Miami artist David LEBO Le Batard unveils his design for Norwegian Getaway’s hull artwork

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that popular Miami modern artist and muralist David “LEBO” Le Batard has been commissioned to paint the signature hull artwork for Norwegian Getaway, launching in January 2014. At an event held at LEBO’s Wynwood studio, the company also revealed the hull artwork, which features a whimsical tropical ocean theme complete with a mermaid holding the sun, pelicans and palm trees, befitting the ship’s year-round home port of Miami.

“Norwegian Getaway will be Miami’s ship and, therefore, we wanted to ensure that her hull was designed by an artist with strong ties to Miami and the Latin community,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Chief Executive Officer. “Having begun his career in South Florida, Dave is an artist that is entrenched here. His work adorns the city and I’ve learned that he is also a genuinely nice guy. He is a shining star in Miami, as well as the global art community.”

Born in New York City in 1972 to Cuban émigré parents, LEBO was raised in South Florida and was heavily influenced by Miami’s Cuban art scene.

“Having grown up in South Florida, the ocean has been an immense presence in my life and has been infused into my work as an artist,” said David “LEBO” Le Batard. “When I was asked to design the artwork for Norwegian Getaway, I saw an opportunity to create a prominent image, one that would surely help define the Miami seascape and illustrate the world-class experience that Norwegian Cruise Line has come to stand for. It is truly an honour to have been offered this canvas, as it gives the world an opportunity to see my work in a way few artists ever get to see in their entire lives.”

According to LEBO, Norwegian Getaway’s hull art design is centred on a mythical mermaid, an iconic image that represents humanity’s connection to the sea, and features her seemingly skimming across the surface of the water. Surrounding the mermaid is a fusion of sea and sky dancing across the ship, where three pelicans gracefully glide along in the artist’s version of a tropical paradise.

“LEBO’s incredible design reflects all of the elements that Miami is known for – sea, sun and paradise,” said Sheehan. “This artwork will surely make Norwegian Getaway an iconic part of the Miami skyline when she arrives as Miami’s largest year-round ship in 2014.”

With paintings on exhibition in museums and galleries worldwide including Detroit, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Toronto, South Africa, Germany and Italy, LEBO is one of Miami’s most beloved and predominant Modern artists. His murals and site-specific installations have energized communities such as Miami’s Calle Ocho, Uptown New Orleans and downtown San Francisco. Inspired by his work on Norwegian Getaway, LEBO will be revealing his latest series of paintings, entitled “Where our souls meet the sea,” during Art Basel week in Miami.

Widely recognized for his work in a wide spectrum of creative mediums including murals, paintings and sculptures, LEBO (www.lebostudios.com) is known as the innovator of Post-modern Cartoon Expressionism, a movement that combines cartoon imagery with bold colour and unique linear composition. The resulting art ranges from abstract to highly narrative, creating an artistic movement prized among naturalists and architects. LEBO’s formal arts training began at Florida International University in Miami and further developed during his residency at the International Museum of Cartoon Art in Boca Raton, Florida.

His work with such renowned companies as Gibson Guitars, Ferrari and Harley Davidson, as well as Latin pop singer Gloria Estefan, whose newest album cover features his design, has cemented his status as one of the preeminent modern artists of his generation.

Currently being built at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Getaway will be 146.600 gross tons and offer a wide range of accommodation choices. The ship represents an opportunity for the Norwegian guest to “get away” from the routine of work, school, and daily stress, and find a true respite at sea that reflects the energy and culture that Miami is known for worldwide.

The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options, including The Haven by Norwegian™, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship in an exclusive, private key-card enclave and 22 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travellers; a wide range of inside, oceanview and balcony staterooms as well as Mini Suites; along with Spa Balcony staterooms, Spa Mini Suites and Spa Suites in close proximity to the spa. Norwegian Getaway’s sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will begin sailing from her year-round home port of New York City in May 2013.

Norwegian Getaway will sail 7-night cruises from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean beginning on February 1, 2014, with ports of call including Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. Information on Norwegian Getaway’s accommodation choices and itinerary can be found at www.ncl.eu/ships/norwegian-getaway.