Following the initial construction of her upcoming sister-ship, Norwegian Cruise Line‘s new Norwegian Escape has started its conveyance from the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany down the Ems River. The approximately 24 hour process sent the ship to Eemshaven, Netherlands where she will make final preparations for welcoming guests onboard including its sea trials.
“After seeing firsthand this week how spectacular Norwegian Escape already looks, I am thrilled that she is officially on her journey to welcome guests next month,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief operating officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “As the first Breakaway Plus class ship, she will offer the very best in freedom and flexibility for our guests and we cannot wait to officially welcome her to the fleet.”
The process is a fascinating one that involves sailing the ship with more control in reverse through narrow locks (with only 1.2 meters of clearance) and passages and under low bridges. The Norwegian Escape will be the largest vessel in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, measuring in at 1,069 feet long and 136 feet wide and marks the first of four Breakaway Plus class ships scheduled for launch.
The 164,600 gross ton ship will set sail on weekly 7-day cruises from her year-round homeport of Miami to the Eastern Caribbean starting on November 14, 2015.
For more information on the Norwegian Escape, visit Norwegian Cruise Line‘s website here.
HEADER IMAGE SOURCE: NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE