Aker Yards is to build two cruise vessels for Norwegian Cruise Line, with an option for a third. The total value of the two vessels is $1.8b. The vessels will be delivered from the recently acquired yard in Saint Nazaire in 2009 and 2010.
This is the first contract announced since Aker Yards became the owner of the yard in Saint Nazaire. The vessels will carry up to 6,400 people onboard including crew, and have 2,100 passenger cabins giving 4,200 passenger berths. The new ships will include the feature that 100% of outside staterooms will have private balconies. In total, the ship will have over 1,470 balcony staterooms and suites.
It will be 1,066 ft., (which is approximately the height of the Eiffel Tower), $131.2, and have a gross tonnage of approximately 150,000. The two cruise vessels will contain state of the art facilities for the traveller, including multiple restaurants, and entertainment options to support NCL's unique Freestyle Cruising concept. They will be prepared for cruise experiences world wide, including the Caribbean and Europe. There is an option for a third sister ship for delivery in the first quarter of 2011. The contract represents activity at the yard equal to approximately 7,800 man-years until 2010.
With this order Aker Yards has built, or are building, all twelve of the largest cruise ships in the world.
The contract between NCL Corporation Limited and Aker Yards S.A. is subject to a number of conditions, including financing, completion of the design specification, and Star Cruises shareholder approval.