Serenade of the Seas before Ems Transfer

Papenburg, 19.06.2003 - After execution of extensive tests and trials the 90,090 GT cruise liner Serenade of the Seas will leave the covered building dock of the yard on Friday, 20 June around 18 am. The ship is beeing built for the American owner Royal Caribbean International (RCI). The ship will then be hauled to the outfitting pier of the yard where it will be fixed already around 22 am. Interior works and technical trials will be continued at the pier next week. Presumably on 12 July the ship will start her passage on the Ems towards the North Sea where the sea trial will be carried out. End of July the vessel will be handed over to the owner. The cruise liner has an overall length of 294 m and a breadth of 32.2 m and the operating speed will exceed 24 kts. The ship will accommodate 2,112 passengers in 1,056 cabins and about 900 crew members. The Serenade of the Seas offers a variety of exclusive outfitting characteristics. The atrium covering 11 decks and the theatre covering three decks and accommodating about 1,000 passengers are some of the interior architectural highlights of this new cruise ship. The Serenade of the Seas is the third ship the yard built for Royal Caribbean. The fourth sister ship of the "Radiance-class", the Jewel of the Seas, will follow in 2004.

Papenburg, 10.04.2003 - Yesterday, the first of 24 big blocks of the new passenger and car ferry Pont-Aven (39.300 gt) for the French operator Brittany Ferries was lifted into position in the covered building dock of MEYER WERFT shipyard in Papenburg/Germany. Bernard Meyer, managing partner of the shipyard witnessed when Michel Maraval, managing director of Brittany Ferries laid the "lucky penny" before the yard´s 600-ton crane lowered the first block of the new ship onto the keel blocks in the building dock. Pont-Aven will have an overall length of 185 metres. The sailing speed will be over 26 knots. A maximum of 2,200 passengers will be accommodated in 650 cabins. The ship will be delivered in spring 2004.

Papenburg, 31.03.2003 - MEYER WERFT is negotiating new orders to build big cruise vessels and is hoping that respective decisions on the placing of orders will be made by this summer provided the war in Iraq will come to a soon end. The potential utilisation identifiable from these negotiations will by far not suffice to employ the existing capacities. For this reason, a significant cutback of about 800 employees is mandatory. Concept 2004 During today's information meeting, MEYER WERFT staff were informed about the forthcoming restructuring measures (Concept 2004). The management presented their plans how to secure jobs past 2004. The details of these plans are: Adjustment to capacities in line with the market Due to the difficult world economy and the reluctant market assessment MEYER WERFT has to reduce their present staff of 2,600 by approx. 800. In doing so, the know-how indispensable for the shipyard, will not be affected. All measures required for a market-driven adjustment, will be discussed with the company's staff council and the unions. Strategy: Increase of Competitiveness Because of the long-term good growth projection of the cruise industry, investments were made with respect to the shipyard location Papenburg. A second covered building dock and one of the most modern laserwelding plants in the industry were established. Over the past two years, the shipyard has made many additional modifications as to organisational procedures. Among these were the introduction of teamworking concepts and the flexibility of working hours was increased significantly. This reorganisation of the company (Concept 2002) has began in 2001 and showed major positive impact on the work procedures. With many measures in place, the shipyard is in a position to internally compensate phases of underemployment. Only the combination of all measures to reduce costs and to increase productivity, however, will enable the shipyard to successfully exist in the international competition. Given today's particularly difficult and challenging global economy and the uncertain process of the Iraq war, the company faces the customers' demands regarding prices, quality and deadlines. The course must be set now - at an early stage - for the right direction to ensure to be a leading supplier of passenger and cruise ships still past 2004 as this market has tremendous growth potential on a long-term basis.

The next 90,000 gt cruise vessel Serenade of the Seas will leave the covered building dock mid of june. After that the outfitting of the ship will be completed before mid of july the river Ems passage will start.

MEYER WERFT Delivers Norwegian Dawn

Papenburg, 03.12.2002 - MEYER WERFT shipyard delived the 92,250 GT cruise liner Norwegian Dawn to Norwegian Cruise Line (Miami, USA) in Eemshaven, Holland. The Norwegian Dawn is the second cruise liner the Papenburg-based MEYER WERFT has built for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). NCL is a subsidiary of the Asian cruise line operator Star Cruises. Norwegian Dawn combines the trendsetting features of NCL's "freestyle cruising concept" with luxurious outfitting and furnishing meeting state-of-the-art technical demands. In addition to the new design, this luxury liner offers the passengers a lot of special features and amenities. Around 70% of cabins are outside staterooms and most of these have balconies. With an average of one crew member per stateroom, NCL ensures an outstanding service. The diesel-electric podded drive, interactive communication devices and a sophisticated stage technology guarantee safety and entertainment according to state-of-the-art technical standards. After delivery, Norwegian Dawn will leave Eemshaven heading to her first public presentation in Southampton, England. From there, she will start her inaugural trip on December 7 arriving in New York City on December 14, 2002. The christening of the Norwegian Dawn is scheduled in New York on 16 December. Regularly scheduled sailings from the port of Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean will begin on December 21, 2002. Norwegian Dawn - Main Particulars

