By
Rebecca Gibson |
Meyer Werft laid the keel of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Escape at its Papenburg yard in Germany on 19 September.
During the ceremony, Norwegian’s CEO Kevin Sheehan laid the traditional lucky coin in the covered building dock before the 400-ton block was lifted into place. Officially marking the start of the ship’s construction, block 35/41 is the first of 86 blocks that will comprise the 164,600gt ship, which is due for delivery in October 2015.
“We are proud to begin the construction of Norwegian’s first Breakaway Plus vessel and continue our long-standing partnership,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft. “Norwegian Escape will be a spectacular ship and it is our honour to bring the dreams and innovations of the Norwegian team to life.”
Norwegian Escape is the first of the line’s Breakaway Plus vessels and will be its largest ship to date, able to carry 4,200 passengers. The ship will include all of the innovative features found on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, plus a number of new spaces and interactive experiences that are yet to be announced. Guests can stay in the line’s signature luxury ship–within-a-ship complex – The Haven by Norwegian – as well as solo traveller studios, and various accommodations for families, multi-generational groups, spa enthusiasts and more.
Marine wildlife artist and ocean conservationist Guy Harvey has been commissioned to design the signature hull artwork of Norwegian Escape. Harvey – who is also a keen marine biologist, photographer, diver and angler – will illustrate two underwater scenes of marine wildlife, which span 1,065 ft from the ship’s hull to the aft.
“Norwegian Escape will be our largest and most innovative ship to date, building on the phenomenal success of Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway,” said Sheehan. “We are looking forward to seeing this ship take shape over the next year and welcoming her to our fleet in October 2015.”
From 14 November, Norwegian Escape will be the largest cruise ship to homeport year-round in Miami, US, where she will offer weekly seven-day cruises to the eastern Caribbean. Destinations on her itineraries include St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas.