Norwegian Breakaway Floats Out of Meyer Werft

Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship ever constructed in Germany, was floated out of Meyer Werft’s covered building dock II this morning in Papenburg, Germany where the 146,600-ton ship has been under construction since September 2011. The 4,000 passenger ship with her signature hull artwork designed by pop icon Peter Max, departed building dock II as the first ship to depart bow first. Norwegian Breakaway has an overall length of 1,062 feet, and is 130.24 feet wide. The ship will now move into the final phase of construction, with delivery taking place in just 58 days.

“Norwegian Breakaway represents a significant achievement both for Meyer Werft and Norwegian Cruise Line in terms of innovation and design,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s CEO. “Celebrating her float out today brings us closer to her much-anticipated delivery on April 25 when she will make her debut in Europe before arriving in her homeport of New York City on May 7. We can’t wait.”

Following the float out, tests were carried out in the harbor and the ship was berthed alongside the yard's outfitting pier. On March 4, the first crew members will move into their staterooms on board, and begin to familiarize themselves with the ship, readying her for guests. Norwegian Breakaway's conveyance down the river Ems towards the North Sea, where she will prove her seaworthiness, is scheduled for March 10 (weather permitting).

For more information, visit www.ncl.com.