In a dazzling display of glamour and Latin flair, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) brought the ‘Cruise Capital of the World’ to life with the christening of its highly anticipated vessel, Norwegian Viva.
- The festivities, held at the LEED Gold Certified terminal at Port Miami, unfolded in a spectacular manner.
- The event marked a significant moment for NCL and the cruise industry as a whole.
- Norwegian Viva, the second ship in the award-winning Prima Class, made its debut this past August and enjoyed a successful inaugural summer season of European voyages.
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The Sandton Times joined international media, captains of industry as well as leaders in travel, tourism and cruising for the christening ceremony of Norwegian Viva in Miami. The event, attended by over 1’500 guests, was a celebration of innovation, luxury, and the vibrant Latin spirit that Miami is globally renowned for.
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.
// President of Norwegian Cruise Line, David J. Herrera
The Prima Class, known for pushing boundaries in ship design and amenities, looks to reflect NCL’s commitment to prioritizing the guest experience.
The highlight of the christening ceremony was the official naming and christening of Norwegian Viva by Luis Fonsi, the vessel’s godfather and five-time Latin GRAMMY Award-winner.
The celebration continued with an extraordinary entertainment line-up, featuring performances by Luis Fonsi, Paulina Rubio, Marcello Hernandez, and Pedro Capó. Luis, in particular, took the stage with his chart-topping hit ‘Despacito’ and other beloved Latin hits, creating an electrifying atmosphere befitting the occasion.
A notable addition to the festivities was the unveiling and dedication of the Knut Kloster Hall at the NCL Terminal, honouring the founder of Norwegian Cruise Line and showcasing the company’s rich history of innovation spanning 57 years.
Norwegian Viva, measuring 294 meters in length and accommodating 3’099 guests, boasts unique features, including the three-story Viva Speedway, the Indulge Food Hall with 11 eateries, and an awe-inspiring art collection. The ship’s standout piece is the 52-foot-wide interactive work of art named “Every Wing has a Silver Lining” by British digital artist Dominic Harris.
Following its inaugural sailing and select voyages from Miami, Norwegian Viva will set sail for San Juan, Puerto Rico, becoming the newest ship to home-port in the destination starting 15 December 2023. The ship will offer port-intensive seven-day Caribbean voyages through March 2024, followed by Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries from April 2024.
As Norwegian Viva continues its journey, it promises to redefine the cruise experience, offering guests the perfect blend of luxury, entertainment, and cultural exploration.
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