The Norwegian Escape, soon to be the largest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, departed from Construction Dock II at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, on Saturday, August 15. The 164,600-ton vessel had been under construction there since September 2014. The ship, which can accommodate 4,200 passengers and features a hull design created by renowned marine life artist and conservationist Guy Harvey, began its departure from Construction Dock II at 9:15 a.m. The Norwegian Escape is the first ship in the Breakaway Plus class and measures 334.6 meters long and 41.5 meters wide.
The Norwegian Escape's departure from dry dock represents one of the biggest milestones in the ship's construction. With the vessel nearly complete, it now enters the final phase of construction, culminating in its delivery to Norwegian Cruise Line on October 22, 2015.
“Meyer Werft has done an absolutely fantastic job building the Norwegian Escape,” said Andy Stuart, President and Chief Operating Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “The ship’s launch brings us one step closer to offering the world the next level of Freestyle Cruising, and we couldn’t be more excited,” he concluded.
After the ship's departure, the next milestone will be the installation of Norwegian Cruise Line's signature funnel, as well as taking the thrills to a new level by adding a third level to the Norwegian Escape's adventure course, which will be the largest at sea. The Norwegian Escape's journey up the Ems River to the North Sea, where it will undergo seaworthiness testing, is scheduled for September 16, weather permitting.
Following inaugural events in Europe and Miami, the Norwegian Escape will offer seven-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries departing every Saturday from Miami beginning November 14, 2015.
From the striking hull design to the exciting water slides and adventure course, the Norwegian Escape, the first ship in the Breakaway Plus class, represents a true evolution for the Norwegian brand, providing even more freedom and flexibility to its guests.
A video of the dam's exit, provided by Meyer Werft, is available here.
