"GETAWAY' WILL FEATURE WINE MUSICAL

Credit: Norwegian

We all know you can enjoy wine in just about any setting. So why not over lunch and a musical comedy? Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, Norwegian Getaway, will feature a "new lunchtime entertainment experience for guests, WINE LOVERS THE MUSICAL." It's an interactive show that combines musical theatre and comedy with a six flight wine tasting and lunch. More details from Norwegian:

"WINE LOVERS THE MUSICAL tells the story of two mismatched students attending a wine class led by an effervescent teacher and their journey of falling in love. Guests attending the show will experience a wine tasting unlike other, as they sample six different wines over lunch all while watching a hilarious musical comedy. The wine selections include varietals such as Estancia Pinot Grigio, Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay, Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Noir and North & South, Norwegian’s proprietary Red Blend from California.

"The musical is directed by Holly-Anne Ruggiero, whose Broadway credits include the international hit Jersey Boys and Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays, and features a score written by wine expert Michael Green and award winning jazz composer, Gary Negbaur. The show previously enjoyed Sold Out runs in New York City and New Orleans and is currently available on Norwegian Pearl. The cost of the experience is $25 per person and will be offered twice per cruise in the Illusionarium Theatre."

Credit: Norwegian

Norwegian also recently announced a new partnership with the world-renowned Michael Mondavi Family to enhance the line’s wine selection fleet-wide to include a variety of wines specially-selected by Michael, together with his son Rob Jr and daughter Dina, to showcase the family’s history.


"Additional elements of the partnership include a series of short wine tasting videos featuring members of the Michael Mondavi family that will be shown in staterooms to educate and inform guests. Norwegian’s food and beverage staff will undergo intensive training sessions, so that they can confidently provide knowledgeable wine recommendations to guests who are looking for the perfect wine to complement their meal.

"Viva Vino, Norwegian’s wine packages, offer guests the opportunity to enjoy the new wine offering and save on a variety of high-quality wines, specially selected from the line’s enhanced wine list. Viva Vino wine packages allow guests to choose their perfect package whether they are a novice wine drinker or connoisseur. Each Viva Vino package gives guests the option of choosing four, six or eight bottles to enjoy throughout their cruise – in the bar, lounge or restaurant of their choice, or even in the comfort of their stateroom."

'GETAWAY' UNDERWAY IN ANOTHER MILESTONE

Credit: Norwegian

Norwegian Getaway has began her 24-hour long conveyance along the Ems River in Germany, another key milestone in the ship’s toward its official debut. Sailing backwards, Getaway left the MEYER WERFT shipyard and made a narrow passage through the ship yard’s locks, with only 1.6 meters clearance separating the ship from the “bumpers” that were specially installed along the starboard side of the locks. "This very tedious maneuver took approximately 1.5 hours at a maximum speed of only 0.2 knots." Maybe it would have been less tedious if they didn't sail backwards, you think?

'GETAWAY' ONE STEP CLOSER TO DEBUT

(Credit: Norwegian)

Norwegian Getaway is one step closer to her debut early next year After 12 months, she was floated out of MEYER WERFT’s covered building dock II on Saturday in Papenburg, Germany where the 146,600-ton ship has been under construction. "The ship’s float out represents a major milestone in the vessel’s construction as it denotes that the ship has now moved into the final phase of construction with delivery taking place on January 10, 2014." Following inaugural events in Europe, New York and Miami, Norwegian Getaway will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises departing every Saturday from Miami beginning on Feb. 8, 2014. 

CHEERLEADERS GODMOTHERS FOR 'GETAWAY'

Miami Dolphin cheerleaders (Courtesy: Norwegian)

Norwegian Cruise Line and the Miami Dolphins announced today that the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders are the official Godmothers of Norwegian Getaway, which will home port in Miami. The Christening Ceremony will take place on Feb. 7. Also announced was a partnership with the Miami Dolphins that designates Norwegian Cruise Line as the “Official Cruise Line” of the Miami Dolphins and Sun Life Stadium.

