Norwegian orders three new ships

Apparently size does matter. Norwegian Cruise Line has placed an order for three new mega-ships with shipbuilder Aker Yards. Each ship will carry 4,200 passengers, and 100 percent of the outside cabins will have balconies. The new ships will debut between 2009 and 2011.

The increased size of the new ships will enable Norwegian to introduce new features as part of its Freestyle Cruising program. The cruise line is also angling to become the youngest fleet among the major North American lines, and with this announcement, the company seems sure to make that goal.

For now, the ships will go by the code name F3. I’m sure we’ll hear much more about their new names and innovative designs as the launch dates approach.