Norwegian Getaway in Miami
Yes, that’s a giant mermaid brightening the Miami waterfront. Fresh from a starring role at the Super Bowl (as a floating Bud Light hotel), Norwegian Getaway has arrived at PortMiami, mermaid design – created by Miami artist LEBO– and all.
A flashy debut for the Miami-centric ship – the largest ever to homeport in Miami year-round – takes place today.
Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line had previously announced the godmothers of the 4,000-passenger Getaway would be the Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders. But officials had one more trick up their sleeves. Performing at the official naming ceremony this afternoon will be Miami-based international recording artist Pitbull.
Also on hand will be Dancing with the Stars host Brooke Burke-Charvet and Latin Grammy award-winning flautist Nestor Torres.
Torres will stay on for a gig as the featured artist on the inaugural cruise (embarking Saturday), performing in the “Freestyle Cruising” ship’s new live music venue, The Grammy Experience, which will host Grammy award-winning artists.
Other first-at-sea offerings on Getaway include The Illusionarium, a new magic-focused dinner theater experience, and the hit Broadway musical Legally Blonde.
Getaway shares all the fun features of sister ship, New York-based Norwegian Breakaway, including an expansive Aqua Park with five waterslides and The Waterfront, a broad, ocean-view promenade lined with restaurants and bars. Bonus: New Latin-focused music, food and drink.
“It’s so exciting for us to bring this spectacular new ship to Miami, our company’s home and where we started the modern cruising industry almost 50 years ago,” gushed Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan (well, we assume he was gushing, he said it in a prepared statement). “Norwegian Getaway is a reflection of the energy, excitement and tropical location of this beautiful city and we’re so glad she’s home.”
Getaway will sail weekly from the Magic City to the Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas beginning on Saturday.