Norwegian Cruise Line's largest ship departs for inaugural events in Europe before making the transatlantic cruise to its home port of Miami
Norwegian Cruise Line today took delivery of its largest ship to date, the 164,600-ton Norwegian Escape, during a ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany. The ship was delivered by the Meyer Werft shipyard after a construction period of just 17 months. The Norwegian Escape is the company's first ship in the Breakaway Plus class. Following today's delivery, the ship will depart for Hamburg for the start of its inaugural European events. After these events conclude, on October 29, the Norwegian Escape will sail from Southampton to its home port of Miami, where it will cruise the Caribbean year-round. The ship will be christened in Miami on November 9.
“The arrival of Norwegian Escape marks a true evolution for our brand. We’ve taken the best of our Breakaway-class ships and elevated freedom and flexibility to another level on this incredible new ship,” said Andy Stuart, President and Chief Operating Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Once again, the Meyer Werft shipyard team, along with our operations and newbuild teams, and all the ship’s officers and crew, have done an outstanding job, and we can’t wait to welcome guests aboard this spectacular new ship.”
“We are truly delighted to deliver the first Breakaway Plus-class ship to Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Bernard Meyer, Managing Partner of Meyer Werft. “The Norwegian Escape is the newest and most innovative ship on the seas, and we are very proud of the team that has worked diligently to design and build it.”.
To celebrate the arrival of the newest member of its fleet, Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a special offer as part of its Freestyle Choice campaign. Guests who book a cruise of 5 to 16 nights between October 22 and November 9, 2015, departing before April 30, 2016, will receive a complimentary internet package and can choose one additional perk from those promoted in the campaign.
The ship, the largest of Norwegian Cruise Line's 14-ship fleet, can accommodate 4,200 passengers on its weekly itineraries from Miami, visiting tropical Caribbean destinations such as 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, an artist renowned for his depictions of marine life and an ocean conservation champion.
The Norwegian Escape's dining and entertainment options draw inspiration from popular land-based venues, including the first-ever floating Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville and the 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar, an open-air music bar on The Waterfront featuring live music nightly. James Beard Award-winning and Iron Chef Jose Garces will introduce two new culinary concepts onboard: a Latin-inspired seafood restaurant and Pincho Tapas Bar. Miami-based The Pubbelly Restaurant Group will develop the menu for Food Republic, an upscale food emporium. The District Brew House, a modern urban craft beer lounge, is the result of an exclusive partnership with Wynwood Brewing Company, serving 24 types of draft beer. Meanwhile, The Cellars, created in partnership with the Michael Mondavi family, will offer a variety of wine experiences, emphasizing flavor, learning, and enjoyment. The Norwegian Escape will also feature Tobacco Road, Miami's oldest and most legendary bar.
Continuing Norwegian's commitment to excellence in entertainment, the Norwegian Escape will feature two Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals in its theater: After Midnight, a smash hit show combining the songs of Duke Ellington with Broadway's finest choreography; and Million Dollar Quartet, the smash hit show inspired by the famous recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. In a new and exclusive concept on the Norwegian Escape, the Supper Club has been reimagined to offer a unique dinner and show experience. For the Record : The Brat Pack™ is an acclaimed Hollywood night that pays tribute to classic film scores from masters of cinema in a one-of-a-kind, postmodern 360° cabaret.
The ship will feature the largest adventure course at sea, a three-story sports complex packed with challenges, including two platforms and five Sky Rails with zip lines that will allow guests to soar through the air. The Norwegian Escape's water park will be the largest at sea and will include a new slide called Aqua Racer. In addition to these fun options for families, there will be an expanded children's water park, along with the first dedicated nursery for children from 6 months to 2 years old.
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.
For more information about the Norwegian Escape, visit www.ncl.eu/ships/norwegian-escape . To book a cruise aboard the Norwegian Escape, please consult your travel agent or visit www.ncl.eu.
