Speaking at the launch of Norwegian Prima, christened by pop superstar Katy Perry who also performed during the music-fuelled celebration in Reykjavik, Sommer said the 3,100-passenger vessel would be based at the port in summer 2023 and 2024 for sailings to Iceland.
“We are not publishing 2025 deployment until November, but I’m pretty sure we will have a Prima-class ship there in 2025,” he said. “We are committed to having a Prima-class ship based in Southampton – it is a very good market for us.”
The May to September sailings are largely targeted at international markets, such as the US, Australia and Asia, with the UK expected to account for just 10% of passengers.
However, Sommer pointed out that, overall, UK demand had recovered strongly since the pandemic, surpassing 2019 levels and making it NCL’s third-largest market after the US and Canada.
Next August sees the launch of the second of six Prima-class ships, with Norwegian Viva, which will be virtually identical. Other ships in this category are likely to sport more differences, but Sommer declined to give details.
“From ship number three forward, there will be changes, but we are committed to the premium elegance footprint,” he said. “Don’t expect the racetrack to go to four levels. The ships will be essentially the same because we think it’s a really good platform, but there will be some nice changes.”
Hailing Norwegian Prima as the “billion dollar ship of the future”, Sommer said it was currently the best sold ship in NCL history.
Boasting notable features, such as the biggest racetrack at sea, increased deck space, a redefined Haven complex with more suite categories, and a three-deck theatre that converts to a nightclub, Prima also has more of a refined ambience that sets it apart from its sister ships.
Nearly 1,000 travel agents, including a contingent from the UK, were onboard for its maiden sailing from Reykjavik to Amsterdam, and more will be hosted on its northern European cruises in September.
NCL has already pledged to get 10,000 agents on Prima between now and November so they can sample the newest addition to the fleet during its inaugural season.
