Norwegian Getaway, whose construction has taken 12 months, was floated out of MEYER WERFT’s covered building dock II on Saturday, 2 November in Papenburg, Germany where the 146,600-tonne ship has been under construction since November 2012.
Beginning at approximately 3:30pm local time, the 4,000 passenger ship with her signature hull artwork designed by Miami artist David “LEBO” Le Batard,, departed building dock II bow first. Norwegian Getaway, sister ship to Norwegian Breakaway, has an overall length of 324 metres, and is 39.70 metres wide.
The ship’s float out represents a major milestone in the vessel’s construction as it denotes that the ship has now moved into the final phase of construction with delivery taking place on 10January 2014.
“Hats off once again to the team at MEYER WERFT for building an absolutely spectacular vessel in record time,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We are now in the home stretch and looking forward to the launch of Miami’s ultimate ship.”
“This new vessel, built in merely 12 months, is one of the largest and most technologically advanced ships in the world,” said Bernard Meyer, Managing Partner of MEYER WERFT. “We are thrilled to see her leaving the building dock and getting ready for her sea trials.”
Following the float out, tests were carried out in the harbour and the ship was berthed alongside the yard’s outfitting pier. On 12 November the first crew members will move into their staterooms on board, and begin to familiarise themselves with the ship, readying her for guests. Norwegian Getaway’s conveyance down the river Ems towards the North Sea, where she will prove her seaworthiness, is scheduled for mid-November (weather permitting).
Following inaugural events in Europe, New York and Miami, Norwegian Getaway will sail seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruises departing weekly from Miami from 8 February 2014.
