Norwegian Cruise Line, the contemporary market unit in the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings group, said it has taken delivery of the line's largest ship to date, the 164,600 gross ton Norwegian Escape, from Meyer Werft  during a ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany, after a building period of only 17 months.

Norwegian Escape is the first ship in the company's new Breakaway Plus Class, signifying an evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line and bringing to life the brand's promise of freedom and flexibility with a premium experience from bow to stern.

Following delivery today, the ship sets sail for Hamburg for the start of her European inaugural festivities. After a two-night stop in Southampton, Norwegian Escape will make the crossing to her year-round homeport of Miami on October 29, the company said in a statement.