Luis Fonsi will preside over the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship's bow to wish the vessel & its passengers luck on their journey
American cruise company Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has named Grammy awardee and global music sensation Luis Fonsi as the godfather of its newest ship, Norwegian Viva. In a press statement NCL says that before returning to its homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the second ship in the brand’s Prima Class will be inaugurated in Miami this autumn.
David J Herrera
“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,” says David J Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line.
NCL says that Puerto Rican-born Fonsi, who is best known for his long list of radio hits, will carry out a long-standing maritime custom by blessing and formally naming Norwegian Viva at the November 28 christening ceremony in Miami, the ‘Cruise Capital of the World.’
“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,” Herrera adds.
As part of a fundamental nautical ceremony for every ship launch, on November 28 Luis Fonsi will preside over the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship’s bow to wish the vessel and its passengers luck on their journey. After completing its christening voyage, Norwegian Viva will be the newest ship to homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico upon arrival on December 15, says the cruise line.
The statement adds that an assortment of seven-day Caribbean voyages are up on the table 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, US Virgin Islands, before returning for a summer season of cruises to Europe from Athens, Greece; Lisbon, Portugal; and Rome and Venice, 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’. Growing up on an island, the ocean plays such an important part in my life, and there is nowhere else I would 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,” says Luis Fonsi.
Norwegian Viva is the second of six vessels in the company’s Prima Class and sister ship to the award-winning Norwegian Prima, the statement adds. It says that 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 onboard activities including the Viva Speedway, a three-level racetrack.
NCL says that debuting in August, 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 for a season of Caribbean itineraries.
