Norwegian Cruise Line has celebrated the float out of Norwegian Viva.

The ship, which is the second of six vessels in the line’s new Prima class, floated out from drydock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Venice, marking a major construction milestone and the first time that Viva has touched water.

To mark the occasion, a commemorative coin was welded into Norwegian Viva in a traditional maritime ceremony.

The float out signifies the completion of external works and painting of Norwegian Viva, including the ship’s hull artwork, designed by Italian graffiti artist Manuel Di Rita.

Construction will now continue on interior fittings and guest accommodations, before the ship is officially delivered to the cruise line and commences sailing in 2023.

Norwegian Viva will feature a redefined The Haven by Norwegian, the line’s ship-within-a-ship concept, as well as Ocean Boulevard, an outdoor walk way that will wrap around the entire ship.

The Prima-class ships will also include the first three-level race track at sea.

Norwegian Viva to ‘live it up’

Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO Harry Sommer said: “The float out of Norwegian Viva has been much anticipated and it’s an incredibly proud day for us all.

“As our 19th ship and the second in our innovative Prima class, Norwegian Viva continues to represent our ongoing commitment to giving guests the best holiday experience imaginable.

“With Norwegian Viva’s name meaning “to be alive”, and her motto being ‘live it up’, we simply cannot wait to put this into practice and welcome guests on board soon for the vacation of a lifetime.”

Norwegian Cruise Line also officially took delivery of the first Prima-class ship, Norwegian Prima, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, this month. 

Norwegian Prima will be the first major cruise ship to be christened in Iceland, commencing an eight-day inaugural voyage on 27 August 2022, sailing to Amsterdam.