Ahead of her inaugural voyage on Sept. 3, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship was unveiled in Reykjavík late last week, making history as the first major cruise ship christened in the Icelandic capital.

The first of six ships in the ground-breaking Prima Class, Norwegian Prima, debuted to more than 2,500 guests at a gala ceremony featuring the ship’s godmother, pop star Katy Perry, who christened the vessel with a ceremonial champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull.

The three-level Prima Theatre & Club stage was then transformed into a whimsical backdrop where guests enjoyed a powerhouse performance of some of Perry’s chart-topping hits including “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” “Roar,” and “Firework.”

“With her stunning design and unique offerings, Norwegian Prima is in a league of her own,” said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “We wanted to launch Norwegian Prima in a location just as special and unique as she is, and Reykjavik’s striking landscape is the perfect setting for such a milestone occasion…”

At 294 m. long and more than 143,535 tons with capacity for 3,100 guests at double occupancy, Norwegian Prima offers the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any contemporary or premium cruise ship. She also boasts the largest variety of suite categories available at sea as well as a redefined The Haven by Norwegian, NCL’s ultra-premium keycard only access ship-within-a-ship concept.

A variety of recreational activities include the fastest slides at sea – The Rush and The Drop – and the Prima Speedway, the first three-level racetrack at sea, while spaces like Ocean Boulevard, a 4,100-sq.-m. outdoor walkway that wraps around the entire ship; The Concourse, which boasts a multi-million-dollar outdoor sculpture garden; and expansive pool decks and infinity style pools at Infinity Beach, offer guests a chance to slow down and relax.

Prior to the Christening ceremony, guests were surprised with an authentic Icelandic experience at the HARPA cultural center. Attendees were treated to a captivating LED light show by Artist Olafur Eliasson as well as performances by Icelandic singer-songwriter Bríet who joined the Iceland Symphony Orchestra in an awe-inspiring show.

Norwegian Prima will depart on inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from the Netherlands, Denmark and England beginning Sept. 3, before making her way to the US. She will then sail voyages to the Caribbean from New York City, Galveston, Texas, and Miami in October and November before settling into her homeport of Port Canaveral, Fla., and Galveston, Texas for the 2023 and 2024 cruise season.