Another two mega-ships for Norwegian Cruise Lines

Two more ships on order - there’s no stopping Norwegian Cruise Lines. The company’s latest ship, Getaway, started cruising from Miami only in February, following in the wake of last year’s debutante, the New York-based Breakaway (above).

Slightly larger versions, in the shape of Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss are being built and will be entering service in autumn 2015 and spring 2017.

Now two more similar vessels – each of 164,600 gross tons and capable of carrying 4,200 passengers – have been ordered for delivery in spring 2018 and autumn 2019.

The ships – which will cost about €1.6 billion (£1.3 billion) – will be built by Meyer-Werft of Papenburg, Germany.

“Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have proven themselves as industry game-changers and are extremely popular with our guests,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.

“It was only natural that we build on their success with this new ship order that further solidifies our long-term growth strategy.”

Bernard Meyer, managing partner of the shipyard, added: “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.”

The big question next will be whether the extra tonnage will allow Norwegian to return to offering cruises from UK ports in addition to their fly-cruises to the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

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