On the Norwegian PRIMA, surrounded by flashing lights and giant, red-capped mushrooms -- while wearing one on her head with red, fringed chaps -- she rang in the name of the ship.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holding's CEO Frank Del Rio looked at the people who could feel the sound of the music in their chest as he turned around from the front row.
After more than two years of hardship caused by the Pandemic, this was the first festive celebration for the NCL brand, and it marks the brand's first serious push towards the premium market.
The ceremony was emotional for Del Rio, who thanked everyone in attendance for their support.
"Just like you, the person next to you, behind you, that person faced the same challenges, the same uncertainties that you faced the last two years," Del Rio said. "Just like you, just like every person in this room, you have one thing in common: you never give up."
Del Rio said the Prima is just the beginning, with elevated designs, a specialty food court, a three-deck go-kart track and other new toys. The crowd was urged to clear their calendars for next year when the line introduces the Norwegian Viva. Four more ships are in the works.
Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Harry Sommer celebrated the ship as an evolution for the brand after he pointed out that the cabins on the Prima are larger than his first New York apartment.
We are always trying to find what's next. What will happen after a ship like this one? The Viva was pointed at by him as well.
For a cruise line that emphasizes entertainment, that prowess was on display on Saturday night in a fully equipped theater filled with blue crushed-velvet seats.
Before triggering a bottle of champagne to crash into the bow, she said that this was her first experience on a ship like this and that she had spent hours dancing with her daughter. She said she was going to hit up the go-karts.
Del Rio wrapped her arm around his shoulder to assure him that she wouldn't sail on any other lines.
Dadi Freyr was brought out by NCL for several songs to perform before a Nintendo-esque backdrop. "I Kissed a Girl" and "Hot and Cold" were two of the classics that catapulted her to fame. She dedicated the song to Del Rio and his wife.
How many of you are going to have a good time tonight? In the middle of her set, she said something to the crowd. She said people could light up the theater for the first time when she sang "Wide Awake."
The singer came on to sing and leave. She would stay on the ship for a few days.
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