Norwegian Cruise Line yesterday announced that it has reached an agreement with German Meyer Werft GmbH to build a new cruise vessel, for delivery in October 2015, with the option for a second ship for delivery in spring 2017.
The new ship, at 163.000 gross tons and approximately 4.200 passenger berths, will be larger than the Company’s Breakaway-Class ships currently under construction at Meyer Werft and incorporate many of those vessels’ unique design elements and innovations. With the project name “Breakaway Plus,” this new vessel will be the largest in Norwegian’s fleet.
The ship’s contract price is approximately 700 million euros and the Company has export credit financing in place which was arranged and underwritten by KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH of Germany.
“Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have garnered significant attention in the marketplace with their innovative design, rich stateroom mix and world-class amenities. Building on that momentum, along with Meyer Werft’s expertise and efficiency in the design and construction process, we are extending the excitement and anticipation with a new, larger edition Breakaway Plus-Class ship to further distinguish the Norwegian brand,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Chief Executive Officer. “This new order further solidifies our commitment to continued innovation in terms of the guest experience and will incorporate technical and environmental advances as well.”
Meyer Werft, based in Papenburg, Germany, is currently building Norwegian’s two new 146.600 gross ton, 4.000-passenger Breakaway-Class vessels: Norwegian Breakaway, scheduled for delivery in late April 2013, and Norwegian Getaway, scheduled for delivery in mid-January 2014. Prior to the Breakaway-Class ships, Meyer Werft built Norwegian’s four Jewel-Class ships – Norwegian Gem delivered in 2007, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Jade delivered in 2006, and Norwegian Jewel delivered in 2005. This new vessel on order, along with the option for the second ship, will be the tenth and eleventh that the Company will build with Meyer Werft.
“We are pleased that Norwegian Cruise Line has decided to expand and enlarge its exciting Breakaway-Class at Meyer Werft,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft. “Our companies have a long history together and we appreciate Norwegian Cruise Line’s continued commitment to Meyer Werft.”
Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of Freestyle Cruising® and currently offers guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their cruise holiday on their own terms, including multiple dining venues, relaxed attire, a variety of accommodation choices and world-class entertainment. The Company took Freestyle Cruising to the next level with the introduction of Norwegian Epic in June 2010 and is continuing to innovate with the launch of “New York’s Ship” Norwegian Breakaway in late April 2013.
