NCL 'committed to basing Prima-class ship in Southampton'

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.