7 Things We Learned during the NCL Escape Inaugural Sailing
Written by: Guest on November 30, 2015
Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Escape, made a splash at her christening ceremony and the inaugural sailing, November 11-14, 2015. With several of our staff and agents aboard, we got a first-hand look at what makes this ship stand out on the seas.
1. The Escape’s Godfather knows how to throw a party.
Pitbull aka Mr. Worldwide (right) celebrating the christening of NCL’s Escape
A showstopping ship calls for a showstopping performance. For the Escape’s christening, international superstar Pitbull got the crowd in Miami on their feet performing hits like “Don’t Stop the Party” and “Fireball”. He sounds like a pretty cool Godfather, right?
2. The ship’s hull is a work of art.
Guy Harvey’s floating work of art
For marine wildlife artist and conservationist Guy Harvey, the Escape’s hull was his largest canvas to date. The colorful artwork is a combination of two underwater scenes featuring 12 species of Caribbean marine life, a homage to the waters in which the Escape will be sailing. There was even an art auction during the inaugural sailing in which Guy Harvey prints were given away to a few lucky passengers!
3. Freestyle Dining doesn’t disappoint.
The Escape’s dining options and cuisine are top-notch – even for those with special diets!
Your tastebuds won’t get bored on the Escape and your belly will always be full! With 28 dining options overall, the ship offers flavors to satisfy every palate. Only Norwegian offers a wraparound oceanfront promenade, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience waterfront seating options at one of the 6 signature dining venues at which it is offered. Our Creative Marketing Director and her sister even went gluten-free throughout their entire sailing, and the staff provided delicious options to fit with their dietary needs during every meal. Plus, thanks to the freedom and flexibility of Norwegian’s revolutionary Freestyle Dining concept, reservations are never required!
4. The best way to de-stress is at the Mandara Spa.
The heated tile loungers & Vitality Pool make for a very relaxing day at sea!
You won’t regret purchasing an all-day pass to the Spa’s Thermal Suite, which features floor-to-ceiling windows that provides guests with 180-degree ocean views. Ease your tension with a dip in the Vitality pool. Relax in a heated tile lounger or visit the Salt Room to take advantage of the healing powers of halotherapy. Chill out in the “Snow Room,” an ice-cold arctic environment that stimulates circulation.
5. The Escape is smarter than the average cruise ship.
An LED screen with helpful dining information, and indicator outside the suite, which let us tell the staff whether we were “at home” or did not want to be disturbed.
The Escape may be Norwegian’s largest ship – it carries more than 4,200 passengers – but that doesn’t mean the small details have been overlooked. LED lighting throughout the vessel make it more energy efficient, and enormous LED screens in the lobbies are constantly updated with the entertainment and dining schedules. In the cabin hallways, the fish on the carpet all swim towards the front of the ship, so you always know which way you’re heading!
6. This Ship Has All. The. Fun.
Our National Training Director Marie with the cast of After Midnight
Want to be entertained? On the Inaugural sailing, we were thrown back to the 80’s with For the Record: The Brat Pack. This dinner-theatre style musical, set to a classic 80’s soundtrack, was one part Breakfast Club, one part Ferris Bueller and one part Sixteen Candles. After Midnight, performed in the Escape Theatre, let us relive the glamour and exuberance of Harlem’s Golden Age. At Headliner’s Comedy Club, we LOL’d with Frank Townsend, a stand-up comedian that has been featured on Comedy Central and HBO. Want thrills instead? The Escape has them in the form of a three-story ropes course, complete with five ziplines and two sky-high planks. Discover even more thrills at the Aqua Park, which includes the plunging Free Fall water slides, which are the fastest at sea.
7. There are Accommodations for every lifestyle and budget.
Our spacious mid-ship balcony room
The Haven’s accommodations are hidden away at the top of the ship and provide guests with exclusive keycard access to a courtyard with private pool and sundeck. In addition to luxurious accommodations, a private restaurant and lounge, and the service of a 24-hour butler, you’ll get priority access to everything the ship has to offer. Traveling Solo? The award-winning Studios are the first accommodations specifically designed and priced for the solo traveler (no single supplement required!). Plus, with key card access to an exclusive Studio Lounge, you’ll be sure to relax with other solo travelers.
The Escape’s 7-day sailings leave from Miami and stop in three ports: St. Thomas, Tortola and Nassau. Because it offers so many choices, the NCL Escape promises to captivate nearly every type of traveler. For travel agents, that means huge potential to sell to families, couples, groups…and even singles!
If you’ve always wanted a career that lets you experience world-class cruise ships, destinations, and resorts, then becoming a travel agent might be your dream job! Get more information on how we can help you get started by filling out the form on the right or by calling 1-888-611-1220.