PAPENBURG, GERMANY – November  2013 – Norwegian Getaway, whose construction has taken 12 months, was floated out of MEYER WERFT’s covered building dock II on Saturday, November 2 in Papenburg, Germany where the 146,600-ton ship has been under construction since November 2012 when the ship’s keel was laid.

Beginning at approximately 3:30 pm local time, the massive 4,000 passenger ship with her signature hull artwork designed by Miami artist David “LEBO” Le Batard, which features a whimsical mermaid holding the sun above the waves, departed building dock II bow first.  Norwegian Getaway, sister ship to Norwegian Breakaway, has an overall length of 324 meters, and is 39.70 meters 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 on January 10, 2014.

“Hats off once again to the team at MEYER WERFT for building an absolutely spectacular vessel in record time,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We are now in the home stretch and looking forward to the launch of Miami’s ultimate ship.”

“This new vessel, built in merely 12 months, is one of the largest and most technologically advanced ships in the world,” said Bernard Meyer, Managing Partner of MEYER WERFT. “We are thrilled to see her leaving the building dock and getting ready for her sea trials.”

Following the float out, tests were carried out in the harbor and the ship was berthed alongside the yard's outfitting pier.

Next week, the first crew members will move into their staterooms on board, and begin to familiarize 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 mid-November (weather permitting).

Following inaugural events in Europe, New York and Miami, Norwegian Getaway will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises departing every Saturday from Miami beginning on February 8, 2014. For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line, or to book a cruise, contact a your travel agent or call 021 4439030 or email info.nclsa@galileosa.co.za . 

Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Getaway is Miami’s ultimate ship and will embody the essence of her tropical hometown with hull artwork by Miami’s own David “LEBO” Le Batard, which features a whimsical mermaid holding the sun above the waves.

Featuring groundbreaking entertainment, Norwegian Getaway boasts sizzling Latin-inspired dance productions by Broadway sensation, Burn the Floor; performances of the seven-time Tony Award nominated musical LEGALLY BLONDE; hilarious comedy headliners produced by Levity Entertainment Group; and the sing along fun of the dueling pianos of Howl at the Moon.

The ship is the first to feature the GRAMMY® Experience at sea, which will include artifacts chosen and curated by the GRAMMY Museum® along with live performances by past GRAMMY winners and nominees, among others. Another first of its kind at sea, The Illusionarium is an all-new dining and entertainment experience that will envelop guests in the fascinating world of magic, inviting them to experience the astonishing illusions of world-class magicians and supernatural special effects.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 47-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which revolutionized the industry by giving guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, Norwegian invites guests to “Cruise Like a Norwegian” on one of 12 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed, resort style cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea. Recently, the line was named “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” for the sixth consecutive year, as well as “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Line” and “World’s Leading Large Ship Cruise Line” by the World Travel Awards.

The Company took delivery of its most innovative ship to date, the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway on April 25, 2013 and was named “Best New Ship” by the editors of Cruise Critic.  Known as New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway is the largest vessel to homeport year-round in the city and includes hull art by legendary artist Peter Max; seafood restaurant Ocean Blue by famed New York Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian; bakery by Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss;” and fitness classes and a retrospective display from the ship’s iconic godmothers, the Rockettes®.  The entertainment lineup includes three Broadway shows: Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner: Jungle Fantasy.

For Media related questions please contact:

Ian Mathews: ianm.nclsa@galileosa.co.za