By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Norwegian Cruise Line has taken delivery of the line’s largest-ever ship, the 164,000-ton Norwegian Escape, after a construction period of 17 months.

The ship is the first in the company’s new Breakaway Plus Class.

“We are thrilled to deliver the first in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus class,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of shipbuilder MEYER WERFT. “Norwegian Escape is the newest and most advanced cruise vessel on the seas and we are proud of the team that worked diligently to design and build her.”

Following its delivery in Bremerhaven, Germany, Norwegian Escape will set sail for Hamburg for the commencement of her European inaugural festivities.

After a two-night stop in Southampton, the vessel will make the crossing to her homeport of Miami on October 29, where she will be christened on November 9.

“Norwegian Escape’s arrival marks a true evolution for our brand—we’ve capitalized on the best of our Breakaway Class ships and taken freedom and flexibility to the next level with this incredible new ship,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and chief operating officer.

Notable features include the The Haven by Norwegian ship–within-a-ship suite complex, a wide variety of dining options, two Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals headlining the Escape Theater, and diverse nightlife and recreational offerings.

In addition to family oceanview staterooms and other options for multi-generational groups, Norwegian Escape offers Studios, which are designed and priced for solo travelers.