Miami-based NCL has reached a $2.8 billion deal with Aker Yards of France to build two new ships and possibly a third with the capacity for carrying up to 4,900 passengers each. The deal is the biggest in NCL’s history and marks a major step forward in its efforts to upgrade its fleet amid fierce competition from rivals Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Cruises. The first of the three ships is expected to be finished by the end of 2009
