The following is the text of a news release from Norwegian Cruise Line:
(MIAMI) — Norwegian Cruise Line (NASDAQ: NCLH) announced today that it has reached an agreement with Meyer Werft GmbH of Germany to build two new Breakaway Plus class cruise ships for delivery in the second quarter 2018 and the fourth quarter 2019. Each ship will be 164,600 gross tons and include 4,200 passenger berths.
"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."
The contract price for both ships is approximately euro 1.6 billion ($2.1 billion US). The company has export credit financing in place for each ship, arranged and underwritten by KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH of Germany.
"We are thrilled that Norwegian Cruise Line has the continued confidence in Meyer Werft to expand their fleet," said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft. "We are very proud of our longstanding relationship with Norwegian."
Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of freestyle cruising which offers guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their cruise vacation on their own terms, including multiple dining venues, relaxed attire, a variety of accommodations and world-class entertainment. The company took freestyle cruising to the next level with the introduction of Norwegian Epic in June 2010 and subsequently launched two game-changing vessels, Norwegian Breakaway based in New York in May 2013 and Norwegian Getaway homeported in Miami in February 2014. These ships incorporate groundbreaking design, including The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place, a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that create a whole new complex at sea and connect guests with the ocean.