Norwegian Getaway brings even more entertainment on board with The Illusionarium and the first Grammy experience at sea

Wiesbaden, March 20, 2013 – A first of its kind at sea, The Illusionarium will envelop guests in the fascinating world of magic, inviting them to experience the astonishing illusions of world-class magicians and supernatural special effects.

Fireworks at sea, five-slide Aqua Park and three-storey sports complex to be featured on the Miami-based ship,
 launching in January 2014

“I am so excited about this new magical experience that will come to life aboard Norwegian Getaway,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s President and CEO. “The Illusionarium will be an experience unlike anything at sea today and take adults and children alike on a journey into the mystical world of magic. This is so perfect for the ship that will embody the vibe of the Magic City.”

The new experience is the result of a first of its kind collaboration between Norwegian’s ground-breaking entertainment team and Broadway director/choreographer Patricia Wilcox, Tony Award winning scenic designer David Gallo and veteran magician Jeff Hobson. The show’s design is inspired by the science fiction of Jules Verne, the artistry of legendary magicians such as Houdini and the popularity of recent blockbusters featuring supernatural characters.

As guests wait to enter the portal of The Illusionarium, they will be surrounded by antique spell books, magical interactive artefacts and relics in a steampunk-inspired environment. The centrepiece of the Illusionarium is a video dome with a diameter of approximately 9 metres that will transport audiences to mystical places.

The Illusionarium will offer 12 performances per cruise, two shows per night.

The GRAMMY Experience

As part of the partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line and The Recording Academy, Norwegian Cruise Line has been named “Official Cruise Line Partner of the GRAMMY Awards^®”. In addition, the companies will partner on the first GRAMMY-themed cruise that is scheduled to set sail in the autumn of 2014.

The GRAMMY Experience will be located on Deck 8 on Norwegian Getaway and will feature artefacts chosen and curated by the GRAMMY Museum^® at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. In the evenings, the venue will feature live performances by past GRAMMY winners and nominees, among others.

“Partnering with The Recording Academy and its prestigious GRAMMY Awards to bring the first GRAMMY-branded experience at sea on board Norwegian Getaway is a huge coup for us as we continue to innovate with entertainment,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s President and CEO. “This GRAMMY venue with nightly performances by top-notch musicians elevates the offerings on Norwegian Getaway to a whole new level.”

“The Recording Academy is always looking for unique ways to elevate the GRAMMY brand and extend the GRAMMY experience throughout the year,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “This new partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line allows us to continue expanding our brand’s reach globally and bring new forms of GRAMMY-themed entertainment to music fans everywhere. We couldn’t be more pleased with this new alliance between one of the leading cruise lines and one of the most credible and recognised brands in music.”

More details regarding the GRAMMY Experience venue, performances and the GRAMMY theme cruise will be revealed in the coming months.

Fireworks light up the night

Adding to the ship’s excitement, Norwegian Getaway will also feature a dazzling display of fireworks on every cruise. As guests dance the night away under the stars in the open-air Spice H₂O venue at the aft of the ship, a fireworks show will light up the night sky, right above the ship. The fully-produced show is a visual masterpiece that is set to music, creating an incredible finale to the cruise.

Aqua Park

The Aqua Park is one of Norwegian’s biggest and features five multi-storey water slides. Norwegian Getaway and her sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, are the first cruise ships to feature the Free Fall – two side-by-side slides where guests will stand up and have the floor drop from underneath, propelling them into a thrilling loop. Offering another first with a twist are two additional side-by-side twister slides, called The Whip, that deliver an unforgettable adrenaline rush as they plunge guests on a spiral race to the finish line. For those who prefer a more relaxing ride, there is a family-friendly open-flume body slide. The Aqua Park also features two swimming pools, four hot tubs and a semi-open air eatery.

The three-storey sports complex will feature a 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. Those who choose to test their courage on The Plank will be rewarded by having their photo taken after conquering this heart-pounding, yet breath-taking, feat. There will also be a special ropes course just for kids. In another first for the line, the nine-hole ocean-themed 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.

Adult-only areas

Norwegian Getaway will also feature adult-only outdoor enclaves. Spice H₂O, located at the back of the ship on deck 16, is an adult-only escape offering day-time relaxation and night-time exhilaration. A bevy of sun loungers surround a huge video screen, complete with two hot tubs and a soothing dual waterfall feature, perfect for cooling off from the sun. At night, guests can dance under the stars or relax at the bar with accompanying lounge area, featuring comfortable seating while admiring the ocean views.

On deck 17, guests ages 18 and over will have the opportunity to enjoy another private retreat – Vibe Beach Club – by purchasing an access pass. Complete with ocean views, an oversized hot tub, luxurious chaise loungers and a relaxing water feature, Vibe Beach Club will be the ideal spot for adults to relax and unwind in a serene, comfortable setting while soaking up the sun. A full-service bar, water spritzers and chilled towels complete the exclusive experience.

Currently being built at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Getaway will be 146.600 gross tonnes and offer a wide range of accommodation. 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 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; 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. More information on Norwegian Getaway can be found at www.getaway.ncl.eu.