NCL And Fincantieri Celebrate Float-Out Of First Prima Plus Class Ship

Norwegian Cruise Line and Fincantieri marked a crucial milestone in cruise shipbuilding with the float-out of Norwegian Aqua, the first vessel of the extended Prima Plus class.

The float-out, which took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera Shipyard in Italy, was significant because it represented the ship’s initial contact with the water.

The celebration, attended by representatives from NCL and Fincantieri, celebrated the completion of Norwegian Aqua’s external construction, paving the way for its scheduled debut in April 2025.

Two ceremonial coins were welded into the ship under nautical tradition, representing an offering to the ancient sea deities for good luck and safe travel.

The event featured a blessing from a local preacher and a jubilant champagne-breaking ritual across the ship’s hull.

David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line, expressed his enthusiasm at attaining this milestone with Fincantieri, highlighting their teamwork in improving the guest experience.

He emphasises Norwegian Aqua’s 10% increase in space compared to prior Prima class vessels, which allows for more innovative possibilities and attractively developed locations for visitors to enjoy.

Norwegian Aqua, which weighs 156,300 tons and measures 1,056 feet in length, introduces various new attractions, including the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide and Glow Court, a digital Sports Complex.

Video Credits: Norwegian Cruise Line/YouTube

It also has NCL’s most extensive 360-degree outdoor promenade, Ocean Boulevard.

The Haven by Norwegian offers luxurious accommodations, including the introduction of NCL’s first-ever Three-bedroom duplex haven suites.

Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, expressed excitement about the company’s cooperation with Norwegian Cruise Line and indicated that innovation is critical to its industrial strategy.

Following its debut, Norwegian Aqua will sail seven-day itineraries from Port Canaveral, Fla., visiting the British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Great Stirrup Cay, Puerto Plata, Tortola, St.Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, and NCL’s private Island in the Bahamas.

After that, it will provide excursions to Bermuda from New York City and Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami.

Mark Kansley, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations at Norwegian Cruise Line, described the Prima class as a brand development catering to guests’ need for private rooms and enhanced experiences.

He expressed excitement about providing the next phase in their progress with the Prima Plus Class.

Reference: Fincantieri

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Source: Maritime Shipping News