Norwegian Escape, soon to be the largest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, has departed the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany on Friday 18 September for its approximately 24-hour long conveyance along the Ems River.

“Norwegian Escape's river conveyance marks another key milestone in the ship's highly anticipated delivery. Measuring 1069 feet long and 136 feet wide, the ship is the first in the line’s Breakaway Plus class. Three additional ships in the class are on order at Meyer Werft,” the company said in a statement.

At approximately 164,600 gross tons, Norwegian Escape will be the largest vessel in the company’s fleet and exceed the 155,873 gross ton figure of Norwegian Epic, which was completed in 2006.

“After seeing firsthand this week how spectacular Norwegian Escape already looks, I am thrilled that she is officially on her journey to welcome guests next month,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief operating officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “As the first Breakaway Plus class ship, she will offer the very best in freedom and flexibility for our guests and we cannot wait to officially welcome her to the fleet.”

Sailing backwards, Norwegian Escape left the yard at approximately 2:00 pm (local time in Germany), and made a narrow passage through the ship yard's locks, with only 1.2 metres clearance separating the ship from the "bumpers" that were specially installed along the starboard side of the locks.