Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), announced it will "sail into the Metaverse" with the launch of a collection of NFTs, a first for the cruise industry.
NCL will open for auction and sale a collection of six NFTs to celebrate the launch of the Norwegian Prima Class on 13APR 2022, at 9 a.m. ET on NCL’s upcoming online NFT marketplace. The NFT art pieces were created by Manuel Di Rita, known as "Peeta," the Italian artist who designed the hull art on the Norwegian Prima and sister vessel Norwegian Viva.
The first of the six art pieces will be auctioned at the starting rate of USD $2,500, with the remaining NFTs sold for prices beginning at USD $250. The winner of the auction will also be awarded a balcony stateroom on one of Norwegian Prima’s U.S. inaugural voyages, setting sail from NCL’s new PortMiami terminal.
"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."
The first piece in the NFT collection resembles the hull art on Norwegian Prima. The additional five NFT pieces showcase some of the 3D designs often depicted in Peeta’s works and will be featured aboard Norwegian Prima including in the ship’s three-level Penrose Atrium.
"We are incredibly proud to work with Peeta on the cruise industry’s first ever NFT collection," said Scott Piccolo, Chief Digital Experience Officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH).
All proceeds from the NFT auction and sales will be donated to Teach For America. According to NCL, Teach For America finds, develops, and supports a network of leaders who expand opportunity for children from classrooms, schools, and the broader systems in which schools operate.
"We're grateful for the commitment to education in our community. The proceeds from the sales of these beautiful NFTs will help Teach For America recruit and develop more teachers for students in Miami-Dade," said LaKeisha Wells-Palmer, Executive Director of Teach For America Miami-Dade.
Launching AUG 2022, Norwegian Prima’s Christening voyage will depart from Reykjavík, Iceland and will feature a performance from newly announced godmother Katy Perry. Norwegian Prima will offer voyages to Northern Europe from Amsterdam; and Copenhagen, Denmark beginning 03SEP; and Caribbean itineraries from Galveston, Texas, Miami and Orlando, Fla. beginning 27OCT.
For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line, visit its web site.
