MIAMI – Norwegian Cruise Line welcomed Norwegian Luna to its fleet with a traditional christening ceremony and celebration in Miami on Friday, March 27.
Travel industry leaders, media, and invited guests gathered at NCL’s cruise terminal at PortMiami to listen to remarks from NCL leadership and see ship godmother ELLE, internationally recognized street artist who designed the hull art, help christen the shiny new vessel.
To kick it all off, NCL played a new promotional video and received a surprise visit from the ad’s star, Master Frederick Archibald Seaworthy, on stage. (NCL leadership told media later on that the British actor’s character was named as an acronym for Free at Sea).
“Norwegian Luna, it’s not just a cruise ship. She is a world-class resort at sea,” said NCL President Marc Kazlauskas. “She’s a playground. She’s a collection of experiences – food, music, energy, quiet moments – stacked deck by deck into something that feels alive. We build something here that brings together generations, families, couples, friends: everyone finding their own version of the perfect vacation.”
Norwegian Luna is the second ship in NCL’s Prima Plus Class, following its sister ship, Norwegian Aqua, which debuted almost one year ago in early April 2025. Like Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Luna is 10% larger than NCL’s Prima Class ships and features enhanced family-oriented offerings, such as the Game Zones and Glow Court, and experiences like the Aqua Slidecoaster.
At the ceremony, John Chernesky, NCL’s chief sales officer, spoke about the importance of the travel trade to the cruise line’s continued success.
“This year also marks the 15th anniversary of NCL’s Partners First program and our unwavering commitment to travel advisors,” he said. “Our mission is to be the easiest cruise line to do business with, and that’s only possible by listening to our travel partners and supporting them so they can succeed.”
NCL CMO Kiran Smith spoke more about NCL’s renewed “It’s Different Out Here” marketing campaign that brings together all components of the NCL experience, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ new CEO, John Chidsey, and Captain Robert Lundberg addressed the audience, as well.
“Her name, Luna, carries a deep meaning. For centuries, the moon has guided not only mariners across uncertain waters but also people around the world, marking time, inspiring exploration, and offering a constant light and darkness,” Lundberg said. “Norwegian Luna now begins her own journey, and just as the moon has led a way for generations, Luna is set to lead the way in our industry: a symbol of innovation, inspiration, and progress, rooted in tradition yet reaching for the future.”
Pastor Pete Pera and Rabbi Judith Kempler each offered a blessing during the christening. ELLE then took the stage to say a few words before the ceremonial champagne bottle crash and eruption of applause. She explained her inspiration for Norwegian Luna’s artwork which can be found on both its interior and exterior.
“I spent months studying every curve of the ship, imagining all of the adventures that lay ahead for her,” ELLE said. “Along the hull, you’ll see egrets, graceful guides of air and water. And if you look closely, you’ll discover the 12 zodiac constellations suddenly on display. And on the bow, the focal point, you’ll find the moon, which among the stars have guided travelers and millennia.”
Norwegian Luna will begin sailing three- and four-night Bahamas voyages to NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, as well as seven-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries with stops in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
In November 2026, Norwegian Luna will begin Western Caribbean sailings to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, NCL’s private island in Belize. Starting April 2027, the ship will offer Bermuda sailings from New York.