At each Dolphin home game, ticket holders can picture how they would “Cruise Like a Norwegian” by having their photograph taken in front of a Norwegian Getaway backdrop and they can enter a sweepstakes to win a cruise for four on Norwegian Getaway. To celebrate the announcement, the cheerleaders will make an appearance at Norwegian Cruise Line’s photo area on the Grand Plaza (across from the Dolphins store at Gate G) at Sun Life Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 11 am to 12 pm. The Cheerleaders will be available for photos and will be giving fans commemorative posters.

'GETAWAY' WILL HAVE A MIAMI VIBE

Credit: Norwegian

When Norwegian debuted Breakaway, it was all about reflecting the place she calls home -- New York City. When its sister ship, Getaway, debuts in January, it will also feature a heavy dose of her home base, Miami and South Florida. Among them will be restaurants and bars that evoke that feel of the tropics, including The Tropicana Room, Flamingo Bar & Grill, Sunset Bar and Sugarcane Bar. Here are more details from Norwegian:

"The Tropicana Room, a complimentary restaurant on Deck 7 aft, is inspired by the glitz and glamour of the Miami Beach night life of the 1940s and 50s. Rich woods, dark purple and silver fabrics and mirrored columns, along with nostalgic photos from Miami Beach in her heyday, will make guests feel as if they are dining in a retro supper club. Featured menu items will represent the flavor of Miami with several Latin-inspired choices, including ceviche (ceviche de camarón), churrasco steak (churrasco con chimichurri) and chicken with yellow rice (arroz con pollo).

"The Flamingo Bar & Grill, a complimentary restaurant on Deck 16, will serve food with a Latin flair throughout the day. An extensive menu is offered, including traditional favorites like pulled pork (pierna asada); steak chimichurri (bistec con chimichurri); fried yucca (yuca frita); spinach empanadas (empanadas de espinaca); and guava turnovers (pastelitos de guyaba). Desserts include caramel custard (flan de leche); rice pudding (arroz con leche) and three milks cake (tres leches). A variety of regional drinks and Cuban coffee will be available to complement the meal.

CARLO'S BAKE SHOP COMING TO 'GETAWAY'

Buddy Valastro (Credit: Norwegian)

Norwegian announced Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss” and “Next Great Baker,” will open his second Carlo’s Bake Shop at sea on the new Norwegian Getaway, coming to Miami in February.

Valastro's Carlo’s Bake Shop opened on Norwegian Breakaway, which began sailing from New York City in May 2013. Norwegian Getaway will be the second ship in the fleet to feature Carlo’s Bake Shop.

Carlo’s Bake Shop will be located on Deck 8 and his pastries will also be featured in the Atrium’s coffee shop.

NORWEGIAN ADDS ICE CREAM BAR

Credit: Norwegian

That line of people you see on Norwegian Breakaway is no doubt connected to the just-announced Ice Cream Bar, which will also be available on its sister ship, Norwegian Getaway, arriving in Miami next February.

Located inside O’Sheehan’s, the Ice Cream Bar's "over-the-top menu" features milkshakes, malts and an assortment of ice cream sundaes, including classic Hot Fudge Sundaes, Hot Caramel Sundaes and Banana Splits. Or how about a classic Peach Melba, with peaches, vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce and whipped cream and Pear William, made with pears, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. If they need taste testers, we are available. -- Gerry

'GETAWAY' TO FEATURE ICE BAR

The Ice Bar (Credit: Norwegian)

Anyone looking for a place to "chill out" on Norwegian Getaway, debuting in Miami next February, will only need to head to deck 8 and the Ice Bar. Kept at a constant 17 degrees Fahrenheit, the “SVEDKA/Inniskillin Ice Bar” will be adorned with South Florida-inspired elements such as: South Beach’s Ocean Drive skyline, palm trees etched into the icy walls, a “Welcome to Miami Beach” sign and a life-size alligator throne made entirely of ice. The entire bar, seating and glassware will all also be made of ice.

