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On Friday, May 4, 2012, Norwegian Cruise Line and Meyer Werft executives cheered as Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer, laid the traditional “lucky coin,” and watched as the first 350-ton block of Norwegian Breakaway was lifted and set into place by an 800-ton crane. The exciting Keel Laying ceremony took place at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany and many members of Norwegian’s Executive Team, including Michael Flesch, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations; Mark Kansley, Vice President of Hotel Operations; Arturo Guerrero, Vice President of Newbuild and Refurbishment; Richard Ambrose, Vice President of Entertainment and Howard Flanders, Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasury, flew to Germany to witness this historic event. Friday’s ceremony marks a major milestone in the building of Norwegian’s newest ship – the start of block assembly. Throughout the building process, a total of 73 enormous blocks will be used to form the structure of the ship. During his remarks, Bernard Meyer, managing director of Meyer Werft, discussed how Norwegian Breakaway is the first ship to ever be built using their brand new, more efficient construction process. The proprietary new system will allow the yard to deliver the more than 140,0000 ton ship – the yard’s largest ship, ever – in less than 12 months, an incredible feat in the ship building industry. “The anticipation is building for this incredible ship,” said Kevin Sheehan. “It’s thrilling to mark the start of the block assembly and realize that in one year we will take delivery of Norwegian Breakaway. We can’t wait.” Kevin also expressed his sincere pride and appreciation for Norwegian’s New Build Team, led by Christer Karlsson, Vice President of New Build, and the dedicated, hardworking team at Meyer Werft. At the close of the ceremony, Mr. Bernard Meyer led the group of Norwegian and ship yard executives in a champagne toast to Norwegian Breakaway and echoed Kevin’s praise of the partnership between the ship yard and Norwegian Cruise Line.
