. long, 142,500 gross tons and with capacity for 3,215 guests at double occu- pancy, the vessel is designed to put guests first. Norwegian Prima boasts wide-open spaces, thoughtful and stunning design, and a variety of new experiences for the Brand. Laying claim to the title of the most spa- cious new cruise ship in the premium and contemporary categories, Norwegian Prima offers the most outdoor deck space and the most expansive accommodations of any new build. She boasts multiple Company firsts, including Ocean Boulevard, wrapping around the entire deck over 44,000 sq. ft., allowing guests to connect to the ocean while enjoying alfresco dining and unique experiences such as Infinity Beach, where two stunning infinity pools are positioned to take in the vastness of the ocean with unin- terrupted views, and Oceanwalk, where two glass bridges will make guests feel as though they are walking on air over the water. Dining is elevated on Norwegian Prima with the addition of Indulge Food Hall, the Brand's first upscale open-air market- place offering diverse menu items from a variety of eleven dif- ferent culinary venues. In addition, Ocean Boulevard hosts three restaurants; Onda by Scarpetta, Los Lobos and The Local Bar & Grill. Meanwhile The Haven by Norwegian® on Norwegian Prima offers the Brand's most exclusive and centralized 'ship-within-a- ship' suite complex. Spanning eight decks of suites and public areas, it is accessible via private elevators and located at the aft of the ship for the very first time. Designed to be more open to the sea than ever before, every public area in The Haven will offer spectacular views, together with a stunning new infinity pool overlooking the ship's wake and a new outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room. For more information about the Company's award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please con- tact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.