Set to debut in October 2015, Norwegian Escape will be the first ship to feature a snow room in the thermal suite of The Mandara Spa. The onboard spa will be one of the largest in the fleet and span two decks with panoramic views of the ocean.
The Snow Room will be a small room kept between 21 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit and shower snow flurries throughout the day. The idea of the room is to stimulate blood circulation and strengthen the immune system. Entering this room for a chilly respite from the heat has a multitude of health benefits.
Norwegian Escape is set to have a host of new amenities including the Vibe Beach Club, an extensive kid’s club and a new 'Grotto' which will be an area for guest to cool off after sunbathing.
Debuting in November, her maiden taster voyage will sail from Southampton on 27th October 2015.
Nickelodeon branded entertainment and activities will also be available on Norwegian Escape and include the popular Pajama Jam Party.
Norwegian Escape will debut in October 2015 and will arrive in Southampton before taking the transatlantic to her home port of Miami.
]]>During an excitement announcement from Norwegian Cruise Line officials, the definitive agreement was revealed. The $3.025 billion deal with see one of the world’s largest lines join with two upscale lines.
Norwegian operate a fleet of 13 large ships, whereas Regent Seven Seas and Oceania have smaller, intimate ships.
The cruise industry is currently dominated by two big companies; Carnival who own Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Cunard and Costs and Royal Caribbean Cruises who own Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. Norwegian will be the third largest, although they are expanding rapidly.
Kevin Sheehan, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Lines said "The acquisition of Prestige represents an extraordinary opportunity for Norwegian Cruise Line to expand our market presence by adding two established, award-winning brands in the upscale cruise segment with loyal followings."
]]>When Norwegian Epic launched in 2010 she visited Southampton before making her maiden crossing to America. During September 2015 she will return to the popular UK port for British cruisers to experience her extensive range of onboard delights.
Following a two week dry-dock in France, she will sail a seven and eight night Iberian Peninsula cruise. A six night cruise leaving Barcelona on 20th September will call at ports including Cartagena and Lisbon before arriving in Southampton on 26th September. A seven night sailing back to Barcelona will depart on 11th October.
Norwegian Epic is one of the most innovate ships afloat with an ice bar, water park and an array of restaurants.
After her time in Southampton, beginning April 2015 she will call Barcelona her home for the foreseeable future.
Currently under construction in Germany, the 4200 passenger ship debuting in 2015 will showcase a wide variety of rooms, inspired by what has become popular on the line's newest ships. The 163,000 ton ship and her sister Norwegian Bliss will be about 10% larger than Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway.
Boasting an expanded 'Haven' she will offer an array of exclusive facilities for people staying in suites. An area only accessible by a 'suite key' it will have an outdoor terrace, private restaurant, courtyard, private pool, spa treatment rooms and exclusive sundeck.
The Haven area on Norwegian Escape will have 55 suites, a slight increase from the 42 on Norwegian Getaway. The most luxurious room, The Owners Suite will be 100 feet larger than the one on Norwegian Getaway. This area will also feature 25 two-bedroom family villas and 22 penthouses.
At the other end of the ship, 26 Haven-style penthouses will feature 14 Haven Spa Suites that will be close to the ship’s spa and fitness centre.
Norwegian Escape is set to cater more for solo travellers. The Studio area will be home to 82 single cabins.
Like on the newest fleet members, families will be able to choose from an array of suitable accommodation with 40 mini-suites close to the Splash Academy, 172 family balconies and 48 oveanview staterooms that can accommodate up to 5 guests.
Norwegian Cruise Line have said they will announce Norwegian Escape’s homeport and itineraries in March.
By Sally Grimes
Celebrity chefs, and their signature ocean-going venues, have become increasingly popular in recent years — with cruise lines such as P&O Cruises boasting the like of Marco Pierre White and Atul Kochhar. NCL have decided to get in on the act with Geoffrey Zakarian introducing three fish restaurants onboard the soon to arrive, Norwegian Breakaway.
Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, will be the chef's flagship and the most upmarket of his offerings — NCL described Ocean Blue as a "luxury seafood dining experience". The Raw Bar, which is adjacent to Ocean Blue, will offer ocean fare paired with wines by the glass, for a more relaxed feel, with Ocean Blue on the Waterfront the final venue that will offer a casual venue with alfresco dining.
Geoffrey Zakarian, in case you were wondering, is a celebrity chef in the U.S. He has appeared in a variety of TV shows in the U.S. including an appearance as a judge in the Food Network's Chopped. Zakarian's cuisine is often described as modern French, so that Mediterranean influence should come in handy.
NCL are also bringing Broadway's Rock of Ages to the Breakaway, following the success of Epic's Blue Man Group and Royal Caribbean's adaption of Chicago: The Musical among others. The Tony-Award-nominated musical will headline Norwegian Cruise Line's flagship while she sails from New York.
Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian's president and CEO said: "As a lifelong New Yorker, it's critically important to me that Norwegian Breakaway becomes New York's ship. Our goal is to bring elements of New York on board so that guests will feel a real connection to the ship as New York's true flagship."
Norwegian Cruise Line are definitely turning up the heat onboard and are making huge strides forward in an attempt to take on the likes of Royal Caribbean and Carnival. The Norwegian Breakaway is looking set to be a fantastic ship offering great food and entertainment and will no doubt ruffle a few feathers on her arrival.
Written by Charlie Hamilton-Beaufort
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