Last weekend, the world got its first glimpse of NCL’s newest cruise resort the Norwegian Gem as it left the drydock at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany.

Prior to leaving drydock, the 93.500-ton ship underwent a series of tests and engine trials, all of which went smoothly. The ship will be berthed at the outfitting pier in Papenburg while outstanding work is completed. It is scheduled to make the River Ems passage to Eemshaven, Netherlands for sea trials in mid-September.

Custom built for freestyle cruising, Norwegian Gem offers extravagant suites and villas, 12 diversified restaurants – from exquisite French cuisine and exotic Asian specialities up to buffet lunch and dinner – as well as varied leisure facilities. With a crew of more than 1,100, Norwegian Gem can accommodate 2,400 guests (double occupancy) and has all the top-of-the-line amenities guests have come to expect from NCL, including a four-lane 10-pin bowling alley, rock climbing wall, two top-of-the-ship Deluxe Owner’s Suites and the new Wii video game system by Nintendo.

Following her European inaugural sailings this autumn and her Caribbean winter season out of New York, the Norwegian Gem will return to Europe in spring 2008. Between 4 May and 9 November 2008, Norwegian Gem will cruise the Western Mediterranean from/to Barcelona on 28 departure dates.