Cabins Suites

The Garden Villa suites offer an unprecedented 5,350 square feet of living space at sea. Positioned high atop the vessel in a private area aft of the main sundeck, each villa features sweeping views of the ocean and an impressive assortment of amenities: large dining room, living room, three bedrooms with floor to ceiling windows and luxurious baths with a whirlpool and a separate shower. Outside, the suites feature private rooftop terraces, Jacuzzis, outdoor dining, gardens and secluded relaxation areas. Owner's Suites, expansive views from a private balcony enhance the beautiful furnishings within. Elegant bedroom separate from the living room. Bathroom with shower and whirlpool tub. Penthouse Suites feature spacious living room area, private balcony, dining area, separate bedroom. Luxury baths with whirlpool tub and separate shower. Mini-Suites featuring elegant design and spaciousness. Plush sitting area, private oceanview balcony, luxury bath and shower. Cabins Three different types of standard cabins are available on board: inside cabins, outside cabins and oceanview cabins w/balcony. All staterooms feature NCL's new standard in cabins with rich cherry wood finishing, refrigerators, tea and coffee makers and a much larger private bathroom unit containing separate WC, shower and washstand compartments separated by sliding doors, colour TV's, telephones, safes, individual temperature control units and Internet access. There will also be 24 cabins of various types designed for passengers with disabilities.

Total suites/cabins on board:

Public Rooms "Atrium" (Deck 7-15) "Dawn Club Casino" (Deck 6) "Galleria" (Deck 7) Stardust Theatre (Deck 5-7) Dazzles Lounge & Nightclub (Deck 7) Photo Gallery (Deck 7) "Bamboo" - A Taste of Asia (Deck 7) Venetian Main Restaurant (Deck 6) The Pearly Kings Pub & Blue Lagoon (Deck 7) Health Club - Fitness Centre (Deck 11/12) Spinnaker Lounge (Deck 12)

