Norwegian Escape Christened in Miami

[Jan115]

The Norwegian Escape has celebrated its christening, marking the debut of the largest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet and the first in the line's new Breakaway Plus class.

International musician Pitbull, who also served as godfather for the ship, performed a special pierside concert at PortMiami as part of the ceremony. Guy Harvey, who created the ship's hull artwork, was also a guest at the event.

After a kickoff by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Frank Del Rio, a surprise opening act saw acrobatic parkour performers take the stage (with the help of hidden trampolines). Radio personality Froggy from the “Elvis Duran Morning Show” was the event MC.

Attendees also got a preview of Norwegian Escape's entertainment offerings as the casts of Tony Award-winning Broadway shows “After Midnight” and “Million Dollar Quartet” performed a selection of songs from each respective show.

Norwegian Escape Details

The new ship offers The Haven by Norwegian, a ship-within-a-ship concept that is the largest such area in the Norwegian fleet, centered around a three-story covered courtyard on the top of the ship. There is also an expanded forward sundeck with a cantilevered whirlpool, along with a new outdoor dining space in the Haven’s private restaurant.

The ship's other dining options include signature specialty restaurants Le Bistro, Cagney’s and La Cucina, as well as two new specialty restaurants from James Beard Award-Winning Iron Chef Jose Garces: Bayamo, which serves Latin seafood, and Pincho Tapas Bar. Also new onboard is the Food Republic, a sophisticated food hall developed by Miami-based The Pubbelly Restaurant Group.

Nightlife onboard includes outposts of several popular land-based outlets, including the first-ever Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant and 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar at sea, a music venue and outdoor bar on The Waterfront that features live nightly performances. The District Brew House, a craft beer hall featuring an exclusive partnership with Miami’s Wynwood Brewing Company, will serve more than 24 draft beers, while The Cellars, A Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar, features an array of wine experiences, focusing on tasting, education, and the enjoyment of wine. Norwegian Escapewill also have an outpost of Miami’s oldest bar, Tobacco Road.

For recreation, there is the largest ropes course at sea, a three-story multiplex with two planks and five Sky Rails, zip tracks that allow guests to soar through the air. On the top of the ship, guests will find a redesigned pool deck area that features an open area for sunbathing, a double-deck bar and two new large format LED screens. Norwegian Escape’s Aqua Park includes a new tandemAqua Racer slide, complete with a clear acrylic section. For families, there is an expanded Kids’ Aqua Park with an enclosed slide, rope climb fun zone and spray cannons. Along with an expanded Splash Academy youth center that includes dedicated play spaces for specific age groups, Norwegian Escape also offers the line’s first nursery for cruisers two and under.

In addition to family oceanview staterooms that accommodate up to five guests,Norwegian Escape’s accommodations include Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; and many options for families, multi-generational groups, spa enthusiasts and more.

Source: Newswire/Travel Agent Central (November 10, 2015 "Pitbull Christens Norwegian Escape")

Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more.

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Featured photo credit: Norwegian Cruise Lines

Photo courtesy of: The Toronto Sun

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