On March 12, Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) announced that they would be adding a new ship, the Norwegian Escape, to their award-winning fleet in October 2015. NCL has already started construction, cutting the first steel for the new vessel at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. As of the end of March, NCL has begun accepting bookings on the new ship.
Able to carry 4,200 passengers, the Escape will be the largest in NCL’s fleet, with a capacity even greater than her massive sister ships, the Breakaway and the Getaway. The new ship will be based in Miami, Florida, and will service an eastern Caribbean itinerary that includes island ports of call at Nassau, St. Thomas, and Tortola.
Reflecting the energy and natural beauty of her Miami home port and the tropical route she will sail, the Escape will be decorated with hull art by noted Miami artist and conservationist, Guy Harvey. The design is said to feature a graceful sailfish, among a host of other sea wildlife and reef fish. This aquatic conservation motif will extend into the ship itself, as well. Passengers will be able to purchase artwork and other products in support of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative, a program aimed at preserving the delicate marine environment of the Caribbean Sea.
Of course, the Escape will also boast plenty of memorable vacation fun. NCL representatives have hinted that the ship will feature new entertainment options as well as the innovative programs and facilities available on her sister ships.
In addition to news of the Escape, NCL also made a number of other announcements in March. Over the coming year, the cruise line will reposition several ships to new itineraries in Europe and North and South America. The cruise company also has a second ship on order, the Norwegian Bliss, which will sail in spring 2017.
