Norwegian Cruise Line Decides to Build Two More Leonardo Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has confirmed its options for the fifth and sixth Project Leonardo Class ships to be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for Norwegian Cruise Line.

Scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027, the 140,000 gross ton newbuildings will be able to accommodate 3,300 passengers and will have a length of around 300 meters.

The ships are part of a contract Norwegian Cruise Line signed with Fincantieri in 2017 for the construction of 4+2 cruise vessels.

“These orders extend our disciplined and measured newbuild program and strong growth trajectory well into the future,” Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, commented.

This next-generation class of ships will build upon the brand’s most recent Breakaway Plus Class ships. A priority of the prototype design is energy efficiency, with the aim of optimizing fuel consumption and reducing the impact on the environment. The smaller footprint will also broaden deployment opportunities around the world, as explained by the company.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands which have a combined fleet of 26 ships.

With today’s announcement, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has seven ships on order for Norwegian Cruise Line and one for Regent Seven Seas Cruises for a total of eight vessels for delivery through 2027. The company will take delivery of its newest ship, Norwegian Encore, in fall 2019.