Norwegian Escape’s inaugural sailing is just days away. The brand new ship offers the “ultimate atmosphere of freedom and flexibility” says Dana Gain, National Director, Sales, Canada for Norwegian Cruise Line.
1. What’s the mood among the Canadian sales team as everyone looks forward to the ship’s Nov. 9 debut?
Gain: “Norwegian’s Team Canada is extremely excited about the upcoming inaugural. We have been busy travelling across the country over the past two months as we visit agents in 24 cities, and a large part of the conversation has been about the new Norwegian Escape. I can tell you that it’s not just our sales team that is excited about the inaugural – our travel agent partners are, too! Norwegian Escape represents our finest effort as a company in creating the ultimate atmosphere of freedom and flexibility and for our guests, and we are very much looking forward to introducing her in Miami. With Pitbull recently named as the ship’s godfather, I’m sure the inaugural will be quite an exciting event.”
Pitbull was recently named Norwegian Escape’s godfather.
2. What’s new for families on Norwegian Escape and can The Haven work for passengers with young children?
Gain: “Quality time with the kids has never looked better. Our new, interactive Kids’ Aqua Park is full of fun with our amazing slides, tipping buckets and water cannons. Our complimentary youth program will have all ages excited as they explore Entourage for teens, Splash Academy for younger children, and the all-new Guppies Nursery for our pint-sized cruisers, ages two and under.
“We find many well-to-do families seeking a more luxurious travel experience, and the best part about Norwegian Cruise Line is that we offer such a huge variety of options for families, including Family Oceanview staterooms that accommodate up to five guests, as well as the private suite enclave, The Haven, which is just spectacular on Norwegian Escape.”
3. How has The Waterfront revolutionized shipboard dining?
Gain: “At Norwegian we often talk about how counterintuitive it is that guests are expected to eat indoors when they are cruising the Caribbean. This is what led us to the creation of the Waterfront, our revolutionary oceanfront promenade lined with restaurants, bars and stunning views where our guests can dine with front-row seats to the ocean.
“Imagine having a glass of wine and a beautiful dinner while listening to the waves lap up against the side of the ship. It’s extraordinary!”
4. Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Getaway will essentially offer two new ships in the Caribbean this winter. With so much to do onboard, are more passengers opting to stay onboard and enjoy the ship on port days?
Gain: “As the cruising public continues to grow in size, we do see this trend developing. As each person adds another cruise itinerary to their growing list, the tendency seems to be to spend less time in port and more time onboard. By the way, it’s also a great opportunity to enjoy a relaxing and restful spa day.”
5. What can you tell us about Norwegian Cruise Line’s new deployments in Asia, Australia and New Zealand as well as your new itineraries in South America?
Gain: “We’ve gone truly global! Our new and very exotic fall and winter 2016-2017 itineraries offer guests the ability to experience architectural marvels and wondrous landscapes that captivate the imagination. With the inclusion of Far East, South Pacific and a more robust variety of South America itineraries we now offer our guests the world – all with the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle cruising. We encourage our travel agent partners visit NorwegianCentral.com for details on these exciting new options.”
