I was recently invited to
‘Escape to a New World of Cruising’ for a two-night inaugural sail to celebrate
the launch of the award-winning Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest and most
exciting ship – Norwegian Escape. The inaugural celebration began with a
thrilling performance by the ship’s Godfather, international music star
Pitbull. The energy was palpable. What an experience!
The Norwegian Escape will sail
seven-day cruises from her year-round homeport of Miami to the Eastern
Caribbean, including St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin
Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. The ship is one of the most anticipated additions
and is set to become the largest cruise ship ever based year-round in Miami. It
joins the line’s slightly smaller ships, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian
Getaway, making it the line’s third in three years and the largest to date. The
4,248-guest, 164,600-ton Escape is the first in the Breakaway Plus Class and
will welcome a maximum of 243,600 travellers on 58 voyages in 2016.
The
moment I entered the new Norwegian Escape, I knew I had won the cruise-ship
lottery. The ship is a showstopper, from her hull designed by marine artist Guy
Harvey to the Haven, the line’s signature luxury ‘ship-within-a-ship’ suite
two-story complex featuring its own enhanced courtyard area with retractable
roof, private pool, restaurant, butler service and concierge. As I walked
around admiring the ship’s beauty and attention to design details, I was
certain the Escape would elevate the cruising experience for past and future
cruisers like myself.
The
food aboard cruise ships is legendary, but this is some of the best you will
ever have. This mega-liner is home to many industry firsts along with some
exciting branded partnerships that I was only too happy to experience. The Norwegian Escape features the industry’s first wraparound, restaurant-lined oceanfront promenade
with alfresco seating; their first wine bar by the Michael Mondavi family with
panoramic ocean views; two new restaurants by Iron Chef Jose Garces: Bayamo and
Pincho Tapas Bar; Jimmy Buffet’s first Margaritaville at Sea; the District Brew
House with craft beer from the Wynward Brewing Company; and the Food Republic
with iPad menus developed by Miami-based The Pubbelly Restaurant Group.
The many amenities and activities available on the Norwegian Escape were also impressive starting with the adults only grotto in H20; a giant, two-deck Mandara Spa with the all-new ice-cold Snow Room and the largest Thermal Suite at sea; and Lacoste and Carolina Herrera Boutiques located in the impressive 678 Ocean Place that features a jaw-dropping crystal chandelier and a three deck staircase.
When
it comes to entertainment, this ship really impressed me with its two Tony
Award®-winning musicals. The Million Dollar Quartet was by far one of the best
musical performances I have seen in years. It had me singing and dancing all
night long! At the Supper Club, I enjoyed a delicious meal while watching For
The Record. This post-modern cabaret brought all my favourite 80’s movies to
life through their original soundtracks. What an entertaining stroll down
memory lane!
My article for the Norwegian Escape was featured in Travelweek.