Meyer Werft Floats Out Norwegian Getaway [VIDEO]

On November 2, 2013, the 146,600-gt cruise ship Norwegian Getaway was floated out from Meyer Werft’s covered building dock II in Papenburg, Germany, where the ship has been under construction for U.S. cruise operator Norwegian Cruise Line since November 2012.

Beginning at approximately 3:30 pm local time, the massive 4,000 passenger ship with her signature hull artwork designed by Miami artist David “LEBO” Le Batard, which features a whimsical mermaid holding the sun above the waves, departed building dock II bow first just 12 months after construction began.

Following the float out, tests were carried out in the harbor and the ship was berthed alongside the yard’s outfitting pier. This week, the first crewmembers will be onboard and begin to familiarize themselves with the ship, readying her for guests. The ship will then head down the river Ems to the North Sea where she will commence sea trials around mid-month.

Norwegian Getaway is sister vessel to Norwegian Breakaway, delivered in April 2013, and the second of two ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Breakaway-class. The ship has an overall length of 324 meters and is 39.70 meters wide.

On an interesting and somewhat related note, the Norwegian Getaway will be docked in New York this February where it will be transformed into a “Bud Light Hotel” for the Super Bowl at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

Delivery of Norwegian Getaway is expected for January 10, 2014.