Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that the Norwegian Escape will feature The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place, the acclaimed innovative design previously introduced on the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway. This concept includes an open-air promenade filled with restaurants, bars, and shops, combined with three expansive, interconnected decks featuring restaurants, bars, entertainment options, a casino, and other leisure spaces. The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place elevate the cruising experience to a new level, offering a unique and unforgettable connection with the sea. The Norwegian Escape is currently under construction and will debut in October2015 .
Located on Deck 8, The Waterfront represents a revolutionary open-air experience, adding a new dimension to Norwegian Cruise Line's innovative Freestyle Cruising with numerous outdoor spaces offering incredible ocean views. The heart of the ship is 678 Ocean Place, a unique space where three decks converge and connect, offering a constant stream of entertainment both day and night.
“The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place have revolutionized the cruise industry, and we’ve received very positive feedback from our guests and partner agents. We knew from the beginning that we had to include this revolutionary design on the Norwegian Escape. Since this ship is larger, we’ve taken the concept to the next level, also implementing new spaces and signature details,” says Kevin Sheehan, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line.
One of the new spaces on the Norwegian Escape will be a private group lounge called “Private Room at Taste,” with capacity for up to 100 guests. It will be an extension of the Taste restaurant, one of the dining options included in the cruise fare, and will offer groups the opportunity to dine together in a private setting. Located directly below the Taste restaurant on Deck 5, it will have its own entrance, lounge area, and dining space.
“We recognized the need to accommodate groups on board our ships, so we’ve designed a private dining area. We’re also working on new dining options, entertainment, bars, and lounges to ensure our revolutionary Freestyle Cruising continues to be an unparalleled experience in the cruise industry. We’ll be announcing some of these exciting new features in the coming months,” says Kevin Sheehan.
On deck 8, 678 Ocean Place will connect the extraordinary outdoor spaces of The Waterfront with indoor dining spaces such as Moderno, Cagney's and La Cucina.
La Cucina, with an ambiance reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside, will continue to offer the most delicious Italian dishes to Norwegian passengers, with the option of dining outdoors in The Waterfront, in the restaurant's main room, or on its interior terrace, decorated with wooden beams and plants that create a very welcoming atmosphere.
The Norwegian Escape will also feature Churrascaria Moderno, Norwegian Cruise Line's Brazilian steakhouse. Seated inside or on the outdoor deck, guests can feast on a huge salad buffet, followed by a wide variety of grilled meats, served tableside from skewer to plate.
Cagney's Steakhouse, Norwegian's signature American-style steakhouse, offers succulent cuts of Certified Angus Beef, lamb chops, and other classic dishes. Here, passengers can dine in a warm, wood-toned setting while watching the chefs prepare their menu in the open kitchen, or they can choose to admire the sunset from one of the tables located on The Waterfront. Also, situated between Cagney's and Moderno, Prime Meridian offers guests the opportunity to order one of the signature cocktails and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Guests who wish to stroll along the open-air promenade will find Dolce Gelato, where they can choose from a variety of delicious ice cream flavors. Inside Deck 8, passengers will also find shops, a photo gallery, and the Humidor Cigar Lounge, a room designed for cigar smokers. A three-story atrium, illuminated by a spectacular crystal chandelier with changing LED lights, serves as the central hub of 678 Ocean Place and spans all three decks, which are connected by glass staircases.
The contemporary Escape Casino will span over 1,700 square meters on Deck 7, making it the largest casino in Norwegian's fleet to date. Its sophisticated design features fine materials, luxurious lighting fixtures, and artwork that culminate in a flawless finish. Guests can try their luck at the Escape Casino on 357 state-of-the-art slot machines, along with 28 gaming tables offering poker, blackjack, roulette, and craps. Thanks to the Casinos At Sea Players Club program, there will be games for all types of passengers, from novices to seasoned players. The new Skyline Bar, located within the casino, is an elegant and sophisticated bar with an interior that stands out for its gold accents and metallic finishes. The bar will also feature entertainment, including a video poker bar and multiple high-definition LED plasma screens, providing a variety of dynamic and engaging scenes.
Another Norwegian Cruise Line classic, O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, will also be featured on the Norwegian Escape. This sports bar and restaurant will serve classic American fare and host exclusive dinner nights with special dishes such as ribeye steak, pork ribs, chicken, and waffles. These exclusive nights offer guests an alternative dining option in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The bar will also feature a giant screen spanning two decks for watching sporting events and movies, as well as a mini bowling alley, pool table, basketball hoop, air hockey tables, and interactive games.
Also located on Deck 7 and decorated in sophisticated shades of blue and silver, the popular Manhattan Room returns as the main aft restaurant, included in the fare. While guests enjoy exquisite dining that reflects the venue's elegance, they can also enjoy live music and dancing. The enormous, two-story windows at the stern are framed with symmetrical accents and grand lighting.
Located on Deck 6, the Mixx Bar is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or an after-dinner drink. Savor, one of the three main restaurants included in the Norwegian Escape fare, offers traditional cuisine with contemporary touches. Just across the street is Taste, another of the three main restaurants included in the fare. This restaurant serves culinary delights to suit every palate. Both restaurants feature elegant and modern décor.
The Teppanyaki restaurant, one of Norwegian's culinary icons, will continue to dazzle guests on the Norwegian Escape. At 12 tables equipped with grills, chefs will showcase their knife skills, preparing and cooking Japanese cuisine in full view of guests, who will enjoy a truly delightful dining experience.
Le Bistro, Norwegian's signature French restaurant, will be distinguished by its elegant interior accentuated by elements reminiscent of a Parisian café and its typical European terrace overlooking the ship's social hub, 678 Ocean Place. Guests will be captivated by the crystal LED chandelier, which spans three decks, and can admire the bustling crowds while enjoying their favorite French dishes.
In the Atrium, located on Deck 6, guests will find a massive video screen spanning two decks, adjacent to the Bar at the Atrium. The bar area will offer a variety of cocktails and a self-service wine bar. The shore excursion desk, internet café, and art gallery are also located near the Atrium, along with three conference rooms and a multipurpose room that doubles as a card room and library. One of the new surprises aboard the Norwegian Escape is a photography studio where guests can have their photos taken in professional-quality style.
Other exciting dining and entertainment options on the Norwegian Escape, located both inside and outside 678 Ocean Place, will be announced at a later date.
The Norwegian Escape will be based in Miami year-round and will sail 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises, beginning November 14, 2015. It will be the largest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet to date, with a capacity for 4,200 passengers, and will visit St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas.
The hull design of the Norwegian Escape was created by Guy Harvey, renowned as the artist who best captures marine life and a champion of ocean conservation. Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, at nearly 325 meters in length, is Harvey's largest canvas to date.
Accommodations include The Haven by Norwegian®, the company's signature luxury "ship within a ship" concept; Studios, designed and priced specifically for solo travelers, as well as multiple options for families, multi-age groups, spa enthusiasts, and many more.
