Norwegian Prima – the newest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet – has touched water for the first time.

The ship was floated out from its drydock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

To celebrate the occasion, a commemorative coin was encased within Norwegian Prima in a ceremony presided over by the line’s vice-president international business, Eamonn Ferrin, and Fincantieri shipyard director Antonio Quintano.

Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships in NCL’s new Prima class. The 3,215-guest ship will feature wide-open spaces and a variety of new experiences, according to the line.

Scheduled to launch next summer, the ship will offer itineraries in Northern Europe with voyages from Amsterdam and Copenhagen.

It will then sail a 12-day transatlantic voyage from Southampton to New York, followed by Bermuda and Caribbean cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO Harry Sommer 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 groundbreaking new Prima class.

“We’ve worked closely with our partners at Fincantieri to deliver a truly remarkable vessel. Their passion, skill and craftsmanship has 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 on board in just 12 months’ time.”

Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division general manager Luigi Matarazzo added: “The float out of Norwegian Prima signifies a renewed confidence in cruise and a new era for shipbuilding.

“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.”

On 12 August, NCL resumed cruise operations in the US with Norwegian Encore’s inaugural call to Icy Strait Point, Alaska.

Image: courtesy of Filippo Vinardi.