Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, announced that GRAMMY® nominated, and five-time Latin GRAMMY® winning singer, songwriter, musician and producer, Luis Fonsi, will serve as the godfather of its newest ship, Norwegian Viva, the second ship of the Brand’s groundbreaking Prima Class. The ship will be christened in Miami before homeporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this November.
Best known for his extensive list of radio hits, including the award-winning, global Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning and 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 fulfil the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming Norwegian Viva at the 28 November 2023 christening ceremony in Miami, the “Cruise Capital of the World.” 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 pop superstar Paulina Rubio; “Saturday Night Live” cast member and Miami-native Marcello Hernandez; and singer, Pedro Capóo, all of which will deliver exclusive 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 David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Our APAC markets are deeply influenced by diverse cultures, including Latin culture and music. 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.”
On 28 November 2023, Luis 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 customary for any ship launch. After completing its christening voyage, Norwegian Viva will be the newest ship to homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, upon arrival on 15 December 2023. 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, before returning for 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 introduce her to the world.”
Norwegian Viva is the second of six vessels in the company’s groundbreaking Prima Class and sister ship to the award-winning Norwegian Prima. The elevated offerings of the Prima Class prioritise the guest experience and raise the bar on cruising through world-class cuisine, the brand’s most spacious design yet, and stellar onboard activities, including the Viva Speedway – the three-level racetrack. Norwegian Viva features many of the outstanding onboard experiences that make the Prima Class in a league of its own, including Indulge Food Hall, the upscale food market exhibiting 11 unique eateries; the fastest slides at sea, The Drop and Rush; and NCL’s industry-exclusive sustainable cocktail bar the Metropolitan Bar. Debuting in August 2023, Norwegian Viva will sail a selection of bucket-list-worthy Greek Isles and Mediterranean voyages through November before homeporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in December 2023 for a season of Caribbean itineraries.
To commemorate this exciting partnership and celebrate the all-star entertainment lineup to be featured at Norwegian Viva’s christening event, NCL has put together a Live it Up! Spotify playlist inspired by top Latin music superstars.
For more information about the Company’s award-winning 18-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries or to book a cruise, please get in touch with a travel professional, call Hong Kong on +852 800 901 951 and Southeast Asia on +65 3165 1680 or visit www.ncl.com.
