The Norwegian Escape, soon to be the largest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, was floated out of Meyer Werft’s covered building dock II on Saturday 15th August in Papenburg, Germany, where the 164,600gt ship has been under construction since September 2014. Beginning at approximately 0915 local time, the 4,200 passenger vessel, with her signature hull artwork designed by famed marine wildlife artist and conservationist guy Harvey, emerged into the open air.

The Norwegian Escape is the first ship of NCL’s Breakaway Plus Class ships. Following the float out, the next milestones were mounting the ship’s signature Norwegian Cruise Line funnel and adding a third story to the Norwegian Escape’s ropes course, the largest such course at sea. The Norwegian Escape’s aqua Park will be the largest at sea and includes a new aqua racer slide. adding to the family fun, Norwegian Escape will also feature an expanded Kids’ aqua Park, along with the line’s first dedicated nursery for young cruisers two and under. accommodation includes the company’s largest signature luxury ship–within-a-ship complex: The Haven by Norwegian, along with Studios, designed and priced for solo travellers, and many options for families, multi-generational groups, spa enthusiasts and more.

The conveyance down the river Ems towards the North Sea took place on 16th September. Following inaugural events in Europe and Miami, Norwegian Escape will sail seven night Eastern Caribbean cruises departing every Saturday from Miami beginning on 14th November.