Norwegian Cruise Line orders four new ships

Norwegian Cruise Line ordered four 3,300 passenger ships, with the option for two more.

The vessels, which will cost about €800 million each, will be delivered in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. The optional extra ships will be delivered in 2026 and 2027 if the option is taken.

The ships mark a change of policy for Norwegian Cruise Line, with each one holding about 1,000 fewer passengers than the Breakaway Plus class.

“This new class of ships will continue Norwegian Cruise Line brand’s legacy of introducing meaningful innovation to the cruise industry,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

“This order continues to highlight our disciplined newbuild programme, extends our growth trajectory well into the future, enhances our already attractive earnings profile, and drives expected long-term returns for our shareholders.”

Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, added: “For the past 50 years, Norwegian Cruise Line has been focused on offering our guests the very best in cruising. It is with great excitement that we look ahead to our next 50 years, which includes this next generation of ships that will offer guests the innovative experiences that have come to define the Norwegian Cruise Line brand.”

No details have been released about the design at this stage, although the company did confirm that they would be based on the Breakaway Plus class, which includes vessels such as Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Escape, pictured.

It was also reported that the company would be making energy efficiency one of its top priorities, with a focus on fuel consumption and reducing the vessel’s impact on the environment.