Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest cruise vessel Norwegian Escape has floated out from Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, marking a major millstone in the vessel’s construction.
Construction started in September last year, this 1,098ft-long and 136ft-wide vessels is the first ship in the line’s Breakaway Plus Class.
Norwegian Cruise Line president and COO Andy Stuart said: “Meyer Werft has done an excellent job with the construction of Norwegian Escape.
“The ship’s float out brings us one step closer to bringing the next evolution of Freestyle Cruising to the world and we couldn’t be more excited.”
“The ship’s float out brings us one step closer to bringing the next evolution of Freestyle Cruising to the world and we couldn’t be more excited.”
The vessel will now move into the final phase of construction and is expected to be delivered in October this year.
This 164,600t vessel will have the capacity to accommodate 4,200 passengers and 1,700 crew members.
It will feature a range of accommodation, including The Haven by Norwegian, mini-suites, balcony and oceanview staterooms, as well as inside and studio staterooms.
The vessel’s hull, which is designed by Guy Harvey, features an underwater scene of marine wildlife.
The ship will cruise to destinations including St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.
It will be powered by will be powered by five MAN V48/60CR-type engines, which provide a total output of 76,800kW.
In October 2012, Norwegian Cruise Line signed a €1.4bn contract with Meyer Werft for the construction of two Breakaway Plus class cruise ships.
The total construction cost of Norwegian Escape is approximately €700m.
