Norwegian
Cruise Line recently 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.
