The 165,600gt and 4,200 guest capacity Norwegian Escape, to be the largest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet once delivered, departed Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany on 18th September for her 24-hour long conveyance along the river Ems.

For optimum manoeuvrability the ship was towed astern and, prior to reaching her final destination in Eemshaven, The Netherlands at approximately 12.30pm (local time) on 19th September, the Norwegian Escape passed through narrow passages including the Weener Bridge in Weener; Jann-Berghaus Bridge in Leer; and Ems-Barrier in Gandersum. Once at Eemshaven she was made ready to receive guests from late October after sea trials in the North Sea during late September.

As with any Papenburg newbuild, this conveyance marks another key milestone in the ship’s delivery. The ‘Escape is the first of a Breakaway Plus class quartet. The godfather of the Norwegian Escape is to be the “international music sensation” Pitbull and on 9th November, Armando Christian Perez, aka Pitbull, will be the honorary godfather and headline performer at the ship’s christening ceremony at Port Miami.

The Norwegian Escape will be the largest ship to homeport year-round in Miami. The steel cutting for the second Breakaway Plus ship, the Norwegian Bliss, took place on 15th September. Andy Stuart, President of Norwegian Cruise Line, pushed the button to start the plasma torch during the ceremony in the laser centre. This plate will become part of Block 46, the first to be assembled for the new 23-knot vessel.