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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Set sail into the metaverse

Set sail into the metaverse

Published Apr 14, 2022 10:00 pm

Manuel Di Rita, renowned Italian artist who designed Norwegian Prima and Viva’s hull art, releases six NFTs for auction and sale

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a history of breaking boundaries, announced the launch of the cruise industry’s first collection of NFTs, adding to the cruise line’s legacy of pioneering firsts.

NCL has auctioned off a collection of six NFTs to celebrate the launch of the company’s cutting-edge Norwegian Prima Class  on NCL’s soon-to-launch online NFT marketplace. The NFT art pieces were created by Manuel Di Rita, widely known as “Peeta,” the Italian artist who designed the hull art on the record-breaking Norwegian Prima and her sister vessel Norwegian Viva. 

The first of the six art pieces were auctioned at the starting rate of $2,500, with the remaining NFTs sold for prices starting at $250. The winner of the auction has been awarded a balcony stateroom on one of Norwegian Prima’s inaugural voyages in the US, setting sail from NCL’s beautiful new Port Miami terminal located in Miami, the “Cruise Capital of the World.”

“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.”

‘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 captivating hull art on Norwegian Prima and provides the buyer an opportunity to own a piece of the beautiful Norwegian Prima for years to come. The additional five NFT pieces showcase some of the innovative 3D designs often depicted in Peeta’s works and will be featured aboard Norwegian Prima including the ship’s three-level Penrose Atrium.

“We strive to adopt the most cutting-edge technology at Norwegian Cruise Line and strongly believe that providing our guests the opportunity to own digital assets that connect them with an unforgettable cruise experience is an essential step forward,” says Scott Piccolo, chief digital experience officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH). “We are incredibly proud to work with Peeta on the cruise industry’s first-ever NFT collection.”

All proceeds from the NFT auction and sales will be donated to Teach For America. The nonprofit organization finds, develops, and supports a network of leaders who expand opportunities for children in classrooms, schools, and every sector and field that shapes the broader systems in which schools operate.

Launching in August 2022, Norwegian Prima’s christening voyage will depart from Reykjavík, Iceland and will feature a performance from newly announced godmother, global pop star Katy Perry. Norwegian Prima will offer voyages to Northern Europe from Amsterdam beginning Sept. 3; and Caribbean itineraries from Galveston, Texas, Miami, and Orlando, Florida beginning Oct. 27.

For more information about the Company's award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call NCL Hong Kong on +852 2165 6000, Southeast Asia on +65 3165 1680, or visit www.ncl.com.

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