By
Rebecca Gibson |
Launched at the beginning of 2014, Norwegian Getaway is the biggest ship ever to homeport year-round out of Miami, and with a tropical hull design by local artist David Le Batard and Miami skyline murals – not to mention a dedicated mojito bar onboard – she should feel right at home.
Like her sister Norwegian Breakaway, the 4,000-passenger ship takes design inspiration from her homeport, and UK interior design firm SMC Design has worked alongside Norwegian Cruise Line’s newbuild department to achieve this vision.
Already much applauded for its design on Norwegian Breakaway, SMC Design has once again carried out impressive work on Norwegian Getaway and continued to build a strong relationship and understanding with Norwegian Cruise Line. The new ship is not so much about innovative design firsts – it’s more about building on the success achieved with Breakaway and then redefining the design with Norwegian to give the vessel individual flair and style, such as its true Miami vibe.
According to SMC Design’s project manager Liam Kirk: “The entire process was extremely efficient as our understanding of Norwegian’s requirements and operational needs have developed through continual communication with the head office in Miami and the site office in Papenburg. It has very much been a team effort by all concerned.”
For starters, there are over 8,000 pieces of original artwork onboard the ship – all of which were procured, commissioned and installed by SMC Design. “We provided artwork for all the public areas, cabins and suites, as well as the open deck,” explains Jennie Drummond, the firm’s art consultant. “We worked closely with Norwegian to develop concepts for all public and cabin areas. We then oversaw the procurement and logistics of all the artwork. My colleague and I were based at the shipyard in Germany for two months to oversee the installation. It was great to see the project development right through to the end.”
Norwegian Getaway’s artwork was procured from all over the world. Most of it is bespoke, commissioned from well-known and up-and-coming artists. A glass piece that sits under the main atrium stairs, for example, was created by Sally Fawkes and Richard Jackson – two of the most prolific glass artists in the UK. “We’re very proud and excited to have worked with them,” says Drummond.
Another piece, a sculptural glass and granite art installation, is by American artist Bernard Katz. “We wanted him to produce something that was site specific,” adds Drummond. “The sculpture is located in a prominent place above the buffet counter in Cagney’s Steakhouse, so we had a lot of discussions to ensure it was installed correctly. The colours that have been used tie in well with the carpets and general surroundings. It’s a particularly beautiful piece.”
Artwork and design play a major role in helping to convey the Miami theme throughout the vessel. SMC worked closely with Norwegian’s newbuild department on the design of The Sugarcane Mojito Bar, which features hand-carved abstract tropical designs, and The Sunset Bar, which is inspired by the Key West area and its unique atmosphere. The outside areas depict murals – think lifeguard houses, palm trees, flowers and the Miami skyline.
The design of Norwegian Getaway’s Fitness Center has also developed and evolved from the original space on Norwegian Breakaway – in the spinning room there is an urban, cityscape theme of Miami at night. “We have added a UV element so that when the black lights are on, you can just see the outline of the city skyline,” says Drummond. “And then when the black lights are off, you are exposed to this really striking and vibrant city scene.”
Even Norwegian’s signature Ice Bar got a Miami makeover following a design concept set out by Norwegian’s newbuild team. The ice has been carved to reflect Miami’s beautiful Art Deco landmarks. These designs were created using a technique referred to as back carving, which is unique to Norwegian Getaway.
Everything about this project is a triumph, and feedback from inaugural events in Southampton and Miami has been resoundingly positive. “We are very proud of what we have achieved, as well as our continued working relationship with Norwegian,” says Andy Yuill, SMC Design’s managing director. “We look forward to developing Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss, which again will involve working alongside the Norwegian newbuild department.”
This article appeared in the Spring/Summer 2014 edition of International Cruise & Ferry Review. To read other articles, you can subscribe to the magazine in printed or digital formats.