Norwegian Cruise Line Expands Fleet with Two New Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced plans to increase their fleet to 17 ships by 2019 with the order of two new ‘Breakaway Plus’ class ships with Meyer Werft. The two new ships are due for delivery and launch in 2018 and 2019.

The cruise company currently has two more ships of this class on order, the Norwegian Escape and the Norwegian Bliss, due for delivery in 2015 and 2017 respectively. This new order demonstrates an incredible confidence in the new class of ships before they even set sail. The new ships are larger than the established Breakaway class, comprising of an additional deck.

The upcoming ships will register at approximately 163,000 GRT and carry roughly 4,200 guests each.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Sheehan, enthused: “Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway have proven themselves as industry game-changers and are extremely popular with our guests. It was only natural that we build on their success with this new ship order that further solidifies our long-term growth strategy.”

The new class of ships are expected to boast even more restaurants and amenities than the ships of the Breakaway class, which currently play host an expansive waterpark, outdoor adventure park, wrap-around promenade and a number of speciality dining options.

The new order with Meyer Werft of Germany will cost roughly £1.28billion and the shipyard’s Managing Partner, Bernard Meyer, is excited about the project: “We are thrilled that Norwegian Cruise Line has the continued confidence in Meyer Werft to expand their fleet. We are very proud of our longstanding relationship with Norwegian.”

This significant investment further demonstrates the growing popularity of cruise holidays with many cruise companies planning increased fleets and services in the coming years.

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Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: JEANDELATETE, Wessel Blokzijl