Luxury liner will be "welcomed" by solar boats Papenburg, 29 May 2009 - Upon completion of ample tests and engine trials the new luxury cruise ship for Celebrity Cruises, the Celebrity Equinox, will leave MEYER WERFT's covered building dock II on 6 June 2009. Around 7.30 a.m. the new ship will slowly start leaving the dock. In the following the Celebrity Equinox will be moved in the harbour, where more tests will be performed. Around 4.30 p.m. she will finally be berthed.

With the ship being berthed alongside the pier, remaining work will be completed. The ship's two funnels as well as the mast will be mounted. The river Ems passage to the sea trials port in Eemshaven (Netherlands) is likely to take place on 19/20 June 2009.The Ems passage is dependent on the prevailing weather and tidal conditions.

The new ship will have a length overall of 315 m, a breadth of 36.80 m, and will be able to operate at a speed of more than 24 knots. More than 2,858 passengers can be accommodated in 1,426 cabins.

The undocking procedure will be broadcast live via webcam on the internet: www.meyerwerft.de

On the following day, - Sunday, 7June 2009 - the solar boat contest put up by MEYER WERFT will take place against the background of the Celebrity Equinox. 20 teams selected from schools in North West Germany will line up for a race in the harbour in front of the new luxury liner. The Celebrity Equinox is also equipped with a solar power system. More than 120 students as well as a big crowd are expected to witness the solar boat race.

Photos: Celebrity Equinox inside the building dock prior to undocking