Garden Café / Kid's Café (Deck 12) Extending over a third of a deck and including trademark "action stations" featuring prepared-to-order omelets, waffles, fruit, soups, ethnic specialties and pasta in addition to extensive selections arranged along 130 yards of buffet and counters. Expansive views enhance the beautiful interior decoration. Kids are sure to love the Kid's Café with its kid-sized buffet, chairs and tables. Meeting Area, Cinema and Library (Deck 12/13) High-quality furnished meeting room area featuring four individual rooms that can be used together or separately (deck 12). Board Room, main meeting room with full business center support. Cinema screening the latest release movies or video presentations for corporate and incentive groups. The Library located on deck 12 offers a large selection of books and magazines. T Rex Kid's Center (Deck 13) Supervised facility for children featuring a play gym, movie theatre with children's movies, computer center, arts and crafts area, sleeping area. Includes the Teen Club, a teenager hangout. Area is a teen center by day featuring a jukebox and exclusive teen disco by night featuring a DJ. "The Oasis" Pool Area (Deck 12) Main outdoor pool area. Ambiance is Côte d'Azur beach Riviera with terraced areas featuring sun loungers, tables and chairs and beach umbrellas. Four whirlpools complement the main pool. Sunning areas arranged on several levels. Bimini Bar & Grill located on deck 14. Colourful Bahamian style beach bar offering Caribbean snacks and cocktails. Beautiful view on the entire pool area. T Rex Kids' Pool Area (Deck 12) Children's pool area with dinosaur theme, featuring slides and paddling pool. Also has a Jacuzzi. Stairways For the passengers' utmost convenience, all three stairways are equipped with four elevators each. Four glass lifts in the Atrium for panoramic view of the centre of the cruise liner. Engineering, Supply and Disposal Safety Systems Norwegian Dawn is divided into seven main fire zones. She complies with the rules of a two-compartment vessel and is designed in accordance with the latest IMO regulations. The vessel is provided with six tenders and 14 lifeboats as well as two fast-rescue boats. In addition, six so-called "marine evacuation systems" have been installed. These rescue chutes allow very fast and safe evacuation in case of emergency. Propulsion System and Electric Power Supply Four diesel generators with a 14,700-KW output each are provided for power generation. The MAN B&W type 14V48/60 diesel engines can be operated both with diesel oil and heavy fuel oil. The generators (supplied by ABB) provide a voltage of 11,000 v. The ship is propelled by means of two azipods with an output of 20,000 KW each. Their 360 efficiency provides the vessel with outstanding manœuvring capabilities. The new propulsion system also ensures stable and quiet sea-keeping characteristics and an extremely low vibration level on board. Integrated Bridge System Norwegian Dawn is equipped with an integrated bridge system type NACOS 65-4 supplied by STN Atlas Marine Electronics. This system includes all components which ensure safe and comfortable navigation even in much-frequented and narrow waters. The main components are two multi pilots which allow the radar screen, the electronic sea chart and important data of the ship to be displayed on one monitor. All bridge units are fitted with high-resolution colour monitors, making it easier for the navigator to distinguish between the various symbols used. Stage Equipment The theatre is provided with a sophisticated stage equipment. The lower machinery consists of a rotary platform. In addition, nine lifts have been installed which can be operated on stage level. The upper machinery comprises a total of 11 rails, three of which serve for the effect illumination, while eight rail systems are provided for the curtains. All systems are computer-controlled and can be operated from various positions. TV-Plant Norwegian Dawn is fitted with an interactive aerial network applying ATM technique with glass fibre and CAT5 cables allowing the passenger to "create" his own TV programme (Pay-TV, tele-shopping, etc.). Manœuvring Aids To ensure optimum manœuvrability, the Norwegian Dawn is equipped with two azipods (see propulsion system) and three bow thrusters which can all be operated via a joystick. In addition, the vessel can be manœuvred by means of a dynamic positioning system (DP system), which keeps the vessel in the given position. The defined position allows, for instance, automatic berthing of the vessel. Galleys Catering of both, guests and crew is provided from seven galleys and various pantries and bars. Besides the bakery on deck 3 and the main galley on deck 6, the vessel features a crew galley on deck 5, a Chinese galley on deck 6 as well as a Japanese galley on deck 7 and a so-called Lido galley on deck 12. All food processing areas meet the strict regulations of the American health authority USPH. To ensure food to be quickly stored during lay times of the vessel in the harbour, all stores and cold stores can be accessed by electric powered forklifts. Water Supply and Discharge On board of Norwegian Dawn up to 2,700,000 l of potable water can be produced per day. The potable water is generated by three evaporators and a reverse osmosis system. Water consumption is reduced, for instance, by collecting condensed water from the air conditioning system and using it in the laundry. The hot water circuit is heated with steam. In addition, potable water can be taken onboard from bunker stations ashore. Sewage System The sewage water is collected in four vacuum systems through a piping system. It can be temporarily stored in tanks, if necessary. The sewage water produced is treated in four biological processing systems prior to being discharged. Waste Handling System All waste on board is separated (recyclable and non-recyclable; combustible and not combustible). The waste is either temporarily stored and later disposed of ashore or it is incinerated on board strictly observing the international immission regulations and disposed of later ashore. Air Conditioning System The air conditioning system of Norwegian Dawn is suitable for worldwide operation and guarantees a constant and comfortable room temperature with outside temperatures between -5 C and 35 C. In all, the 284 air conditioning units on board handle an hourly air volume of abt. 3,070,000 m3.

Jewel of the Seas will be delivered in 2004

Papenburg, 11.11.2002 - The first of 66 blocks of the new cruise vessel Jewel of the Seas for Royal Caribbean International was lifted into position in the covered building dock of the MEYER WERFT shipyard in Papenburg/Germany on last saturday. In the presence of the yard´s managing partner Bernard Meyer and director Jarmo Laakso, Royal Caribbean's senior executive vice president of fleet operations, Harri Kulovaara, laid the "lucky penny" before the first block of the new ship was lowered down onto the keel blocks in the building dock by the yard´s 800-ton crane. The block weighs almost 400 tons, is 20 metres long, 32 metres wide and 8.0 metres high. The Jewel of the Seas is the fourth in a series of luxury cruise ships for Royal Caribbean International. Early 2003 the owner will decide on the option for two further ships to be delivered in 2005 and 2006 respectively. The vessel will have a length overall of 293 metres, a sailing speed of more than 24 knots and will accommodate max. 2520 passengers in 1055 cabins. Like the sister vessels Radiance, Brilliance and Serenade of the Seas the new ship will be fitted with two podded drives of 360° efficiency. The propellers will be directly driven by electric motors installed in a pod under the ship´s hull. Two environmentally friendly and smokeless gas turbines and one steam turbine will supply the vessel with energy for the propulsion and the hotel operation. Due to the special combustion process the nitrogen oxide content of the exhaust gases from the gas-oil operated turbines is very low. Furthermore the exhaust gases from the gas turbines generate steam in the exhaust gas boilers which is then transformed into energy by the steam turbine. Delivery of the new passenger cruise vessel is scheduled for the early summer 2004.