Norwegian Cruise Lines Names Two New Ships

Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem are the names of two new ships due to be delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line next year. The vessels are expected to enter service in February 2007 and October 2007 respectively. They will complete the delivery of seven new ships in seven years.

Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem are both in the same class as Norwegian Jewel, launched in Dover last summer, and which returns to Europe in May to offer Mediterranean cruises.

The two new ships are under construction in Germany and will feature NCL´s Freestyle Cruising concept with up to 10 restaurants and family accommodation.

The line´s UK general manager Francis Riley said: "Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem will be the ninth and the tenth new ships to join the NCL fleet since the fleet streamlining began in late 1999.

Once Norwegian Gem is delivered in late 2007, over 80 percent of NCL´s capacity will be brand new and highly contemporary, keeping NCL on track to offer the youngest fleet in the industry by 2010.