It will accommodate around 25 guests at a time, who will don hooded coats and gloves to keep warm. Reservations will be taken from 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. nightly and the cost is $20 per person, which includes two signature cocktails that will be served in specially-created glasses made entirely of ice, naturally. Guests can choose from five drinks:

Tropicana: SVEDKA citron vodka, triple sec, lemon juice;
Carmen Miranda: SVEDKA vodka, peach liquor, orange juice;
Sittin’ on the Dock of Biscayne Bay: SVEDKA citron vodka, Inniskillin Icewine, lemon-lime soda;
Blue Caribbean: Inniskillin Icewine, SVEDKA vodka, blue curacao, club soda;
Key Largo Colada: SVEDKA colada, campari, sweet vermouth, orange syrup.

The Ice Bar will also serve two non-alcoholic drinks: the Sting Ray, made of strawberry puree, pineapple juice and lemon juice; and Parrot Island, made of orange juice, vanilla ice cream and milk. -- Gerry

ARE YOU READY FOR A 'GETAWAY'?

How that Breakaway is launched, can Norwegian Getaway be far behind? The companion ship to Breakaway is set to make her debut next February. Here's a sneak preview:

'GETAWAY' TO FEATURE MAGIC EXPERIENCE

Two news items from Norwegian...

The Illusionarium (Credit: Norwegian)

IT'S MAGIC. Guests aboard Norwegian Getaway, debuting February, 2014, will be guaranteed a magical time, thanks to the Illusionarium. Called the first of its kind at sea, the dining/entertainment experience "will envelope guests in the fascinating world of magic, inviting them to experience the astonishing illusions of world-class magicians and supernatural special effects," according to Norwegian.

The result of a collaboration between Norwegian and Broadway director/choreographer Patricia Wilcox, Tony Award winning scenic designer David Gallo and veteran magician Jeff Hobson, the 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 artifacts and relics in a steampunk-inspired environment. The centerpiece of the Illusionarium is a 30’ diameter video dome that will transport audiences to mystical places." There will be 12 performances per cruise, two shows per night.

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NEW CHILDREN'S PROGRAM: The Norwegian children’s program, Splash Academy, has implemented a new “Guppies” program offering "exciting, interactive programming for kids’ ages six months to three years old." According to Norwegian, "the new program gives parents, with children under the age of three, the opportunity to engage in a variety of sensory-based programs with children including baby art, featuring organic, vegetable-based 'Wee Can Too' art products, baby 'Rhyme Time,' where a storyteller recites popular nursery rhymes featuring puppets, and 'Motion in the Ocean,' a parent and baby mini-workout. -- Gerry

CELEBRITY CHEF ANNOUNCED FOR 'GETAWAY'

Zakarian, left, and Norwegian
CEO Kevin Sheehan (Norwegian)

With Norwegian Breakaway, making her debut in May from New York, getting all the recent headlines, it's time for her sister ship, Getaway, to make some news. Today it was announced celebrity chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will create and oversee the opening of his seafood restaurant, Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, on Getaway, which will sail from Miami beginning February, 2014. Zakarian’s new restaurant is located in 678 Ocean Place, featuring "innovative outdoor spaces along The Waterfront, the ship’s oceanfront promenade offering guests an unparalleled experience with a unique connection to the ocean." -- Gerry

'GETAWAY' SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

Credit: Norwegian

Norwegian Cruise Lines has released it 2014 sailing schedule. Their newest ship, Norwegian Getaway, will sail year-round from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean on seven-day cruises every Saturday beginning February 1, 2014. Ports of call include: Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. Contact Norwegian for details on all their ships and itineraries. -- Gerry

HULL ART FOR 'GETAWAY' ANNOUNCED

Artwork for Getaway (Credit: Norwegian)

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. According to LEBO, born in New York City in 1972 to Cuban émigré parents, Norwegian Getaway’s hull art design is centered 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.

David "LEBO" Le Batard (Norwegian)

“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 Le Batard in the release from Norwegian. “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 honor 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.” -- Gerry