Norwegian Cruise Line is adding major star power to its brand with the news that pop icon and American Idol judge Katy Perry will serve as godmother to Norwegian Prima.
TravelPulse Canada was the exclusive Canadian trade media to attend the announcement in Las Vegas. The landlocked entertainment capital of the world may seem like an odd choice, but that's where Perry can be found these days, performing her whimsical, high-energy show 'Play' at Resorts World International.
Not only will Perry fulfil the longstanding maritime tradition of officially naming and blessing Norwegian Prima, the first of six ships in the line's new Prima Class, but she will perform during the christening ceremony in Reykjavik, Iceland.
"We are so excited to welcome Katy Perry, a one-of-a-kind artist and worldwide sensation, as godmother of Norwegian Prima," said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of NCL. "We are so incredibly proud that she will be part of the Norwegian Cruise Line family and look forward to launching our beautiful, innovative ship with her in August."
Before her Resorts World show last night, Perry attended a meet-and-greet with a small group of media. Gracious and at ease, the star talked about her love of being on the water.
"My most favourite way to vacation with my family is on the water. Every morning that you wake up, you get to experience an incredible new view," Perry said.
"I love that I get to christen her with my good vibrations, and I'm so excited for this new, beautiful, high-end, high-tech ship to take the seas, and provide once-in-a-lifetime vacations for so many families."
Norwegian Prima aims to elevate the NCL brand with features like Ocean Boulevard, featuring multiple infinity pools, Indulge, the brand's first-ever upscale international dining open-air marketplace with 11 complimentary dining choices and an expanded The Haven by Norwegian suite complex that will feature 107 staterooms spanning eight decks.
Speaking to TravelPulse Canada, Sommer said he had just returned from a shipyard tour and says Prima "is going to be absolutely spectacular." All signs point to an on-time delivery, he said.
Launching in August, Norwegian Prima will offer inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from Southampton, England; Amsterdam; and Reykjavík, Iceland beginning August 12; Bermuda sailings from New York City beginning October 6; and Caribbean itineraries from Galveston, Texas and Miami beginning October 27.
The 37-year-old Perry offers considerable star power to shine on the Norwegian Cruise Line brand. She has racked up a cumulative 50 billion streams alongside worldwide sales of the equivalent of 48 million albums. Her 2015 Super Bowl half-time show appearance is the highest-rated in the event's history.
Perry boasts more than 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and her fans adore her, as was evident during her show last night at Resorts World, where the audience got on their feet as soon as she came onstage, and remained there for the duration of the show.
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