Musician Luis Fonsi Will Be Godfather of NCL’s Norwegian Viva

Fonsi will become the latest Norwegian Cruise Line godfather when he blesses Norwegian Viva in Miami this November.

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that Grammy-nominated, and five-time Latin Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, Luis Fonsi, will serve as the godfather of its newest ship Norwegian Viva.

The new *Norwegian Viva* will begin sailing in August (artist’s rendering courtesy of NCL)

The multiplatinum star behind hits including “Despacito” will bless the ship and perform at the official naming ceremony in Miami on November 28, 2023.

Luis Fonsi will headline the musical entertainment at Viva’s christening

Best known for his extensive list of radio hits including the global chart-topping hit, “Despacito,” which was featured on Billboard’s “Hot Latin Song” list for a record-breaking 56 consecutive weeks, Puerto Rican-born Fonsi will fulfill the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming Norwegian Viva at the christening ceremony.

Viva’s theme of “Live it Up! ” will continue during the celebration, with a lineup of leading Latin entertainers joining Fonsi. Queen of Latin Pop Paulina Rubio, Saturday Night Live cast member and Miami native Marcello Hernandez, and singer Pedro Capó will all deliver exclusive performances throughout the evening.

“We are thrilled to welcome Latin music icon Luis Fonsi to the NCL family as Godfather of Norwegian Viva and to join us as we christen our newest ship,” said NCL president David J. Herrera in a press release.

“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. 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,” Herrera continued.

At the November ceremony, Fonsi will officiate the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship’s bow to bid Viva and her passengers and crew good fortune on their voyage, a longtime nautical tradition customary when launching a new ship.

“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 Luis Fonsi.

Musician Luis Fonsi will officiate the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle on *Norwegian Viva*‘s bow to bid passengers and crew good fortune on their voyage (image courtesy of NCL)

“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,” Fonsi added.

To commemorate this exciting partnership and celebrate the all-star entertainment lineup to be featured at Norwegian Viva‘s christening event, NCL has put together a Live it Up! Spotify playlist inspired by top Latin music superstars.

About Norwegian Viva

A sister ship to Norwegian Prima, Viva will be the second of the company’s six planned Prima Class ships. The Prima Class raises the bar on sailing with its amenities, which include world-class cuisine, the brand’s largest-ever design, and onboard activities like the three-level racetrack Viva Speedway.

The ship will feature Viva Speedway, a three-level racetrack on the top decks (artist’s rendering courtesy of NCL)

Viva will feature many of the onboard experiences that make the Prima Class unique, including Indulge Food Hall, an upscale food market with 11 unique eateries; The Drop and Rush, the fastest slides at sea; and NCL’s sustainable cocktail bar, the Metropolitan Bar.

Norwegian Viva will debut in August. After her christening voyage, the ship will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico beginning on December 15, 2023.

*Norwegian Viva* will homeport in San Juan beginning in December (artist’s rendering courtesy of NCL)

The new ship will offer seven-day Caribbean itineraries through April 2024, visiting ports including Tortola, BVI; St John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten and St. Thomas, USVI.

Viva will then reposition to Europe for a summer season of cruises from Athens, Lisbon, Venice, and Rome.

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What do you think about Norwegian Cruise Line’s choice to name Luis Fonsi as godfather of Norwegian Viva? Are you planning to sail on the new NCL ship? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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Carrie Ann Karstunen

Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

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