MIAMI — Norwegian Escape, NCL’s largest ship and the first in its Breakaway Plus Class, made her debut yesterday with “a stunning ceremony worthy of her size and status.”
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Frank Del Rio kicked off the inaugural festivities, which included acrobatic Parkour performers and a pier side concert by the ship’s godfather, Pitbull.
Attendees were also treated to a sneak peek at the top-flight entertainment Norwegian Escape has to offer, as the casts of Tony Award-winning Broadway shows ‘After Midnight’ and ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ performed a selection of songs.
“Norwegian Escape represents a major moment for us – this is a true evolution of our brand,” said Norwegian Cruise Line President and COO Andy Stuart. “Not only does she offer high calibre entertainment, quality dining and luxurious accommodations that significantly raise the bar for our fleet and puts her in a class of her own, but she exemplifies our renewed commitment to offering unparalleled freedom and flexibility to our guests.”
Norwegian Escape’s Haven is the largest in the fleet and the most luxurious. At the heart of the private enclave on the top of the ship lies a three-story covered courtyard. An expanded forward sundeck with a cantilevered whirlpool, along with a new outdoor dining space in the Haven’s private restaurant make Norwegian Escape’s Haven “the ultimate small ship experience”, while still providing the freedom to enjoy large ship dining, entertainment and amenities.
The ship’s 11 complimentary dining offerings and signature specialty restaurants Le Bistro, Cagney’s and La Cucina rival those of luxury lines, says the cruise line. Two new specialty restaurants from James Beard Award-Winning Iron Chef Jose Garces include Bayamo, a Latin seafood specialty restaurant, 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 hip, urban craft beer hall featuring an exclusive partnership with Miami’s own Wynwood Brewing Company, will serve up more than 24 draft beers.
Norwegian Escape’s three-story ropes course, the largest at sea, incorporates 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 is also the largest at sea and includes a new tandem Aqua Racer slide, complete with a clear acrylic section to further enhance the thrill of this adventure ride.
Adding to the family fun, Norwegian Escape features an expanded Kids’ Aqua Park with an enclosed slide, rope climb fun zone and spray cannons for kids to splash and play in their own designated space.
Along with an expanded Splash Academy youth centre 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 travellers; and many options for families, multi-generational groups and spa enthusiasts.
Here are some shot from Travelweek’s Instagram and Twitter:
Evenings aboard the new @CruiseNorwegian #Escape are filled w excitement! #NorwegianEscape #Cruiselikeanorwegian pic.twitter.com/d3UNOUCtFO
— Travelweek (@TravelweekGroup) November 10, 2015
Enjoying the Brat Pack at the Supper Club on the new @norwegiancruiseline #Escape! #Cruiselikeanorwegian #Cruise pic.twitter.com/MGGfwV4ieq
— Travelweek (@TravelweekGroup) November 10, 2015
