Puerto Rican Singer Luis Fonsi Chosen as Norwegian Viva's Godfather
(2:45pm EDT) -- Earlier this year, Norwegian Cruise Line revealed that its second Prima-class ship Norwegian Viva will be homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico. And today, we learned that the ship's chosen godfather also hails from the Puerto Rican capital.
NCL announced that five-time Latin GRAMMY singer Luis Fonsi has been selected as Norwegian Viva's godfather. A native of San Juan, Fonsi is best-known for his 2017 global chart-topping hit 'Despacito.'
"I am so honored 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’" said Fonsi. "Growing up on an island, the ocean plays such an important part in my life, and there is nowhere else I’d 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."
The naming ceremony will take place Nov. 28 in Miami and will feature a "Live it up!" themed performance with a lineup of Latin entertainers. Fonsi will be joined by fellow artists Paulina Rubio, Pedro Capó and Saturday Night Live cast member Marcello Hernandez. Fonsi will officiate the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship’s bow to bid the vessel and its travelers good fortune.
"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," said Norwegian Cruise Line president David J. Herrera. "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."
Norwegian Viva Will Sail Caribbean and Mediterranean Itineraries
Norwegian Viva will debut in August 2023, when it will sail a series Greek Isles and Mediterranean voyages. The ship will then cross the Atlantic in November in time for the naming ceremony in PortMiami.
After completing its christening voyage, Norwegian Viva will homeport San Juan upon arrival on Dec. 15, 2023. From the Puerto Rican capital, the Prima-class ship will embark on a variety of seven-day Caribbean voyages through April 2024. Calls will include Tortola in the British Virgin Islands; Bridgetown, Barbados; St. John's, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. The vessel will return to Europe for the summer season with sailings from Athens (Piraeus), Lisbon, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Venice.