By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Escape is to feature the first Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant and 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar at sea.
Designed to embody the ‘essence of escapism’ and the lyrics and lifestyle of American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffet, Norwegian Escape’s complimentary Margaritaville restaurant and bar will offer a Caribbean-inspired menu. The ship will also feature the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar, a music venue and outdoor bar on The Waterfront, which will offer live performances each night.
“Jimmy Buffett is an icon who embodies the island lifestyle and his Margaritaville lifestyle brand which includes restaurants and bars in its portfolio is a perfect fit for Norwegian Cruise Line and the incredible new Norwegian Escape, that will sail the Caribbean and offer our guests the first and only Margaritaville experience at sea,” said Kevin Sheehan, CEO of Norwegian. “We are more than thrilled to form this exclusive partnership with Jimmy and his talented team and we know our guests are going to love the new tropical experiences.”
Along with the venues on Norwegian Escape, the partnership also includes Margaritaville-branded food and beverage locations on Norwegian’s new island destination in Harvest Caye, Belize, which is set to open in autumn 2015. A 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar will also be featured on Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, which is also planned to open in 2015. In the future, the partnership will extend to other ships in the fleet.
“This partnership is a perfect match between two brands that celebrate escapism, relaxing and having fun,” said John Cohlan, CEO of Margaritaville. “Opening our first Margaritaville at Sea on Norwegian Escape will be a huge milestone for our company. We can’t wait to bring the Margaritaville experience to Norwegian guests and let the floating ‘fin’ begin!”
Norwegian Escape will begin seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from Miami on 14 November 2015, becoming the largest ship to homeport there year-round. She will sail to various destinations including St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.