'Live it up' was the theme Tuesday night, which started with the naming in NCL's impressive Terminal B, decked out in purple, blue and white balloons.
'Connected to the brand'
'I feel connected to this brand,' said Fonsi, a native of Puerto Rico — where Norwegian Viva will be based this winter — who now lives in Miami, NCL's hometown.
And he didn't just break the Champagne; he later performed two shows on board. The entertainment included 'The Queen of Latin Pop' Paulina Rubio, 'Saturday Night Live' cast member and Miami-native Marcello Hernandez and singer Pedro Capó.
Emcee Elvis Duran
Norwegian Bliss godfather Elvis Duran served as master of ceremonies for the naming that opened with a hilarious video of NCL President David Herrera darting around Norwegian Viva in preparation for the party, lifting weights, getting barbered and hopping into the ship's drop slide carrying a suit then emerging at the bottom wearing that suit.
David Herrera welcomed the naming ceremony guests with 'Hello and bienvenidos! Is everybody ready to live it up Miami style?'
'Hello y bienvenidos! Is everybody ready to live it up Miami style?' Herrera said. Judging by the crowd's cheers, they were.
VIPs
Herrera acknowledged audience members Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Chairman Russell Galbut and directors Harry Curtis, Mary Landry and José Cil, PortMiami Director Hydi Webb and NCLH Chairman Emeritus Walter Revell, former NCL President/CEO Andy Stuart and past Regent Seven Seas Cruises President/CEO Jason Montague, saying: 'All of you played a part in our 57-year history. Thank you.'
Introducing 'my boss and my friend,' Herrera said NCLH CEO Harry Sommer 'took on one of the toughest jobs ever — he had to replace a legend and a mentor to many, Frank Del Rio.'
Del Rio was not in the house but his son, Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises, was on hand and acknowledged.
Knut Kloster Hall
Speaking of great past leaders, Sommer pointed to the newly dedicated Knut Kloster Hall in Terminal B that pays homage to NCL's founder and sharing details of company history.
Harry Sommer called his leadership group an 'unstoppable team'
Sommer thanked travel advisors, Fincantieri and designers Studio DADO, SMC, Piero Lissoni and Rockwell. He saluted his leadership group and said of Herrera: 'My confidence in him has only grown since I appointed him.' Sommer called them all an 'unstoppable team.'
Veterans and teachers saluted
Also getting a shout-out were military veterans, an NCL cause, and George Lutz of Honor and Remember was present, along with the top three teachers in Norwegian's Giving Joy program that recognizes inspiring teachers.
After the naming, cocktails and a gala dinner in Norwegian Viva's many restaurants, the party was just getting started — Miami style.
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