The Norwegian Escape was removed from the Meyer Werft II covered building pier as planned since Saturday.
Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship began floating at 9:30 a.m. Papenburg time, accompanied by hundreds of onlookers watching from the shore. Just two hours later, the vessel was secured at the outfitting pier, where the ship's funnel was lifted into position by a crane.
On Sunday, the float-out tests will take place in the shipyard's harbor, and the Norwegian Escape will dock at the outfitting pier to continue the remaining work on the interiors.
It is planned that in the coming days the first crew members will enter their cabins to begin familiarizing themselves with the ship and its systems.
The Norwegian Escape's transit along the Ems River is scheduled for mid-September.
The first flotation test was broadcast via webcam at www.meyerwerft.de where still images of the operation are also available.
