*OFFICIAL* Two-New Ships Thread (2013-2014)

[freakcruiser]

Following the successful launch of Norwegian Epic, the Company's largest and most innovative ship to date, Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it has reached an agreement with MEYER WERFT GMBH of Germany to build two new next generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in spring 2013 and spring 2014, respectively. Each of the 143,500 gross ton vessels, the largest passenger/cruise ships to be built in Germany, will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths and a rich cabin mix. Additional details about each ship's new and exciting features will be released as construction progresses. The contract price for the two vessels is approximately ¬1.2 billion. The Company has committed financing in place from a syndicate of banks for export credit financing in connection with this project.

Alright, so from what we currently know, these new ships are slightly smaller than Epic, with 143,500 [New Ships] VS 155,873 GRT [Epic]. She also has 1,000 less passengers onboard. I can see that there is no boxed top, but a more curved structure, which I presume will house Courtyard Villas like Epic. I also see a Retract. Roof over the area, most likely due to the 'Wind Tunnel' effect which happened aboard Epic.

"We are excited to be returning to MEYER WERFT and are confident that their rich ship building history and expertise will bring our vision to fruition," added Sheehan. MEYER WERFT, based in Papenburg, Germany, most recently built Norwegian's four Jewel-class ships Norwegian Gem delivered in 2007, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Jade delivered in 2006, and Norwegian Jewel delivered in 2005. These new vessels are the eighth and ninth that the Company will build with MEYER WERFT.

The reason of why they have resorted back to Meyer Werft, I think, is because of the problem with STX Europe and the F3 Class, in which NCL had to cancel Epic's sistership.

Back to the new ships, I can see that the pool is absent of a Water Park, which they'll more than likely add in later on. I can also see a green space behind the funnel - golf, grass, basketball court?

I also see a raised deck portion behind the green space, which my best guess, might be a make-shift ice rink like they previously had on Epic.

More news later on!