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Port of Southampton welcomes Norwegian Prima with plaque exchange ceremony

  • NCL Captain Roger Gustavsen and Steven Masters, ABP Southampton Harbour Master
    NCL Captain Roger Gustavsen and Steven Masters, ABP Southampton Harbour Master

28 September 2022

The Port of Southampton, Europe’s leading cruise turnaround port, has welcomed Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL)’s newest cruise ship, Norwegian Prima.

To celebrate the ship’s arrival in Southampton, a traditional plaque and key ceremony was held at the port on 23rd September. During the event, ABP Head of Cruise, Rebekah Keeler and ABP Harbour Master, Steve Masters, exchanged plaques with the ship’s Captain, Roger Gustavsen, at the port’s Horizon Cruise Terminal.

Opened in 2021, Horizon Cruise Terminal is a world-class £55-million, multi-user cruise facility, which was built in strategic partnership with Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) and MSC Cruises. As home to the UK’s first shore power facility for cruise ships, the terminal also benefits from over 2,000 roof-mounted solar panels, which generate more energy than it uses.

Rebekah Keeler, Head of Cruise at the Port of Southampton, said: “The Port of Southampton is Europe’s leading cruise turnaround port, and we were delighted to welcome Norwegian Prima to our world-class Horizon Cruise Terminal, where she has been commissioned for shore power.”

The first of six ships in NCL’s ground-breaking Prima Class, Norwegian Prima offers the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any contemporary or premium cruise ship and boasts many highlights, such as an extensive range of passenger entertainment, including a three-level go-karts track. In August this year, the ship was christened by world-famous singer Katy Perry in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Gary Anslow, Senior Director Sales UK&I of NCL, commented: “With wide-open spaces, thoughtful design and a variety of exciting onboard experiences, Norwegian Prima was designed to put our guests first. We are thrilled to officially welcome her at the Port of Southampton for the first time and look forward to seeing her set sail to Iceland from Horizon Cruise Terminal next summer.”