NCL reveals plans for two new ships

NORWEGIAN Cruise Line (NCL) has confirmed orders for a fifth and sixth ship in its new Project Leonardo Class fleet, each carrying 3,300 guests and designed for energy efficiency.

The 140,000 gross tonne ships will be built by Fincantieri in Italy and are due for delivery in 2026 and 2027.

“Following the Breakaway Plus Class...the highly anticipated Leonardo Class will fuel future growth with exciting and innovative offerings that will meaningfully drive demand from new and loyal returning guests alike,” said NCL president and ceo Andy Stuart.

The new ships have been designed to have a lower environmental impact, a point that NCL believes would lead to a broader range of deployment opportunities.

Parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings now has seven ships on order for NCL and one for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, giving it eight vessels for delivery through to 2027.

It will take delivery of its next ship, Norwegian Encore, in the northern Autumn of 2019.

The latest vessels (rendering pictured) have yet to be named, and details of their features will be announced at a later date.

The news follows NCL ramping up its efforts in the Australian market, last year kicking off its inaugural homeport season in Australia and New Zealand ( TD 13 Nov 17).