Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has christened its newest vessel, Norwegian Viva, the second ship in its award-winning Prima Class.

Over 1,500 guests attended the ship’s christening ceremony on November 28 at NCL’s LEED Gold Certified terminal at Port Miami. Luis Fonsi, Norwegian Viva’s godfather and a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer, officially named and christened the ship with a ceremonial champagne bottle break across its hull.

The celebration continued with an entertainment lineup headlined by Fonsi and other talented performers with Miami and Latin roots, including ‘Saturday Night Live’ cast member Marcello Hernandez, the Queen of Latin Pop Paulina Rubio, and Grammy Award-nominated artist Pedro Capó. The festivities also included the unveiling and dedication of the Knut Kloster Hall, a newly added installation at the NCL Terminal that pays homage to the company’s founder, Knut Kloster.

“To christen Norwegian Viva in Miami is incredibly special to many of us at NCL, not only because Miami is our hometown, but also because we can share this moment with our local family and friends,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Launching a ship is no solo endeavor. I am overwhelmed with gratitude towards the entire NCL team, our partners and especially our amazing crew who have contributed to bringing Norwegian Viva to life and who care for and deliver exceptional vacation experiences for our guests.”

At 965 feet long and able to carry 3,099 guests, Norwegian Viva offers elevated activities and amenities, including” Indulge Food Hall, an open-air food market featuring 11 unique eateries, and an art collection with standout pieces including British digital artist Dominic Harris’ 52-foot-wide work of art named ‘Every Wing has a Silver Lining’ at the Metropolitan Bar.

Following the inaugural sailing and select voyages from Miami, the ship will reposition to San Juan, Puerto Rico and be the newest ship to homeport in the destination when she arrives on Dec. 15, 2023. 

Through March 2024, Norwegian Viva will offer port-intensive seven-day Caribbean voyages, where guests will wake up each day in a new tropical island paradise with calls to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands with no days at sea. 

In April 2024, Norwegian Viva will return to sail Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries that offer an unmatched opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Europe.  

To celebrate the all-star entertainment lineup at Norwegian Viva’s christening event, NCL has put together a Live it Up! Spotify Playlist inspired by top Latin music superstars.

Source: Travelweek