Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has opened for sale the first of six ships within its highly anticipated next class of vessels.

With voyages beginning in the northern hemisphere summer of 2022, Norwegian Prima will be 294.1 metres long, 142,500 gross tonnes and able to accommodate 3,215 guests at double occupancy.

Built in Marghera, Italy by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the vessel features striking hull artwork designed by Italian graffiti artist Manuel Di Rita, known commonly as “Peeta.”

And, for the first time on any NCL vessel, the captivating hull art extends to the forward superstructure of the ship.

Those that helped design Norwegian Prima include Italian designer Piero Lissoni and architectural firms Rockwell Group, SMC Design, Tillberg Design of Sweden, YSA DESIGN and Miami-based Studio Dado, who conceptualised and composed the aesthetic of various restaurants, staterooms and public areas on board.

Harry Sommer, president and chief executive of NCL, said: “Despite not having sailed in more than a year, we never stopped working and innovating, we never once pressed pause.

“In fact, we doubled down on our brand investment in order to deliver unforgettable guest experiences that go well beyond expectations.

“Not only will we begin cruising this July, we’re so proud and so incredibly happy to announce the start of an exciting new chapter as we introduce the Prima Class and the first ship in a line of unrivalled vessels with Norwegian Prima.

“An exemplary representation of our brand evolution, bringing together our ‘guest first’ philosophy and our spirit of innovation, Norwegian Prima personifies everything our guests love about NCL and raises the bar. This brand-new class of ships is truly designed to put our guests first.

“The name ‘Prima’, which means ‘first’ in Italian, is a natural fit that ties into our legacy of firsts in the industry and a fitting tribute to our new Italian shipbuilding partners at Fincantieri.”

Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, said: “We are very honoured to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line for the development of its next class of ships.

“Norwegian Prima marks the beginning of our collaboration, which will see the delivery of six next-generation vessels that are designed to take guest experiences to a new level focusing on elevated, spacious and thoughtful design.

“As we emerge from this global crisis, this announcement marks a strong sign of hope for the cruise sector and is a testament to Fincantieri’s global leadership role in the industry.”

According to NCL, Norwegian Prima will offer the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any new cruise ship in the contemporary and premium cruise category.

The vessel will also offer 13 suite categories, as well as the largest three-bedroom suites of any new cruise ship and the brand’s largest-ever-inside ocean-view and balcony staterooms, including its largest-ever bathrooms and showers for standard stateroom categories.

Norwegian Prima will also offer the most outdoor deck space of any new cruise ship, including more total pool deck space than any other ship in NCL’s fleet, as well as multiple infinity pools and vast outdoor walkways.

The Haven by Norwegian on Norwegian Prima has been elevated to offer the brand’s most exclusive and centralised suite complex.

Spanning eight decks of suites and public areas, the ultra-premium, keycard-only access, ship-within-a-ship concept provides guests with private amenities, dedicated services and the most luxurious accommodation on board.

The Haven Courtyard on Norwegian Prima has been transformed into an expansive Haven Sundeck, boasting a stunning new infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake and a new outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.

NCL has reimagined The Waterfront by doubling the space and adding a greater variety of experiences and dining options than ever before by introducing Ocean Boulevard.

Located on deck eight, Ocean Boulevard at 4,087.7 square metres long, wraps around the entire deck, allowing guests to walk around the entire ship and experience amazing ocean views while having the choice to partake in numerous exceptional outdoor activities.

As part of the multifaceted experiences offered on Ocean Boulevard, NCL has introduced the brand’s first-ever upscale open-air marketplace with Indulge Food Hall, which offers visitors diverse menu items from a variety of culinary venues, as well as a mix of indoor and outdoor seating.

Adding to the culinary offerings available on Norwegian Prima’s Ocean Boulevard, the site will host three additional dining venues offering both indoor and outdoor seating including Onda By Scarpetta, Los Lobos and The Local Bar & Grill.

Created to be a destination in and of itself within Norwegian Prima and furthering the day-to-day elevated guest experiences available on Ocean Boulevard, NCL has unveiled additional firsts for the brand including The Concourse, an outdoor sculpture garden that features an art wall designed by famed artist David Harber; and six installations designed by Alexander Krivosheiw featuring immersive art inspired by ancient mythology and contemporary abstract forms.

Guests can also relax at Infinity Beach featuring two infinity pools, one located on each side of the ship and close to the ocean surface, which is an industry-design first that allows pool-goers to take in the vastness of the ocean while soaking in the open air.

The two Oceanwalk glass bridges, also new to the NCL brand, will provide guests with breathtaking views that will make them feel as if they are walking on air over the water.

La Terraza, an open-air lounge, features a quaint retreat for visitors to catch stellar, forward-facing sea views.

Norwegian Prima will set sail in August 2022.