Parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd confirmed today (July 12) it had placed an order for the vessels, due for delivery in 2026 and 2027, with shipbuilder Fincantieri.

It takes the number of ships being built by the line in the Leonardo Project to six.

NCL had previously revealed it has options for the ships capable of carrying approximately 3,300 guests.

The class is NCL’s next generation of ship following on from its Breakaway Plus-class with the line describing how the Leonardo vessels would “feature a host of inventive designs that will further elevate guest experience”.

NCL will take delivery of its latest Breakaway Plus-class ship, Norwegian Encore, in the autumn of 2019.

Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, said: “These orders extend our disciplined and measured new-build programme and strong growth trajectory well into the future and will further drive long-term returns for our shareholders.

“Our six ship Leonardo-class fleet will allow us to broaden our deployment into strong performing and mature unserved and underserved markets and offer new experiences to our guests.

Andy Stuart, president and chief executive of NCL, added: “Following the Breakaway Plus-class, the most successful class in our company’s history, the highly anticipated Leonardo-class will fuel future growth with exciting and innovative offerings that will meaningfully drive demand from new and loyal returning guests alike.”