Grammy-nominated and five-time Latin Grammy winning singer, songwriter, musician and producer Luis Fonsi will serve as the godfather of Norwegian Viva, the second ship of the Norwegian Cruise Line's Prima Class. The ship will be christened in Miami before homeporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico this fall.
Best known for his extensive list of radio hits including the award-winning, global chart-topping hit, "Despacito," which was featured on Billboard's "Hot Latin Song" list for a record-breaking 56 consecutive weeks, Puerto Rican-born Fonsi will fulfill the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming Norwegian Viva at the November 28 christening ceremony in Miami.
The "Live it Up!" theme of Norwegian Viva will continue throughout the evening, with a lineup of leading Latin entertainers joining Fonsi, including The Queen of Latin Pop, Paulina Rubio; "Saturday Night Live" cast member and Miami-native, Marcello Hernandez; and singer, Pedro Capó, all of which will deliver performances throughout the night.
"We are thrilled to welcome Latin music icon Luis Fonsi to the NCL family as Godfather of Norwegian Viva and to join us as we christen our newest ship," said NCL president David J. Herrera. "
"Miami, our hometown, is immersed in Latin culture, and we want to celebrate Norwegian Viva's debut with an infusion of Latin talent headlined by Luis. As a native Puerto Rican, who is also based in Miami, he brings people together from around the world with his energy, positivity and music, making him the perfect complement to the vibrant energy of Norwegian Viva. We cannot wait for him to join us as we celebrate this milestone moment later this year."
Rendering of Norwegian Viva sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Norwegian Cruise Line)
On November 28, Fonsi will officiate the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship's bow to bid the vessel and its travellers good fortune on their voyage, a fundamental nautical tradition.
After completing its christening voyage, Norwegian Viva will be the newest ship to homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico upon arrival on December 15. It will offer a variety of seven-day Caribbean voyages through April 2024 with calls to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St John's, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
The ship will then embark on a summer season of cruises to Europe from Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Lisbon, Portugal; and Rome (Civitavecchia) and Venice (Trieste), Italy.
"I am so honoured to be named Godfather of NCL's newest ship, Norwegian Viva, and look forward to sharing her with the amazing people of Puerto Rico, a community that truly represents the spirit of 'live it up'" said Luis Fonsi, award-winning global artist.
"Growing up on an island, the ocean plays such an important part in my life, and there is nowhere else I'd rather be. Cruising provides such an incredible vacation experience, and I cannot wait to christen this incredible ship and to introduce her to the world."
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