The energetic concert by the international superstar represents the sensational qualities of Norwegian Cruise Line's largest and newest ship
The magnificent Norwegian Escape, the largest ship and the first of the Breakaway Plus class, was christened last Monday, November 9, during an impressive ceremony befitting its size and status.
The international superstar, who is also the godfather of the Norwegian Escape, thrilled both fans and VIP attendees during the concert held on the pier at the Port of Miami. The ship's stunning hull design, created by Guy Harvey, who was also in attendance, served as a backdrop for this epic event.
Frank del Rio, Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, kicked off the festivities, where guests enjoyed an afternoon of fun and excitement celebrating the Norwegian Escape. Following a surprise opening act featuring gravity-defying parkour acrobats (aided by hidden trampolines built into the stage), national radio host Froggy, from "The Elvis Duran Morning Show," took over as master of ceremonies. With audience participation, he introduced the performers and VIP guests, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Giménez, who spoke about the positive impact the Norwegian Escape will have on the local community, its residents, and the economy.
Attendees got a glimpse of the stellar entertainment offerings that the Norwegian Escape provides to its guests as cast members from the Tony Award-winning musicals “After Midnight” and “Million Dollar Quartet” performed a selection of songs from each show before Pitbull pulled out all the stops with his newest hits, including “Don’t Stop the Party,” “Fireball,” and “Give Me Everything.”.
The DJ's songs, designed to get guests singing along, and the presentation of themed photos of the guests taken by the photographers made the event truly interactive. Attendees actively participated in the celebration, while photos of those holding personalized signs indicating their chosen "escape" destination were projected onto the giant screen on the main stage.
“The Norwegian Escape represents a pivotal moment for us,” said Andy Stuart, President and Chief Operating Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Not only does it offer world-class entertainment, fine dining, and luxurious accommodations that significantly raise the bar for our fleet and place the ship in a class of its own, but it also exemplifies our renewed commitment to providing unprecedented freedom and flexibility for our guests.”
The Norwegian Escape
The Norwegian Escape, the largest of Norwegian Cruise Line's 14 ships, boasts a superior design that contributes to a luxurious experience. With high-quality finishes, world-class artwork, and the most luxurious The Haven by Norwegian®,the company's signature "ship within a ship" luxury concept, these are just some of the outstanding features that set the Norwegian Escape apart.
The Haven, aboard the Norwegian Escape, is the largest and most luxurious in the fleet. Located in the heart of an exclusive enclave on the ship's upper deck, The Haven Courtyard spans three decks. The expanded sundeck at the bow and whirlpool, along with a new al fresco dining area at The Haven's private restaurant, make The Haven aboard the Norwegian Escape the most innovative small-ship experience yet, while still offering the freedom to enjoy a wide variety of dining options typical of larger ships, entertainment, and other amenities and services.
The Norwegian Escape's dining options offer guests a mix of cruise-priced choices, company favorites, and new premium specialty restaurants. With updated menus across all restaurants, the 11 cruise-priced dining options and specialty restaurants Le Bistro, Cagney's, and La Cucina rival those found on luxury cruises, featuring standout dishes like spice-crusted lamb ribs, fresh Maine lobster, and Steak a lo pobre with cognac sauce. James Beard Award-winning and Iron Chef Jose Garces will introduce two new onboard dining concepts: Bayamo, a Latin-inspired seafood restaurant, and Pincho Tapas Bar. Meanwhile, Miami-based The Pubbelly Restaurant Group will develop the menu for the new onboard Food Republic, an upscale food emporium. The combination of variety and quality in the different gastronomic options on board and its luxurious design position the Norwegian Escape above the contemporary cruise market.
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 nightlife aboard the Norwegian Escape draws inspiration from popular spots on land, 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. The District Brew House is a trendy urban craft beer lounge, 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, offers a variety of wine experiences with a focus on flavor, learning, and enjoyment. The Norwegian Escape will also feature Tobacco Road, Miami's oldest and most legendary bar.
The Norwegian Escape's recreational spaces are unparalleled, featuring a treetop adventure course that paves the way for a wide variety of activities. This three-story sports complex, packed with challenges, includes two platforms and five Sky Rails with zip lines, allowing guests to soar through the air. At the ship's highest point, guests can enjoy the redesigned pool deck, which boasts an outdoor sunbathing area, a two-deck-high bar, and two enormous LED plasma screens. The Norwegian Escape's water park is the largest at sea and includes a new Aqua Racer slide with a transparent acrylic section to enhance the thrill of this adventure ride. Adding to the family fun is an expanded children's water park with a slide, rope bridge, and water cannons in a dedicated kids' area. Along with the Splash Academy, which offers play areas for children ages 3 to 12, the Norwegian Escape also features the world's first dedicated nursery for children ages 6 months to 2 years.
In addition to family balcony staterooms with a maximum occupancy of up to five guests, the Norwegian Escape also includes Studios, designed and priced specifically for solo travelers, as well as multiple options for families, multi-age groups, spa enthusiasts, and many more.
