Cruise line enters the metaverse with NFT collection

By Alexandra Coulton

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is sailing into the Metaverse with the launch of the cruise industry’s first collection of NFTs.

The cruise line will auction off a collection of six NFTsto celebrate the launch of Norwegian Prima Class on Wednesday, 13 April 2022, at 9 am (11pm AEST).

The NFT art pieces were created by Manuel Di Rita, widely known as “Peeta,” the Italian artist who designed the hull art on Norwegian Prima and her sister vessel Norwegian Viva.

The first of the six art pieces will be auctioned at the starting rate of US$2,500 ($3,339), with the remaining NFTs sold for prices beginning at US$250 ($333).

The winner of the auction will be awarded a balcony stateroom on one of Norwegian Prima’s inaugural US voyages, setting sail from NCL’s new Port Miami terminal in Miami, Florida.

“We are so excited to partner with Peeta on this first for our brand and for the industry,” said NCL president and CEO Harry Sommer.

“Peeta is a talented artist who has brought the magic and beauty of the ocean to our ships, so we are happy to share this with our guests and to donate the proceeds of this new venture to Teach For America, an organization and a cause very near and dear to our hearts.”

Norwegian Prima NFT Collection – Piece 1 – “Relative Coordinates”

The first piece in the NFT collection resembles the hull art of Norwegian Prima, offering the buyer an opportunity to own a piece of the ship for years to come.

The additional five NFT pieces showcase the 3-D designs often depicted in Peeta’s works and will be on display on board Norwegian Prima, including in the ship’s spectacular three-level Penrose atrium.

All proceeds from the NFT auction and sales will be donated to Teach For America which finds, develops, and supports a network of leaders who expand opportunities for children in classrooms, schools and every sector and field shaping the broader systems in which schools operate.

Launching in August 2022, Norwegian Prima’s Christening voyage will depart from Reykjavík, Iceland, and will feature a performance from the ship’s newly announced godmother, global pop star Katy Perry.

During her inaugural season, Norwegian Prima will offer voyages to Northern Europe from Amsterdam; and Copenhagen, Denmark beginning 3 September; and Caribbean itineraries from Galveston, Texas; and Miami and Orlando in Florida commencing from 27 October.

Featured image: Norwegian Prima and Viva rendering

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Manuel Di Rita NCL NFT norwegian cruise line Norwegian Prima Peeta