Wiesbaden, February 10, 2014 – Norwegian Getaway, Miami’s Ultimate Ship, was christened last Friday, February 7, in a star-studded ceremony by the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, with a rousing finale by musical superstar Armando Christian Perez aka Pitbull. Brooke Burke-Charvet, co-host of “Dancing with the Stars”, was the event’s master of ceremonies.
Norwegian Getaway, the largest ship to homeport year-round at PortMiami, kicked off her arrival to Miami in style. Throughout the christening ceremony, which took place in three themed venues around the ship, Norwegian Getaway’s Miami flair was on full display. The ship’s outdoor theatre, Spice H2O, transformed into the Magic City Lounge with the Miami skyline in the background, where Tito Puente Jr. started the party, followed by the cast of Burn the Floor. The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders flipped the switch lighting up Miami and the bottle smashed against the side of the ship to officially christen her. Performing some of his most popular songs including his current hit “Timber,” Pitbull wowed the crowd.
Miami Ultra rocked the ship’s Atrium with DJ Tracey Young and the Trendtracker Tara Gilani, while Miami Splash! on the Pool Deck featured TV personality Louis Aguirre as host, along with a salsa performance from D’Angelo & Amanda of “America’s Got Talent”. After a performance by the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders and the official bottle breaking ceremony, Pitbull’s performance capped off the spectacular event, attended by celebrities including Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, Buddy Valastro star of TLC’s the “Cake Boss”, and artist David “LEBO” Le Batard. Pitbull also introduced his signature Voli brand to cruisers aboard Norwegian for the first time, as Voli – Vodka with Natural Flavours is featured on board Norwegian Getaway and across the Norwegian fleet, along with two signature drinks including Pitbull’s personal favourite, the Volito, his take on the classic mojito.
“Miami’s ship is home and we couldn’t be more proud to bring this spectacular vessel to this electric city,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s President and CEO. “We thank Miami-Dade County for this warm welcome and the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders for christening this beautiful ship and are looking forward to a very successful inaugural season.”
On Saturday, February 8, Norwegian Getaway set sail for the first of her weekly 7-night cruises from PortMiami to the Eastern Caribbean.
Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Getaway is Miami’s ultimate ship and embodies the essence of her tropical hometown with hull artwork by Miami’s own David “LEBO” Le Batard, which features a whimsical mermaid holding the sun above the waves.
Featuring ground-breaking entertainment, the ship is the first to feature the GRAMMY® Experience at sea, which includes artefacts chosen and curated by the GRAMMY Museum® along with live performances by past GRAMMY winners and nominees, among others.
Another first of its kind at sea, The Illusionarium is an all-new dining and entertainment experience that envelops guests in the fascinating world of magic, inviting them to experience the astonishing illusions of world-class magicians and supernatural special effects. In addition, Norwegian Getaway boasts sizzling Latin-inspired dance productions by Broadway sensation, Burn the Floor; performances of the seven-time Tony Award nominated musical Legally Blonde; hilarious comedy headliners produced by Levity Entertainment Group; and the sing along fun of the duelling pianos of Howl at the Moon. To cap off a spectacular cruise experience, every sailing features a dazzling fireworks show at sea, set to music, as part of a dance party in the ship’s outdoor club, Spice H2O.
Similar to sister ship Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway dazzles guests with the excitement of 678 Ocean Place and The Waterfront, a variety of interconnected indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that creates a multiplex of dining, activities and more and enhances guests’ connection with the ocean. Norwegian Getaway also features Miami’s coolest place to chill out – the ship’s SVEDKA/Inniskillin Ice Bar, featuring Art Deco-style décor, reminiscent of Miami Beach’s famous Ocean Drive.
Foodies setting sail from Miami on Norwegian Getaway can feast in their choice of 28 incredible dining options, including Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian’s three dining concepts: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian; Ocean Blue on the Waterfront and The Raw Bar. Buddy Valastro, star of the popular TLC series “Cake Boss” also has an outpost of his famous Carlo’s Bakery on board, serving up delicious treats like cannolis, lobster tails and speciality cakes.
For families, Nickelodeon®, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, is on board and includes a variety of exciting interactive experiences, along with the opportunity to meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Dora the Explorer and Diego, among other favourites. Norwegian Getaway also includes an all new pirate-themed Nickelodeon Kids’ Aqua Park where children can cool off with colourful, whimsical and larger than life Nickelodeon characters from Bikini Bottom.
The three-storey Sports Complex features the Aqua Park with five thrilling water slides, two swimming pools and one of the largest multi-level elevated ropes course that will challenge guests to more than 40 different elements, including a zip track. For a thrill like no other, guests will confront The Plank, a platform that extends 2,4 metres over the side of the ship. A nine-hole miniature golf course is located beneath the ropes course, offering family fun with friendly competition. A rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline and spider web, a 7-metre enclosed climbing cage complete with a spiral slide, round out the activities.
Norwegian Getaway offers a variety of flexible accommodation choices ranging from Studio staterooms specially designed for solo travellers, to balcony and family staterooms and opulent suites in The Haven, the ultimate in luxury accommodation.