Steel cut for NCL’s next Breakaway-Plus class ship, Norwegian Bliss

Last week the steel cutting ceremony took place for Norwegian Cruise Line’s next ship, Norwegian Bliss, at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

Andy Stuart, President of Norwegian Cruise Line, pushed the button to start the plasma torch during the steel cutting ceremony that took place in the laser centre at the yard.

This marks the start of construction of the second 165,600 gross ton ship in the cruise line’s Breakaway-Plus class. The 4,200-passenger ship is due to be delivered in spring 2017.

At the ceremony Andy Stuart said: “On behalf of the more than 20,000 Norwegian team members worldwide, we are thrilled to mark the start of construction of the second ship in our company’s Breakaway Plus class and the continued evolution of the Norwegian brand. Not only will this ship fully embody the Norwegian brand and the freedom and flexibility that a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation means, but the combined expertise of the company’s new leadership team will create what is sure to be the epitome of contemporary cruising‎.”

Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft, added “We are very happy to build these new class of ships for Norwegian Cruise Line and to continue our long-standing relationship.”

The plate cut at Tuesday’s ceremony will become part of Block 46, the first to be assembled for the new vessel.‎ It took the plasma torch a couple of minutes to cut a silhouette of the new ship from the steel plate.

Norwegian Cruise Line currently has four vessels on order at Meyer Werft for delivery in autumn 2015, spring 2017, spring 2018 and autumn 2019. Details can be found here.

(Photo credits to Norwegian Cruise Line)