Wiesbaden,
February 26, 2013 – Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship being
constructed in Germany, was floated out of Meyer Werft’s covered
building dock II this morning in Papenburg, Germany where the
146.600-tonne ship has been under construction since September 2011.
Beginning at approximately 7am (German time), 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 324 metres,
and is 39,70 metres wide The ship’s float out represents a
major milestone in the vessel’s construction as it denotes that the
ship has now moved 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 President and 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.”
“This
new vessel is a further milestone for us. Its construction complies
with the latest safety standards, and the ship meets all valid
environmental regulations. Beyond that, Norwegian Breakaway includes
a lot of unique design elements and technical innovations, said
Bernard Meyer, Managing Partner of Meyer Werft.
Following
the float out, tests were carried out in the harbour 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
familiarise 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).
Norwegian
Breakaway
Designed
as New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway will bring the best of NYC
to sea when she arrives to her year-round homeport in early May 2013,
offering the high-calibre dining and entertainment options that New
York is known for worldwide. To date, the company has revealed the
ship’s ground-breaking design, including an open-air boardwalk, The
Waterfront, and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor
venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at
sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean. Norwegian
Breakaway’s entertainment will include three Broadway shows:
five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE
FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY. The famed
comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon duelling pianos, and
New York’s own Slam Allen will perform on the vessel. Norwegian
Breakaway will also feature an exciting fireworks show on every
cruise that will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea
each week, and will be the grand finale of a decadent 1980s-themed
deck party.
The
ship will feature a total of 28 dining options on board and an Ice
Bar, which will be kept at 8 degrees below zero and feature New York
City-inspired speciality cocktails, as well as ice sculptures of the
Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building to pay
homage to New York City.
The
top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will feature the first Aqua Park at
sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall
slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-storey sports complex that
includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf
course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.
The
ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The
Haven by Norwegian™, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship
and 22 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative
Studios, designed and priced for solo travellers; inside, oceanview
and balcony staterooms as well as Mini Suites; Spa Balcony
staterooms, Spa Mini Suites and Spa Suites in close proximity to the
spa.
For
more information on the incredible features and accommodations on
Norwegian Breakaway, visit www.breakaway.ncl.eu.
