5 0 INTERV IEW Reinventing the industry Norwegian Cruise Line’s Eamonn Ferrin talks with Rebecca Barnes about new ship launches, a celebrity godmother and why reinvention is key to the brand’s success Launching a new cruise ship in a world that is already feeling significant economic pressure is not necessarily going to be smooth sailing, as Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) can testify. Both the line and its customers have already felt the repercussions of ongoing global issues as NCL prepares to debut the shiny new vessels that are waiting in the wings. “On 13 June 2022, we regretfully informed our loyal guests and travel partners that, as a result of the global supply chain constraints impacting industries worldwide, Norwegian Viva’s two maiden sailings in June 2023 had been cancelled,” says Eamonn Ferrin, NCL’s vice president of international business. However, he confirms that it will be full steam ahead in August 2022 for the launch of Norwegian Prima, the first of six new Prima-class ships to be delivered between now and 2027. The vessel will debut in Iceland, which represents a step-change for the brand as it focuses on becoming more premium. Prima builds on NCL’s 55-year commitment and ever-present aim to remain one of the world’s leading cruise lines while driving the global cruise industry forward through innovation. The 3,215-passenger Prima is set to be the most spacious new cruise vessel at sea. Along with the most outdoor deck space and most expansive accommodation of any newbuild, the ship also has a prestigious godmother who will resonate with many of NCL’s existing and future customers – and it’s all to do with reinvention. “ We’re seeing a lot of pent-up demand as guests make up for lost time” Norwegian Prima will be a first-of-its-kind ship boasting various design innovations and onboard offerings
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