Music artist joins Miami dignitaries and special guests to name Norwegian's largest-ever cruise ship
By
Rebecca Gibson |
International recording artist Armando Christian Perez, aka Pitbull, christened Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest-ever ship in Miami on 9 November.
Opening with a speech from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ CEO Frank Del Rio and a surprise performance by a Parkour group, the ceremony was compered by national radio personality Froggy. Miami-Dade County mayor Carlos Gimenez also spoke about the positive impact Norwegian Escape is expected to have on the local community, its residents and the economy. Hull artist Guy Harvey also made a special guest appearance.
Pitbull also performed at the pier-side concert, as did the casts of Tony Award-winning Broadway shows After Midnight and Million Dollar Quartet , who sang a selection of songs from each show. Other entertainment included a DJ-led singalong session, a slideshow of themed guest photos projected onto the screen on the main stage.
“Norwegian Escape represents a major moment for us – this is a true evolution of our brand,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and COO. “Not only does she offer high calibre entertainment, quality dining and luxurious accommodations that significantly raise the bar for our fleet and puts her in a class of her own, but she exemplifies our renewed commitment to offering unparalleled freedom and flexibility to our guests.”
Constructed at Meyer Werft’s yard in Germany, the 164,600gt Norwegian Escape is the first Breakaway Plus ship and can accommodate 4,200 guests within the line’s signature luxury ship–within-a-ship complex – The Haven by Norwegian. Other accommodation options include solo traveller studios and various sized cabins for families, multi-generational groups, spa enthusiasts and more.
The vessel also features various industry firsts, sports and water park facilities, private dining options, the first-ever floating Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant, the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar, the first at-sea Lacoste and Carolina Herrera boutiques and more. Entertainment options include two Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals headlining in the Escape Theater, and an exclusive Supper Club offering that enables guests to enjoy dinner and a 360° post-modern cabaret.
Norwegian Escape will also be the largest-ever cruise ship to homeport year-round in Miami, where she will sail weekly seven-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean beginning on 14 November. The ship will visit destinations such as St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. </p><p>